Natural Awakenings Fairfield County December 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Loving Large

P L A N E T

FREE

Science Proves We’re All Connected

Nourish Yourself Renew Body, Mind and Spirit

Collective Power

Meditation & Prayer Create Change

Heal Adrenal Fatigue Naturally

December 2016 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

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

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

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

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

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

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

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

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

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

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

From left to right:

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

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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

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

Call now for details.

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

2

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

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

2017 is the YEAR

to EXPAND YOUR COMMUNITY PRESENCE! Natural Awakenings Fairfield County and Total Wellness Connect are partnering to offer interested health and wellness professionals a cost-effective way to kick off their marketing in the new year!

Total Wellness Connect provides networking and business education to health and wellness professionals and now... they’re taking it online!

When you sign up with this offer, benefits will include: n an online directory of vetted health professionals n monthly business lessons via email n business education webinars n online networking meetings n and more!

Visit NA.totalwellnessconnect.com NOW to find out more and sign up for the early bird specials!

Natural Awakenings’ 2017 Natural Living Directory

comes out at the end of January and is distributed throughout the area all year long.

This is the reference guide not to miss being a part of. Now you can take advantage of special collaborative pricing with TWC to increase your presence online as well as in the community’s most trusted natural health resource.

Special pricing only available to those who sign up for TWC membership and the NA 2017 Natural Living Directory.

Call 203-885-4674 for more information. eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

3

Workshops Lectures cLasses private sessions Therapeutic Healing Modalities That Will Expand New Opportunities For Your Well-Being Navigate through your moment of need with Inspirit’s qualified God-based healers.

Relax your mind, body and soul with one of our restorative sessions.

Master a new skill, or enhance your life with one of our diverse offerings.

“God calls us each to do our part, to first love and heal ourselves and then to love and help through our service to others spreading God ’s unending healing love.”

Jeanne Street, owner of Inspirit Healing Studio

n

203-788-9338

346 Main Street South, Woodbury, CT 06798 www.inspirithealingstudio.com

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

18 NOURISHING BODY, MIND AND SPIRIT WITH YOGA

by Shelley Hawkos

20 GRAMMY

22

AWARD-WINNER PAUL AVGERINOS

22 LOVING LARGE

by Nicole Miale

Scientists Say We’re All Connected

by Linda Sechrist

26 THE STATE OF OPTIMISM

Follow Paths of Consciousness, Conscience & Creativity

by Ron Friedman

28 COLLECTIVE POWER

Healing Arts Sanctuary A Feast for the Senses

Stimulate the fire of the mind, cultivate creativity and imagination, and restore the physical and spiritual self.

Crystal Light Therapy s Aromatheraphy s Sound Healing Specialty Massages s Energy Healing s Meditation Facials s Weekend Retreats s Lectures Literary & Interactive Programs A Banquet of opportunities to heal and replenish the physical body and inner self will be at your fingertips; a place to come to stimulate the mind with evening events ranging from talks about health to programs for children and families.

Athena Hall is also available to “like minded” people who are part of the alternative and holistic community for rent by the hour, full or half day, or based on a series of weeks for an ongoing class.

Visit our Specialty Store for a wide selection of products, original art, and jewelry to awaken the senses, inspire, and soothe.

203-586-1172

346 Main St. S s Woodbury, CT 06798 www.naturalsalthealing.com 4

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

38

FOR CHANGE

Meditation and Prayer Uplift Humanity

by Jampa Mackenzie Stewart

34 HEAL ADRENAL

FATIGUE NATURALLY

by Linda Sechrist

38 MERRY MUNCHING

40

Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love

by Judith Fertig

40 ONE-PERSON

PAMPER PARTY

Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew

by April Thompson

48 BOARDING SOLUTIONS FOR BELOVED PETS

The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly

by Sandra Murphy

48

COMING IN FEBRUARY 2017

16

18

25

7 newsbriefs 16 globalbriefs 18 masteringyoga 20 wisewords 25 inspiration 33 productmarketplace 36 inspiredtable 38 healthykids 40 greenliving 4 1 spaprofiles 44 naturallyhealthypet 48 naturalpet 49 petresourceguide 5 1 calendar 56 classifieds 56 resourceguide 62 displayadindex

2017 Natural

Living Directory Increased Year-Round Circulation!

Be in the community’s go-to natural health annual reference guide!

$99

Listing Special* LAST YEAR’S EDITION

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

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for News Briefs: the 12th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 12th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time.

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

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

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Let our health conscious readers learn about your business – all year!

Be part of this special annual issue, a complete Natural Living Directory our readers reference all year.

*Early Pricing ends December 15, 2016 Final Deadline 1/12/17

Ask about our

PRACTITIONER PROFILES available in this annual edition

Reserve Your Space Now

call 203-885-4674 FFCadvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

5

letterfrompublisher

contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Noreen Ehrlich, Janet Ettele, Ron Friedman, Shelley Hawkos, Mary Oquendo Sales & Marketing Alix Bacher, Leslie McLean, Nicole Miale, Debbie Morgan Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

Dear Santa, I feel a little silly, because I haven’t written in a long time. It’s not you, it’s me. Anyone who knows me can tell you I’m often behind on my written correspondence; my inboxes just fill up sooo fast. I know you can relate to that! Plus I figured I might be too old to ask for your help. And maybe I am, but what I want for Christmas this year is very big and important so I’m calling in the big guns like you, Santa. Mind you, what I’m asking for is not just for me; it’s for all of humanity. You see, Santa, we are all bearing witness to a lot of horrible things each day, Nicole Miale and a lot of what is happening on our planet has me worried.

Truly worried. There’s a deep divide in our nation. There is disease, war, shootings, terrorism, and things we weren’t even aware of a few years ago, like water protection barricades, super-resistant bacteria and how to deal with ISIS.

Fear not, I am not requesting that you put an end to disease, hunger or housewives trampling each other to death buying things they think they or their families need, exactly one day after giving thanks for all they already have. I’m realistic and know you can’t do that. I know you are just a magic man in a red suit from my childhood who more than likely has some health problems due to a steady diet of cookies and milk for so many years. But the gift I am putting on my list is a very powerful one. This gift will bring a person peace when suffering, courage when trying, love when questioning, and hope when doubting.

I was lucky to receive this gift from my parents when I was a little girl; I have kept it with me throughout my life; I have to admit I didn’t always take care of it but that’s what happens with gifts when we are young. Truth be told, there were times when I forgot I even had it or questioned whether it in fact worked! Yet, when I truly needed it, I was relieved to discover the gift did in fact work, no matter how dusty it might have been. During my darkest hours, during tough periods when I lost my job (twice) or dealt with severe illness, I was very happy to find my gift right where I left it. Without much nurturing, it has lasted my lifetime and never seems to lose its power. In fact, it gets stronger when I pay more attention.

It is Faith.

This year, all I want for Christmas is Faith. For those people that already have faith, make it stronger. For those that are struggling to relocate lost faith, make it visible and help them dust it off. Here’s the tough one: For folks that have absolutely no faith at all, please help them discover it. Doing so may change countless lives and, through the power of the collective, it may then change the whole world.

That’s it. That’s all I want for Christmas. I feel like that one gift will make a big difference this Christmas, Santa, even if people don’t realize it right away.

I know this whole letter thing is a quid pro quo arrangement so, in return for granting humanity the gift of faith—renewed, stronger or new—you will get one nice glass of organic almond milk; three homemade sugar-free, gluten-free cookies (I can’t promise they will taste good; I’m a better cook than baker); and some kale for your reindeer. What do you think? Do we have a deal?

Wishing you and yours a happy holiday season and an extra helping of faith during these sometimes challenging days.

With love and light,

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

6

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs iFloat Reopens in Westport

i

Float is back in Westport under new ownership and with a fresh new look. iFloat has four float rooms with private showers. While floating, clients lie effortlessly in shallow warm water with approximately 1,000 pounds of Epsom salts, free of distractions from light, sound, or gravity. By limiting sensory stimuli, floating frees up significant brain circuitry, making it a unique mode of relaxation. Post-float, clients often linger in the lounge area for tea, leisurely conversations, reading or reflection.

“We’re thrilled we can keep iFloat in the community, especially given the levels of stress here, “ said Terri Stangl, a float facilitator. “While we were preparing to reopen, I received so many calls from people eager to know when they could schedule a float session.”

iFloat is offering gift certificates online and in person, memberships and student discounts. iFloat also offers several online and residential seminars.

Natural

Healthcare Alternatives Family Based Chiropractic Care

Specializing In Infants, Children, and Pre and Postnatal Women

Pre and Postnatal Women

Back, Pelvic, Neck, Shoulder, and Arm Pain • Headaches Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Improve spinal and pelvic alignment to help babies in the breech or occiput posterior "sunny side up" presentations • Reduce The Incidence of C-Section

Children

Ear Infections • Asthma & Allergies • Scoliosis • Colic Reflux • ADHD • Sports Injuries • Torticollis Lactation Issues / Tongue-Tie Complications

Dr. Risa M. Sloves

Dr. Sloves has 25 years of experience and is one of the only Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care.

Call 203-838-1555

Associates in Family Chiropractic 156 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06851 www.ctChiropractic.com

For more information, visit iFloatCT.com, email Info@iFloatCT.com or call 203-226-7378. Location: 163 Main St, Fl 2, Westport.

Stroll Through Greenwich for the Holidays

T

he holiday season comes to life in downtown and uptown Greenwich during the 8th Annual Greenwich Holiday Stroll Weekend on December 3 from 10am to 6pm and December 4 from noon to 5pm.

Presented by Whole Foods Market, the annual event will feature a live nativity, horse-drawn carriage rides, live music and entertainment tents sponsored by Greenwich Hospital and Sotheby’s. In addition, the event will include professional ice sculpture demos, food trucks in several locations, letter writing to Santa, and more than 120 participating retailers and restaurants offering promotions, refreshments and holiday cheer. Dance fitness sensation Billy Blanks Jr. of Shark Tank fame will make a special appearance and conduct his Dance It Out class—which will benefit Kids in Crisis—both days at Arthur Murray Grande Ballroom of Greenwich.

For more information, visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com/ Holiday-Stroll.php.

DBT: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Do you want to: Increase joy and happiness and decrease stress?

Create a lifetime of fulfillment by learning how to establish and maintain meaningful relationships, while building mastery and skillfulness in all areas of your life. yoga • meDITaTIon • mInDfulneSS DBT InDIvIDual TheRapy • DBT gRoup TheRapy CognITIve BehavIoRal TheRapy

1-888-745-3372 5 Sylvan Road South, Westport, CT 06880 fax 203-307-5788 • www.ccbhtherapy.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

7

newsbriefs

Holiday Shopping Night at Vertical Addiction

V

Greenwich Reindeer Festival Moves to New Home

S

anta and his live reindeer— Dancer, Dasher and Prancer— are coming back for the 8th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village. Their new “North Pole on North Street” home from November 25 to December 24 will be Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses in Greenwich. The popular town tradition continues at this nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also ride on the Winter Wonderland Carousel and the North Pole Polar Express Train. Parking is free.

Throughout the four weeks the reindeer will make Sam Bridge their home, children, adults, corporate groups and even pets (on leashes) can have their photo taken with Santa at Santa’s Village, sponsored by Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich. Photo packages begin at $29.99 and include a gift bag filled with promotions redeemable at participating downtown Greenwich stores.

Rides on the Winter Wonderland Carousel and North Pole Polar Express Train are $4 per ride or $40 for a family package of 12 rides. Hours for the Photos with Santa, and train and carousel rides are Monday through Friday from noon to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 6pm, and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. Reindeer feeding times will take place daily at 9am and 3:30pm. The reindeer will depart on December 23 but Santa will remain for photos until 3pm on Christmas Eve.

The Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Village is produced by TMK Sports & Entertainment, a Greenwich-based event-marketing company.

For more information, visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.

Location: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St, Greenwich.

ertical Addiction’s 2016 Holiday Shopping Night is being held December 3 from 5-8pm. Join for a fun evening of sips, shopping and pampering. Treat yourself to a mini-massage, makeover, gel manicure or even new keratin lashes. Shop offerings which include jewelry, clothing and pole attire. Raffle prizes have been donated from all vendors as well. Light refreshments will be served during the evening.

Vertical Addiction offers pole fitness, aerial hoop, aerial hammock, silks, flexibility, chair dance and more. Classes range from beginner to advanced for students of all levels and ages.

For more information, visit VerticalAddictionCT.com or call 203-883-8383. Location: 575 Pacific St., (rear entrance), Stamford.

Celebrate the Season at TLC Center

A

s the outer world moves in a holiday flurry, make time for a TLC Open House on December 21 from 5-9pm. The TLC community members will be on hand offering mini-energy balancing sessions, massages and tarot readings as well as last-minute gifts and gift certificates.

Founding director and transformative healer Beth Leas will be offering a free candlelight meditation from 7-8:30pm to help you remember the reason for the season as we honor the year that has passed while igniting our deepest intentions for the year ahead. Dive deeply into the rhythm of inner renewal.

As a special bonus, all gift certificates will be 50 percent off during the open house only.

Register for the meditation by emailing TLCBethLeas@gmail. com. For more information, visit TLCCenter.com or BethLeas. com. Location: TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. See ad, page 21.

Discover the Power Within You !

NICE PEOPLE GREAT MUSIC UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES

Celebration Service 3 Main Street, 2nd Floor Norwalk,CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 Unitycenternorwalk.org

8

Fairfield County Edition

Sundays at 10:30 am

Open Mic Night, Sat, Nov 17th at 7:00pm To see all events, visit Unitycenternorwalk.org

natural awakenings

Rev. Shawn Moninger, Unity Minister

New Money Coaching Group Starting Up

B

ill Donaldson, CFP, has been a financial advisor for nearly 20 years has developed a specialty in the financial issues of divorce. Seeing the number of people strugBill Donaldson gling with money issues—especially post-divorce—he has started offering money coaching services to those interested in improving their relationship with money.

Money coaching is about recognizing the patterns and behaviors that are hard-wired at a young age and carried with us into adulthood, shaping the way we interact with money. Once the challenging patterns are recognized, strategies can be implemented to transform them into positive, healthy behaviors and create more peace of mind, confidence and abundance in one’s life.

Donaldson is currently offering one-on-one coaching sessions either live or via webinar and will be starting a group, Money Circle, in January.

Experience a Himalayan Salt Cave …Now Here in Ridgefield Experience

Saltana C ve

the Fairfield County's First & Only Therapeutic Himalayan Salt Cave In a salt cave, you are immediately surrounded by tons of Himalayan salt rocks, just as if you were in a salt mine. Relaxing on zero gravity lounge chairs to soothing music, experience serenity & peace in just minutes Salt therapy is: known to significantly improve respiratory issues in children & adults, asthma, allergies, countering the side effects of smoking and pollution, cystic fibrosis, acne naturally anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal ~ Like us on Facebook ~ https://www.facebook.com/pages/Saltana-Cave/477550062298188

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

For more information, visit DonaldsonFWN.com, email Bill@DonaldsonFWN.com or call 203-221-2848. Location: 191 Post Rd West, Westport.

Change your

thoughts and you change your world. ~Norman Vincent Peale

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

9

newsbriefs Aaron Graf Introduces Second Chiropractic Location

Shop and Dance with the Danbury Museum

C

raf Sports & Family Chiropractic has opened a satellite chiropractic practice in the “O”zone Fitness Center in Fairfield. Aaron Graf, DC, is a chiropractor and the founder of Graf Sports & Family Chiropractic. He earned his doctorate degree in 1998 from Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia. After moving back to New York and practicing chiropracAaron Graf tic, Graf opened his current practice in 2001 in Westchester, New York. Now living in Fairfield with his family, Graf opened his Connecticut office in October of this year.

The practice offers chiropractic care, various other modalities and therapies, and on-site personal training with the trainers at “O”Zone.

elebrate the holiday season in traditional New England style at two events being presented by The Danbury Museum & Historical Society during the month of December. The Holiday Shoppe & Craft Fair will run November 26 through December 23 while the Holiday Tea event will take place December 2 and 3.

The museum is hosting its Annual Holiday Shoppe & Craft Fair every day except for Sundays from November 26 through December 23. The Monday-Saturday arts and crafts fair will be offered from 10am to 4pm.

Looking forward to celebrating its 75th anniversary, The Danbury Museum is hosting The Hat City Ball on January 27, 2017 at The Ambler Room Colonnade. The evening of dinner and dancing will start at 6:30pm. More details are available on the museum’s website.

For more information or to make an appointment, visit DocGraf.com. Connecticut location: “O”Zone Fitness Training Center, 338 Commerce Dr, Fairfield.

For more information, visit DanburyMuseum.org, email Info@DanburyMuseum.org or call 203-743-5200. Location: The Danbury Museum, 43 Main St, Danbury.

G

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:

10

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

The Well Natural Market Announces Wellness Center

T

he Wellness Center at The Well Natural Market in Wilton will now offer group workshops and individualized nutrition counseling, naturopathic healing, stress relief and health coaching.

The center is a collaboration between Kathy Helms, owner of The Well and a certified health counselor; Kathy Helms Farrah Minnich, a nutritional therapist specializing in nutritional healing, weight management and sports nutrition; Emily Davis, a holistic health counselor specializing in chronic illness; and Veena Verma-Dzik, a naturopathic doctor specializing in holistic health and alternative medicine.

Farrah Minnich, NTP, is a graduate of the Nutritional Therapy Association and a certified nutritional therapy practitioner and wellness coach. She also teaches RESTART classes, combining a sugar detoxification, nutrition education and group support. Emily Davis combines a bachelors of science in psychology, holistic health counselor and nutritionist certifications and her personal experiences to offer individualized nutritional coaching, patient advocacy and counseling services to those living with chronic illness. Veena VermaDzik, ND, FIAMA, is a board certified naturopathic physician and certified medical acupuncturist practicing integrative medicine in the treatment of acute and chronic health conditions. She specializes in family medicine with an emphasis on women’s health, gastrointestinal disorders, musculoskeletal ailments and the biomedical treatment of neurological disorders.

The Wellness Center has a simple mission: to help clients make healthier choices, live longer and stay well. In addition to one-on-one coaching and group workshops, The Wellness Center’s practitioners offer personalized meal plans to get you back on track, target and heal a specific health condition, boost immunity, change dietary habits and manage chronic illness. Their integrative approaches incorporate both diet and lifestyle changes to help you meet your goals.

In addition to Helms, Minnich, Davis and Verma-Dzik, the Wellness Center also has on staff a Reiki practitioner, private yoga instructor and personal trainer in addition to offering cooking classes, essential oils therapy and acupuncture.

For more information, visit ShoptheWell.co or call 203-762-9711. Location: The Well, 33 Danbury Rd, Wilton.

Natal Chart Analysis Synastry Readings Progressions & Solar Returns

Michele Leigh Learn more by attending a free webinar or visit www.darkmoonastrology.com

Use promo code “awaken” to receive $10 off your order.

ɲɧɴɩɾ ˪ɪ ɦɨɷɪɩ

Լ

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT

spiritual teacher, holistic health educator, shamanic healer and reiki master teacher

Spiritual, cross-cultural and holistic health education for healers and spiritual seekers... transform trauma into triumph, heal yourself and make a difference.

ridgefield & new milford ct

deana.paqua@gmail.com Ph. 203.994.5045

www.embodythesacred.net

Forza 5

Holistic Fitness & Healing Center Lisa Tenore

Yoga, Personal & Group Fitness Trainer Certified Reiki Practitioner Natural Health Consultant Shamanic Healer

203-247-4175

forzafive1047@gmail.com 26 Cannon Road, Cannondale Village, Wilton, CT

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

Moss Mountain at

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

sticksandstonesfarm.com or call 203 270 8820 eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

11

newsbriefs The Center for Natural Medicine

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

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

Dr. Ellen Lewis Dr. Andrew Cummins Dr. Mara Davidson Dr. Nadia Noori Tracy Pardo Alexandra Mason, LMT Beverly Lewis 8 Lincoln Street Westport, CT 06880

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

Dr. Ellen Lewis

Medical Director

p 203.916.4600 f 203.916.4601

www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org

Naturopathic Medicine • Massage Therapy Classes & Workshops

Fit Spa ™

A new way to looking and feeling good.

Relax while our technology does the work.

No surgery or invasive procedures.

Infrared Sauna • Micro-dermabrasion Myolift • Torc • Body Waxing Diet Master • Oxygen Bar •Reiki Dermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facials Teeth Whitening

15% off any service Call 203-356-5822 1492 High Ridge Road | Stamford, CT 06905 7efitspact1@gmail.com | www.7efitspa.com 12

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Housatonic Valley Area Holiday Events There are a number of fun holiday events taking place in the southern Litchfield area this December. Here are a few:

New Milford Hands-On Train Display Come to the historic New Milford Railroad Station and enjoy the 29th Annual Hands-On Train Display during the holiday season.

Sponsored by the Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce, the trains will be featured for this yearly event from noon to 6pm on December 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 and from noon to 4pm on December 24 (closed December 25). The event is free and open to the public.

Location: The Railroad Station,11 Railroad St, New Milford.

Christmas in Woodbury On December 3, there will be a town-wide Woodbury Christmas festival, which will include a Cub Scouts wreath sale and the Woodbury Junior Women’s club craft fair and visits with Santa. Museums, such as Glebe House and Hurd House, will be open and decorated. The First Congregational Church bazaar and St. Paul’s Christmas bazaar will also be a part of the festivities. United Methodist Church and St. Teresa’s Church will serve lunch. There will be a Nonnewaug High School plant sale, a Children’s Library ornament making and the tree lighting at North Green.

For more information, visit WoodburyCT.org.

Native American Arts & Crafts Market The Institute for American Indian Studies’ Winter Indian Arts & Crafts Market will take place on the weekends of December 3-4 and December 10-11. The hours are Saturday from 10am-4pm and Sunday from noon-4pm. Shop for holiday gifts from local Native American crafters, jewelers and artists. Meet and buy directly from the artists while learning about contemporary Native American art and cultures. Stop by to purchase gourds, pottery, jewelry, rattles, artwork, flutes and more.

