Natural Awakenings Fairfield County April 2013

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

Special Edition

GREEN LIVING

Education’s New Three R’s Healthy Home Cleanse Righteous Food Growing Green in Bridgeport

April 2013 | 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

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

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

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

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

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

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

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

From left to right:

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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

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

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

Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

2

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

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

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:

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

Developed by Hartford Family Institute in affiliation with the Graduate Theological Foundation

With Concentrations in Integrative Healing or Somatic Expressive Therapy

Come to a 1/2 day HFI workshop to get a feel for the teaching style.

For people who want to expand their consciousness and are interested in learning a healing modality that allows for transformation at the core of experience.

Graduates receive a master’s in pastoral counseling (MPC) from GTF.

Program begins September 2013 For more information visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com or call 860-236-6009 Enrollment is limited, Call Now! eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

3

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.

wellness fair DoubleTree Hotel, Tarrytown NY April 20, 2013 from 10 am to 5 pm

18 Green Businesses

Growing in Bridgeport

20

20 Household Cleanse

Banish these Five Chemicals for a Domestic Detox

by Gail Griswold-Elwyn

22 Park it Here

Exploring America’s National Treasures

by S. Alison Chabonais

The Biggest Body-Mind-Spirit-Green Fair North of NYC Our Second FABULOUS Decade!

Exhibitors • Speakers Practitioners • Readers Media Partner

24

24 The Next Level

Education for a More Sustainable World

by Linda Sechrist

28 Eating Ecology Daily Decisions Make a Difference

by Judith Fertig

28

30 Healing the

Ecosystem Within

A Conversation with Bioneers Co-Founder Nina Simons

by Brita Belli

32 Detecting Disease

Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

34 Picture Perfect Awaken to your best self...

www.AwakenFair.com

4

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Mental Imagery Boosts Performance

by Debra Melani

32

Be allergy Free 14

7 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs

16 globalbriefs

20 healingways 22 healthykids

16 23 ecotip 28 consciouseating 30 wisewords 32 naturapet 23 34 fitbody 37 calendar 41 classifieds 42 resourceguide 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 5th of the month. calendar submissions Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 5th 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

Perhaps Even for Life!

Seasonal, food & environmental allergies CAN be eliminated: Conditions like eczema, gastric reflux, IBS, sinus conditions and digestive problems are often due to food & chemical allergies.

A revolutionary, noninvasive, child friendly technique is available to eliminate food, environmental and other sensitivities. It is used together with: • Computerized allergy testing & elimination without medication or shots • Enzyme therapy, including nutrition and proper diet • It enhances immune system function & assists the body in the natural healing process.

Visit allergyEliminationNorwalk.com for more information and a

FrEE E-Book Download: “How To Stop Suffering From Food Sensitivities, ‘Allergies’ and Digestion Problems” Allergy Elimination | Norwalk

Call Dr. Mark JoaChiM for a complimentary consultation. Over 10 years experience as an Advanced BioSET Practitioner.

ASSOCIATES IN FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & NATURAL HEALTH CARE, P.C. 156 East Avenue, Norwalk

allergyEliminationNorwalk.com

(203) 838-1555 eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

5

letterfrompublisher

F

contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Carolyn Aversano Editors Stephen Warne Design & Production Erica M. Mills

or the past several years I’ve made the conscious decision to limit my intake of tv news, but I made the mistake of watching a little too much in the days prior to writing this and it was another big week for bad news. It left me feeling depressed, disgusted and overwhelmed, and I thought, “How can we possibly solve these problems in the face of such adversity, corruption, evil?” Knowing that my mood wouldn’t make for a great Carolyn Aversano vibe to kick off this issue, it forced me to find my way “back to center”. But it took several hours and the thought just wouldn’t go away: “No really, how can we possibly solve these problems?” I know we’ve all experienced similar moments, and while I don’t have the big answer, I did find my way back and I felt like maybe I found the little answer.

I starting thinking about all of you. It’s been said that we define ourselves by the company we keep and at this very moment I am feeling so blessed to be surrounded by such a conscious community of people dedicated to promoting goodness throughout this world. We need to protect ourselves from all sorts of negativity by consciously thinking positive thoughts, by consciously surrounding ourselves with positive people, by consciously performing positive acts. Those are the things that we can control.

The movement for GMO Labeling is a great example. There is no single topic that Natural Awakenings has covered more in the past two years than this one and that is because it is just plain wrong that here in the United States we are denied the right to know if the food we’re consuming contains genetically modified organisms. (To put this in perspective, even Russia and China, along with the rest of the developed nations, have mandated GMO-labeling laws). Last month, Whole Foods announced that it will require that all foods containing GMOs, that are sold in its stores, be labeled, by 2018 (see page 15). “We heard our customers loud and clear asking us for GMO labeling and we are responding where we have control: in our own stores,” says the company. We applaud Whole Foods for putting this stake in the ground and sending a major signal to the food industry, and we believe that other companies will follow.

Sales & Marketing Carolyn Aversano Leana Cipolla

Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203.885.4674 Fax: 203.516.2392 Carolyn@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com NAwebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2013 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.

Let’s continue to make good things happen by taking positive action where we have control. We can call our legislators to let them know what we expect of them on issues that are important to us. We can vote with our conscience. We can make our purchasing decisions with our conscious (Whole Foods certainly responded to this).

And we can continue to envision and promote the kind of world we want to live in.

Because we – this beautiful, conscious community - understand that our thoughts and actions do create our world.

Thank you for reminding me of that.

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.

Natural Awakenings is printed on post-consumer recycled paper with soy-based ink.

6

100%

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs A Sound Investment in Creative & Personal Growth

S

OUND is a holistic educational center for the arts and spiritual awareness. Located in the historic Hawleyville Chapel in Newtown, SOUND provides a space for awakening the human spirit through positive experiences in the healing and creative arts.