LLocation: 38 Curtis Rd, Washington. Contact IAISMuseum.org, General@IAISMuseum.org or 860-868-0518 for more information.

A Solstice to Remember Concert

C

yrstal Cymbalogy and Q Music will present A Solstice to Remember: The Coming Light and the Rebirth of Love in midDecember at several Fairfield and Litchfield county locations.

The Crystal Cymbalogy band is led by Cynthia and Rick Quintanal and features crystal and Tibetan bowls, percussion, bass, shakuhachi, flute, didgereedo, poetry and voice. On December 18 from 4:30-6:30pm, the first concert will be held at Athena Hall at Salt of the Earth Sanctuary, located at 346 Main Street in South Woodbury. Liphe Balance Center will hold the second on December 20 from 7-9pm at 36 Michaels Way in Weston. The last concert on December 21 from 7-9pm will take place at Open Sky Yoga Barn, at 95 Cross Highway, Redding.

Prepaid tickets are $30 or $35 at the door. The family rate is $55.

For more information, visit CrystalCymbalogy.com or the individual locations’ websites.

Ben’s Bells is Kindness in Action

J

eannette Maré, founder and executive director of Ben’s Bells, recently spoke at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury when she led Be Kind Now: It’s Time to Get Serious about Kindness, an in-depth discussion of the challenges and opportunities encountered in every interaction as we strive to create kinder communities.

During the presentation, Maré reflected on her own personal experiences with kindness in the face of devastating grief, her work with Ben’s Bells Project, and the emerging body of research on the science of kindness. All proceeds supported Ben’s Bells community programming.

Ben’s Bells Kindness in Action Speaker Series brings speakers to Arizona and Connecticut who are leaders in the “science of kindness” field. Part education, part entertainment, pure inspiration, these events are made possible by the support of local businesses and community members.

Ben’s Bells are sculpted from clay and hung randomly around communities for people to find and take home reminders to practice intentional kindness.

“From my experience, kindness is usually not a polarizing issue. But there are some skeptics who question the value of the practice of kindness or who just oppose the idea of being a joiner. I get it,” said Maré. “I joke that, as the ‘kindness lady’, I have to leave town to be even a little grouchy. But my experience of the positive benefits of intentionally practicing these skills is undeniable.”

For more information, visit BensBells.org.

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

Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing

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

203-451-6208

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

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

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

Soul Focus Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

13

N E W I N 2 01 7 EMERGING PRACTITIONERS SECTION Are you just launching your practice or recently relocated to the area?

Natural Awakenings knows it can be a challenge to get the word out on a small budget.

That’s why in 2017 we’re going to offer a new advertising section just for you, including special packages, rates, and opportunities.

Don’t rely on word of mouth and referrals to build your business; trust a proven vehicle in your area! Reach more than 60,000 readers in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley communities each month.

We’ve been here for 12 years in 2017 – so let our good reputation be your introduction to our loyal and engaged readership!

Reach out today to see if you qualify for these special offers! Space is limited; act now if you’d like to be included from the beginning!

Early bird deadline for the Natural Living Directory is December 15th!

Call or email today to find out more!

203-885-4674 FFCAdvertising@NaturalAwakeningsmag.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com 14

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs Power Plant Proposal Withdrawn in New Milford

T

he Town of New Milford and its mayor, David Gronbach, have withdrawn the “Panda Proposal” to build a power plant on the former site of the Century Brass Mill.

The site encompasses 72 acres of industrially zoned property along the Housatonic Railroad, recently cleaned up from PCBs after three decades of abandonment and pollution. Under the proposal, Panda Power Funds, based in Texas, had offered to purchase the David Gronbach site from the town for $2.8 million to create a 550-megawatt, natural-gas burning power plant.

“When I took office last year, I was thrown into controversy with the Century Brass property. The prior contractor was rejecting the contract it signed and the Town was facing hundreds of thousands of dollars in change orders. I quickly got up to speed, re-bid the project and hired a new contractor. Today the site is well on its way to being cleaned up. This also required me to focus on what to do with the site after it was cleaned,” Gronbach wrote in his announcement.

“The Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development identifies the Century Brass site as one of the main growth areas for industry and manufacturing in our Town,” he continued. “I know the idea of additional industry scares some people, but it is part of a balanced approach to tax revenue that does not put such a heavy burden on homeowners…

Given that neither the majority of the community nor its representatives on the town council support the power plant, I will be withdrawing the Panda Proposal to develop the Century Brass site…We have important matters to work on including infrastructure projects, riverfront development, library modernization, Lanesville Fire Department expansion, empty store fronts that need attention, and the upcoming budget season.”

There was widespread concern among residents and local businesses about the impact of the potential project on New Milford, which was vigorously expressed during multiple information sessions held by the town and Panda representatives.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive. ~Dalai Lama

coverartist

We’re Dedicated To Every Client Because of you there is a change for the better!

Beautiful Hair Shouldn’t Be Hazardous To Your Health The best thing about our products is what we leave out!

No Ammonia | No Parabens | No Scalp Staining | No Scalp Discomfort

i Celebrating 27 years in business! I Salon AponteLLC 838 Main Street, Tollgate Plaza, Monroe, CT 203-261-2838

Nature’s Round the Tree

Tues & Fri 9-5 | Wed & Thur 9-8 • Sat 8-4 | www.salonaponte.com

Celebrating Life... and Beyond

Tracy Herrmann Cover artist Tracy Herrmann’s wildlife portraits portray the tender side of nature, such as the woodland creatures gathered around a snow-draped fir in the cover image, Nature’s Round the Tree.

Herrmann lends her signature soft, gentle styling to animal subjects that include bears, fox, deer, birds, otters and big cats, while drawing from her studies in zoology and natural history to create realistic renderings.

“I enjoy exploring, spending entire afternoons observing and sketching animals for new concepts, and just watching families and kids. Kids are natural artists and keen observers,” says Herrmann. “Sharing the richness of our natural world through my art brings me great joy and satisfaction.”

Herrmann has done wildlife illustrations for such clients as the Seattle Zoo and several national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and Yellowstone. Herrmann also illustrates children’s books; her first is Dabbling Doezee, a story of friendship between two ducks. The artist donates a percentage of each piece sold to wildlife and parks conservation programs.

A former member of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, Herrmann lives and works in Seattle, Washington.

View the artist’s portfolio at FineArtAmerica.com/profiles/ 1-tracy-herrmann.html.

“People who are unable to confront the fact of their own mortality, are unable to fully appreciate life.” ~ Mother Teresa

Alliance for Conscious Transitioning

Come join our meaningful and life-affirming, “conversations,” - on life and our mortality ...which truly help us understand living.

Featuring in December: Jane Hughes Gignoux 12/4 Chris Griscom 12/8 - 12/12

Stay tuned for coming events:

www.AllianceFCT.com

Alliance Awareness Ad 1/4 page November 2016 Expanding Possibility Through Vision Eyecare Associates, PC Dr. Randy Schulman, M.S., O.D., FCOVD Dr. Stephen Carr, O.D. Dr. Narvan Bakhtiari, O.D. Dr. Brian Rodrigues, O.D. Dr. Jason Rutherford, O.D. 2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005

é Comprehensive Eye Exams for All Ages é Solutions for Dry Eyes, Computer Use & Sports é Exceptional Treatment for Eye Diseases

é High Quality Eyeglasses & Specialty Contact Lenses é Iridology, Vision Therapy & Preventive Vision Care www.cteyecareassociates.com

6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020 eNaturalAwakenings.com

444 Westport Avenue Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991 December 2016

15

newsbriefs globalbriefs

Shamanic Healing Retreat Solar Sidewalk Debuts Energyin Redding Missouri Generating Pavers

J

News andSpa resources to inspire concerned citizens to work oin together shamanic practitioners and 7eFit Open House in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.teachers Deana Paqua and Jessica

in Stamford

Fit Spa

S

Ocean Watch

courtesy of Solar Roadways

Hunter for a day of shamanic healing for gratitude, transformation, abuntamford has dance, discovery and enlightenment. a new option This all-day healing retreat is open for those seeking Sea Mammals Update to anyone and all levels who wish to look and feel 2016 was a mixed year for to learn more about shamanism and their best during whales and dolphins and by ™ shamanic healing practices and techthe holiday seaextension, humans. Marine niques that can be incorporated into out a Deana son and beyond. 7eFit Spa has opened on High Ridge Biologist Road, Sylvia Paqua Missouri is rolling set of energyEarle states daily life for transformation and posioffering a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasivethe techgenerating photovoltaic pavers along a importance of ocean tive changes. The event will of bethe held at Route 66 highway niques to support mind and body wellness. An open house is section iconic health this way: “With every the sanctuary at The in Redding Center scheduled for November 22 from noon to 7pm. a sidewalk pilot project—the first drop of water you drink, evfor Meditation on November 14 from of way—in the U.S. The regular service offerings—which will be available as on a public right ery breath you take, you’re Relax while our sessions technology 5pm. brief demonstration during the open house—include The street pavers were developed by connected 10am to the to sea.

The . does the work A variety of techniques and teach-a company created anti-aging and oxygen facials with oxygen therapy, Torc Plus bioSolar Roadways, ocean is the blue heart of Noelectric surgery or invasive procedures. willstill be incorporated throughout stimulation for targeted muscle activation (also available by inventors Scott and Julie Brusaw, the planet.ings There’s time, the day, including shamanic journey Infrared Sauna therapy) • Micro-dermabrasion with oxygen and weight loss, infrared sauna for detoxifiwhich raised more than $2.2 million but not a lot, to turn things Myolift • Torc Body Waxing personal weight loss program. work, shamanic ceremonies, crystal cation, Reiki and• the DietMaster in crowdfunding in 2014 to bring their around.”

Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki healing, various spirit medicine healing technology to market.

The Torc Plus has been FDA-cleared and is known to be

Scientists have discovered a new, black-colored species of whale that’s oneDermalogica Facials Oxygen Facialstoning, teachings and shamanic forclaim Jessica techniques The Brusaws that replacing effective for muscle tightening, Hunter third the size of a •Baird’s beaked whale. cellulite Yet to bereduction named, it’s rarely seen, feeding Teeth Whitening clearing and manifestation practices. all of America’s roads and parking lots and inch loss. in deep canyons in the Bering Sea. Paqua and Hunter bring unique andpavers informative Now with witha their solar would combinagenerate Founder Tracey Scalzi, a long-time Stamford resident

TheSave oldest-known orca whale, Granny, at 105, swims Washington’s coastline.

Introductory Prices! tion of shamanic healing and teachings to their gatherings. more than three times what the country and business owner, decided to open 7eFitSpa because she Wild orcas usually live 60 to 80 years; captives, 40 years at most. Iceberg, the only Paqua specializes in Andean and South American shaconsumed in electricity in 2009.

Call 203-356-5822 wanted a new business dedicated to helping people look known adult white orca, age 22, was spotted in Russian coastal waters earlier this year. manic traditions, while Hunter focuses on North American

The Missouri Department of feel their The |spa hadpark a soft opening in June but and 2013, abest.

Korean retrained 1092InHigh Ridge Road marine Stamford, CT 06905five dolphins to feed naturally and shamanic traditions. Transportation Together, they considered provide educational their ownand was fully operational with all equipment and services avail- pod. released them into the sea, where they rejoined their original Recent sightings 7efitspact1@gmail.com | www.7efitspa.com crowdfunding campaign to support inspirational shamanic gatherings that encompass a variety found thriving, affording hope for the 2,900 dolphins in marine parks, able inthem mid-September. their energy experiment; plans called of teachings and a global connection of a variety of Sha- for aquariums and zoos worldwide. the hexagonal solar panels to be fully manic Healing practices.

For more Pink dolphins in Hong Kong’s bustling remain endangered. In 2003, information, visit 7eLLC.com andharbor visit the installed and operational by the end of there werelocation, 158; by 2014, only 61. The Baiji River dolphin, Stamford email 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com or call only found in China, this year.

For more information, visit EmbodytheSacred.net and has been declared extinct. 1092 Vaquitas, porpoises in the Gulf of California, de203-356-5822.

Location: Highsmall Ridge Rd, Stamford HunterHealingHands.com.

See ads, pages 10 and 20. clined 97Cheveaux). in 2014 to See 60 this fishing nets; (insidefrom Salon ad,year, pagemost 15. drowned in commercial Source: NBC it may be extinct by 2018.

alekss-sp/Shutterstock.com

A new way to looking and feeling good.

transformative natural healing are you ready for a change?

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

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

100 Danbury Road, Suite 102, Ridgefield, CT Ph. 203.431.4443 16 12

Fairfield County Edition Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings natural awakenings

Debra Gibson, ND

Bye-Bye Birdies

CT A���������� C�����

Dima Oana Gabriela/Shutterstock.com

North American Species at High Risk

The 2016 annual Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count in February (Audubon.org/content/2014-greatbackyard-bird-count-summary) and a report compiled by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (StateOfTheBirds.org/2016) show that more than a third of all North American bird species are at risk of becoming extinct unless significant action is taken, especially ocean and tropical birds. The governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico created the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in 1999.

More than half the species that rely on oceans and tropical forests are on a special watch list because of small and declining populations, limited ranges and severe threats to their habitats.

The report pinpoints invasive predators such as rats and cats on nesting islands, as well as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Ways to address the problem include removing predators, expanding protected marine areas and reducing the amount of plastic products that end up in the ocean and can trap or choke birds.

Many species such as long-distance migratory shore birds in coastal, grassland and arid habitats are declining steeply.

The main causes are rising sea levels, coastal development, encroaching human activity and oil spills.

G����� P������� E�������� T�������� ��� R����� Joint Pain • Injuries • Back Pain • Neck Pain Sciatica • Migraines • Headaches • Sinus Pain Allergies • Stress • Infertility Open 7 days a week Serving Fairfield, Bethel, Wilton for over 30 years

Call today for an appointment

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard Licensed Acupuncturist

Mention code NA44 for 20% discount Fairfield 203-259-1660 | Bethel 203-778-6551 | Wilton 203-762-3646 www.ctacupuncture.com | Most insurances accepted

Acupuncture | Medical Qigong Massage | Chinese Herbal Medicine

COOPERATIVE & WELLNESS CENTER

Photography | Inspired Clothing Art Events | Music & Performances

MOVEMENT ARTS CLASSES Tai Chi | Meditation | Qigong | Yoga Pilates | Group & Personal Training

Web/Graphics | Logistics/Marketing SEO/Analytics | Branding

860.619.2788

6 Green Hill Road | Washington Depot CT

www.valleyspiritcoop.com

Victoria F. Shaw, PhD, LPC

Intuitive & Consultant LPC Shaw, PhD, F.Psychotherapist Victoria

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. ~Albert Einstein

Intuitive Psychotherapist & Consultant Combining the best of traditional

psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in Combining the best of traditional psychotherapy with working with children, teens and adults. intuitive guidance in working with children, teens and adults.

Offices in Wilton, Westport and Fairfield.

Offices in Wilton, Westport and Fairfield.

www.victoriashawpsychotherapy.com www.victoriashawintuitive.com VictoriaShawPsychotherapy.com • VictoriaShawIntuitive.com 203-254-3403 203-254-3403 •• vfshawphd@gmail.com vfshawphd@gmail.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

17

Mastering Yoga

The yoga community in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley has never been more vibrant! This section provides connections to studios and teachers in the area, as well as helpful editorial to support your efforts to improve your practice.

Nourishing Body, Mind and Spirit with Yoga

by Shelley Hawkos

W

hether we take yoga classes from a certified yoga teacher in our favorite health gym or at a designated yoga studio, or practice in the privacy of our homes, the health benefits range from the gross to the sublime. The discipline of practicing yoga has documented health benefits, but also benefits the less tangible recognition of our heart’s desire. What is it we wish to experience off the mat in our everyday lives while interacting and having relationships? Where do we go when we know our heart and mind connection is more real than what we witness on television? The exercise is not really the point; the challenging poses or meditations are only to separate us from perceived addictions and expose us to the omnipresent flow all around us.

As first-time practitioners, we are reminded to breathe deeply and make constant corrections to our postures, or asanas, while training the mind to follow. Yoga masters practice the yogic art of awareness as a surgeon practices the art of medicine, deftly cutting through perceived blockages. Healing takes place in a range of manifestations. Physical tension or aches release their attention-grabbing alert signals to allow us to consider non-physical mental projections; closely linked emotional remembrance is associated with the pain. Anyone who has been instructed to hold a certain position beyond their comfort level understands this well. The ancients practiced yoga by making slight adjustments and documenting the effects on the body, mind and spirit, then passing each discovery onto the next pupil in direct lineage of their teaching.

Yoga is the practice of art and science around our ex-

18

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

perienced sense of self. Sometimes that discovery of self can become mired in doubt or fear when the obstacle is perceived to be too big. This is when the yoga teacher has many tools to apply or reaches in for the unique scalpel to do the job. Ganesha is known to be the “Destroyer of Obstacles” in ancient religion and may be called upon by engaging the voice in chant or song. As the voice gives vibration to the intention for cutting away debris, the mind begins to unravel from its attachment to the obstacle. This creates a space where new intention can form in its place.

Neurologically, dendrites become unattached from their patterned conclusions and become more pliable to create new patterns in roughly 20 minutes of practicing something new and stimulating. This creates plasticity in the brain; the mind is challenged to interpret a new understanding of its experience.

The emotional catharsis from this release can be palpable as worry lines soften, sighing is heard or crying takes over.

The river of prana, or life force energy, comes into focus when we untangle from our own mind cages and physical limitations. This is the place of the “Aha moment”, where the mundane gives way to the sacred. The dendrites lift off their patterned destinations into the quiet of the mind and opening of the heart. By taking a deep breath and letting the experience etch itself inside us, we are nourished in body, mind and spirit. This experience can be reproduced during yoga practice when we wring out the body, deepen the breath, unravel the mind, travel on a guided visualization, and vibrate anew at a cellular level. Working in unison with other students to follow a vinyasa flow, our breathing can synchronize and cerebral spinal fluid can pulsate in harmony to create yet another collective experience.

Establishing trust and safety in the yogic environment or community in which we practice is paramount to authenticity. Holding the space for healing becomes the underlying job for not only the teacher, but also fellow students. In a world where we are inundated with falsehoods, creating this safe space alone can become the most sacred gift we give to each other. We come away from these heightened moments feeling a connection and expression that is true. We are expanded yet grounded in our preferred reality. These are moments we have available to live in touch with more of our total selves, accessing what it is to be human and divine. We walk through this existence, intact with not just the gross, but shimmering with the sublime.

Shelley Hawkos has been a Kundalini Yoga Teacher since 2002 when she began taking and teaching classes at the Wainwright House in Rye, New York. She has taught privately and had her own studio in cooperation with the local medical center where she offered wellness classes for prenatal, diabetes, HIV and osteoporosis patients.

yogabriefs Taking a Holiday Path toward Yoga Health

N

orwalk’s LifePath Yoga & Wellness center is offering several special workshops during the month of December. To begin, Michelle Didner will present Bring Your Om hOMe on December 3 from 1:30-3:30pm. In the workshop, attendees will learn basic alignment rules, set goals and establish an understanding of how a yoga community can support those goals.

Looking for a retreat from the holiday madness? Join Shannon Aleksa for Restorative Yoga for the Holidays on December 4 from 1:30-3pm to experience gentle movement, restorative postures, soft music, light meditation, pranayama, Reiki and deep relaxation. The Freedom, Peace & Connections through Divorce series takes place on December 2, 9 and 16 from 1:30-2:45pm to offer support, community and compassion to those experiencing divorce at any stage. The series includes meditation, movement, journaling and dialogue.

Teacher Training: Yoga for Breast Cancer is the focus on the weekend of December 10 and 11 from noon to 6pm with Angela Strykowski. Breast Cancer Yoga is a flowing restorative yoga experience for the purpose of regaining health, strength and flexibility for men and women in cancer recovery. Self Care Meditation: Living in Change rounds out the pre-holiday offerings on December 16. The 7:15-8:15pm class with Meg Reilly helps soothe the soul with caring, supportive, healing energy through guided meditation, hypnotic techniques and a crystal singing bowl.

For more information, visit LifePathYoga.net or call 203-354-7070. Location: LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 61.

Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga

Ayurveda s Meditation sTeacher Training

New Student Special 30 days Unlimited Practice $59 Guided and Mysore-style classes offered daily. All levels welcome.

Join our compassionate community!

49 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield, CT 203-544-8811 www.theyogashalact.com

Your studio could be featured here

Reach over 60,000 Natural Awakenings readers by placing your ad here. Call for more info.

203-885-4674

Healing The Mind, Body & Spirit with: • Yoga • Barre

Pilates • Zumba Flow • Core Strength • TRX Training • Meditation

• Healing

Heath, Wellness & Relaxation • Massage • Reiki • Reflexology • Holistic • Lifestyle

Coaching For more information

WholeFITnf.com

203.885.0577 Also offering Kids Health & Fitness Programs Email: WholeFITnf@gmail.com 3 Route 39, Unit #5 New Fairfield, CT 06812

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

19

wisewords A Conversation with GRAMMY Award-Winner Paul Avgerinos “The only true success in this world is spiritual awakening”

by Nicole Miale aul Avgerinos is a GRAMMY Awardwinning artist, composer, producer and engineer whose music is broadcast all over the world. Besides his 24 critically acclaimed New Age albums on the Round Sky label, Avgerinos is active in film and television music. He has been involved in a number of platinum album productions as well. Avgerinos lives and works at Studio Unicorn in Redding, where he says deer pass by his studio windows while hawks and eagles provide inspiration from above.

This year was one of personal joy and professional accolades for Avgerinos, which he attributes in large part to his devotion to Amma, known as the “hugging saint” or the “living saint”. Avgerinos is active in Amma’s Embracing the World charities, donating time, money and CDs that are sold in the Amma Bookstores worldwide. Natural Awakenings spoke with him recently about his extraordinary year and his experience as a devotee of Amma.

P

How has your work and musical path evolved over the years?