Founded by Jennifer Zulli, New Age composer, sound healing practitioner and teacher, SOUND’s mission is to hold the space for exploring and connecting to each other and one’s truest self.

The Center offers an impressive array of musical, creative, and spiritual classes and workshops for adults and children.

Music programs include early childhood classes including “Music Together”, private music instruction on piano, voice & most instruments, music therapy group, music and movement workshops, and drum circles. Creative arts classes such as Goddess Belly Dancing, Mindful Cooking, and Peace through Ukulele are available for those seeking new creative outlets.

Yoga classes, intuitive and psychic development classes, meditation groups, Reiki certification training, and workshops for personal growth, energy & sound healing are also offered.

Upcoming SOUND events can be found at SoundCenterArts.com, as well as information about SOUND Beginnings Summer Camp which will focus on mind, body, spirit & the earth for children.

SOUND is located at 31 Hawleyville Road, Newtown. For more information visit SoundCenterArts.com or call 203.270.1119.

See ad pg 43.

Connecticut’s Children in Need, Need Us

F

amily & Child r e n ’s A i d (FCA) is a community-based, nonprofit organization that offers services to heal and support children and families in crisis. Founded in 1809, the agency has been a refuge for abused and neglected children who are without protection, without parental support and even without hope. More than just offering food, clothing and shelter, FCA strives to heal and support Connecticut’s children and families by meeting a higher level of need and teaching them about respect, compassion and trust.

Foster care parents are needed. On any given day there are approximately 2,000 children in Connecticut waiting for a loving foster home. Many of these children will ‘age out’ of the system with no permanent relationships to sustain or encourage them as they enter young adulthood. Nearly 40% of American adults have considered being a resource for a child; if just one in every 500 of these adults acted, every waiting child would have a supportive connection.

Support provided by FCA includes: •Free training courses •A team of professionals offering support, available 24/7 • $55/day tax-free reimbursement/stipend to cover the cost of food, clothing and other basic needs • Medical insurance provided through the state

In the Children’s Charter drawn up by the agency in 1892 it reads, “For every child, a home,” which still remains the organization’s mission today. Most who commit to foster a child report that they receive much more than they give as they make a lifetime of difference for a child.

For more information on becoming a Foster Parent call 888.YOU.BELONG or visit fcaweb.org.

Helping you find balance in your life...

Be in st pri for the ar ces p offe ricele ea rin ss gs!

ARC Sacred Center

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

THE ALLIANCE FOR RAISING CONSCIOUSNESS Sharing a Vision of Love and Oneness Weekly Interfaith Service Sundays 10 am

Mondays: Tuesday: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays:

7:00 - 8:15 pm 6:30 - 7:30 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm 7:00 - 8:00 pm 9:00 - 10:15 am

Yoga Zumba Pilates Tai Chi Sacred Dance Yoga

(Schedule is subject to change, please check our website)

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

April 2013

7

WITH A DIFFERENCE

CAMP FOR 3-6 YEAR OLDS

#

1

Outdoor play? Of course, PLUS much more!

Includes harvesting vegetables from our own garden, wool-felting crafts, and water play. Lunch brought from home.

TWO 3-WEEK SESSIONS…...COME FOR ONE OR BOTH! June 17 - July 3 AND July 8 - July 25 Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-12:30 pm

#

2

CAMP FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN 2 MOS - 3 YRS Indoor and outdoor play PLUS circle time, homemade snack, handmade crafts and more!

6 Fridays in June & July 9:30 am -11:30 am

The Clover Hill School Register Now! 203-661-6484

TheCloverHillSchool.org • WhyWaldorfWorks.org at Christ Episcopal Church, 2 Emerson St, Norwalk

FINDING HAPPINESS THROUGH MEDITATION

Organic Housecleaning for a Healthier Family

O

rganic cleaning is different, says Elegant Lifestyle Organic Home Cleaning Service, in using only products that are safe for children, for the rest of the family—especially if they are allergic and have medical conditions—and even safe for pets. To go the extra mile, Elegant Lifestyle, in business for seven years, even uses an organic vacuum, which filters dust and cleans with extraordinary thoroughness. The products they use Ines Japa are toxin-free and naturally aromatic, without the usual harsh chemicals and scents, and they do the job very well. No bleach is used. The Elegant Lifestyle team, which provides all tools and cleaning products, is known for being trustworthy, dedicated to customer satisfaction and convenience, and flexible when it comes to accommodating clients.

As one customer puts it: “Ines and her team have worked in my home for over two years now. I have had nothing but the most positive experience with them. Ines has incredibly high standards -- not only for the cleanliness of our home, but also for our family’s health.” -Anthia in Darien

Elegant Lifestyle also serves businesses, and covers Fairfield County. Plus, their pricing is totally competitive with traditional cleaning services using toxic, unhealthy products - so given the choice, “Why wouldn’t you choose the safe alternative? The choice is clear!”, enthuses the company’s owner, Ines Japa.

Elegant Lifestyle Organic Home Cleaning Service can be reached at 203.313.5155. Call for a free estimate. See ad pg 14.

New Monday evening series!

On-going classes suitable for all individuals, from those who seek simple relaxation to those who wish to find lasting inner peace and contentment through following the Buddhist path.

Good Vibrations from Beyond Touch

R

• Reduce stress & anger • Increase happiness • Improve relationships • Overcome anxiety & depression Everyone welcome.

For more information call 914-607-3583 or visit our website below.

FISH CHURCH (FIRST PRESBYTERIAN) 1101 BEDFORD STREET “LOUNGE” STAMFORD, CT See our ongoing class schedules at

meditationinstamford.org 8

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

oberta Russell of Beyond Touch, based in West Redding, is pleased to announce that she is now offering additional classes at a second location at Peterson Chiropractic and Wellness in Ridgefield. Russell specializes in multiple holistic modalities, as a Licensed Massage Therapist, an experienced Energy Healing and EFT practitioner, and as one of Fairfield County’s leading Law of Attraction coaches.