Over these last 30 years, I have gotten much better at managing the technical and musical aspects of producing music; I have learned how to serve the listener’s needs more effectively. Especially in the last 10 years or so, I feel I am making albums that are consistently more helpful for my listener’s spiritual, mental and physical health.

What was your spiritual path like before you became a devotee of Amma, the living saint?

Around 1974, I started doing a lot of yoga, meditation, chanting and spiritual reading, studying under Sri Chinmoy. In 1983, I had some very profound peak experiences of Christ consciousness that led me to a practice of my own version of Gnostic Christianity. In 1994, when I moved to Redding, I became a member of Christ Church Parish, a small Episcopal gathering. In 2014, my yoga teacher wife Jen and I were increasingly drawn to go and see Amma when she came to New York that summer. Once I started experiencing Amma in person, it was not long until I realized the perfect unconditional love, bliss and grace that I experienced in 1983 and that dwells in the heart of Jesus was fully present in Amma. For me personally, it felt like Jesus had returned in the form of Amma and that it was my dharma to become her devotee right away.

20

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

How did your experience with Amma change your life?

In February of 2015, after my GRAMMY nomination for Bhakti, Jen and I went to India to formally become devotees of Amma.

On February 20, a few days after receiving our mantras, which was a very deep experience in itself, Amma gave us her blessing to have a baby. After three years of trying we got pregnant in May and Jen’s due date was February 20 of 2016! Twelve days after winning a GRAMMY for my Grace album, on February 27, the exact same day of the month that Amma herself was born, our precious Amma baby Juliana Joy came into this world!

To us, these are all bonafide miracles, and Amma has removed many layers of darkness, depression and difficult suffering from our lives already. It has been a true and complete transformation way beyond our wildest imagining. I urge you all to go and have Amma’s Darshan while the opportunity remains. The only true success in this world is spiritual awakening. It is the only goal and achievement that is eternal and does not fade away.

As you look toward the New Year, what do you hold closest to your heart from your experiences this year?

Dearest to me is the knowledge that Amma’s grace is truly boundless, unfathomable and ever expanding in all directions. Five months after the GRAMMY win and our precious baby’s birth, I released Amma – Devotional Songs to the Divine Mother, an album that Amma herself blessed and helped create. She woke Jen up energetically at four in the morning and channeled through her the lyrics to “Where There Is Love,” one of our favorite songs on the album. “All Is Bliss” came to me in a similar fashion. The more I chant my mantra and do my spiritual practices with pure devotion, the more aligned I am with dharma and the Universal Divine order, or the Law of Attraction as some call it.

What are you working on now?

This September, I began teaching audio production at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury two days a week. It’s great to pay it forward! I’ll start on my 2017 album fairly soon once Amma reveals its nature to me in my heart and mind.

Is there a message of inspiration or hope you would like to offer Natural Awakenings’ readers at this time, when many are seeking solace?

The most important truth for all of us to constantly remember is that: every life, experience, thing, feeling, emotion, thought and activity is completely fleeting and ephemeral. Our true nature and the only absolute reality is infinite undivided consciousness—pure awareness. This is what we truly are, not these bodies and “lives”. Realizing this, we are permanently liberated from suffering once and for all, and are no longer cogs in the wheel of Samsara, the ocean of life and rebirth, of pleasure and pain. A big part of our work with Amma is learning to completely drop our egos, our likes and dislikes, our attractions and aversions. These all just increase our suffering and karmic burden and never bring us even one iota of real lasting bliss. Only self-realization will give us the true happiness that we all crave. Ironically, at the end of our journey, we will all realize that perfect bliss and love was our true nature all along the way, from the very beginning.

Nicole Miale is publisher of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County.

special advertising section

Total Life Care Center T

TLC Center • 152 East Ave • Norwalk, CT 203-856-9566 • TLCcenter.com

otal Life Care Center was founded in 1997 by Beth Leas on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering. Today TLC is Fairfield County’s largest holistic health network, with more than 90 independent members. Total Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrative health care practitioners.

Healing & Stress Reduction

Grow Your Own Business Organically

Hilda M. Swaby

Usui & Karuna Reiki Master Healer

John of God Crystal Bed Healing ◊ Promote mind, body, and spiritual healing ◊ Stimulate development of inner senses for spiritual awareness ◊ Balance the chakras and subtle bodies and heal the psyche ◊ Rebalance frequencies in the body’s electromagnetic fields

HildaReikiLover@optonline.net Stamford 203-359-9736

◊

◊

www.HildaReikiLover.com

Norwalk TLC Center 203-856-9566

Ethical Company Earn Extra Income Flexible Hours Generous Commission Free Personalized Website

Balance Your Body. Find Peace of Mind. Reconnect to Spirit.

Raise your Energetic Frequency to Stimulate Health & Healing Reduce Stress • Induce Relaxation • Relieve Chronic & Acute Pain Speed Wound Healing • Boost Immune Function Improve Memory & Concentration • Ease Anxiety & Depression Reiki • Jin Shin Jyutsu • Tarot

To learn more, contact:

Sherrylee Dickinson

203-856-9566 www.bethleas.com Private Sessions • Workshops • Special Events • In person or by phone • Norwalk & Ridgefield Locations

learn ♥ let go ♥ love

Independent NYR Organic Consultant us.nyrorganic.com/shop/Sherrylee

203-984-6042 soulbyrd@yahoo.com

guiding others to loving themselves

julie punishil l essential self care coach

meditation training ♥ essential oils wellness consults ♥ divorce coaching classes ♥ retreats ♥ workshops onE-on-one sessions (617) 851-9773 www.juliepunishill.com ♥ juliepunishill@gmail.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

21

images by tai11/Shutterstock.com

momentary upwelling of three tightly interwoven events: a sharing of one or more positive emotions between you and another; a biochemical synchrony between your and the other person’s biochemistry and behaviors; and a reflected motive to invest in each other’s well-being that brings mutual care.”

Fredrickson, director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, believes love is a complex physiological response; a “positivity resonance.” She describes key factors in love’s ability to biologically transform us as oxytocin, a hormone active in social

LOVING LARGE Scientists Say We’re All Connected

by Linda Sechrist

T

rue love is not something reserved exclusively for soulmates, couples, children, friends or family.

Observations by sages for millennia and by enlightened scientists more recently are increasingly aligned with the point of view articulated by renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield that true love and awareness—a sense of universal connectivity and the idea that divinity, or the sacred, is found in all things—are indistinguishable.

Scientific View

This state of being, generally denoted by strong feelings of love or acceptance toward others, brings us into contact

with universal energy which connects all of humanity with the natural world.

Clues to our united commonality are explored in two 21st-century books, Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become, by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D., and A General Theory of Love, by medical doctors Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon. These authors explore the brain science that’s related to love and awareness.

Although trying to grasp love intellectually may be like eating soup with a fork, the authors of A General Theory of Love cite feelings as a good starting point. Fredrickson describes love as “the

bonding and attachments, and the vagus nerve deep within the brain stem that connects with numerous organs, including the lead “character” in this relationship, the heart.

The neural synchrony of positivity resonance between the brains of two individuals is a connected oneness that Fredrickson notes is far more ubiquitous than previously thought possible. Her research shows that it requires only connection, not the intimacy or shared history that comes with any special bonds.

Micro-moments of the connected oneness we feel as life-giving reverberations occur via shared smiles or laughter, a common compassion or an engaging story. Humans all hunger for such moments. The prerequisites are perceived safety and authentic sensory connection with another, even if it’s fleeting. In Fredrickson’s perspective,

Experience a Unique Approach to Chiropractic Structural Optimization focuses on specifically addressing structural shifts in the spine that commonly cause secondary conditions.

When The Spine Shifts…

Back Pain • Neck Pain • Herniated Discs Sciatica • Degeneration • Headaches Carpal Tunnel • Fibromyalgia • Ear Infections Immune and Digestive Problems Call 203.923.8633

to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Braglia.

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

7365 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06614 | www.truehealthct.com | 203.923.8633 22

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

such neural coupling is a biological manifestation of oneness in which a habitual focus on “me” expands to a life-expanding “we”.

Cosmic View

During their 30-year friendship, Bob Staretz collaborated with astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D., the lunar module pilot on Apollo 14 and founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, to research and write “The Quantum Hologram and the Nature of Consciousness,” published in the Journal of Cosmology. Their scientific theory explains how all of creation learns, self-corrects and evolves as a self-organizing, interconnected holistic system through love.

“Without exception, everything in nature exists and works together in total balance, resonance and harmony, interacting as one. From this perspective, Edgar and I reached the obvious conclusion—the organizing principle of the cosmos is agape love, an ultimate form of unconditional love that accepts all things existing in nature without regard to conditions, expectations, shortcomings, flaws or faults,” explains Staretz.

The former executive director of Eternea, an organization focused on spiritually transformative experiences and the study of consciousness, Staretz says individuals that undergo such an experience attest that loving one another and all of nature, of which we are a part, is the central reason for our existence.

Anita Moorjani’s latest book, What If This Is Heaven? reiterates the life lesson she learned from her dramatic neardeath experience in which she identified herself as a state of pure consciousness connected with everything in the cosmos. She clearly heard: “Your only work is to love yourself, value yourself and embody this truth of self-worth and self-love so that you can be love in action. That is true service, to yourself and to those who surround you.”

This message continues with her, and she explains that by not loving ourselves, we are denying the part of God that expresses itself through us. An overarching insight from her life-changing journey is, “Unconditional love is a state of being, not an emotion. It’s not just one side of the coin—it’s the whole coin.”

Lose Weight with Hypnosis

Re G suet lts

Our Virtual Gastric Band program is the proven, natural, relaxing, and enjoyable way to lose weight!

!

Thought Field TherapyTM and Hypnosis are the keys to our successful solution to lose weight without deprivation or dangerous surgery!

Diane Bahr-Groth CHy, TFTdx

No dieting, pills or special foods!

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

Lipo-Light Body Sculpting • Stress • Smoking • Sleep • Fear

1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT Mindbodytransformation.com 203-595-0110

ROBIN QUEEN FINKELSTEIN Psychospiritual Counselor SlowMedicineTherapist.com 914-218-3113 office

High Quality Acupuncture for All All kinds of Pain Women’s Disorders Respiratory Difficulties Chronic Health Conditions Gastrointestinal Problems Anxiety and Stress Cupping, Moxa and Chinese Herbs

Jody Eisemann, L.Ac., NCCAOM

CT Licensed Acupuncturist with 25 years of experience

Call 203-216-2548 for a free consultation Private sessions and affordable small group settings

www.AcupunctureHealingCT.com | Locations in Norwalk, Trumbull, & Southport, CT eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

23

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. ~William Blake How-to Resources Interest in this deeper perspective led The Shift Network, which offers online transformative education, to host a recent Advanced Teachings for Truly Loving Yourself with Margaret Paul, P.h.D., co-author of Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved By You?

Many others are working to spread the word about a larger sense of lifegiving love, including Cleveland, Ohio, intuitive psychologist Debra L. Reble, Ph.D., author of Being Love: How Loving Yourself Creates Ripples of Transformation in Your Relationships and the World. She says, “Our soul’s purpose is to be and express love. We dream of love, yearn for love and make love, but rarely do we realize that we are love, a source of divine energy.”

Reba Linker, a New York City life coach and author, hosts a Leaders in Self-Love Facebook page and the Paint Yourself into The Picture online coaching show. Linker’s philosophy on love resembles that of New Thought leader Michael Beckwith, minister, author and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, in Culver City, California—to discern that our true nature is love is to know that we are created in the very image and likeness of love, the

essence of life itself.

Gary Sinclair, author of Healing Memories in Seconds, views his life from an altitude of oceanic oneness.

His 35 years of study in a field that uses energy to heal spirit, mind and body led him to develop Soul Link, a memory energy therapy. His work is changing the face of therapy for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and led to the revelation, “Love pulls whatever it touches to its highest potential.”

Teaching what he knows “beyond a shadow of a doubt” helps to shift his students’ worldview. “All of creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies. We are energy beings who can learn to manage our energy to heal ourselves. We are all connected by omnipresence, the energy of love, a heart connection of life. Consciously choosing this awareness allows us to be ‘love living life.’”

Kamini Desai, director of education for the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida, lends her yogic perspective to love. “We are each a wave on the ocean of existence. Even though we are separate waves, we carry the essence of the same ocean. When that essence manifests in us as spirit, its quality is a healing force of love surrounding

our cells, causing our heart to beat and regenerating our organs. This intelligence guides and directs the universe in the same manner that it heals and maintains our body. In yoga, we learn to listen to its subtle voice so that we can follow its urges and energetic impulses to the source from which it springs.”

The perceptions of California’s HeartMath Institute founder Doc Childre, dedicated to helping people access their intuitive insight and heart intelligence, are generally aligned with those of Fredrickson. Both approaches recognize how order and balance in the nervous system and smooth, harmonious and coherent heart rhythms enhance our ability to clearly perceive a far larger universe of experience.

The ensuing connections widen the windows of perception to view ourselves as no longer separate, but part of a unified whole. Accumulated micro-moments of love communicated through synchronized gazes, touches and vocalizations forge a shared subjective appreciation of connection and oneness. We feel ourselves embodying positive resonance and experience easier and more immediate rapport in familial, familiar and even new relationships. We discover abundant opportunities to feel love, loved and loving as we make ourselves available to them.

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

Hunter Healing Hands

Integrative & Intuitive Shamanic Wellness Jessica Hunter

Integrative & Intuitive Healing Sessions

Quality Holistic Healing Education that is Personal, Professional, and Passionate!

Professional Space Clearing & Blessing for Homes, Land or Businesses

Certification & Accredited Programs in Reiki, Crystal Healing, & Shamanic Healing

Drum & Rattle Making Sessions

Shamanic Teacher, Practitioner, Shamanic Medium, Crystal Healing Teacher, Melody Certified Crystal Healing Practitioner, Reiki Master, OM, Circle of the Sacred Earth

Shamanic Healing, Shamanic Mediumship, Melody Crystal Healing, Acupressure, Reiki, Shamanic Spiritual Counseling

Legal Sacred Ceremonies

203-916-8381 | www. hunterhealinghands. com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail. com 24

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

inspiration Are you brave enough to pucker up?

Chinnapong/Shutterstock.com

Your mind would rather run from sleeping tigers that had, several decades ago, promised to eat you, than face the unknowns of life.

Your heart knows that overwhelming darkness is a miracle waiting to happen.

Live as Your Heart Lives

Which lens do you choose to see this world through?

by Lyric Benson Fergusson

W

here your mind wavers, your heart overcomes.

Your heart can tame any monster, your heart can devour any fear.

Your heart’s chivalry is incomparable.

Your heart or your mind?

Your heart’s genius outsmarts what’s written on parchment or etched on stone tablets.

Baby, it’s all about perspective.

Your heart sees an ogre as an angel, Just waiting to be born… (with a soft kiss).

Source: French Kissing God, a collection of poems by Lyric Benson Fergusson (FrenchKissingGod.com).

Holiday Bliss

Buy a gift card in any amount and receive a 20% discount at check out.

203.857.1500 430 Main ave, 2nd floor Norwalk, ct 06851 Across from Merritt 7 office buildings & only 1 minute off Merritt parkway, exit 40b

Www. Kure-spa.Com

This is our gift to you!

Sports, Deep Tissue, Swedish, Thai Yoga & Prenatal Massage ~ Vibrosaun ~ PEMF Therapy ~ Acupuncture ~ Reiki ~ Organic Juice & Smoothie Bar Special sale in effect from

Nov. 18 - Dec. 31, 2016 Come on in or purchase on ouR website Gift cards can be used for services*, product, and tipping. *Cannot be used for Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging.

No expiration date on the gift cards.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

25

THE STATE OF OPTIMISM

Follow Paths of Consciousness, Conscience & Creativity

by Ron Friedman

W

hat a time to speak of optimism, when half a nation is in shock and disbelief about choices made by the other half, while this other half is celebrating the possibility of “real change” based on policies and beliefs unacceptable and frightening to a large portion of the population.

On one side, optimism crushed and, on the other hand, optimism restored; the gulf seems so wide that one wonders what healing and reuniting forces will be able to bridge this divide.

The media, with its obvious conflict of interests, is caught between its need to report honestly and objectively and the financial benefits of attracting large audiences by offering content focused on whatever it finds to be the “hot topic” of the day. Whether on television or the Internet, media bias is evident with its incomplete and inaccurate reporting and altering of the facts of current events.

Of course, the larger issues loom with their handmaidens of anxiety and fear, including climate change, endless

26

Fairfield County Edition

conflicts between factions and nations bordering on the possibility of larger expanding wars, incalculable damage to the earth with its species that hold unknown repercussions, and so much more.

There are several definitions of the word “optimism”. One simple Merriam-Webster version is, “a feeling or belief that good things will happen in the future.” The word “trust” comes to mind in working to bring about the “good” that we envision. In the current environment, trust is surely hard to come by. We don’t need polls for confirmation. The political candidates, the media, government, the future, are all inhabitants of the toxic atmosphere of distrust.

There is the belief that, in the end, it is better to be positive than negative—while not ignoring the negative—and optimistic rather than pessimistic or nihilistic. Where can we find a foothold, a solid grounding for a true optimism beyond the opposites of optimism and nihilism? If we say we are

natural awakenings

optimistic, is our attitude supported by the shallow roots of intellectual argument alone? Is our position enough to convince and fortify ourselves against the opposite arguments ready to undermine?

If we are not optimistic, can we make ourselves optimistic? What will that take? Do we forcefully repress negative thoughts, hold our breath, scrunch up our bodies and armor ourselves against our own thoughts in the determination to be positive? For that matter, can we make ourselves be truly loving, compassionate, peaceful or virtuous through the efforts of our own will? In this environment, where is the simple optimism that finds its truth affirmed wherever it looks?

The answer, strangely enough, is simplicity beyond complexity. Pointers to its truth are everywhere, waiting to be discovered, recognized and acknowledged. This optimism that we search and yearn for, this optimism must not be subject to the changing scene of human existence. If true, it must be capable of withstanding the crises and disappointments of our journey on this planet. We must discover it in the realm of the unchanging.

Our own feelings of gratitude and awe reveal themselves in our own responses to the mind-boggling intelligence, elegance and beauty before us. And, in our response, is there not within us also hidden a shy optimism that such a source could only be good in its very essence? Of course, the mind and heart are ready with questions and foregone conclusions about the unutterable horrors that we visit on ourselves, but gratitude and awe somehow remain undiminished, spontaneous responses throughout our history.

What of the creative process itself, of the joy and fulfillment in authentically expressing ourselves, seeing change everywhere subject to an invisible imperative of unfolding consciousness and conscience? We have a timeless and irrepressible urge to create, to grow in understanding, to better the whole, and to transfer our knowledge and vision from one generation to the next. Surely these are based on an optimism and trust in the continuity of what is good, wise and beautiful in our human experience.

Is there optimism in the evolutionary process itself? From our point of view as human beings, evolution is not a gentle and considerate taskmaster. It has been well described by Dr. Ted Chu, a transhumanist, as “creative destruction”. He defines this as wiping out large populations which no longer conform to the evolutionary agenda and favoring smaller groups which have those qualities necessary for the flowering of the next stage of the ongoing universal “drama”. Clearly, consciousness, conscience, the ability to see past mistakes and choose different patterns of behavior and thinking are enormous positive developments and crucial to our survival.

Nevertheless, there are no guarantees that we will marshal and focus these new abilities in time to prevent our own destruction.

In the face of huge complex interwoven challenges of our time, where is optimism to be found? Somehow a growing number of people come together in conferences to address these issues, write books, offer imaginative scientific solutions and form many new organizations to face our problems head on. Something is working within them— something drives them forward—despite the fact that many present in these activist groups acknowledge that there is no guarantee of success in meeting our challenges. Yet, they don’t stop. What is driving them?

We do not need to become optimistic. While it helps to gather together to remind each other of the need for a positive view and not to give up our cherished visions, we do not need to search for reasons for optimism; it is present whenever and wherever we are. It is especially there in the silence when our habitual thinking comes to a halt that we can experience a startling insight: We are unconditionally “optimistic” by the fact of what we are. It is in our very nature. It is a quality of our essence.

Let us redefine “optimism” as a state of realization that our true nature is essentially and unconditionally loving, compassionate and creative. Let us trust that it has the wisdom to deal with any situation in a creative and beneficial way. When we are present and conscious, we are optimism itself.

Ron Friedman, MD, is a pioneer, author and teacher in the field of collective evolutionary consciousness and the co-founder of Vistar Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to consciousness, creativity and culture. Ron and Victoria Friedman reside in Stamford and developed the evolutionary Vistar Method. Connect at VistarFoundation.org.

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

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

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

Touch of Sedona A unique boutique with a heartfelt purpose

203-438-7146

452 Main Street, Ridgefield

touchofsedonaridgefield.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

Open Every Day Until 5:30

December 2016

27

Collective Power for Change Meditation and Prayer Uplift Humanity

by Jampa Mackenzie Stewart

L

iving in a time of unprecedented global challenges, we can easily feel a sense of despair or powerlessness toward having any ability to shift the tides of events. Yet the solution may be much closer than we realize.

We are faced with serious environmental issues, such as Fukushima, deforestation, global warming, vanishing species and the proliferation of GMOs. We are contending with the global expansion of terrorism and the fear and uncertainty it intentionally breeds. We are experiencing the economic angst from having once had a thriving middle class to having more and more wealth shifting to the “1 percenters” and less to the rest of us.

We are watching our democracy eroding into oligarchy since Citizens United allows unlimited and unchecked funding of candidates by corporations and the wealthy, influencing our elections.

All of these threats might make us want to crawl into a cave and never come out; we might try to block them out of our awareness with denial and retreat into television, social media, video games, drugs or alcohol. Yet we can recognize that our concerns over these developments reflect our goodness and power that cuts deeper than

28

Fairfield County Edition

mere self-concern; it is actually an expression of our profound connection and compassion for all life and for the health and healing of the whole planet. It is our deepest virtue that cares for all creatures and for the happiness of future generations. Therein lies our greatest strength, our collective power for change.