Roberta Russell “Everyone is yearning for something!”, exclaims Russell. For those wishing to create more money, fulfilling work, happiness, better health or relationships, her “Mastering Manifestations” workshop is a fun, co-creative learning experience using the Law of Attraction. Participants

learn how to shift their vibration to deliberately create the life they truly want.

Through her private coaching sessions, she has found that Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is essential for faster manifesting as it releases “stuck energy”.

Thus, she offers this energy psychology class as an important component for facilitating personal change. EFT is useful for clearing limiting beliefs, and negative emotions, as well as pain, disease symptoms, trauma, and stress. Both classes are interactive and evolve with students’ own interests. Russell’s uplifting coaching style empowers her clients to blossom and thrive with joy and abundance. Clients also de-stress and rejuvenate through her Massage and Energy Healing sessions in her relaxing West Redding studio.

During the month of April, Beyond Touch is offering a complementary 30-minute private coaching session for anyone scheduling a 60-minute bodywork session. Classes are offered monthly on an ongoing basis. All are welcome.

The next “Mastering Manifestations” workshop will be held on April 10, 7:30 to 9 p.m. and the next EFT class will be held on April 24, 7:30 to 9 p.m.

Both events will be held at 31 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield. The cost for each is j u s t $ 2 0 . Re g i s t r a t i o n r e q u i r e d : 203.438.2354. For more information visit Beyond-Touch.com. See ad pg 35.

Summer Camps June - August 2013

Camps

For Children 3-13 years old.

Developmentally appropriate camp programs for each age group

Come to our Camp Open House Friday, April 5 — 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Learn more about all our summer camp programs.

To RSVP for the Camp Open House and for more information call 203 762 9860 or info@CTFriendsSchool.org

Connecticut Friends School

www.CTFriendsSchool.org 317 New Canaan Road, Wilton, CT (on Route 106 in Silvermine)

FEEL HEALTHY & CONFIDENT IN YOUR BODY... and in life! A gentle cleanse eating real, whole foods, will help you lose weight, take control of your health, eliminate cravings and maintain a sustainable healthy diet. Menus, recipes, food samples, pantry makeovers, support.

IT’S PERFECTLY NATURAL

Sue Muro

Holistic Health and Wellness Counselor Psychology of Eating Coach

• Nutrition • Weight Loss • Healthy Cooking Instruction • Seasonal Group Cleanses

Free Phone Consultation 203-520-9449 ItsPerfectlyNatural@charter.net

ItsPerfectlyNatural.net

Saltana C ve Experience an Authentic Himalayan Salt Cave…Now Here in Ridgefield

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

The Earth is what we all have in common. ~Wendell Berry

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

GRAND OPENING SPECIAL! Like us on Facebook and receive a free visit! facebook.com/pages/Saltana-Cave/477550062298188

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

April 2013

9

Having a caring relationship with a renowned physician is good medicine.

And having a great relationship with him and his students is even better.

Welcome to the new Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine, a teaching clinic that provides patients with the best that natural healthcare has to offer.

Under the direction of Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a leader in the field of natural medicine and best-selling author of Eat Right for Your Type, naturopathic doctoral students blend time-honored healing techniques with state-of-the-art diagnostics to provide highly individualized patient care.

We offer:

• Individualized Nutrition Programs • Acupuncture • Medically Supervised Weight Loss • Constitutional Hydrotherapy • Infrared Sauna

“I was happy to meet with your interns and come up with a plan to optimize my health and wellness. I have been following your recommendations and am feeling better.” —Mary S.

THE D’ADAMO TEACHING SHIFT

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN GENERATIVE MEDICINE UNIVERSITY OF BRIDGEPORT 115 BROAD STREET, BRIDGEPORT CT 06604

(203) 366-0526

WWW.GENERATIVEMEDICINE.ORG 10

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

April is For New Beginnings

A

h, Spring! Just the thought of it brings smiles to our faces as we begin to see increasing daylight, warming temperatures, and the rebirth of flora and fauna. “For many, this is the month where we begin to come out of hibernation and set our sights on spiritual growth Tracy Mignone and June Fagan and inner transformation, which often begins with a question or feeling - as we question our purpose and the meaning of life, or a feeling of longing stirs within,” say June Fagan and Tracy Mignone of Kindred Spirits Center in Redding. “It is in these moments that we open up to exploring a different way to live; to fill that longing within. Being aware of this is the very first step to happiness, peace and fulfillment in our lives.”

Fagan and Mignone are practitioners as well as teachers of many healing modalities, including Reiki, Rising Star, Prema Birthing, Mahatma Infusion Therapy, Light Language, Intuitive Readings, Buddhist Chanting, among others. They have had the privilege of training with and becoming certified by Master Spiritual Teachers and Healers Roland Comtois (USA), Brook Still (USA) and Derek O’Neill (IRE).

For more information about classes and workshops visit KindredSpiritsCenter.com or call 203.938.3690. See ad pg 20.

Awaken Fair Offers Holistic Nourishment

H

ealers, speakers, readers, vendors and anyone in need of holistic nourishment are invited to feed their body, mind and spirit at the Awaken Wellness Fair, taking place Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, NY. The biggest such expo north of NYC, the Awaken Fair educates the public about advancements in complementary and holistic health, with a focus on personal growth and metaphysics.

According to event organizer Paula Caracappa, founder of PPC Group LLC, the Fair will feature an array of exhibitor booths offering crystal, gemstones, Reiki-infused jewelry, natural and botanical cosmetic products, and healthy foods and supplements. There will also be intuitive readings and Akashic Records reviews, tarot cards and crystal readings. “Appointments are already being booked for the ever-popular medium, Adam Bernstein,” Caracappa says. “Curious minds can take in lessons on pranic healing, exploring past lives, and how to

create resilience both personally and within the family.” More than 20 lectures are scheduled for the hotel’s Speakers Rooms.

Guests can visit AwakenFair.com ahead of time to create a personalized itinerary based on lectures, healers and holistic exhibitors of particular interest to them. “Those who choose to pre-register online can also pre-book appointments with their favorite readers and healers,” Caracappa says. Admission is $10 online through April 17, or $15 at the door.

The Tarrytown Doubletree Hotel is located at 455 North Broadway. The first 500 attendees will receive a free, colorful, eco-friendly reusable shopping bag for holding goodies, information and coupons. Tickets are available online at AwakenFair.com. Exhibitors can sign up at ThePractitioners.com. See ad pg 4.

Step Into the Quiet of the Woods at Sticks & Stones to experience this working Farm, Educational and Retreat Center • Cabin & Houseboat Rentals • Food Vendors: Newly Licensed Commercial Kitchen for Rent • Nature Summer Camps, Educational Workshops, Day Retreats Yoga, Drum Circles, Ukulele Club, Foraging & more • Organic Farm Stand • Moss, Stone, Native Plants, Garden Benches, Sculptures

Summer Camps With a Difference

• Chartre Labyrinth, 10 Acre Moss Mountain Stroll Garden • Holistic Health Coach, CIA Trained Chef Wellness Cooking Classes, Transformational Weight Loss

T

he Clover Hill School’s Kindergarten Summer Camp program is celebrating its fourth season for its camp for 3 to 6 year olds. This year there will be two 3-week sessions: June 17 through July 3, and July 8 through July 25. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.

Children are welcome to attend one or both sessions. Two years ago sprinklers were introduced which prompt joyous peals of laughter (and sometimes wild cheering) from the children as they run under the sprinklers. Some outdoor crafts also involve water. When the children come back inside, they will be painting with water color paints which satisfy their soul’s hunger for color. It also fills their need for dreaminess, which they are able to experience during summertime.

In addition to water play, the children will enjoy harvesting vegetables from the School’s own garden, preparing the snack, circle time and stories. A special part of our summer rhythm is spending extra time outside, including snack time. Everything seems to taste better outdoors!

The Clover Hill School also offers it’s Parent & Child Camp for children 2 months - 3 years old. These special sessions will be held on 6 consecutive Fridays during June and July. Class is from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The children will enjoy a healthy rhythm of indoor play, circle time, homemade snack and story time. Outdoor play includes a water table for the children to discover shells and other interesting objects. A 3-week minimum is suggested.

For more information including fees, visit TheCloverHillSchool.org. See ad pg 8.

• Farm Available for Benefits, Special Events, Weddings

201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown • 203.270.8820

SticksAndStonesFarm.com

DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM! FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN YOUR BEDROOM

Chemical Free Zone!

• No Toxic Off-Gassing • No Toxic Chemical Flame Retardants • No Petrochemicals • Locally Made • 25 Year Warranty

Healthy Choice

Organic Mattresses Danbury, CT The Danbury Fair Mall (203) 739-0077

Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900

Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467

www.HCmattress.com for money saving coupon

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

11

Personal Wellness Center Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life!

N

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

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

Be well Be beautiful Herbal Hair Color • 100% grey coverage • Ammonia-free • Paraben-free • Oderless • Long Lasting • Gentle on hair & scalp • Improved texture & shine Organic Hair Studio

(203)966-5655 www.SynergySalonNC.com

Natural Awakenings’ Family of Franchises Keeps Growing

53 East Avenue New Canaan, CT 06840

How Is Your Work?

Call me. I can help you make it better.

Dharma-Works.com Coaching & Consulting

Sequoia Sun

a t u r a l Awa k e n ings Publishing Corp. (NAPC) recently welcomed a group of new publishers that completed a March training program at corporate headquarters in Naples, Florida.

The NAPC training staff spent several days with the entrepreneurs now launching new Natural Awakenings territories or taking over the production of existing magazines in several locales. New markets include Albany, New York; Toledo, Ohio; and Portland, Maine; and the franchise in Indianapolis, Indiana, will have a new publisher at the helm.

Company CEO Sharon Bruckman launched the first edition of Natural Awakenings in 1994 and began franchising it in 1999. The company currently publishes 88 Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the United States and in Puerto Rico, with a collective readership exceeding 3.5 million.

“Interest in naturally healthy living that’s good for people and the planet is now influencing mainstream America, thanks in part to our active and growing readership,” says Bruckman.

“Natural Awakenings’ dedicated family of publishers, supported by loyal advertisers, connects readers with a wealth of national and local resources mapping out alternate routes to a healthier, happier, longer life.”

For a list of locations where Natural Awakenings is publishing or to learn more about franchise opportunities, visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or call 203.885.4674.

Have news to share?

203-246-1369

Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com to submit News Briefs.

Deadline: April 5

Sequoia@Dharma-Works.com

Budgets, spending, saving, earning won’t solve your financial issues. What will?

Discover and heal your relationship with money . . . to the root.

To learn more, please visit www.judithbarr.com and click on MONEY IS A CLUE Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt 30 Years Experience • Depth Psychotherapist • Spiritual Midwife Financial Therapist • Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker PO Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804 • 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

12

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

GET MOTIVATED! GET MOVING! FEEL BETTER! Discover the food, exercise and lifestyle choices that best support you. Train with us, and finally reach your goals!

• • • • •

Health Coaching, Nutritional Counseling & Personal Fitness Training Expertise in Vegan & Vegetarian Lifestyle Private or semi-private sessions, group seminars & classes Email support between sessions, handouts & support materials Prices to fit your budget (as low as $25 per group session)

Gary Camillo 85 Mona Terrace Fairfield, CT 06824 203-259-9906 • CamilloHealthAndFitness.com

New Personal Development Opportunities from Recharge Retreats

R

echarge Retreats & Awakened Life School of Yoga is now offering local weekend retreats for 2013, and continues to offer Life Solutions Coaching, as development tools. Recharge Retreats is a personal develLiz Carey opment organization that creates restorative retreats, self-development intensives, and yoga certification courses designed to enhance participants’ overall well-being and recharge their lives.