“The most remarkable feature of this historical moment on Earth is not that we are on the way to destroying the world...we’ve actually been on the way for quite a while, writes Joanna Rogers Macy, PhD, an environmental activist and author, and a scholar of Buddhism, general systems theory and deep ecology.. It is that we are beginning to wake up, as from a millennia-long sleep, to a whole new relationship to our world, to ourselves and each other.”

A.T. Ariyaratne, the founder of the Sarvodaya Shramadana Movement in India, suggests that we merge our intentions with those of all the people in the world who share the active hope for positive change. This might seem a bit far-fetched at first glance, but consider the well-documented 1993 experiment by a group of Transcendental Meditation (TM) meditators. A brain wave coherence-creating group of TM-Siddhas conducted a two-month national

natural awakenings

demonstration project in Washington, D.C., to show how a group of meditators can reduce crime and social stress.

The group began with about 800 meditators and increased to a maximum of 4,000 over the period of the trial.

Before the group began their meditation experiment, they publicly predicted that they would reduce violent crime—homicides, rapes and aggravated assaults, measured by the FBI Uniform Crime Statistics—in the city by 20 percent. Before the study, violent crime had been rising steadily during the first five months of the year.

The chief of police at the time ridiculed their prediction, asserting that the only thing that would reduce crime that much would be 20 inches of snow.

A week or so into the study, violent crime began to decrease, and continued to drop until the end of the project.

By the end, the maximum decrease in violent crime was 23.3 percent below the time series prediction for that time of year. This most significant lowering of the predicted crime rate happened when the size of the group was at its greatest during the final week of the experiment.

The statistical probability that this result might reflect chance variation in crime levels was less than two in one billion (p < .000000002).The research is considered extremely reliable by the usual standards of social science.

We don’t need to be an accomplished meditator or professional prayer healer to get results either. In 1988, doctors in San Francisco divided 393 coronary care unit patients admitted into two groups. The first group received no organized prayer, while the second half had people outside the hospital praying for their recovery.

The second group was further divided into two groups. Half were professional or experienced healers whose prayers were focused on specific healing outcomes, such as coronary arteries becoming unclogged or chest pain being reduced; this is called “specific prayer”.

The second half were amateurs, who simply prayed that the patients would receive whatever healing they needed; this is called “non-specific prayer”.

The research was conducted according to the highest double blind protocols. Neither the patients nor the doctors knew who was being prayed for and who wasn’t. At the outset, both groups of patients were equally ill.

In the end—not too surprisingly— the group that was prayed for developed significantly less severe heart disease, were less likely to need mechanical help breathing, and consumed fewer antibiotics and diuretics. What was surprising was that of the two halves of the prayed for group, the half that received nonspecific prayer did better than the half prayed for by the professional healers.

FARM TO TABLE ORGANIC AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCE & MEATS. Other studies tell a similar story.

Watch for our Hybrid Boats Delivering Your Farm Products to Market

It’s often said that the best things "Sustainability One Neighborhood at a Time" in life are simple. There are many ways to meditate while holding a benevolent 7 Cove Avenue, East Norwalk, CT 06855 • 203-939-9289 • harborharvest.com and healing intention. If we already have a meditation or prayer practice of our own, we can spend part of it holding an aspiration and intention for the ® healing of our planet in whatever way suits us. There are also a few easy steps Ageless Posture, Freedom of Movement to guide us.

Improving posture and functi on through soft tissue

Begin by sitting in a comfortable manipulati on and movement educati on. position in a quiet, private place at a Free Thai Yoga Massage time with little disturbance.

Begin the Rolfi ng 10 Session Series in November and receive a

Spend a minute or two observing 1 ½ hr Thai Yoga Massage upon completion. any tensions in the body while breathOffices in Westport and Fairfield, CT • www.westportrolfing.com ing in; release the tensions one by one Mikel Bensend Sachi Nakayama Prep Work • Sanding • Taping Prep Work • Sanding • Taping while breathing out. Come into a state Patching Certified Advanced Rolfer Certified Advanced Rolfer Repairs •• Carpentry Carpentry Patching •• Repairs 203-216-9770 of relaxation.

Environmentally Friendly Friendly 203-216-9720 Environmentally mikel@westportrolfing.com sachi@westportrolfing.com

Select a healing intention upon which to focus. For example, we may wish for the end of fighting and warfare, or the eradication of a particular Call Phil Today! disease, or an end to poverty or crime.

We will will Gladly Gladly Provide Provide We

Imagine that happening and what it References References would be like if it were to come true.

CT Lic. Lic. 55081C 55081C CT Fullywith Insured Fully Insured Picture that intention merged that of all the other people who hold the Commercial Green Cleaning Available for HOME! same wish. Feel the power of that collective intention, and see it coming to pass.

SNO = Safe-Natural-Organics

When ready to conclude, dedicate Safe enough to clean Appliances, Counters, Stainless & Chrome. the energy of the practice to helping all Tough enough to Remove Dirt, Oils & Pet Stains from Carpeting, living beings find peace, comfort and Floors & Blankets. SNO works great to remove Wine & Coffee Stains from Linens, Clothing & Laundry. SNO gets rid of all odors. happiness.

Westport Rolfing

Jampa Mackenzie Stewart is a meditation teacher, board certified acupuncturist, tai chi and qigong instructor, and author. He can be reached at Valley Spirit Wellness Center in Washington Depot or at Jampa@HealingTaoInstitute. com. See ad, page 17.

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

SNO is Safe Around Children & Pets.

100% Plant Based Kosher Certified Ingredients.

Made from Citrus Essential Oils Free of Dyes & Perfumes.

Manufactured in USA FDA Food Grade Facility.

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

December 2016

29

INNER PEACE: The Path to World Peace

Buddhist Teachings Support Happiness

H

by Janet Kathleen Ettele

is Holiness the Dalai Lama speaks to audiences all over the world; he frequently reminds them that there are now over seven billion human beings on this planet. “Physically, emotionally and mentally our needs and wishes are all the same,” he says. “All human beings want a happy life.” He emphasizes that when we talk about a happy life and a peaceful world, we cannot neglect the importance of inner peace.

Although meditation is often proclaimed to be an avenue to inner peace, the effect of any meditation depends on its type and the motivation one brings to it. Research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology has investigated brain activity during meditation. This research has demonstrated that just as one can learn to play a musical instrument, ride a bicycle, or play a game of chess, one can also learn methods to cultivate happiness and compassion. The two go hand in hand. All of these endeavors require practice and time; the good news is that because the brain changes in response to mental training, the plasticity of the brain makes it possible to train the mind to be happy.

Methods to cultivate inner peace and a happy mind practiced in Buddhist traditions include developing an expansive view of interdependence or, very simply put, an 30

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

understanding that no one and no thing exists independently.

The byproduct of this view is an altruistic state of mind strengthened through meditation and practices, including mindfulness of thoughts, actions and morality and cultivation of wisdom, compassion and understanding. These are the underpinnings of the Buddhist philosophy and path.

The altruistic mind—the intention to benefit others—may seem easy to embrace until we experience the uncomfortable realization that benefiting others doesn’t apply only to a selectively chosen group of friends, nice people or relatives.

Altruism is a universal intention that includes all beings with complete equanimity, with neither attachment nor aversion— even toward those we consider to be enemies. Holding the awareness that all beings want to be happy and that no one willingly invites unhappiness into their lives, we can learn to develop the quality of equanimity. In doing so, we come to understand also that the root cause of our own suffering is self-centeredness. This self-centeredness is the absorption with and attachment to a misguided concept of an inherently existing self—a self that engages life on automatic pilot, as if it has some permanent quality at its core, a quality that is in fact constructed by the self. Some people consider this self to be the ego. It often filters experience through a “What’s in it for me?” or “Who’s trying to hurt me?” attitude and believes it exists independently of others and of the many causes and conditions that sustain its existence. It is also the view of someone who believes, “If I change my self-centered view, people will walk all over me and I’ll be taken advantage of.”

But what actually happens is that when we understand it, the view of interdependence heightens wisdom so that we can then navigate all experiences much more skillfully and with results that are more likely to be beneficial to all.

Interdependence is linked to the laws of cause and effect, or karma. When we take the time to reflect on the nature of cause and effect, we can observe how it plays out in our own lives and in the lives of others. Through this reflection, we can see that the negative results of our selfcenteredness are apparent in every dispute ranging from those on a personal level to those on a global level. Whether on a small or large scale, people experience disputes through issues related to pride, greed, jealousy, anger, hatred, and other negative states of mind.

While Buddhist logic and philosophy require a level of understanding of the true nature of reality that few of us will likely ever get our minds around, we can begin by understanding interdependence on a basic level. Living in a culture where so much is readily available to us with just the click of a few buttons, a phone call or a credit card, our interdependence is easy to miss. However, we can train ourselves to broaden our minds when we recognize that, in truth, no matter how independent we consider ourselves to be, we do not and cannot exist in isolation. The clothes we wear, food we eat, electricity that lights our homes and the fuel that heats them are available to us only in dependence upon a vast collection of others. When we consider the humans, animals and insects that have contributed to making the things that sustain our lives and the conditions under which they live, then slowly a sense of gratitude and appreciation begins to

enter. Through this type of reflection, our capacity for compassion and our experience of inner peace begin to deepen and grow.

For years, the Dalai Lama has been writing and speaking to audiences about the need for secular ethics—ethics that are not tied to a particular religion but are a characteristic of our humanity. He says the seed of unlimited and unbiased compassion is present at birth and, therefore, everyone has this seed. He points out that the younger generation is our hope for the future and we need to cultivate the seeds of compassion for children in order to plant the seeds necessary for a happy future and a happy world—a world of peace. He describes this effort as “educating the heart.” When human values—such as compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment and self-discipline—are nurtured, people develop increased inner strength; this, in turn, develops self-confidence and reduces fear. Because fear and love cannot coexist, with less fear we are free to experience a feeling of closeness, warmheartedness and compassion for others.

While the younger generation may be our greatest hope, adults of all ages must take very seriously the power we all have as individuals to change our internal worlds. Research presented this past September at The Mind and Life Institute’s Power and Care Conference in Brussels, Belgium, reveals that by engaging just 20 to 30 minutes in daily reflection and meditation on compassion and equanimity, we can change the automatic pilot tendencies within our own minds; we bring inner peace to ourselves and, thereby, to those around us.

Through the focused efforts of educating the heart and embracing secular ethics, then regardless of faith or tradition, true peace is not naïve optimism but an achievable reality that begins with a wise and compassionate mind.

Janet Kathleen Ettele is a mindfulnessbased life coach in northern Fairfield County and the author of How Generosity Works, How the Root of Kindness Works, and How Patience Works. She brings her background as a student of Buddhist dharma into contemporary practice through her writing, coaching, and music. Connect at JanetEttele.com.

Fast, Easy, Natural & Successful Get relief in minutes!

Diane Bahr-Groth CHy, TFTdx

Hypnosis . Thought Field Therapy NLP . Time Line . Regression Virtual Gastric Band Hypnosis

Call 203-595-0110 for a FREE Consultation Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

Trauma Weight Loss Sleep Motivation Fear Smoking Anger Self Sabotage Sports Success

1177 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT Mindbodytransformation.com 203-595-0110

HELPING YOU MAKE YOUR NEXT MOVE. The Miale Team guides clients on their real estate journeys - from search to sale, we’re here to help you get into your next home. Contact Us to Start.

Matthew Miale - Miale Team CEO matthewmiale@kw.com 860-416-1815

Use Promo Code AF1016 to Save 10% on Your Next Online Order!

Offer valid on online orders placed by11/30/2016

Award Winning Organic European Chocolates As seen in the New York Times and the Boston Globe

Try a Celtic Coffee treat and enjoy layer upon layer of rich dark chocolate, a coffee ganache, caramelized French and hazelnut—pure heaven!

• Gluten Free • Vegan (No Dairy Used) • Corn Syrup Free • Cholesterol Free

The Perfect Duo features organic peanut butter and vegan caramel with our dark chocolate —truly divine!

Pure Ingredients Used

860.643.2552 • dtchocolates.com/featured eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

31

Singles Scene Makes You Want to Stay Single?

5 Powerful Tools to Beat the Loving Odds

by Noreen Ehrlich

W

e can see the scene replayed over and over in our heads.

The location may be different but the atmosphere is similar. A dimly lit but stylish bar attracts the pretty, the rich, the kind and the hard-hearted.

With such an eclectic mix, we’d assume there’d be more love connections.

The Long Island Sound glistens outside

the windows, mega-mansions with deep green lawns light the coastline across the harbor, and exquisite yachts are tied neatly to the dock while their posh owners eat at the 5-star restaurant inside.

People drink high-end cocktails around the bar, talking, smiling and nodding. The promise of fun and new

connections beckon people from miles around, dressed in their best to socialize with friend and foe alike.

But something is off. Despite the toned bodies, personal fortunes, perfume and deep romantic longing, there is an incongruence that obliterates most chances for a real love connection.

It turns out, finding true love is not a seduction game. It may be the complete opposite. Real love demands authenticity, vulnerability and time; those things are not high on the priority list at the “in” bars and restaurants.

There are things we can do to improve our chances of making a meaningful connection on the singles scene but it requires a radical change of conditioning and a large dose of courage. Real intimacy is not for the faint of heart.

Attracting a Happy, Healthy and Enduring Relationship

1.

Upshift the story and patterns around love.

What seems to always happen in our attempts to create a romantic bond?

What is the story we tell ourselves or others? Try to unearth the subconscious stories and reckon with them. It is vitally important to realize that we are a victim only of our own false beliefs about ourselves and others.

Connecticut’s Largest Organic Mattress Gallery Every mattress in our Carpe Diem and Terra Bed Collections is made entirely by hand using only natural filling materials.

Our mattresses are backed by a 25 year warranty and are designed to offer you a great value and return on your investment. Please stop in and try one for yourself. We think you will be very impressed.

Norwalk 508 Main Avenue 203.846.2233

Starting at $1,099

Comfort, Not Chemicals 32

Fairfield County Edition

Stamford 55 High Ridge Road 203.323.1509

A Klein Family Tradition Since 1947 www.organicsleep.com

natural awakenings

Examples include: “Men I date all turn out to be narcissists.”

“Women are only after my money.”

“Nice guys are boring.”

“Men don’t want strong women.”

Remember that the law of attraction will keep showing what we already believe. That means we are the ones responsible for the outcome of our relationships. Be positive and loving and watch life mirror that love back at us.

2.

Set your intentions to attract real love, not just the illusion of love.

Now that we are conscious of thoughts, stories and patterns that don’t serve us, become determined to see the possibility of a healthy, safe and loving romance.

Now reinforce the notion that we will do whatever it takes to accomplish this goal of sharing our lives with our equal out of a newly-found respect for ourselves. Think or write about why we want a committed partner, what we want to feel and share with another.

Visualize, hear and feel it.

3.

we want? The answer is we need to live our lives as our highest and best selves.

For example, are we carrying old resentments toward past lovers, friends or parents? These feelings will wreak havoc on relationships until we resolve them. Now is the time to identify and heal old wounds.

Prepare for love.

We’ve set the intention; now comes the internal and external housecleaning.

We’re thinking now about the type of person we’d like to attract into our lives. Who do we need to become to attract and maintain the commitment

take full responsibility for it. This means, in most cases, making radical changes.

Stay alert for what voice we listen to inside. Is it the childish, fearful side of our personalities or the wise adult?

Trust ourselves to handle life as it comes with no drama. We are not a victim. We know exactly what to do but have frequently chosen from a weaker version of our personalities.

Now we are developing full-time self-respect. We consider our needs and set clear boundaries. This increases self-respect and, in turn, gains respect from others.

5.

Are we fit and healthy? Start to take care of the body. Set goals to make changes if drinking too much, overeating or under-exercising are issues.

Is the home a bachelor pad, or is it warm and inviting? Start living “as if” our beloved will show up soon. Throw out the reminders of past relationships and begin to reflect the sophistication of the “new you.”

4.

Live self-love.

Self-love is respecting our needs and vulnerabilities. This means learning to value parts of ourselves that we or others might feel are weaknesses. Our lives will improve exponentially when we

Partner with life.

“Go be happy.” It sounds simple but requires an understanding not everyone has developed. Life is aligned to deliver to us our deepest desires. We all have a guidance system inside us that, like the navigation system in our car, directs us to become who we next want to be. Practice relying on that intuition.

Life mirrors back who we are inside. Act irresponsibly, things go wrong.

Give love, and we get love. Clean life, clean love. Practice trusting life. Partner with it. Give and expect higher love.

Noreen Ehrlich is a love and relationship coach in Greenwich with expertise in how to attract true love using the proven Calling in “the One” approach.

Learn more at NoreenEhrlich.com.

natural awakenings

Product Marketplace Homegrown Plant Medicine & Self Care Products Made With Organic, Local Ingredients

Heal Yourself Heal Earth Sustainably handcrafted in Easton, CT mindfully & with love.

Bath Salts | Body Scrub | Skincare Healing Salves | Smudge | Candles Flower Essences Gift Baskets & Kits Available

Something for everyone!

www.triplegoddessremedies.com triplegoddessremedies triplegoddessremedies

Handcrafted Jewelry for the FreeSpirit

“Crystal inspired jewelry has the natural ability to increase energy, making them powerful tools that have been used for centuries to assist in emotional and spiritual well being.”

N

Denisse Germosen, LLC www.germosen.net eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

33

xavier gallego morell/Shutterstock.com

healingways

Heal Adrenal Fatigue

NATURALLY Practical Ways to Regain Vitality

by Linda Sechrist

F

atigue due to physical or mental exertion is common in those beleaguered by stress, poor eating habits and insomnia, struggling to balance the needs of family and career and too often using caffeine and other stimulants to artificially rebound energy. James L. Wilson, Ph.D., a doctor of chiropractic and naturopathy, educates medical professionals about an even more serious health issue he identifies as “adrenal fatigue”; it’s characterized by below-optimal adrenal function induced by an overload of such stressors. Our two walnut-sized adrenal glands, one atop each kidney, produce vital hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and many other functions, including how the body deals with stress.

Identifying the Core Issue

In his book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, Wilson sheds light on the scope of the problem.

“The fact that adrenal fatigue is unrecognized by conventional medicine has left millions of people suffering from an untreated problem that interferes with their ability to function normally and capacity to enjoy life. For those whose adrenal glands are ‘running on empty’, even something as basic as happiness seems almost out of reach,” comments Wilson, who resides in Tucson, Arizona.

Individuals suffering from adrenal fatigue are most concerned about their low moods, energy, mental acuity and libido, for which conventional medicine typically prescribes antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications do nothing to revive adrenal functioning.

This faulty condition also affects weight gain and a propensity toward the development of some diseases, including 34

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

fibromyalgia. “Your resiliency, energy, endurance and very life depend on the proper functioning of the adrenals,” Wilson says.

We’ve inherited our sympathetic nervous system and its stress response of fight-or-flight from our prehistoric ancestors. It hasn’t evolved to differentiate between an acute threat to survival and the chronic threats from looming deadlines, financial pressures and other modern-day worries.

“The adrenal stress response to physical danger or any perceived psychological threat is identical—the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine responsible for cascading physiological reactions,” explains Dr. Vijay Jain, who treats fatigue from an integrative perspective at his Mind Body Wellness Center, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Suggested Treatments

Adrenal fatigue is mainly a self-induced health problem that doesn’t just appear. It results from an accumulation of ongoing choices that we can change.

Jain applies ayurvedic principles to reestablish balance in the body’s three prominent mind-body types that influence personal well-being. These are known as vata, pitta and kapha. For people primarily characterized by vata and pitta typology, fatigue is the result of being overactive and burning the candle at both ends. For those with kapha constitutions, fatigue is the outcome of a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient movement and eating the wrong foods for them.

He further recommends getting more sleep with regular bedtimes, practices such as yoga nidra meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing) and a slower-paced yoga practice with longerheld meditative poses, as well as massage and a diet designed to restore our biological energies, or doshas, to a balanced state.

“Depending on a patient’s constitution I advise some to slow down and burn 50 percent less of their candle, while I tell others to increase their physical activity and improve their diet.”

Jain also recommends a type of ayurvedic purification and detoxification treatment that involves a series of five therapies including massage and herbal treatments. Performed in sequence, these allow the body and mind to drop into a state of peacefulness. Acupuncture treatments are also helpful, along with a regimen of adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng, schisandra and ashwagandha, according to Jain.

In Happy Healthy Thyroid: The Essential Steps to Healing Naturally, author Andrea Beaman writes about how she recovered naturally from adrenal fatigue. To restore energy and vitality to the body, she further recommends the healing practices of hatha yoga, qigong and tai chi. “These modalities build energy, whereas power yoga, and cardiovascular exercises drain energy in fatigued individuals,” advises Beaman. She notes that it can take six months to two years to restore desired energy levels.

Beaman counsels individuals with behavioral characteristics that make it more challenging to burn less of their candle. She grabs their attention with the critical nature of their situation. “‘You are in and out of life in a blink. If you’re exhausted at age 48, how are you going to live a vibrant, happy and exuberant life right up to the finish line?’

That generally works,” she says.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

More Tips to Redding Meditation Center An Oasis in the Woods Beat Fatigue

by Linda Sechrist

T

he earliest signs of adrenal fatigue are low energy and the need for several strong shots of caffeine to kick-start the morning or get through an afternoon slump. If these symptoms arise, take steps to begin nourishing, restoring and de-stressing the adrenal glands.

Eliminate stressors. Reevaluate daily schedules to make room for a regular session of yoga, meditation, tai chi or qigong.

Establish a regular sleeping schedule aligned with the body’s natural cycle.

Slipping between the sheets no later than 10 p.m. can mean better and deeper rest.

Make dietary changes, starting with 40 grams of protein each morning.

Limit the intake of stimulants, including caffeine. Eliminate sugar and processed grains. Add adaptogenic herbs and organic coconut and olive oils to dishes and food preparation.

Eat nutritious foods such as greens and brightly colored vegetables. As a result, blood sugar and insulin levels will take fewer rollercoaster rides, easing the work of the adrenals.

Refrain from over-exercising. Excessive cardio or endurance training is hard on the adrenals, so substitute more relaxing forms of exercise.

Practice calming mindfulness and deep, controlled, diaphragmatic breathing.

by Negin Royaee

“P

eaceful, inspired and connected.”

That is how Sandra Centorino of Cheshire described feeling after her first visit to the Redding Meditation center. Having traveled over an hour with a friend on a Thursday afternoon for regular meditation, she immediately decided to come back for the weekend retreat the following month with her daughter.

Located just off Route 7 in Redding near the Ridgefield border, the center provides its devoted members and the larger community with a serene and spiritual space in which to practice meditation and mindfulness. Mahasati insight meditation is taught and practiced by Thai monks who reside on the property. Instead of focusing on breathing in silence, the Mahasati form utilizes small, rhythmic hand movements to create self-awareness.

Developed by Thai Meditation Master Luangpor Teeang, this dynamic form of meditation is appropriate for beginners as well as seasoned practitioners, regardless of nationality, race or religion. All visitors are welcome to the center.

The center’s main space was transformed from a barn to a vast open space, with wood flooring, exposed beams and tall ceilings. Mats, cushions and towels

face a large window where nature provides a relaxing view for insight meditation. During daily meditation, practitioners can focus within while kneeling, sitting or walking. Some also walk outside to meditate in the garden when the weather permits. The classes offer just over an hour of meditation in silence, followed by a Dhama talk given by one of the resident Thai monks. Beginners can attend an introductory class offered on Saturday mornings with shorter meditation in silence and additional guidance.

The Center calendar is filled with various events open to the public, including an informal discussion group on Buddhist teachings and a family program to introduce children ages 4 to 12 to Theravada Buddhist concepts of loving kindness. Mindfulness of breath, art, yoga and meditation are on the schedule as well as monthly one-day and quarterly weekend retreats for those who wish to deepen their practice. Members socialize at month-end potlucks following meditation. An art exhibit brings works of talented artists to the center during the holidays and again in the summer.

The space is also utilized by private teachers who instruct yoga, Chakradance, Tibetan Bells Sound Journey and traditional healing exercises. High schoolers, health teachers, traditional medicine practitioners and other groups may also use the tranquil space for various wellness programs.

Negin Royaee is administrative director at Redding Meditation Center. Connect at ReddingMeditation.org. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 59.

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

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

35

INSPIRED

TABLE

inspiredtable Get Fresh With Halo Studios on Tuesdays

F

resh produce from small local farms can now be waiting for you at Halo Studios every Tuesday because the wellness studio has become a Field Goods delivery location. Bags come in four sizes with prices ranging from $16 to $32 a week. The weekly delivery consists of five to eight freshlyharvested fruits and vegetables. Fresh pasta, artisan bread, local dairy, additional fruit and more can be added as extras or delivered weekly. If you are traveling, your delivery account can be put on hold and restarted when you return.

As an example, a May delivery might consist of cherries, rainbow Swiss chard, orange beets, spicy salad mix, sugar snap peas and fiddleheads. Winter products include an array of frozen local produce, mushrooms, apples, winter veggies (potatoes, carrots, cabbage, winter squash) and greenhouse products.

Field Goods, located in Athens, New York, offers a subscription-based service that delivers produce from small farms to employees and consumers at workplaces and community sites throughout the year. Halo Studios is home to nine independent businesses: Pryority, Physical Therapy and Integrative Medicine, Nearwater Pilates, Bodymechanics, Sama Yoga Center, Halo Fitness, New Canaan Racquet Club, an organic café and a pro shop.

For more information and to sign up for the fresh produce subscription, visit Field-Goods.com. Location: Halo Studios, 45 Grove St, New Canaan.

Dine with Sugar & Olives to Benefit CT NOFA

J

oin us for an elevated farmto-table dining experience in a charming industrial space to celebrate fall, support CT NOFA, and dine on cutting edge vegetarian cuisine showcasing the season’s bounty. Sit down at Sugar & Olives in Norwalk with chef/restaurateur Jennifer Balin on December 3 from 7-10 pm. Enjoy live music and an opportunity to dine with the growers and producers whose food and drink is being served at the event.

This elegant vegetarian feast features fall vegetables grown by CT NOFA farmers and cocktails crafted with small-batch local spirits and seasonal ingredients.

Sugar & Olives, a 3-star certified green restaurant, has been a lunch sponsor at CT NOFA’s Annual Winter Conference for the last five years.

Tickets to the CT NOFA fundraiser dinner are $100 per person ($700 for a table of eight), which includes an event sourcebook with the menu, recipes, and farm and food sources. They must be purchased online before the event.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 36

Fairfield County Edition

For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/CTNOFAFallDinner.

Location: Sugar & Olives Restaurant, 21 Lois St, Norwalk.

Today you are you. That is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is you-er than you! ~Dr. Seuss natural awakenings

Celebrate with Real Fruit Gelato

M

arc Brodsky, a medical doctor in Stamford, has launched a new gelato line sweetened only with natural fruit. Tart ‘n Soul Gelato is available now in pomegranate and tart cherry flavors.

“Created with Heart for Your Health,” the tagline for Tart ‘n Soul Gelato, was chosen because of the potential health effects of its fruit flavors. Brodsky’s Tart ‘n Soul Gelato recipes are produced by Longford’s Ice Cream and are currently available at Shoprite in Stamford.

Brodsky’s idea of a nutritious, fun frozen dessert started in Los Angeles, Mark Brodsky California, where he met a person who owned a gelato café. Fascinated by the texture and fruity taste of the gelato, Brodsky began experimenting to create his own healthy versions of gelato. In addition to the fruit, ingredients include potato starch, whole milk, cream, non-fat dry milk and soy lecithin, among others.

The potential benefits of pomegranate include improved blood flow to the heart, and slowing plaque buildup in blood vessels and cancer growth. Tart cherries can play a part in preventing cancers, fighting heart disease and protecting against muscle damage.

Tart ‘n Soul Gelato is available at Shoprite, 1990 W Main St, Stamford.

Organika Kitchen Thrives in Southport

O

rganika Kitchen, a restaurant offering organic, vegan, gluten and GMO-free meals, opened in Southport at the end of the summer and is thriving, offering new catering and juice cleanse options, says manager Dimitri Pantzos.

Launched by an experienced Fairfield County restaurant family that includes two passionate long-time vegetarians and graduates of the Hippocrates Institute (Pantzos’ mother and aunt), Organika Kitchen offers a comprehensive menu offering organic, vegan, gluten-free and GMO-free selections, all made in the on-site kitchen. From protein bowls, salads and soups to smoothies, cold pressed juices and acai bowls to gluten-free pasta, pizza and healthy, unrefined dessert treats, everything is made in house. Pantzos says they also source ingredients as much as possible from local farmers.

Organika Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Catering is now available; custom meal planning as well as a juice cleanse program will begin soon.

For more information, visit OrganikaCT.com or call 203-955-1500. Location: 3546 Post Rd, Southport.

Chamomille

NATURAL FOODS S I N C E 1978

Need Advice On Your Health Issues?

Customized Nutritional Counseling with Onsite Nutritionist & Herbalist Barry Sherr Join our

Owner, Nutritionist, R.H., A.H.G. Free Loyalty Certified by A.H.S.U. & N.I.N.E Program for Registered Herbalist - A.H.G Reduced Pricing!

Decades of Integrity, Dedication, & Service Gift Cards Available 203-792-8952 • Rt. 6 Plaza (58-60 Newtown Rd.) Danbury, CT 06810 www.ChamomilleNaturalFoods.com

1084 Post Road, Darien • 24 Railroad Place, Westport www.olivettect.com • (203) 621-0643

WARM MUSTARDY BRUSSELS SPROUT SALAD (Serves 4 to 6)

This crunchy salad, which combines Brussels sprouts’ bright green leaves with a tangy mustard vinaigrette, will win over even skeptical diners. Serve as an impressive side dish for the holidays or a weeknight meal with your family.

INGREDIENTS: 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed 1/2 cup blanched hazelnuts, toasted and roughly chopped 1 shallot, finely minced 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Using a paring knife, carefully core Brussels sprouts. Pull apart the sprouts, separating the leaves from one another and place in a large bowl. Toss with hazelnuts.

• Combine shallot, vinegar, mustards, salt and nutmeg in a small saucepan and let sit for 5 minutes. Add oil. Place pan over low heat and whisk slowly until vinaigrette is emulsified and warmed through, about 3 minutes.

• Pour vinaigrette over Brussels sprouts and toss to fully coat leaves. Serve warm. eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

37

healthykids

inspired by The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

MERRY MUNCHING Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love

by Judith Fertig

W

hen sugar was a commodity only the wealthy could afford, “visions of sugarplums” danced in the heads of children ensconced in Clement Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Now, cheap candy is everywhere and not all that special. What is special is making memories aligned with contemporary traditions while enjoying naturally sweet, healthy treats that kids will remember helping to create.

“It’s important to limit sugary snacks, even during the holidays,” says Claire McCarthy, a Boston Children’s Hospital pediatrician, Harvard Medical School assistant professor of pediatrics and senior editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is also a mother of elementary school kids. “We need to use the opportunity—any opportunity these days—to teach children and families about eating healthy.”

Healthier Holiday Snacks Mothers Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, of Provo, Utah, agree that raising healthy kids is a challenge. Dealing with picky eaters, getting family members to exercise and sourcing organic baby care products are all in a day’s work for them. It’s why they founded SuperHealthyKids.com. Subscribers have access to meal plans, recipes and healthy parenting tips. Recent advice includes ditching prepackaged popcorn (listing unpronounceable ingredients) and instead making the treat at home— popping kernels in coconut oil and topping the result with maple snickerdoodle flavorings.

Many moms turn to online boards for party ideas. Fun photos posted there guide kids in creating naturally sweet treats, such as fresh fruit skewers shaped like elves or magic wands

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

38

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

“Building a gingerbread house is a time-honored tradition for many families,” says Jacquie Fisher, a Kansas City, Missouri, mom who masterminds the educational blog and kid-friendly adventure postings at KCEdventures. com. Learning to construct the edible structure is intriguing fun.

“Testing out how to balance the walls, construct a roof and put together a fun little structure is the perfect intro to some basic physics principles,” she notes. Because she’s not a fan of sugar icing and candy add-ons, Fisher’s kids connect over how to make Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s stable with whole-wheat graham crackers “glued” together with a homemade maple caramel mixed with coconut milk. They decorate using dried fruit, nuts, dry cereal and flaked coconut.

Christmas Stocking Stuffer and Hanukkah Gelt For healthy alternatives to sugary candy, savvy parents source sweet treats made with 100 percent fruit juice and fair trade chocolate available at health food stores and markets.

Registered Dietitian Abbie Gellman, in New York City, reinvents the Hanukkah gelt, or foil-wrapped chocolate coins, that Jewish children traditionally receive. She flattens dried apricots with a kitchen mallet, dips them in melted dark chocolate and then sprinkles the treats with sea salt.

We can always make wonderful memories true to the spirit of holiday traditions, and do it today in a healthier way.

Gina Smith/Shutterstock.com

Kzenon/Shutterstock.com

Gingerbread House Update

Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Sugarplums Update

Perk-Me-Ups

Healthy Sweets for Kids

mon, until well combined. Pour over the popcorn and mix well. Sprinkle the top with a few pinches of sea salt, mix again and taste.

Serve immediately making additional sea salt available.

Courtesy of Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, SuperHealthyKids.com/ maple-snickerdoodle-popcorn.

Seasonal Drinks that Revitalize Fresh Hot Ginger Tea Yields: 2 servings Bring 2 cups of water to a boil, and then add 1 small knob of fresh ginger, precut into thin slices. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain out the ginger slices and serve in a mug.

Courtesy of Judith Fertig, Alfresco FoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

Apricot Gelt Yields: 12 servings (6 pieces per person)

Yields: About 5 cups

1½ lb dried apricots 1 lb dark chocolate chips 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt

Popcorn: 1 tsp coconut oil, melted ½ cup popcorn kernels

Using a heavy skillet or mallet, flatten apricots to ¼-inch thickness and set aside.

Maple Snickerdoodle Topping: 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup ½ tsp cinnamon Sea salt to taste

Place chocolate in the top of a doubleboiler over simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted.

Heat the coconut oil in a medium saucepan, with a lid, over medium heat. Add 3 kernels of popcorn and wait for them to pop. Once the test kernels start to pop, add the rest, cover and allow to pop, shaking occasionally until popping slows to a near stop.

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.

For the topping, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup and cinna-

Dip each apricot in chocolate, coating ½ to ¾ of the apricot. Place on wire racks set over parchment or wax paper and sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand until set.

Transfer apricots to baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper and refrigerate until firm. The gelt may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

Adapted from a recipe by Abbie Gellman, SPECertified.com/blog/view/ apricot-gelt-recipe.

Nature’s Temptations

Your HealTHY FooD MarKeT

where community and healthy food is our priority

Dokmaihaeng/Shutterstock.com

Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn

Fresh Hot Peppermint Tea Yields: 1 serving Bring 1 cup of water to a boil. While it’s boiling, place 7 to 10 fresh organic mint leaves in a tea cup. Pour the hot water over the mint leaves and let them steep in the cup for 5 minutes. Strain out leaves as desired, and enjoy.

Courtesy of Heather Crosby, author of YumUniverse: Infinite Possibilities for a Gluten-Free, Plant-Powerful, WholeFood Lifestyle; YumUniverse.com/ fresh-peppermint-tea.

WEstport

orgaNic • local • SuSTaiNable Produce • Meats & Seafood • Bulk Foods Juice Bar • Cafe • Prepared Foods • Deli Vitamins • Health & Beauty • Well Baby Catering for all Occasions

naturestemptations.com

w e s t p o r t f a r m e r s m a r k e t. c o m

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

39

One-Person Pamper Party Natural Ways to Refresh and Renew

by April Thompson

P

ampering ourselves isn’t a luxury so much as a necessity to refresh and renew mind, body and spirit.

A Spa Specialty Spas have been synonymous with pampering throughout the ages. “Every civilization around the world has had some kind of communal gathering place for people to practice ‘self-healing’,” says Jeremy McCarthy, group director of Spa & Wellness for the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and author of The Psychology of Spas & Wellbeing.

From ancient Greek bathhouses to Japan’s beloved natural hot springs, spas have long served as sacred places of healing and restoration. Indeed, many treatments provided at today’s eco-spas draw inspiration from traditional uses of herbs, honey and olive oil to care for skin and hair.

Locally, natural spas’ pampering services may range from botanically based facials and mud masks to herbal body wraps and hot stone massage.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental

Design certified spas take extra strides toward sustainability through efficient use of renewable energy, green building materials and sound stewardship of resources.

“Spas are more important to people today than ever,” says McCarthy. “In the modern age, we all need places to escape from technology, experience moments of quiet contemplation and feel the touch of another human being.” He recently launched a new Digital Detox initiative at Mandarin Oriental hotels, where guests are encouraged to surrender their phones upon arrival at the spa to curtail online distractions. In spa relaxation rooms, they can instead access mindfulness activities such as journaling, note card writing, meditation or simply enjoying the silence.

More Pampering Spots While busy people tend to put off selfcare, there are treats to suit any schedule or budget—from getting a quick manicure or pedicure at a neighborhood eco-nail salon to visiting a yoga or wellness center.

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

Robin Ordan, LCSW

R

203-561-8535 www.robinordanlcsw.com Located on the Old Greenwich/Stamford Border

Business Coaching For Pinnacle Success 40

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

g-stockstudio/Shutterstock.com

greenliving

“I build pampering into my week. If you don’t make time for you, who will?” asks Melanie Laporte, a make-up artist and freelance writer in Washington, D.C. “When your significant other or family members see you taking care of yourself, they’ll honor your time more. I remember Mom taking power baths and telling us, ‘This is my time. I’ll be back in 30 minutes and then we can read together.’ We respected that.”

For a quick, healthy pick-me-up, visit an organic juice bar. Opt for businesses that feature fresh, whole ingredients rather than pre-mixed powders or sugarladen juices; to give the immune system an extra lift, add a natural booster shot of ginger or turmeric. Most grocery stores now carry cold-pressed juices that can pack as much as six pounds of produce into a single bottle.

An honored ritual that continues to restore spent spirits is drinking a cup of tea. Whether sipped at home, as a British high tea featuring an organic Earl Grey or as part of a traditional Japanese green tea ceremony steeped in Zen, tea time allows us to slow down and savor the moment along with the aromas in our cup. Also, antioxidant-rich tea is fortifying.

Salt room visits, another healthy pleasure that has spread throughout the U.S., dates back 150 years to an indigenous Polish practice. Research indicates that salt therapy, or halotherapy, can help improve conditions such as asthma and allergies and support the immune, nervous and lymphatic systems (see Tinyurl.com/ SaltRoomPampering). Universally restful salt rooms also offer a unique sensory experience.

Another highly accessible way to treat body and mind is to move in a joyful way.

Consider taking up a playful new class for de-stressing and stretching such as trapeze yoga, conscious dance or any other dance.

Aerial yoga, using suspended trapeze-like supports, helps lengthen the spine and strengthen muscles in ways not easily achieved on the ground. Dance delivers health and fitness bonuses in the midst of having fun.

If we’re not in the habit of pampering ourselves, it’s time to stretch our beliefs about what we deserve. We’ll find bliss is an attainable luxury.

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

spaprofiles Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa 787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 SotesWoodburyCT@gmail.com NaturalSaltHealing.com Facebook.com/BreatheClear Twitter.com/HiSaltSue Business summary/ services offered: Salt therapy, BioMat, crystal light, sound therapy, yoga, meditation, energy healing, NAET plus a variety of massages and organic facials. Mind, body and spirit work in unity, nurturing the whole self. Disruption of the delicate harmony of elements within the human body gives rise to disease. Salt of the Earth offers services to help you shift from imbalance to balance.

What drew you to this nurturing work?

Beginning this venture had to do with what my husband and I experienced in our lifetime, everything from climbing the corporate ladder, financial stress, and loss of loved ones to cancer; the toll of it all affected our health. We started looking beyond traditional medicines to alternative therapies and realized there was an abundance of natural treatments that can be just as effective in healing, while supporting one’s immune system.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: All therapists are certified. Salt therapy, BioMat and crystal light therapy are supported with manufacturers’ guarantees and/or product integrity.

Are you offering any special products or services this holiday season?

Purchase six massages with Lea, get the seventh one free.

Stocking stuffer Salt Cave gift cards, purchase five and pay $130. Salt and Sinus special is $80.

What new products or services will you offer in 2017?

Workshops, seminars, children’s programs, sinus and headache treatments, weekend retreats.

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

We are here to educate our surrounding communities with safe, alternative and holistic treatments. We offer a stress-free therapeutic experience, healing from the inside out.

Triple Goddess Remedies Alexandra Leigh Easton 203-293-7669 TripleGoddessRemedies@gmail.com TripleGoddessRemedies.com Facebook.com/TripleGoddessRemedies @TripleGoddessRemedies Business summary/services offered: Triple Goddess Remedies is a line of plant-based, organic and sustainably crafted skincare and first aid. My remedies are handmade with love from my homegrown plants and local ingredients.

What drew you to this nurturing work?

I felt a calling to make it easier for people to take better care of themselves and Earth by providing products that are created mindfully and holistically and connect people with the spirits of plants and nature in the tradition of our ancestors.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: My education of plants began with my grandmother Faye when I was a child. Since then, I have studied herbalism and folk medicine with a myriad of teachers throughout the Northeast. I have completed Pam Montgomery’s Plant Spirit Healing Apprenticeship and continue to study with and be shaped by her as a healer.

Are you offering any special products or services this holiday season?

Products like my soaking salt, body scrub and salve make beautiful gifts. I am also offering healing kits, gift baskets, gift certificates and gift wrapping.

What new products or services will you offer in 2017?

There will be small-batch additions to my usual product line for every season. I also offer workshops on herbalism, plant spirit healing and seasonal wellness and am available for one-on-one plant spirit healing sessions.

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

I am honored to share the wisdom and healing of the plants with you. Visit my website for the online shop, for information about attending workshops or scheduling healing sessions as well as for my list of holiday pop-up shops.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

41

We’re De

Because of yo

spaprofiles Saltana Cave

Salon Aponte

Anna Husted, Principal 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 Anna@SaltanaCave.com SaltanaCave.com Facebook.com/SaltanaCave

Nancy Aponte, Owner 838 Main St, Monroe 203-261-2838 SalonAponte@att.net Beautycounter.com/NancyAponte

Business summary/ services offered: As soon as you enter Saltana Cave, you are surrounded by tons of Himalayan salt rocks. This amazingly beautiful and glowing space has been designed for you to feel an immediate sense of relief both on an emotional and a physical level.

In the cave we offer salt cave sessions for therapy and relaxation, reflexology, Himalayan salt products, classes and workshops, private parties, birthday events, musical events.

What drew you to this nurturing work?

I grew up around natural salt mines in Poland. On a summer visit to Poland, I noticed my daughter’s asthma improved after several visits to a healing salt cave.

What new products or services will you offer in 2017?

Salt therapy (also known as halotherapy) is a very new concept to the U.S. However, people are open and curious, and once they try it, they love it and come back! We offer sound healing concerts including Tibetan and crystal bowls music in the cave, as well as many classes and workshops covering various topics.

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

Saltana Cave is a wonderful place for anyone of all ages to come, experience and receive relief on some level. Research suggests that one 45-minute session in the cave equates to 3 days spent at the shore, as far as the negative ions and minerals go. There is a free session giveaway every Friday – like us on Facebook!

When you say you are in love with humanity, you are well satisfied with yourself. ~Luigi Pirandello

42

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Beautiful Hair The best thing a No Ammonia | No Pa

i

Business summary/ Celebrating services offered: Twenty-seven years ago, I took over the existing business and have transformed it to a greener, cleaner experience without compromising the professional result. We provide healthy hair care alternatives in a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere. We offer hair cutting and styling, creative hair coloring, eyebrow tinting, permanent waving, men’s services, children’s haircuts, Reiki, body sugaring/hair removal, deep conditioning treatments and Beautycounter skincare and makeup and makeup application.