“We all need to allow ourselves to take it easy once in a while,” says Liz Carey, coach and wellness retreat facilitator. “Recharging our lives through personal development is one of the ways we can nourish ourselves. This can be done by having a supportive coach, attending weekend events, and connecting with people who give us energy.” Carey says Recharge Retreats & Awakened Life School of Yoga is committed to creating events where “our best selves” can be cultivated and supported. “We do this in intimate settings, with small groups, so we can give all our participants and clients focused attention,” she says. “This allows for our highest potential and dreams to come to fruition. We believe in our hearts that this is what everyone wants: we all want to live free, think big, and shine bright.”

For upcoming weekend retreats, yoga teacher trainings, and coaching, visit Recharge-Retreats.com or e-mail Connect@Recharge-Retreats.com. See ad pg 42.

››

Want to protect your family & pets from harsh chemicals?

››

Concerned about the overuse of synthetic fertilizers & pesticides?

››

Interested in a safer, sustainable approach to a beautiful yard?

Go Organic with Lawn Care Services and Tick Management from Growing Solutions Contact us today for a complimentary consultation as to how our NOFA®-accredited team of experts can enhance your property.

growso.com

Tired of Exposing Yourself to Harsh Chemicals & Fumes?

The best thing about our products is what we leave out!

No Ammonia • No Parabens No Scalp Staining • No Scalp Discomfort Best Eco Salon

838 Main Street • Monroe • Tollgate Plaza Tues, Wed, Fri 9-5, Thur 9-8, Sat 8-4

203-261-2838 SalonAponte.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

13

Getting the Lead Out

healthbriefs

How Does Your Garden Glow?

G

ardening can be a healthy pastime… as long as toxic tools aren’t involved.

Researchers at the Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Ecology Center recently tested nearly 200 garden essentials—especially hoses, hand tools, gloves and knee pads—for chemicals and heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, phthalates and Bisphenol A (BPA), which are linked to birth defects, hormone imbalances, learning delays and other serious health problems. The researchers found that nearly two-thirds of the tested products contained levels of chemicals that concerned them greatly.

Cautious gardeners should seek products that are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and lead-free, and follow good garden hose hygiene: Avoid drinking out of the hose, don’t leave it exposed to the sun (where water within the hose can absorb chemicals) and always flush it out before watering edible plants.

Source: EcologyCenter.org

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently redefined the “action level” for lead exposure in children. Youngsters are now considered at risk and qualify for careful medical monitoring if they have more than five micrograms per deciliter of lead in their blood—half the previous threshold. Lead poisoning can cause cognitive and behavioral problems, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing blood lead concentration levels at age 1 and again at 2, when concentrations peak.

Most lead poisoning cases occur in substandard housing units, especially those with window frames still coated with lead-based paint banned since 1978. Families in dwellings built before 1950 should also be vigilant about lead. The Consumer Products Safety Commission cautions that home lead test kits sold online and at hardware stores may not be reliable enough to identify and remove sources of exposure.

Professional contractors offer more accurate results.

Children exhibiting blood lead levels above the new threshold are usually monitored, rather than treated with medications that carry serious risks. Once lead sources are removed, children’s blood lead levels typically return to a more normal range within weeks.

The CDC confirms that rather than remedial treatment, the primary goal should be making sure children aren’t exposed to lead in the first place. Fortunately, the levels of most of America’s youngest children today are well below the revised action point, with average blood lead content of 1.8 micrograms, while school-age children, teenagers and adults face little risk.

Safe • Earth-friendly Non-toxic • Aromatic

Provide the healthiest environment for your family & pets!

Professional, dependable service.

Priced the same as traditional, toxic cleaning services... so given the choice why wouldn't you choose the safe, natural alternative?

CALL FOR A FREE QUOTE!

Ines Japa 203.313.5155 14

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Whole Foods Takes Stand on GMO Labels

Whole Foods Market is putting a stake in the ground on GMOs.

A

s the first national supermarket chain to make this commitment, W h o l e Fo o d s will require all products sold in its stores with GMOs to be labeled by 2018, in both the U.S. and Canada. This could be an important precedent that other supermarket chains could follow.

Suppliers have five years to either source non-GMO ingredients or to clearly label products that have ingredients containing GMOs. Many suppliers are already working on this, the company says, and a “a good number are already there.” While five years from now is the deadline, Whole Foods says it will see progress much sooner and will announce key milestones along the way. “We heard our customers loud and clear asking us for GMO labeling and we are responding where we have control: in our own stores,” says the company.

“We are putting a stake in the ground on GMO labeling to support the consumer’s right to know,” says Walter Robb, coCEO of Whole Foods, in a statement. “The prevalence of GMOs in the U.S. paired with nonexistent mandatory labeling makes it very difficult for retailers to source non-GMO options and for consumers to choose non-GMO products. Accordingly, we are stepping up our support of certified organic agriculture, where GMOs are not allowed, and we are working together with our supplier partners to grow our non-GMO supply chain to ensure we can continue to provide these choices in the future.”

Currently, the only way consumers can be sure the food they buy don’t contain GMOs is by buying certified organic.

Whole Foods’ private label line, 365 Everyday Value, has been GMO-free for years, it says, and since 2009, it’s been verified through the Non-GMO Project, which analyzes food for the presence of GMOs. The Non-GMO Project verified products from 250 brands currently sold in Whole Foods, more than any other retailer in North America, says the company.

Whole Foods was criticized for not actively supporting (ie, kicking in money) the GMO labeling referendum in California this past November. At the last minute, it formally announced support for Prop 37 and used radio ads and social media to get the word out. Since the defeat of Prop 37, organizers in 30 states are now working on initiatives to require GMO labels.

Source: Sustainable Business News. See ad pg 27.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

15

Quality Acupuncture at Affordable Prices Affordable Acupuncture of CT

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

Really affordable, based on: Small group acupuncture keeps prices down and allows many more to take advantage of this highly effective, ancient healing art.

Discounted packages allow for better, faster results and lower pricing.

Private sessions also available.

Jody Eisemann

is a CT licensed acupuncturist with 20+ years experience in treatment of all kinds of pain with immediate & effective results.

Locations in Norwalk & Fairfield

203-216-2548 AffordableAcupunctureCT.com Call for free consultation

Cool Tool

New Calculations for Polar Ice A new report from the University of Washington, in Seattle, published in the journal Science on polar ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica, works to reconcile differences between sometimes-conflicting research studies. Scientists compiled 20 years of data to determine how much ice is being lost and sea levels have increased as the global climate warms.

Past studies have shown a range of ice losses, from zero to catastrophic. When the data was synthesized and analyzed holistically, it became clear that the ice sheets are losing three times as much ice each year as they did in the 1990s—in the middle of previous estimates.

Ice sheets are one of several main drivers of rising sea levels. Other factors, which account for 80 percent of the increase, include the melting of glaciers on land and the expansion of the sea itself as the atmosphere heats up. The melting of polar sea ice has no direct effect on sea levels because the ice is already in the water.

Glaciologist and co-author Ian Joughin told The Christian Science Monitor, “The melting needs monitoring to further understand the ice sheet processes leading to the change.”

Thrifty Threads

Levi’s Latest Sustainable Moves World record holder and Olympic champion sprinter Usain Bolt will soon model Puma boots that are “made for rotting,” and when the next Levi Strauss collection arrives, their new jingle will be, “These jeans are made of garbage.” Crushed brown and green half-liter plastic bottles will be on display at retail store displays, of which the equivalent of eight, or 20 percent, are blended into each pair of Waste<Less jeans.

Nike and Gap have their own sustainability programs, and Patagonia has long supported a small ecosystem of Earth-friendly suppliers. But as the biggest maker of jeans in the world, with sales of $4.8 billion in 2011, Levi’s efforts command the most attention.

Levi joined the Better Cotton Initiative, a group of companies that work with local nongovernmental organizations in Pakistan, India, Brazil and Mali to teach farmers how to grow cotton with less water. Last year marked the first cotton harvest given this effort and Levi has blended its share into more than 5 million pairs of jeans.

With cotton prices on the rise and pressure from activist groups such as BSR, an environmental organization that works with businesses, large clothing manufacturers are starting to adopt more sustainable practices.

Source: Business Week 16

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Silver Lining

Cleaning Up the Cloud The New York Times has reported that “cloud” data centers—which store YouTube videos, run Google searches and process eBay bids—use about 2 percent of all electricity in the nation.

In some data centers, up to 90 percent of the energy is wasted.

Now, an industry consortium called the Uptime Institute is sponsoring a “server roundup” and handing out rodeo belt buckles to the Internet company that can take the largest number of heat-producing, energy-hungry servers offline.

Many centers expend as much or more energy in cooling their facilities as in computing and transmitting data.

Sharing best practices has become common among data center pros. Facebook won the Institute’s Audacious Idea award last year for its Open Compute Project, which enabled both its server and data center designs to be open-sourced for anyone to access and improve upon.

Source: Slate.com

Better Barters

Swapping Trash for Fresh Produce Mexico City’s innovative monthly Mercado del Trueque (barter market) in Chapultepec Park is a winning trifecta for citizens, local vegetable and plant vendors and the city’s secretariat of the environment. There, residents can exchange cardboard, paper, glass, aluminum, plastic bottles, electronic devices and other waste for paper chits that are redeemed at kiosks for vouchers worth points.

The traders can then use the vouchers to buy tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, lemons and other produce from participating farmers from surrounding districts. Mexico produces 40 million tons of garbage annually, but only recycles about 15 percent. With this barter system, farmers have gained a new place to sell their produce and earn extra income, while the materials collected are processed for industrial reuse.

Online Literacy

Students Learning to Adopt Internet Academics The findings of a survey of teachers conducted by the Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project, in collaboration with the College Board and the National Writing Project, show that the Internet has opened up a vast world of information for today’s students, but digital literacy skills need improvement.

Three-quarters of Advanced Placement and National Writing Project teachers say that the Internet and digital search tools have had a “mostly positive” impact on their students’ research habits, but 87 percent say these technologies are creating an easily distracted generation with short attention spans, and 64 percent say they do more to divert students’ attention than to help them academically.

The good news is that 99 percent of teachers in the study agree with the notion that, “The Internet enables students to access a wider range of resources than would otherwise be available,” and 65 percent agree that, “It makes today’s students more selfsufficient researchers.”

Read the full report at Tinyurl.com/ TeenResearch.

Source: IPSNews.net

Cut the weight—Without the Surgeon’s Scalpel!

The Virtual Gastric Band Program, introduced in CT by Hypnotist Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx. • Hypnotherapy technique that replicates the effects, results & benefits of traditional gastric bypass • Average weight loss with this technique is 7 lbs. the first week and 1-2 lbs. weekly * • The program has shown a 95% success rate. * Client results may vary.

Weight • Fear • Stress

Call (203) 595-0110 for a FREE Consultation

Pain • Smoking • Success Sleep • Anger

1177 High Ridge Rd, Stamford Thought Field Therapy • Hypnosis • NLP

MindBodyTransformation.com

Diane Bahr-Groth, CHy, TFTdx, is one of the first U.S.–trained hypnotists

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

17

Greater Bridgeport Community Enterprises (GBCE), a community development corporation in Bridgeport, CT. It creates jobs in the growing green economy by developing new green business enterprises so that low and moderate income families can achieve economic self-sufficiency while creating more sustainable communities.

GBCE focuses on low-tech, laborintensive sectors of the green economy to maximize the number of jobs that can be created for its target population of low-income unemployed residents, ex-offenders, returning veterans, mothers on welfare, non-custodial fathers, residents of public housing, those with low educational attainment, those with little or no work history, the long-term unemployed, and at-risk unemployed older youth ages 18-24.