Salon AponteLLC 203-261-2838

27

838 Ma Tues & Fri 9-5 | We

What drew you to this nurturing work?

I always enjoyed creating shapes with hair even as a child.

I enjoy interacting with the public and making them feel happy and confident and working with a creative group and sharing artistic ideas.

Areas of specialty, training, and/or special certifications: Specializing in all forms of hair color from grey coverage to multi-dimensional applications. Guiding recovering cancer patients about styling and coloring as their hair grows back in. Trained as a Reiki practitioner. Advanced hair cutting training. All-natural hair removal/ body sugaring. Continued education to provide cutting edge services Are you offering any special products or services this holiday season?

Safer alternatives to traditional beauty treatments, including; ammonia-free coloring without harmful color pigments; natural- and organic-based shampoos, conditioners and styling products; Beautycounter skin care and makeup and organic nail polish and remover.

What new products or services will you offer in 2017?

We have added the Beautycounter line, which is a company actively trying to educate men and women on the importance of safer ingredients in beauty products.

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

Salon Aponte will continue to search for cleaner safer alternatives in all forms of beauty care. Partnering with Americanmade, like-minded grassroots companies continues to be an honor. Being able to make a difference in peoples’ lives throughout the years has given me great pleasure. The salon attracts like-minded women who are happy to share information and health tips with each other.

Kure Spa/Kure Bar 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk 203-857-1500 KureSpaGL@gmail.com Kure-Spa.com Facebook.com/KureSpa

COMING IN FEBRUARY 2017

Natural Awakenings’

Annual Directory Issues Business summary/services offered: We are a spa and wellness center offering Vibrosaun, massage, Reiki, cranial sacral therapy, acupuncture, Thai yoga, cupping, digital infrared thermal imaging, PEMF therapy and an organic juice bar. The center’s philosophy adheres to these principles for healthy living: detoxification, relaxation and organic nourishment.

What drew you to this nurturing work?

We became drawn to this profession through personal experience. I found myself struggling to keep normal pace in life because I was experiencing chronic fatigue and muscularskeletal pains to a point where I lost my job and went on disability. I saw every kind of specialist you could imagine and ended up on three prescriptions, but wasn’t getting better.

The doctors did not know how to reverse my condition.

When I started to eat a diet of whole, organic foods, added regular use of Vibrosaun, juicing, use of herbal supplements and essential oils, I started to wean myself off the medicines and regain a level of vitality I haven’t felt for over a decade! I knew if I went through this medical nightmare, others were going through it, too. That’s when we decided to open Kure Spa. We understand that some health issues require a different approach.

Are you offering any special products or services this holiday season?

Everyone who comes to our wellness spa will see that we have many complementary therapies. Each therapy has unique benefits, and often clients will do multiple therapies during each visit.

Patients use the Vibrosaun to help reduce Lyme disease symptoms, back pain or arthritis symptoms. It’s great for relaxation and insomnia, too. Clients use PEMF treatments to help speed up old and new injuries such as hip problems, tennis elbow, etc. Our massage therapists give wonderful massages—clients look so peaceful and relaxed when they leave our massage rooms.

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

Many devoted clients come regularly to de-stress and unwind, while others with chronic issues visit us to treat their condition with our unique therapies. We’ve created Kure Spa to be an affordable sanctuary (without compromising quality) for people to stop by on a regular basis so they may live a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle.

Fairfield & New Haven Editions

Double Directory Special

Reach more than 100,000 readers in the Fairfield/Housatonic Valley and New Haven/ Middlesex CT regions! Advertise your business year-round in two Natural Awakenings’ annual directory issues!*

EARLY BIRD RATES $198 for two listings, one per edition Second Listing = $125 for two listings, one per edition Third listings FREE

AFTER EARLY BIRD DEADLINE $250 for two listings, one per edition Second listing = $125 for two listings, one per edition Third listings in each edition FREE

*Early Pricing ends December 15, 2016 Final Deadline 1/12/17

Fairfield Edition • 203-885-4674 New Haven Edition • 203-988-1808 eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

43

petbriefs Possibilities Farm Opens in Wilton

F

rom December 1 through January 15th, Natural Awakenings readers can receive 50 percent off a one-hour, equine-facilitated learning or equineassisted Reiki session at Possibilities Farm, a new resource center for personal and professional development in Wilton. The serene setting, two intuitive horses, and an experienced facilitator and Reiki master will help you thrive during the holiday season. No prior horse experience is necessary and no riding is involved.

The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

For more information or to schedule a visit, contact Carrie Brady at LifeYouveImagined@gmail.com or 203-210-7484.

Extending a Hand to Pet Communities in Need

A

News, articles, resources, eventsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; all dedicated exclusively to happy, naturally healthy living for our furred, feathered and scaled animal companions

Hand for a Paw, Inc. (AHFAP) is a Bridgeportbased, 501(c)(3) non-profit that is passionate about preventing animals from entering the doors of municipal animal control facilities. A Hand for a Paw seeks to eliminate animal suffering at its root by providing mobile humane resources to the underserved communities in Bridgeport through a program called Mobile Pet Solutions. This program assists pet families with affordable vaccines, micro-chipping, a pet food pantry, and access to affordable professional assistance.

Established in 2008, the founders of A Hand for a Paw are Jimmy Gonzalez, former Chief Animal Control Officer, and Melissa Kuian, former Animal Adoption Coordinator for the City of Bridgeportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal Control Facility. Their experiences managing the largest municipal animal shelter in the state was their motivation for establishing A Hand for a Paw. By ensuring that the residents of Bridgeport have access to basic veterinary care, and continuing to emphasize the importance of humane education, A Hand for a Paw is working to make responsible and compassionate pet ownership the standard in Bridgeport.

The organization recently opened a store/office/pet food pantry in Stratford called Animal Artisans because it needed a home base and a place for fundraising efforts. The store sells a wide variety of crafted and donated items at a low cost to raise monies for AHFAP programs.

For more information, visit AHFAP.org, email Info@AHFAP.org or call 203-258-3069. To shop for holiday gifts while supporting a good cause, visit Animal Artisans, 187 Ferry Blvd, Stratford.

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

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

44

Fairfield County Edition

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.

Without them, humanity cannot survive. ~Dalai Lama

natural awakenings

Medications. Prescription drugs are sourced from the same pharmaceutical companies as people. Many of these drugs are the exact same formulation as people and are as costly. Factor in expirations dates, and veterinarians are legally bound to discard hundreds of dollars of supplies on a regular basis.

Specialist opinions. Most veterinarians are not specialized and are similar to a human general practitioner. Our general practitioners may diagnose a chronic condition, but usually send us to a specialist for treatment. It is the same process with veterinarians. They frequently use the services—and incur the cost—of specialists when making a diagnosis.

The Cost of Veterinary Care

by Mary Oquendo

I

n 2015, the American Pet Productions Association found that routine vet care cost cat owners $196 and dog owners $235. This is consistent with other research done by Consumer Reports, which found that wellness veterinary visits can range anywhere between $140 and $340. However, pet injuries and chronic conditions can easily reach thousands of dollars in veterinary bills and if you have multiple pets, care can become even more costly.

Why is veterinarian care so expensive?

Let’s look at what it takes to run a veterinarian business.

Quality staff. Certified veterinary technicians (CVT) receive more specialized training than veterinarian technicians and, therefore, command a higher wage. On average, CVTs earn anywhere from $30,000-60,000 a year depending on their specialties and geographic location. Even a small practice needs a couple of CVTs. Costs increase when receptionists, vet techs, kennel attendants and the office manager are added in.

Student debt. Upon graduating from school, the average debt of a veterinarian is around $300,000. Education doesn’t stop at graduation; continuing

education to keep current with new breakthroughs can add several thousands of dollars a year to that debt, especially if the practice also sends their employees to educational conferences.

Equipment and supplies. The equipment and supplies needed for a modern veterinary practice are the same as a human hospital. The equipment is sourced from the same companies that supply the human-focused medical industry. As consumers, we are now demanding that our veterinarians be able to make quick diagnosis. In order to so, this equipment is seen as mandatory, not optional, for modern veterinary practices.

Laboratory tests. The veterinarian may be able to run common blood tests.

However, for more detailed lab work, they will have to contract an outside laboratory that can employ skilled technicians as well as the specialized equipment.

Rescue service. Many veterinarians work with shelters and rescues to provide their services at a significantly reduced price or even at no charge.

Fostering. When an owner cannot afford or simply does not want to pay for services, they may surrender or abandon their pet at the hospital. Many veterinarians elect to care for this pet until they can re-home them.

Make a sustainable living.

Location, location. Is the veterinarian conveniently located on a main road or tucked away off the beaten path?

Location determines rent and many commercial rentals require tenant maintenance.

Long gone are the days when you had to travel several hours to receive critical care and routine diagnostics which is a blessing when time is critical. The flip side is that our local veterinarians have incurred these costs so beloved pets can receive timely, life-saving and quality intervention. There are no federal agencies to offset or underwrite these expenses such as we have for the human medical industry. So for now at least, veterinary care costs are all on us.

Other business expenses. Other expenses associated with a medical business include malpractice and workmen compensation insurance, employee health benefits, accountants, payroll, lawyers, snow removal, building maintenance and lawn services, to name just a few.

Mary Oquendo is a Reiki master, advanced crystal master and certified master pet tech pet first aid instructor.

She is the owner of Hands and PawsReiki for All. She can be reached at HandsAndPawsReiki.com. See ad, page 46.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

45

Broken Bones and Broken Hearts The Emotional Cost of Emergency Veterinary Care

by Ruth Pearl

C

an you imagine yourself rushing to an animal hospital with a severely injured or seriously ill pet, only to be turned away because you can’t leave a $1000-$2000 deposit? Welcome to capitalism, corporate America and the new, “modern” way of practicing veterinary medicine.

At Pet Assistance Inc, we get calls every week about such situations: dogs and cats with dangling broken legs are sent home with pain killers because their human parents can’t afford an expensive surgery. Sometimes the limb is stabilized, other times it is not. Other pets are sent

away with total urinary blockages and infected uteruses ready to rupture; again, pain killers are prescribed.

Disabled, elderly and ordinary pet owners who may have only a few hundred dollars to spare, watch with broken hearts as pets they have loved, cared for and owned for months or years suffer and die at home.

In the past, we mostly had caring, compassionate pet doctors who did their very best to heal animals and, foremost, relieve pain and suffering. True, maybe a few pets that died wouldn’t have if there had been access to some high-tech diagnostics.

The pet owners had the emotional support of their trusted doctors and were not made to feel guilty about not having the money. These days, even though the diagnostic equipment has been paid for, the prices for testing seem to continue to escalate regularly at state-of-the-art, corporate owned veterinary hospitals, emergency facilities and veterinary specialty groups.

The sad reality is that one can spend $10,000 on diagnostics and vet bills yet still end up with an animal that passed away.

One thing to think about as you contemplate spending lots of money on diagnostic testing is whether you are doing it for the dog or cat’s quality of life or for your own need to try to keep them around as long as possible. When one has all the answers to medical questions, closure probably comes sooner, even if the pet dies. And for those who lose their pets without fully understanding why or because a $3,000 MRI was out of reach for them, don’t feel guilty. Just know you loved and cared for your pet as best you could …..cry, grieve, get another dog, cat or bunny rabbit and start all over, with love.

Ruth Pearl is founder and president of Pet Assistance Inc, a humane society based in New Preston that provides financial assistance for emergency veterinary care in 49 states (not Hawaii).

See Pet Resource Guide listing, page 49. For more information or to make a donation, visit PetAssistanceInc.org.

See Pet Resource Guide listing, page 49.

46

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Give Them A Home For The Holidays Leon

Cupcake

Leon was just a wee kitten when he arrived at our clinic from a dangerous area in town. He is now about 3 years old and a small but stocky gent who loves to play as much as he loves to snuggle.

Cupcake is true to her name: She’s a sweetie! She has that “Grumpy Cat” look, but she’s far from it: Quiet until she starts purring, she is a snugglebug who wants your love. She’s in the middle part of her senior years, about 10, but she’s got a lot of loving yet to give.

Wyatt & Selena

This brother/sister pair love to play, eat and snuggle all the time— they actually look for each other if one is not in the same room! They were rescued from a hoarding situation and were so out of their element that they didn’t recognize what a cat bed was.

While playful, they love to chill out; they’re pretty much the perfect pets, and they are only 2-and-a-half years old. Wyatt and Selena deserve a great home together...yours!

Toni

Selena

Wyatt

Toni is a sweet girl, abandoned in a colony when she was a little baby. She’s a young and very playful 2-year-old dark tabby and would love to live with a feline friend or two!

Juniper

Babycakes

When it comes to stealing your heart with a long gaze, Babycakes wins paws down. Due to a family move, this lovely and gentle girl came to live with our group and has won over everyone’s heart the minute they walk toward her. She lets you know when she wants your attention with that sweet little meow and kneading on the pillows. She is a young senior kitty, about 9 years old, who wants nothing more than to sit and cuddle with you and watch TV or the birds outside in the backyard.

Please give her a chance to prove her love for you.

Living on the streets of a busy town, Juniper had her litter of 6 in a dumpster when she was found. All her babies found great homes; now it’s Junie’s turn! She is 3 years young and playful. Please consider making her a part of the family!

All of our kitties are spayed/neutered, examined and cared for by our veterinarian, up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccines, tested for feline AIDS/leukemia, and defleaed and dewormed.

Want to visit these kitties and our other fabulous fosters?

Simply contact us by e-mail at info@nutmegclinic.org and we’ll be happy to schedule a mutually convenient time.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

47

Boarding Solutions for Beloved Pets The Best are Pet, People and Planet Friendly

by Sandra Murphy

T

he holidays bring buffet feasts, ribboned gifts, stockings of goodies, ornaments and tinsel that to animals all look good enough to eat. Pets can get into trouble, especially if they’re away from home. Boarding may be the best alternative when the family travels for holidays.

Take a Tour

Brad Nierenberg blogs about dogs at PawsitivelyBradley Nierenberg.com, from Wilmington, Delaware. He relates an experience when friends watched Bitsy, his Cavalier King Charles spaniel, and she escaped out the front door. Fortunately, a neighbor found her. Afterward, he says, “I asked

Final Journey,

LLC

( Pet Euthanasia Service )

Kristen Klie, D.V. M. and Associates

( 203 ) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

48

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

naturalpet

other dog-crazy owners which kennel they’d recommend.”

Kennels used to be an indoor cage with a dog door to a fenced run area outside. Dogs could see each other, but not play together. Well-heeled facilities offered fancy amenities, geared more to impress the owner than comfort the pet and were generally bereft of enriching experiences.

“Pets are living, breathing, loving creatures, and boarding facilities not yet up to speed need to catch up to how people feel about pets today,” says Charlotte Biggs, COO of the nonprofit International Boarding and Pet Service Association, near Austin, Texas. It helps its members create safe, responsible pet care facilities by including holistic, positive and green practices in their safety and training manuals.

Susan Briggs, co-founder of the independent Professional Animal Care Certification Council for the pet care industry, in Houston, advises, “Take a tour. Kennels should be clean and organized. You should feel comfortable with the staff.”

“Do the employees talk about your pet like you’re bringing the car in for an oil change? If it’s ignored in favor of paperwork, maybe you should keep looking,” says Josh Brown, owner of Far North Kennel, in Anchorage, Alaska.

“You want to go where the staff bends down and lets your pet come to them. It should be obvious your dog’s going to get positive human interaction. When you walk out after touring the facility, you should feel better about boarding than when you walked in.”

Ask Questions

Costs vary, so ask what’s included in the basic fee, such as group play, treats, administered meds, special bedding and feeding the same food as at home. The pet also should be able to have their bed, toys and favorite things with them.

Also be clear about medications, health or mobility issues and special bedding or grooming preferences. An apparent bargain can be either less than expected or more expensive once all costs are totaled.

“Ask if titers are accepted in lieu of current vaccinations, and don’t feel pressured to over-vaccinate,” advises Briggs, who explains that titers assess levels of immunity from previous vaccinations. She also suggests asking about the facility’s emergency plan, including evacuation.

The more information everyone has, the better the pet’s stay will be. Socialized dogs or cats should be able to enjoy group playtime or a communal catio (enclosed indoor/outdoor space for felines); others would rather watch from afar. Stays should be individualized, not uniform. Facility owners suggest first booking a day visit and then an overnight as a test.

Before booking, also ask about unseen factors. Josh Parker, co-founder of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels, in Fanwood and other New Jersey locations, recommends that boarding clients look for features such as eco-friendly cleaning products; air purifiers and ventilation systems to prevent spreading of germs; a floor plan that reduces stress by limiting views of other animals; lighting that dims at night for restful sleep; a good ratio of staff to pets that allows employees to spend time with nervous boarders, spot any signs of illness or distress early on and intervene if quarrels arise; and availability of an on-call veterinarian with access to the

petresourceguide ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com

MaxyM/Shutterstock.com

BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport • 203-576-7727

family vet or nearest emergency facility.

Leave a medical directive explaining what should be done if an owner can’t be reached.

Flooring at better resorts is antibacterial. Outdoors, artificial grass made of recycled products is soft on paws, drains better than grass and is easier to clean.

It’s eco-friendly because it requires no watering, mowing or pesticides.

BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com • BullyBreedRescueInc.org COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel • 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES INC PO Box 8147, Stamford • 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org LOOKING GLASS ANIMAL RESCUE Ridgefield • LGARinc.org On Facebook, Twitter and Instagram NFSAW • 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC (PAWS) 504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PAWSCT.org

Stay in Touch

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

“Some facilities like ours offer webcam options so you can ‘visit’ with your dog while you’re traveling,” says Brown.

Texting kennel updates and selfies of an employee with a pet can also ease any worries.

“I just want my pet in a place where she is safe, secure, well cared for and loved,” says Nierenberg. Though apart, pets and their people can all enjoy a fresh adventure.

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

photo courtesy of K-9 Resorts Daycare and Luxury Hotels

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

ANIMAL COMMUNICATION/ PET SITTING GWEN GANGI

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

Consultations done over the phone or in person, including home visits.Workshops on animal communication available.

HOLISTIC MOBILE GROOMING MARY OQUENDO

203-994-5308 MaryOquendo.com Mary@PawsitivelyPretty.com Pet grooming in a relaxed one-onone environment in your driveway by a leader in the holistic grooming industry. Mary also offers Reiki and crystal therapy for your beloved pets. See ad, page 46.

VETERINARY SERVICES A HAND FOR A PAW

PO Box 389, Bridgeport 203-258-3069 • Info@AHFAP.org AHandForAPaw.org A Hand for a Paw, Inc is a local non-profit dedicated to keeping animals home. Programs include mobile clinics providing pet families with affordable vaccines, micro-chipping and pet food pantry. Visit Animal Artisans at 187 Ferry Blvd, Stratford to support our cause.

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 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 lowcost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 47.

PET ASSISTANCE, INC

PO Box 2015, New Preston 860-355-PETS • GetaPet@gmail.com PetAssistanceInc.org Pet Assistance helps keep pets in their homes in times of financial and medical crises, providing emergency veterinary subsidies to pet owners in financial need. We only give grants for pets that have a good prognosis, unless the knowledge we gain from the treatment or surgery may help future animals in need.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

49

Turn Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!*

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 90 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED or starting a magazine in an open territory.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS* Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder/Ft. Collins, CO Denver, CO Fairfield County, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & the Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL Treasure Coast, FL* Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs, IL* Indianapolis, IN Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI Western MI Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN* Charlotte, NC Lake Norman, NC Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bergen/Passaic, NJ* Central, NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ North Central NJ South NJ Santa Fe/Abq., NM* Las Vegas, NV Albany, NY* Buffalo, NY Central NY* Long Island, NY Hudson Valley W., NY Manhattan, NY* Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY Central OH Cincinnati, OH Toledo, OH Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA Chester/Delaware Counties, PA Harrisburg/York, PA Lancaster/Berks, PA Lehigh Valley, PA* Philadelphia, PA Pocono, PA/ Warren Co., NJ Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre, PA Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Greenville, SC* Chattanooga, TN* Austin, TX Dallas Metroplex, TX Dallas/FW Metro N Houston, TX San Antonio, TX* SE Texas Richmond, VA Seattle, WA Madison, WI* Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico Dominican Republic

* Existing magazines for sale

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com or call 239-530-1377 50

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

*Natural Awakenings recently received the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

calendarofevents Magazine calendar events must be received by December 12 (for January 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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Living in Change Meditation – 7-8pm. Explore how to mindfully let the past be gone, let the future come when it gets here, and learn to live with compassion for ourselves in the flow of the present moment. $30.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-952-6272.

MegReilly360@gmail.com. MegReilly360.com.

Heart Stories: Exploration to Celebration – 1-4pm.

With Beth Leas. What’s your story? How do we heal ourselves through the truth of who we are? Change the narrative, change your Life, through integrative movement, reflective writing, meditation and creativity. $45. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info.

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

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

AngelHealReiki.com.

Journey Dance – 6:30-8pm. Dance without mirrors to release judgment of yourself and others. Journey Dance is not about learning steps; it’s about revealing, recovering and re-discovering your natural intuitive movement. $25. Salt of the Earth Sanctuary, 346 Main St S, Woodbury. 203-994-2834. Keane.

Jojo@gmail.com. JojoKeane.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 1 Day Meditation Retreat – 7:30am-4pm. Opportunity to deepen your meditation practice by allowing you to cultivate self-awareness for an extended period of time without distraction. Attendees will have a private interview period with our Monk. $60/weekend; $30/one day. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation. org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125. Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair – Noon-5pm.

Gifted readers and healers available for appointments. 30 minutes or 1 hour. Reiki Healing sessions also available. $45 and up for readings; $30 for healing. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. My10cats@optonline. net. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Bring Your Om hOMe with Michelle Didner – 1:30-3:30pm. Develop insight into the primary reason(s) that your yoga practice is important to you.