Park City Green mattress deconstruction and materials recycling enterprise

Green Businesses Growing in Bridgeport In Bridgeport a new green business recently opened, Park City Green. It is a mattress deconstruction and materials recycling enterprise. It takes in mattresses that would ordinarily go to landfills or incinerators, takes them apart, and recycles the component parts (foam, cotton, metal springs and wood). This saves the environment and saves money in disposal fees to hard-pressed municipalities, health care facilities, universities and colleges, and others.

Park City Green also creates jobs in a city struggling with high unemployment and poverty. The jobs created are for exoffenders and low-income unemployed residents of the surrounding poor neighborhood. The plant is adjacent to a public housing project from which it draws some of its workers. This new green business enterprise just opened in July 2012. Once it reaches full capacity, it will handle 100,000 mattresses a year 18

Fairfield County Edition

and employ 20-25 low-income unemployed residents.

To prepare them for their jobs, GBCE offers 6-8 week job training programs that include both work readiness training and job skills training in the areas of weatherization/energy efficiency upgrades, environmental/brownfields remediation, and deconstruction/materials recycling. Additionally, it provides counseling and case management to help participants overcome barriers to work and ensure their success in their new jobs.

Can green jobs provide a pathway out of poverty?

Park City Green is the second green small business developed by Greater Bridgeport Community Enterprises. The first is the Green Team, a contracting enterprise that provides weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades as well as asbestos and lead removal. The Green Team, like Park City Green, employs disadvantaged low-income unemployed residents. Green Team workers have provided window replacements for municipal buildings and weatherization for more than 150 residential and multifamily units in Bridgeport and Norwalk.

They have removed lead and asbestos from more than 60 homes, churches and childcare centers in the region.

This is the mission and passion of

natural awakenings

GBCE Job Training Program

What is next for GBCE? Its next goal is create 100 new green jobs over the next five years by developing three new green business enterprises and expanding its current two green businesses.

To do this, GBCE will establish a Green Business Hub to provide expertise and services to help its current and future green businesses grow and succeed. GBCE will move its central office, job training program and Green Team to space adjacent to Park City Green, centralizing all operations in one campus which is large enough to house GBCE’s next 2-3 new green businesses. These will all be located in Bridgeport’s new Eco-Industrial Park, a burgeoning center for green businesses in the state’s largest city.

The Green Team, Park City Green and GBCE’s upcoming green enterprises will turn to the Hub for: meeting and conference rooms; office equipment; administrative services; budgeting and accounting services; IT, HR and legal services; worker training; professional development and mentoring for the operations director of each green business; marketing and PR expertise; identification of emerging markets, trends and new market opportunities; and its new business R&D. All green businesses developed by GBCE will exemplify the “triple bottom line” of environmental sustainability, social good in training and hiring disadvantaged populations, and promoting economic development and job creation through new business development.

What will be the impact of 100 new jobs in the City of Bridgeport?

During the five-year development and start-up period, the newly employed workers will earn $4.3 million to support their families. More than $2 million of that will be invested in their local struggling neighborhood economies.

And after the five-year period, at least $2.5 million annually will be earned by the new workers enabling them to support their families, with a local investment of $1.2 million annually.

Green Team Contracting Enterprise In the words of GBCE’s job training graduates and workers: Rock: I knew I was a good worker but no one would give me a chance. Then I discovered GBCE and Park City Green.

Now I’m earning a living for my family and helping my community at the same time.

Mo: I was discouraged and had lost all hope. GBCE and the Green Team gave me training and a job that restored my hope. Now I’m working at a meaningful job with a future.

Nejire: Thank you Green Team for giving me a chance at a better life for me and my daughter. Make sure you keep helping people because you really helped me.

GBCE welcomes volunteers. Contact Adrienne Houël, President & CEO, for current volunteer opportunities.

GBCE also welcomes donations to support its work including its new initiative, the Green Business Hub which is the foundation for its five-year plan to create 100 new green jobs by developing three new green businesses. Visit greenteambpt.com to learn more.

470 Main Street, Ridgefield Move2Wellness.com • 203-403-2522 eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

19

healingways

Household CLEANSE Banish these Five Chemicals for a Domestic Detox

by Gail Griswold-Elwyn

A

“ Relax, Enjoy &

Let Your Spirit Shine Thru We offer a variety of healing modalities including:

• Meditation Classes • Intuitive Sessions • Reiki • Tai Chi • Rising Star For more info on classes, workshops and events please call, click or email us!

Kindred Spirits A Center for the Mind, Body & Soul New Location in REDDING, CT JTKindredspirit@aol.com

203-938-3690 KindredSpiritsCenter.com 20

Fairfield County Edition

mericans are collectively more aware and educated than just a few years ago about the range of environmental chemicals we inhale and ingest, yet most still live with dangerous substances in their homes,” according to Jen Loui. She is a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design-accredited professional in St. Louis and an industry expert who writes green curricula for high schools across the country.

Guarding against pollution of indoor air is a good place to start; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ranked poor air quality among the leading environmental dangers, reporting links to many common health problems. Here’s how to rid the family home of the top five common household toxins.

Formaldehyde. Traces of this toxin, the same chemical used to embalm the deceased, pervade almost every room. “My clients are often shocked to learn that they likely ingest this toxic, cancer-causing chemical every day of their lives,” says P. Richelle White, a sustainable lifestyle coach and co-owner of Herb’n Maid, a green cleaning and concierge service in St. Louis. “Because formaldehyde is often an ingredient in everyday things like cosmetics, faux wood furniture and conventional clean-

natural awakenings

ing products, they get a daily dose of it.”

Even at low levels, formaldehyde can cause eye, nose, throat and skin irritation; at its most malignant levels, it can cause severe allergic asthma, infertility and lymphoma, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Healthier choices: Switch to allnatural beauty products and cosmetics.