Set goals and establish an understanding of how your yoga community can support those goals. $40/by 11/30; $45/by 12/2. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@ LifePathYoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

AcroYoga – 2-4pm. With Charlie and Maisa. Blend of yoga, acrobatics and healing arts. AcroYoga invites you to make exciting discoveries, and work in partnerships and groups. All welcome. $45. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

Restorative Yoga for the Holidays – 1:30-3pm.

With Shannon Aleksa. Candlelit restorative practice will honor the true spirit of the season as we experience gentle movement, restorative postures, soft music, light meditation, pranayama, Reiki and deep relaxation. $30/by 12/1; $34/by 12/3.

LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net.

LifePathYoga.net.

Music From Memories with Fran Caballero – 1:30-3:30pm. Fran sings hits from the 1930s through present day to benefit the Albertson Church stained glass window fund. Fran will delight you with her smooth vocals and infectious personality. $20. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 295 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@gmail.com.

AlbertsonChurch.org.

Holiday Stroll and Blessing of Animals – 2pm.

Join us in Cannondale Village for a Holiday Stroll and have your pets blessed. Come for Blessing of animals. Free. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

Create Two Unique Holiday Gifts – 2-4pm.

Pomegranate Apple Nettle Liqueur and Milkweed Pod Ornaments. Make an 8-ounce jar of this ruby red powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants and carry on the colonial tradition of decorating with milkweed pods. $35/materials included.

The Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, Woodbury.

860-354-4881. GroundedGoodwife@yahoo.com.

GroundedGoodwife.com.

The Conversation-Special Topic: Making Friends with Death – 3-5pm. With Jane Hughes Gignoux, author and Death Cafe host. Come join our lively and meaningful discussion. All welcome, please RSVP. Alliance for Conscious Transitioning @ The Liphe Balance Center, 36 Michaels Way, Weston. 203-556-9521. Info@AllianceFCT.com.

AllianceFCT.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6 TLC Networking Breakfast – 8:30-10am. Are you a healthy living professional/entrepreneur looking for your tribe? The TLC Center is a vibrant, supportive and growing community celebrating 20 years in Norwalk.Bring a friend, your business cards and join us for a fun morning of connecting. . Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

Discovering Hidden Food Sensitivities; No Needles, No Shots – 6:30pm. Presentation by Dr. Mark Joachim of Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, P.C. Please RSVP. 156 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-838-1555.

Chakra and Pendulum Dowsing Intensive Workshop – 7-9pm. Presented by Elena Cantavero (guest Leroy Bull - Master Dowser ASD, NY Times & Smithsonian Magazine). Learn basic information about the chakras. Deep focus on all aspects of pendulum use and accuracy. $20. $15/early bird special. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

Astrology Series with Jared – 7:15-9:15pm. Astrology is the study of celestial bodies and the effect that they have on our everyday lives and experiences.

Still, too many astrologers focus on the warnings and pitfalls that Astrology can bring, while neglecting the innate gifts. $25. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7 Wise Woman Wednesday: Herbal Gift Making for the Holidays – 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for our monthly Wise Woman Wednesday (Wiseguys welcome too).

We’ll discuss and make herbal gifts including an herb infused chocolate to take home. $25/pre-registration, $30/at door. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-460-2854. BekahTwinstar@gmail. com. TwinStarTribe.com/Events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Smudging for the Holidays – 7-8:30pm. Why not add a little energetic cleaning to your holiday plans?

Explore different smudge techniques, tools and instruction for clearing your home. You will go home with your own Sage and Smudge Kit. RSVP required. $45. Sanctuary Angel Hawk, 5 Meadow Brook Rd, Brookfield. 203-775-1532. SanctuaryAngelhawk@ gmail.com. SanctuaryAngelHawk.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 Peace Talk – 7pm. With Chris Griscom, renowned spiritual healer, teacher, visionary and author. Learn ways to use the power of our great human potential to create peace within and to shift the global

markyourcalendar CELEBRATING LIFE AND BEYOND

Alliance For Conscious Transitioning Presents: Special Topic: “Making Friends With Death” with guest speaker, author and Death Café host Jane Hughes Gignoux.

Sunday, December 4 • 3-5pm Free - Open to All Chris Griscom Renowned spiritual healer, teacher, visionary and author will be offering a limited amount of personal consultations Dec 8-12.

Call for details.

Peace Talk with Chris Griscom Learn ways to create peace within and to shift global consciousness into alignment.

Friday, December 9 • 7pm Donation RSVP Call: 203-912-2791 Email: Info@AllianceFCT.com Visit: AllianceFCT.com Liphe Balance Center, Weston CT

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

51

consciousness into alignment. RSVP. By donation.

Alliance for Conscious Transitioning @ The Liphe Balance Center, 36 Michaels Way, Weston. 203-5569521. Info@AllianceFCT.com. AllianceFCT.com.

TLC TarotScope Evening – 7-9pm. What’s in the cards for you in 2017? Join us for this fun and insightful evening as we do a TLC Tarotscope Reading - drawing 1 card for each month in the coming year. Space is limited. Please pre-register. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 Reiki 1 Certification Training – 9am-1pm. Starting point for those interested in energy healing and a great adjunct for practitioners/teachers of other modalities. The focus of Reiki I is learning self-practice, bringing more balance into your life. Taught by Beth Leas, Reiki Master for 25 years. $245. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

markyourcalendar SUNRAVEN

THE HOME OF SLOW MEDICINE Slow Medicine for Holiday Stress A talk by Dr. Michael Finkelstein Monday, 12/5 • 7-9pm Quest Yoga Arts, 11-13 East Main Street Mount Kisco, NY Join Dr. Finkelstein as he addresses the reality of the holidays, and learn how to better balance oneself during this time of year.

Free.

Slow Medicine Café Sunday, 12/18 • 10am-2pm Join us for a relaxing brunch at SunRaven wellness center with special guests such as: The Slow Medicine Astrologer, Demitra Vassiliadis The Slow Medicine Abundist, Peter Harriss The Slow Medicine DreamWeaver, Warren Falcon A $25 donation.

All proceeds go towards The Slow Medicine Foundation.

New Moon Ceremony with the Slow Medicine Astrologer Thursday, 12/29 • 7pm SunRaven, 501 Guard Hill Road, Bedford, NY Explore the power of intention and the magic and beauty of aligning with Grandmother Moon’s rhythm’s and tides. $40.

Slow Medicine Family Healing This unique program incorporates a whole systems approach, supporting and nourishing the entire family in all aspects of the life together within the home.Please contact us for more information.

Please call to register for all gatherings: 914-218-3113 SunRaven: 501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY SlowMedicineTherapist.com 52

Fairfield County Edition

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11 Restorative Yoga with Tibetan Singing Bowls – 4:30-6:30pm. With Marie-Anne Gajdosik and Judy Vuozzo. Revitalize, heal and renew your body, mind, and spirit. This is a practice to experience deep rest and healing. $35/before; $40/day of. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-7302400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12 Drum Making – 7-9pm. Drum Making . $20. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Full Moon Meditation – 7-9pm. Full Moon Meditation and Drumming . $20. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Rd, Wilton.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14 Holistic Moms Network - Race to Recovery – 7:30pm. Colleen Cimador, graduate of Integrative Nutrition and author of Race to Recovery. Why are there so many children today with allergies, asthma, ADHD, autism and learning disabilities? Is there something that can be done to improve these chronic issues? Free. Associates in Family Chiropractic, 156 East Ave, Norwalk. RSMJChiro@sbcglobal.net.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 Medicinal Copycat Bailey’s Ice Cream – 7-9pm.

Shatavari, an obscure herb native to Asia, is considered the best female rejuvenative and counteracts the adverse effects of stress. Create your own 16-ounce creamy liqueur, with stress-relieving herbal additions. $25/materials included. The Grounded Goodwife, Woodbury, provided at registration, Woodbury.

860-354-4881. GroundedGoodWife@yahoo.com.

GroundedHolisticWellness.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 History is Served! Come Whang with Us... – 5:30-8pm. Whang is a 1700’s term for a gathering of friendly women neighbors. Share the reward of a family-style meal prepared with others. Limited to 10 participants. BYOB. $30/all materials included.

The Grounded Goodwife Farmhouse, Woodbury.

860-354-4881. GroundedGoodWife@yahoo.com.

GroundedGoodwife.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 Chakradance: A Winter Solstice Celebration – 6:30-8pm. A new healing dance for adults of all ages. Reconnect to joy, creativity, and fun. Free-form dance in a candlelit room. No dance experience necessary. Bring a white candle. $40. Redding Meditation Center, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, Redding.

203-733-8250. Khristee@TheDancingCurtain.com.

TheDancingCurtain.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 TLC Winter Solstice Open House and Candlelight Meditation – 5-9pm. Mini-energy balancing sessions, massages and tarot readings as well as last minute gifts and gift certificates. Come and browse and support local practitioners and artists. All TLC Gift Certificates will be 50%. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 13 Moons: Women’s Healing Circle – 6:308:30pm. Come together as women and healers

natural awakenings

monthly, the Wednesday closest to the new moon, where we explore sacred healing, women’s plant allies, sacred chants and honor the wise woman tradition. $25. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 504-812-2683. TwinstarTina@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com/events.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29

Being One Meditation – 7-8pm. Take time for self-care and join in an hour of well-earned, well-deserved time for you. Explore our compassion for ourselves, our friends, our adversaries and all living beings. We’ll use guided meditation, hypnotic techniques and a crystal singing bowl. Dress comfortably. Bring a mat if you like. $30. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-9526272. MegReilly360@gmail.com. MegReilly360.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30

Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-5:30pm.

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

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

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

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31

Reiki Second Degree – 9:30am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master/teacher (20 years). Learn to send distance Reiki healing, deepen use of Reiki for others and yourself. 2 powerful energy connections from my short Japanese/Usa Linage. Two manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 1

Create a Vision Board for 2017 – 1-3pm. Jack Canfield says Vision Boards are one of the most valuable visualization tools because they represent your dreams, your goals, your ideal life. Create your own Vision Board for 2017- which will lead you to the hidden side of your authentic self. $50.

TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

Free New Year’s Day Meditation – 3:30-5pm. Who doesn’t love a new beginning? This is a TLC Salute to the New Year! Join Beth Leas for a guided meditation as we step into the portal of a new beginning together; harness the collective energy as we release 2016 and step fully in 2017. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCBethLeas@ gmail.com. TLCCenter.com.

markyourcalendar AWAKEN WELLNESS FAIR …Awaken to Your Best Self…

Sunday, January 29 • 10am-5pm Hotel Pennsylvania Penntop Ballroom 401 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests!

AwakenFairs.com Exhibitor spots available Tickets make a FANTASTIC holiday gift!

ongoingcalendar sunday

monday

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting – 9:30-10:45am. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5/suggested donation.

Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-261-7661. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

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

NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-noon. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports your spiritual unfoldment with thought provoking, soul healing topics and uplifting music. By donation.

Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Flr, Norwalk.

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

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

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

Monday Morning Meditation — 11:30am12:30pm. With Beth Leas. Practical approach and individualized support. Great for those new to meditation and sage meditators. Explore different meditation techniques including breathwork, guided meditation, mantras (sound), yantra (sight), and slow motion movement. $100/5-week series. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. BethLeas.com.

Bliss Out! Dance to Live Drumming – 7-8:30pm.

Dirst Sunday. With Jojo. Find your tribe. Open Sky Yoga Barn, 95 Cross Hwy, Redding. Keane.Jojo@ gmail.com.

Queer Dharma – 7:30-9pm. Dharma traditions and the experience and concerns of LGBTQI individuals and their friends. Meditation instruction, practice, readings and discussion. All welcome. Free, donations accepted. Shambhala Meditation Center New Haven, 85 Willow St, Bldg B, New Haven.

302-990-2437. ArchAlex@live.com. NewHaven.

Shambhala.org.

Peaceful and Positive Kids – 4-4:45pm. Starting 10/24, this 5-class series of enrichment classes will provide children ages 4-6 and 7-9 with tools and skills that nurture peace, positivity and compassion of self and others through positive affirmations, mindful activities, guided relaxation stories, soulful stories, positivity, massage trains and more. $95/5 classes. 103 North St, Trumbull. KGrich@charter.net.

KellyGrich.com.

Youth Yoga Course - Fall Session – 7-8pm.

Ages 10+ welcome. Fun loving class is designed to introduce the tradition of yoga, giving students the opportunity to work on flexibility and strength while relieving the stress of daily life. $18/ class. $144/8 classes. The Yoga Shala, 49 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-544-8811. Info@ TheyYogaShalaCT.com. TheYogaShalaCT.com.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

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

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

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

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

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

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

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

Create a lasting sense of calm. $14. 3 Rt 39, Unit #5, New Fairfield. 203-885-0577. WholeFitNF@ gmail.com. EarthFITnf.com/Whole-Fit.

Toastmasters – Noon. Interested in public speaking?

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

Hannigan@charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org.

Yoga – 6-7pm. Yoga with Julia. $20. Forza 5, 26 Cannon Road, Wilton.

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

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

YogaSpace-CT.com.

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

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

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

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

How to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Tuesday. With Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka.

Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. Let go of negative judgment and unconditionally accept yourself. $40. Address provided at registration, Monroe. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@ sbcglobal.net. ResultsBeyondBelief.com.

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

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

53

ongoingcalendar wednesday Sacred Spirit’s Reiki Shares – Second and fourth Wednesday. With Valerie Tarangelo R.M. Mini healing sessions and if you are a trained healer: reiki or otherwise share and practice your gift. $10.

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

Apothecary Hours – 10am-1pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883.

Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

Free Guided Meditation – 1pm. First and third Wednesdays. With Dr. Allen Levy. In 20 minutes, you will be meditating for the first time. Please RSVP. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

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

SabitaHolisticCenter.com.

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

High Powered Healing – 7pm. First Wednesday.

Easy ways to well heal on all levels. Intuitive insight, easy methods for daily wellness, how to determine quality foods and abundance. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown.

203-426-9448. Trinity@TrinityProduction.org.

TrinityProduction.org.

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

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

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting – 7-8:30pm. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5/suggested donation.

Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-261-7661. HCC.Yoga. Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

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

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

54

Fairfield County Edition

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

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

Learn to Love Yourself – 7:30-9:30pm. Second Wednesday. With Ginny Brown and Ellen Kratka. Little-known spiritual truths applied to everyday life. Let go of negative judgment and unconditionally accept yourself. $40. By phone or internet. 203-263-2643. E.Kratka@sbcglobal.net.

Results-BeyondBelief.com.

Journey Group – 7-9pm. First Wednesday. With Cindy Miller. If you are looking to get unstuck, learn more about self-empowerment, becoming a healing facilitator, than this is the group for you. $20.

Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. 203-426-9448. Cindy@TrinityProduction.org.

TrinityProduction.org.

Sacred Spirit’s Reiki Shares — 7-9pm. Second and fourth Wednesday. With Valerie Tarangelo R.M. Mini healing sessions. In healing others healers are also healed themselves. All welcome. $10.

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

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

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

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

thursday Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 9:30-11am. Learn how to live your life more skillfully through the development of self-awareness and mindfulness.

Simple practice that can be easily incorporated into daily life. Discover the benefits of becoming more present. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ReddingMeditation.org.

ReddingMeditation.org.

natural awakenings

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.

EFT/Meditation for Parents and Caregivers – 10-11am. With Lauren Wolfe. Feeling drained by daily life? Come join other parents and caregivers and make time for self-care. Learn how to decrease stress and ground your energy using these simple techniques. $20/session. The Office of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. DrRoseannInfo@att.net.

DrRoseann.com.

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

EFT/Meditation for Wellness Professionals – 12:15-1pm. With Lauren Wolfe. Wellness professionals need to practice self-care and ground themselves every day. EFT and Meditation will help bring balance, wellness and abundance into your life. $20/session. The Office of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848. DrRoseannInfo@att.net.

DrRoseann.com.

Peaceful and Positive Kids – 1-1:45 or 4-4:45pm.

Starting 10/27, this 5-class series of enrichment classes will provide children ages 4-6 and 7-9 with tools and skills that nurture peace, positivity and compassion of self and others through positive affirmations, mindful activities, guided relaxation stories, soulful stories, positivity, massage trains and more. $95/5 classes. 103 North St, Trumbull.

KGrich@charter.net. KellyGrich.com.

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

Vinyasa Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. Open to all levels. $17 or class pack. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@ NaamYogaCT.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

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

No experience needed, all are welcome. $15.

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

Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

Reiki Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Second Thursday. All welcome. Non-Reiki and Reiki practitioners share and experience Reiki. See details on Unity website. Hosted

by Gigi Benanti Reiki master/teacher. $20. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk.

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

AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

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

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

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

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

Student Massage Therapy Clinic – 11am-noon.

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

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

Apothecary Hours – 11am-4pm. Meet like-minded folks and learn about what we do at Twin Star Herbal and Energetic Studies. Free. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-313-7883.

Info@TwinStarTribe.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

Freedom, Peace and Connections through Divorce – 1:30-2:45pm. With Beth Segaloff. Workshop for people who experience divorce at any stage. Whether you are considering the shift, separated or divorced for years, there is a space for you here. $85/by 11/28; $100/by 11/30. LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. Nina@LifePathYoga.net.

LifePathYoga.net.

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

NaamYogaCT.com.

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

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

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

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

Shamanic Journeying Class — 7-9pm. 9/2, 9/16, 9/30. With Rocio La Rosa. A way of communicating with your inner or spirit self and retrieving information. Shamanic journeying can also be used for the

purposes of divination, personal healing and to meet your power animal or spirit guides. $40/per class.

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

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30-9:45pm. Last Friday.

An evening of messages from Spirit and loved ones.

Bring questions, receive channeled information specifically geared to you. Receive help in empowering yourself to navigate this lifetime. $40. Call or email for location. EarthAndHealing@hotmail.com.

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

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

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

ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com.

Gentle Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation, Chanting – 9:30-10:45am. Beginner level with work on mindfulness practices, breathing techniques, alignment, flexibility, and strength in a way that is correct and nurturing for every body. $5/suggested donation.

Hindu Cultural Center of Connecticut, 96 Chapel St, Stratford. 203-261-7661. HCC.Yoga.Wendy@ gmail.com. HCCYoga.org.

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

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Psychic & Mediumship Development – 10amnoon. First and third Saturdays. With Liz Hoy & Bobby Kitsios. Students who want to develop their own spiritual connection. Class requires commitment and dedication to one’s self and their improvement. $20. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 203-344-9311.

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

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

DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

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

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

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

2017

editorial calendar JANUARY

Redefining Doctor Healing the Healer FEBRUARY

Natural Living Directory Patient Empowerment and Advocacy Positive Psychology MARCH

Trees & Human Wellbeing Food Sensitivities APRIL

Lyme Disease Complications and Coinfections Eco-Yards MAY

Women’s Health Mind-Body-Spirit JUNE

Healing Chronic Pain Medical Marijuana Hybrid Vehicles JULY

Summer’s Bounty Detoxification Natural Beauty AUGUST

Autism Spectrum Children’s Dental & Eye Health SEPTEMBER

Rethinking Cancer Yoga OCTOBER

Life Design Medical Massage NOVEMBER

Metabolic Imbalances Silent Retreats DECEMBER

Community Connections True Prosperity

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

55

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

ACUPUNCTURE

classifieds

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

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 OFFICE SHARE FOR HOLISTIC PRACTITIONER available at Ridgefield wellness center. Large treatment room with windows and a peaceful waiting room. Email for details: Info@OsteopathicWellness.net.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE SPACE. 85 OLD LONG RIDGE RD, STAMFORD. 1st Floor space, newly remodeled. 2 units available, one at 700 SF with 2 offices at $1100 per month, second space is 1700 SF with 3 offices and large open space for modular units or open area for your office requirements; rent is $2550 per month. Each unit has a private restroom. Rent includes real estate taxes and building maintenance, there are no special assessments. Call Donna at 203-559-6021.

SOUTHBURY, CT. TWO OFFICES FOR RENT: (1) Private, new, quiet with waiting room. $650 per month. (1) Office for Share: New, quiet, furnished. Available on Tuesdays and weekends.

Call 203-966-5509.

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

Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

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

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

PRODUCTS HOME OF THE $10 YARD STATUE. Pet memorials, Angels, Buddha statues, Bird baths.

Many dog breeds. Shipping worldwide. 75 Laura St, Tiverton, Rhode Island. 401-314-6752.

SpringhillStatuary.com. Open year round.

56

Fairfield County Edition

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25-year full-time practice Ingri treatments help alleviate pain, depression, neck and back, anxiety, headaches, stress, allergies, asthma, arthritis, digestive, menstrual, infertility and smoking and weight loss issues. See ad, page 17.

JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc

Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com Concierge care for those suffering from pain, internal disorders, menstrual issues and menopause, infertility, depression and anxiety, insomnia, addiction, fatigue, tune-ups and more. Facial rejuvenation/cosmetic acupuncture also offered. See ad, page 17.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

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

Benefit from the centuries-old and highly effective science of acupuncture and TCM. 25+ years of experience; acupuncture offered in private sessions as well as a ff o r d a b l e g r o u p s e t t i n g s .

Specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues. See ad, page 23.

ASTROLOGY DARK MOON ASTROLOGY Michele Leigh LLC DarkMoonAstrology.com

Providing birth chart analysis, synastry readings, progressions and solar returns. A practitioner of ancient astrology and planetary magic, Michele is an active member of the International Society of Astrological Research (ISAR). She is the author of the fantasy novel, Tales of the Deer Witch and produces a monthly podcast to coincide with the full moon. See ad, page 11.

natural awakenings

BEHAVIORAL THERAPY THE CENTER FOR COGNITIVE & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH (CCBH) 5 Sylvan Rd South, Westport 888-745-3372 • 203-307-5788 CCBHTherapy.com

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health (CCBH) provides individualized mental health services in a warm, holistic environment. Our Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) teams offer individual, group, and family sessions, as well as skills coaching for all age groups. Our CCBH team offers these therapies along with yoga, mindfulness, meditation and naturopathic services.

See ad, page 7.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

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

CANCER SUPPORT THERAPIES DORETTE LEWIS-SENIOR, ND, MSAC, BS-RN, LCM Yale New Haven Health, Integrative Medicine 5520 Park Ave, Trumbull 855-735-2533 • Drs2Health.com

Dr. Lewis-Senior has been a Naturopathic physician and healthcare provider for more than thirty years combined. Her focus is on womens’ health, especially cancer, diabetes, weight and pain.

She is experienced using multiple modalities to establish health and bring about healing. Some Insurance accepted.

CHIROPRACTIC PETER BRAGLIA, DC

True Health Family Chiropractic 7365 Main St, Stratford 203-923-8633 TrueHealthCT.com As a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, Dr. Braglia has received advanced training in Pediatric Adjusting and Prenatal Care, including the Webster Technique.

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

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Turning Techniques . Also provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 7.

COLONICS COLONICS

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

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

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

CRYSTALS MOTHER EARTH GALLERY

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

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

Coming Next Month

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 35.

END OF LIFE ALLIANCE FOR CONSCIOUS TRANSITIONING

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

.

JAN

Our mission is opening the conversation and providing resources, programs and services, to support and embrace end-of-life transition. The Alliance was born out of a deep desire to honor, respect and meet the needs of individuals and their families at the end-of-life. See ad, page 15.

Redefining Doctor Healing the Healer January’s Natural Awakenings will focus on physicians: medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, naturopaths, chiropractors, functional medicine physicians in Fairfield County and the Housatonic Valley. We invite you to share your work.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE MARK JOACHIM, DC, FIAMA

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 CTNutritionCenter.com Dr. Joachim has been in private practice since 1990, specializing in nutrition, natural allergy elimination and functional medicine.

Through specialized testing, he identifies subtle changes in individual physiology which may be at the root of troubling symptoms. Addressing the underlying dysfunction can help you feel better, for good.

TAMARA SACHS, MD

Functional Medicine & Integrative Care LLC 15 Bennitt St, New Milford 860-354-3304 Mail@TSachsMD.com Dr. Sachs prevents and treats chronic illness by addressing their underlying root causes, remaining respectful of the uniqueness, complexity, and intuitions that make us human. She develops individualized, simple, affordable Personalized Wellness Plans that are safe and powerfully effective.

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674 eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

57

HYPNOSIS

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

HEALING TREE WISDOM

KURT WAPLES, DC

Thea Litsios, CHy, 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-693-1493 HealingTreeWisdom.com

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

HAIR LOSS & TRICHOLOGY LISA PRIMPS, TRICHOLOGIST, HLP, AT The Primping Place Spa 500 Newfield Ave, Ste 9, Stamford 203-325-9565 • ThePrimpingPlace.com

Use the power of your whole mind to transform your life: Hypnosis for weight loss, smoking cessation, stress relief, and past life review. Certified teacher of Active Dream work. Individual dream consultations available, as well as workshops and monthly Dream Groups. See ad, page 9.

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

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

Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad, pages 23 and 31.

Fairfield County’s first location offering the XTC Multi Theraputic Hair Growth System including non-invasive low level laser therapy- clinically proven and shown to be safe & effective at regrowing hair and creating a healthy scalp.

The Primping Place also offers electrolysis & clinical skin care since 1992.

HEALTH COACH

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN

MARY GILBERTSON, MS, BSN,CHHC

MICHAEL FINKELSTEIN, MD, FACP, ABIHM

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

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

Insightful health evaluations with customized medical guidance.

Consultation and holistic-lifestyle teaching and coaching aimed at attaining enhanced health and wellness on every level.Uniquely qualified to offer a second opinion from a Holistic Perspective. See ad, page 23.

HENRY C. SOBO, MD

Optimal Health Medical LLC 111 High Ridge Rd, Stamford 203-348-8805 • DrSobo.com

HOLISTIC DENTIST

Dr. Sobo provides Natural Hormone therapy, weight reduction programs, IV vitamin/minerals treatments, allergy evaluation and treatment, fibromyalgia care and treatment for a wide K variety E of A L F problems utilizing an Integrative W Medicine SNOapproach.

MARK A BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

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

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

58

Fairfield County Edition

MALSLECTION T S I CO HR

C

natural awakenings

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Ken Hoffman, DAc, (RI), LAc, CCH, Medical Director Chris Maslowski, LAc, Resident Practitioner 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.Center Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns.

Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more. Most insurance accepted.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

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

See ad, page 15.

INTERFAITH MINISTRY REV. DR. CHRISTINE VILLANI 203-823-3453 RevVillani@gmail.com Loving-Memories.com

Reverend Villani is an ordained Interfaith Minister. She performs weddings for all denominations and belief systems. She also performs baby namings and funerals.

She is certified in Reiki and is a medium who gives readings.

LIFE COACHING SOULBYRD THERAPIES, LLC

Sherrylee Dickinson, MLSW, LMT 203-984-6042 SherryLeeDickinson.com US.NYROrganic.com/Shop/SherryLee Stay grounded and on track with life coaching sessions, including vision board work, boundary and goal setting, and wellness workshops.

MASSAGE & BODYWORK JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com We offer Traditional, Thai Massage and Prenatal massage.

At Jiiva Massage, our goal is to provide our clients with a variety of experienced therapists and modalities to choose from. Our hope is to provide you with an assortment of different techniques so you can find what works best for your individual needs. See ad, page 19.

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

Robin has been providing massage and Reiki for over 15 years. Specializing in Swedish, Pregnancy, Trigger Point, Injuries and Infant/Child Massage Instruction. Sessions are individualized to meet your needs. See ad, page 13.

MASSAGE SCHOOL FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

272 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 FLSM.com Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs.

MEDITATION REDDING CENTER FOR MEDITATION

Meditation can be easier to master than you think. Taoist, Buddhist and generic meditation.

Beginners and experienced practitioners both welcome. See ad, page 17.

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Hwy E, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself.

Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, Real-Time EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies. See ad, page 2.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, all-natural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit.

Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING NUTRITION RESCUE

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, bioidentical hormones, homeopathy, Chinese/ Western herbs, allergy/toxin testing, oxygen therapy, Meridian stress assessment, nutrition/ enzyme therapies. See ad, page 10.

Jessica Moon, MS 66 Glenbrook Rd, Ste 300, Stamford 203-979-6181 • Jessica@NutritionRescue.net NutritionRescue.net Facebook.com/NutritionRescueCT Jessica uses a comprehensive approach for working with individuals and families. Specializing in dietary management of food sensitivities/allergies and providing support with elimination diets, menu development, and minimizing the impact of food restrictions.

SHALVA CLINIC LLC

OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN

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

She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 12.

RIS

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

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

OW

F OW SN ON AS CTI TMCOLLE

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.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE LLC

6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 ValleySpiritCoop.com

CH

9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 ReddingMeditation.org

VALLEY SPIRIT WELLNESS

N AS ESCTION M T OLL RIS

CH

C

KE

LA eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

59

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

PSYCHO-SPIRITUAL COUNSELING

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

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

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 27.

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

GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER

ROBIN QUEEN-FINKELSTEIN

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

See ad, page 23.

.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

In-home services inspire healing, balanced with client well-being and comfort. Specializing in trauma, parent-child relationships, divorce, life coaching, self-empowerment and inner peace. Holistic and strength-based. Now accepting Saturday appointments for therapy and Reiki.

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.

60

Fairfield County Edition

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

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/ Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

TURNING POINT REIKI LLC

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

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

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

We also have several experienced Reiki Masters and practitioners.

We offer private Reiki sessions for physical and emotional pain. We also have ongoing Reiki Classes that are taught in the traditional Usui method by Berta. See ad, page 19.

natural awakenings

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION WELCOME TO GRAVITY

Yoni Hormadaly, LMT 109 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-550-6888 StructuralTransformations.com Yoni has been practicing Structural Integration since 2002. Specializing in improving the relationship between the human body and gravity. Flat feet, chronic pain and discomfort, improvement in athletic pursuits, general self improvement, are some of the reasons clients of all ages have sought out this work. Free phone consultation.

WESTPORT ROLFING

Kaia Yoga Studio, Westport and Fairfield near Merritt exit 46 Sachi: 203-216-9720 Sachi@WestportRolfing.com Mikel: 203-216-9770 Mikel@WestportRolfing.com Providing Rolfing Structural Integration to Fairfield County. We provide soft tissue manipulation and movement re-education for postural, functional and chronic pain issues with offices in Westport and Fairfield. See ad, page 29.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER HUNTER HEALING HANDS

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, Reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in Reiki, crystal healing and shamanic healing. See ad, page 24.

TAI CHI/QI GONG JAMPA STEWART, MSOM, LAc

Board Certified Acupuncturist Valley Spirit Wellness 6 Green Hill Rd, Washington Depot 860-619-2788 • ValleySpiritCoop.com Develop physical and mental fitness and find a new harmony of the mind, body and spirit using ancient Chinese arts.

Starting with basic movements, warm-up techniques and breathing exercises, you will learn a set of flowing natural movements done slowly with calmness, balance and awareness. Weekly classes, weekend workshops and retreats. See ad, page 17.

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk and Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection.

20 years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 21.

KURE SPA

Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformation, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

LIFEPATH YOGA & WELLNESS

STERN WELLNESS CENTER

Nina Antolino, Owner 430 Main Ave, 2nd Fl, Norwalk 203-354-7070 Nina@LifePathYoga.net LifePathYoga.net

7eFIT SPA

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

JIIVA YOGA, REIKI AND MASSAGE CENTER

Berta Prevosti, Usui & Karuna Reiki Master 2900 Main St, Ste 1A, Stratford 203-345-7747 JiivaCenter.com Jiiva is in the business of building a community for yoga and healing.

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

See ad, page 19.

SALTANA CAVE

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

When there is an interference, the body loses its ability to heal. Our goal is to unlock the healing potential within you through holistic approaches; wellness chiropractic & network spinal analysis, massage therapy, integrative nutrition, transformational coaching and reiki healing. Call today for a complimentary wellness consultation.

SUNRAVEN: THE HOME OF SLOW MEDICINE

501 Guard Hill Rd, Bedford, NY 914-218-3113 SlowMedicine.org Promoting and supporting health and wellness; facilitating community-centered experiential and reflective learning for individuals, families, and groups, by offering educational programs, events, and resources designed to build integrative skills and understanding for those looking to holistically care for themselves, others, and the world in which we live.

Transformative programs, holistic medicine, psychospiritual counseling; women’s, men’s and couples groups, garden co-op, cleansing program; special 12-week “immersion”. See ad, page 23.

Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. See ad, page 9.

CH

RI

ST

M

CO AS LL SN EC TI OW ON F

KE

™

S

CHR

NOW AS S ION ISTMCOLLECT

eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

K

FL A

FLA

A new way to looking and feeling good.

ST

MA S

CO L

Fit Spa

LA

LE N C TIO OW N

7eFit Spa offers a variety of aesthetic services and noninvasive techniques to support mind-body wellness. Services include antiaging and oxygen facials with aromatherapy, Torc Plus bioelectric stimulation for muscle activation and weightloss, infrared sauna and the DietMaster weightloss program. See ad, page 12.

20 North Salem Road, Cross River, NY SternWellnessCenter.com 914-763-8000

LifePath Yoga & Wellness is a center for yoga, mindfulness, empowerment and transformation. Classes, workshops and healing arts services include yoga, mindfulness meditation, Reiki, life coaching, women’s wellness/empowerment, holistic education, corporate wellness and creative arts.

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

WELLNESS CENTER

787 Main St S, Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com

Kure Spa rovides a place for people to rely on as part of their weekly routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Experience our 4-Pillars of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of health, healing and vitality! Offering Vibrosaun, massage and an organic juice bar. See ad, page 25.

SPIRITUAL ARTS LLC

Richard is a Reiki Master/Teacher and intuitive reader. He specializes in home and property cleansings.

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

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

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

61

KE

COSMIC RHYTHMS displayadvertiserindex 7e Fit Spa

12

39

ocial lives are “jammin’” in December, courtesy of a mutual reception between Mars and Uranus lasting until December 19. Get physically active with friends and think about skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or even just a snowball fight. Do be aware this influence can make social networks—real life or digital—a bit feisty; if things heat up, keep an air of detachment to maintain cool. A Gemini full messenger moon on December 13 brings communication to the fore. Since it can also be a rather gossipy lunation, watch what you tell to whom, especially if family is involved. Secrets may be told or exposed, or information for which there is a legitimate obligation to be truthful about can come to light. It’s possible as well to clam up and be afraid to open up an ugly “can of worms” by speaking up. However, moral responsibility must be allowed to trump this even if it is hard.

Mercury retrogrades in Capricorn on December 19 and the ensuing three-week period can signal some communication problems in the workplace. It’s an inopportune time to talk with the boss; problem areas may include thwarted ambitions, double dealing, secret enemies in influential positions or loss of business.

It seems there is potential for workplace intrigue. There may be metaphorical fires at work that need to be put out. With Mercury involved, this could heat up the mouth and add an insubordinate edge as well; tread carefully in a verbal sense if you feel that tongue heating up, especially with authority figures!

Uranus and Saturn connect on Christmas Eve, but this energy will be active all month long. Saturn’s stability harmonizes with the Uranian impulse for change and evolution; what results is an energy that aligns with a gradual, structured, lasting change of some kind and one that supports your individual evolution. Think of something that supports your long-term growth; it should be a selfinitiated shift of some kind. It’s also helpful for building a strong, supportive, enduring social network of reliable individuals that may even motivate or inspire achievement. Work your business contacts, make an effort to turn acquaintances into something more substantial, and get some kind of social network architecture in place to facilitate connecting with people who have common big-picture goals. If you’re looking to shift in a different direction career-wise— especially if you’re looking in a different field—this can be a very helpful influence so definitely make efforts toward this end in December. Ignore temptation to wait until the holidays are over.

Also active all month—but exact on December 26—is an

opposition between Jupiter and Uranus. Those who are coupled should be aware that unexpected opportunities may surface for one or both partners now, which can leave a union on uncertain footing.

It’s an exercise in faith and trust when it comes to relationships. On the other hand, those who are charged about “singledom” should be aware that an opportunity for growth may come via a relationship now – it may prompt a surprising shift in partnering philosophy.

Within friendships, divisions can also exist between “Let’s just be friends” vs. “Let’s turn this into something more.” Lastly, a Capricorn new moon on December 29 is great for rethinking goals—professional and otherwise—with its proximity to a retrograde Mercury.

Perhaps a visualization may help those achievement-based intentions along, or even a motivational music playlist.

Acupuncture Healing CT/ Jody Eisemann

Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market

23

Nature’s Way Natural Foods

13

Alliance for Conscious Transitioning

15

Neal’s Yard Remedies/Sherrylee Dickinson 21

A practitioner of Western Tropical astrology, Alethea Hunt has been practicing for more than 17 years. Connect with her at 203-9176312, Alethea@EmpoweredDestiny.com or EmpoweredDestiny.com.

Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales

S

62

by Alethea Hunt

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 7 The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical

2

The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental

2

The Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Health

7

Chamomille Natural Foods

37

CT Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard

17

Dark Moon Astrology/ Michele Leigh

11

Detoxified Iodine

63

Divine Treasures

31

Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine

9

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic

47

Olivette

37

Robin Ordan, Coach

40

Robin Ordan, LMT

13

Robin Ordan, LCSW

27

Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc

32

Julie Punishill

21

Ann Reeves

13

The Sacred Spirit

27

Salon Aponte

15

Saltana Cave

9

Salt of the Earth Healing Arts Sanctuary 4 Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND

12

Victoria Shaw, PhD

17

The SNO Company

29

Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli

13

Sticks & Stones Farm

11

Sun Raven, the home of Slow Medicine

23

Hilda Swaby

21 21

Embody the Sacred

11

Eyecare Associates

15

Final Journey LLC

48

Forza Five Holistic Fitness & Healing Center

11

Debra Gibson, ND

16

Germosen Jewelry/Denisse Germosen

33

Total Life Care Center

Hands and Paws Reiki for All

46

Harbor Harvest

29

Total Wellness Connect/ NA 2017 Directory

Healing Tree Wisdom/Thea Litsios 9 Hunter Healing Hands

24

Inspirit Healing Studio

4

Jiiva Yoga and Wellness Center 19 Keller Williams/Miale Team

31

Kure Spa

25

Beth Leas

21

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

23

3

Touch of Sedona

27

Triple Goddess Remedies

33

True Health Chiropractic

22

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality 8 Valley Spirit Cooperative & Wellness Center

17

Vox Eorum

27

Wellness Institute/Marvin Schweitzer, ND

10

Westbrook Nature School

35

Mind-Body Transformation Hypnosis Center

31

Westport Farmers Market

39

Naam Yoga CT

19

Westport Rolfing

29

Whole Fit Studio

19

The Yoga Shala

19

Natural Awakenings’ 2017 Natural Living Directory

5 50

ADV E RTORIAL

Pamper Your Skin With Natural The Awakenings Best Nature Has To Offer Advanced Healing Skin Cream

Therapeutic Qualities

Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream combines botanicals and a unique blend of essential oils for a deep moisturizing therapy. It soothes and relieves dry, itchy or cracked skin quickly while restoring moisture and provides ultra-hydration protection and soothing comfort to wounds, sores, cuts and burns. Manuka Honey also relieves the pain and itch of psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Besides its potent antibacterial properties, honey is also naturally extremely acidic, and that will eliminate organisms that decides to grow there.

Our Skin Cream Contains:

{

Satisfied Customer

}

This skin cream is the absolute best. My hands get especially dry and cracked this time of year and this cream has helped to remedy this problem. The cream is also non greasy and absorbs into my skin with a soft, healing, feeling. I LOVE it and will continue to use it. ~Diane

I was looking for a natural healing skin cream & found it! Originally saw the advertisement in a free local flyer called, Natural Awakenings. Know the editor, and she tells me that they will not post anything that they feel is not legitimate.

Upon trying this cream, I was impressed.

It took care of the extremely chafed area on both of my shins. Certainly would recommend this and use it again! ~Catherine

The cold, damp winter days are upon us. Don’t let chapped or dry, flaky skin get in the way of your daily life. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream, a soothing therapeutic balm made with exclusive Manuka Honey from New Zealand, is the ultimate skin moisturizer for everyone in your family. Order one for the office, too!

Restore Your Skin to Natural Youthful Beauty Hydration is a Must

The skin has a water content of 10 percent to 30 percent, which gives it a soft, smooth and flexible texture. The water comes from the atmosphere, the underlying layers of skin and perspiration. Oil produced by skin glands and fatty substances produced by skin cells act as natural moisturizers, allowing the surface to seal in water. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream, applied after a shower or bath as daily maintenance, will improve the appearance of skin and heal unwanted conditions. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream also combines pure botanicals and a unique blend of essential oils for a deep moisturizing therapy.

You’ll love Natural Awakenings’ therapeutic cream’s clean, fresh botanical fragrance.

Discover what our amazing skin cream can do: • Provides Ultra-Hydration of Skin • Enhances Anti-Aging and Skin Renewal • Soothes Dry, Itchy, Cracked Skin • Relieves Most Burns, Including Sunburn • Comforts Wounds and Sores MANUKA HONEY is produced by bees that pollinate New Zealand’s Manuka bush. Advocates cite its antibacterial properties.

What Is Manuka Honey?

Manuka Honey is gathered in the wild back country of New Zealand from the native Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). The bees don’t use the pollen from a variety of other flowers or plants, so the content of the honey is very consistent. A 2013 study in the European Journal of Medical Research used active Manuka Honey under dressings on postoperative wounds for an 85 percent success rate in clearing up infections, compared with 50 percent for normal antibiotic creams.

4-oz. $21.99 • 8-oz. $39.99 + $5 shipping Order today, available only at

ShopNaturalAwakenings.com or call: 888-822-0246

Like us on Facebook at Natural Awakenings Webstore eNaturalAwakenings.com

December 2016

63

Spreading Light and Love to Over 4 Million Readers s from Through 90+ Publication Center n Caribbea Coast to Coast and-thBeregen /Passaic, NJ Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder/Ft. Collins, CO Denver, CO Fairfield County , CT Har tford, CT New Haven/Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL - NW FL Emerald Coast - Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL - Melbourne/Vero, FL - Miami & theFlorida Key s - Naples/Ft. Myers, FL - Nor th Central FL - Orlando, FL - Palm Beach, FL - Peace River, FL - Sarasota, FL - Tampa/St. Pete., FL - Treasure Coast, FL - Atlanta, GA - Hawaiian Islands - Chicago, IL IL - Chicago Western Suburbs, IN lis, apo ian - Ind - Baton Rouge, LA - Lafayette, LA - New Orleans, LA - Boston, MA - Ann Arbor, MI - East Michigan - Wayne County , MI - Western MI - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN - Charlotte, NC - Lake Norman, NC - Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC

-

64

Fairfield County Edition

- Central, NJ - Hudson County , NJ - Mercer County , NJ - Monmouth/Ocean, NJ - Nor th Central NJ - South NJ - Santa Fe/Abq., NM - Las Vegas, NV - Albany , NY - Buffalo, NY - Central NY* - Long Island, NY - Hudson Valley W., NY - Manhattan, NY NY - Westchester/Putnam Co’s., OH tral Cen - Cincinnati, OH - Toledo, OH - Oklahoma City , OK - Por tland, OR PA - Bucks/Montgomery Co’s, PA , Co’s are law /De ster Che - Harrisburg/York, PA - Lancaster/Berks, PA - Lehigh Valley , PA - Philadelphia, PA - Pocono, PA/Warren Co., NJ - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, PA - Rhode Island - Charleston, SC - Columbia, SC - Greenville, SC - Chattanooga, TN - Austin, TX - Dallas Metroplex, TX - Dallas/FW Metro N - Houston, TX - San Antonio, TX - S. Houston/Galveston, TX - Richmond, VA - Seattle, WA - Madison, WI - Milwaukee, WI - Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic

natural awakenings