At minimum, check that compressed wood fibers don’t use a formaldehydebased chemical as a binding agent; better yet, choose natural, reclaimed wood for interior surfaces and furnishings.

Polyvinyl chloride. PVC is omnipresent and dangerous. Water bottles, nylon backpacks, pipes, insulation and vinyl tiles generally contain PVC, as well as almost anything waterproofed, such as baby changing mats and mattress covers. PVC usually contains plasticizers called phthalates, which are released over time; it also can chemically combine with other organic materials to produce toxic dioxin byproducts.

According to Greenpeace and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PVC byproducts and vapors are endocrine disruptors that can mimic or block hormones in the body.

In addition, the EPA has linked PVC to serious respiratory problems, immune suppression and cancer.

“Allergies, asthma, lung cancer and heart problems have all been linked to poor indoor air quality.”

Healthier choices: Look for PVC-free plastics. When shopping for waterproofed items, choose those with coatings made from polyurethane or polyester.

Phthalates. A 2007 report by the NRDC notes that 12 out of 14 common brands of household air fresheners and room sprays contain phthalates, which people regularly inhale primarily because these chemicals prolong the time that products maintain their fragrance. In studies conducted by the World Health Organization, researchers concluded that consistent exposure to phthalates could increase the risks for endocrine, reproductive and developmental problems. The majority of synthetic air fresheners were found to also emit significant amounts of terpene, a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can react with naturally occurring ozone to create formaldehyde.

Healthier choices: Put boxes of baking soda in cabinets to absorb odors and scent interiors with all-natural oils and potpourri.

Chlorine. According to the American Lung Association, most conventional

~ U.S. EPA cleaning products include some chlorine, with large concentrations in bleach.

Inhalation of chlorine can irritate the respiratory system; prolonged exposure can lead to lung disease and asthma.

Healthier choices: Purchase chlorine-free cleaning products, especially chlorine-free bleach. Or make inexpensive solutions of white, distilled vinegar mixed with a little lemon for scent for a multipurpose, multi-surface cleaner; try baking soda as a scrubbing powder.

Volatile organic compounds. VOCs are emitted as harmful gases by a wide array of products including paints, lacquers and paint strippers; cleaning supplies; pesticides; carpets and furnishings; office copiers and printers, correction fluids and carbonless copy paper; plus

LOOK what’s new at FWM! BUS SERVICE TO LOWER FAIRFIELD COUNTY

graphics and craft materials that include glues and adhesives, permanent markers and photographic solutions. The EPA calculates that, “Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher [up to 10 times] indoors than outdoors.”

Healthier choices: Look for VOC-free products and consider using organic clay paint, which has the added benefit of acting as an absorbent of toxic gases.

Most people spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, where the air quality can be two to five times (and even up to 100 times) more polluted than the air we breathe outside, according to the EPA. “A simple solution is to open windows for a portion of each day or night to let in fresh air,” advises Loui.

Making these choices enables us to protect ourselves better at home.

Gail Griswold-Elwyn is founding president of Rethink Renovations, of St. Louis, MO, which offers green design/build and construction services, including cabinetry and furniture that minimize environmental impact.

Connect at 314.323.8845 or RethinkRenovations.com.

Master’s in Nutrition Online

4-DAY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

OPEN HOUSE NOW ENROLLING FOR SEPTEMBER

April 16, May 8, May 29 and June 4 starting at 9:30 AM r.s.v.p.

Since 1968 Fraser Woods Montessori School has been educating children from toddler through 8th grade. Come discover our year round programs.

• Increase revenue possibilities by offering expanded wellness services to patients

• Enjoy the convenience of learning online from your home or office, 24/7

• Curriculum focuses on the role of human nutrition as a preventative and complementary therapy from a functional medicine perspective

• Graduates are eligible to sit for the Certified Clinical Nutritionists (CCN) and the Diplomate of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition (DACBN) exams

To learn more, call 1.888.822.4476 or visit www.bridgeport.edu

SOUTH MAIN STREET NEWTOWN CONNECTICUT WWW FRASERWOODS COM |

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

21

healthykids

P ARK IT HERE Exploring America’s National Treasures

by S. Alison Chabonais

T

he Kent family, of Amherst, New Hampshire, has faced many “Can I really do this?” moments while adventuring in America’s national parks. So far they’ve visited 57, and with Pinnacles just named a full park in January, they’ll likely be headed for California again. American Somoa, in the South Pacific, potentially the last and most remote destination of their 11-year odyssey, is under serious consideration.

Along the way, father Scott, mother Lisa and (now) 18-year-old Tanner and 16-year-old Peyton each grew increasingly self-confident in testing their skills at everything from spelunking, subtropical snorkeling and paragliding to ice trekking and kayaking subarctic waters.

“If they offered it, we tried it,” says Lisa.

“Our family regularly debates our favorite memories.”

While they hiked and explored natural rock formations at every opportunity—including New Mexico’s Carlsbad Caverns, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave, South Dakota’s Wind Cave and California’s Yosemite—the gals also liked to ride horses while the guys fly fished. “One of my favorite moments

22

Fairfield County Edition

was when Tanner and I hiked a Colorado trail to a pristine lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, where he caught his first trout,” recalls Scott.

“I never give the same answer as to the best experience or best park,” adds Tanner, citing Yellowstone, in Wyoming, and Wrangell-St. Elias, in Alaska, as particularly spectacular, partly for their distinctive wildlife. His favorite anecdote? “When I was little, I stared down a barracuda in the Dry Tortugas, off the coast of South Florida, wildly pointing it out to Dad, who was calmly photographing itty-bitty fish and never saw it.”

“It’s so cool to get close to a big animal,” says Peyton, recalling when she and Mom were sea kayaking Alaska’s Glacier Bay near a humpback whale. “I thought we were going to end up in the whale’s mouth,” she laughs.

The family agrees that their longest expedition—eight Alaskan parks in three weeks—was extraordinary. “We had to fly into the Arctic Circle on a float plane and walk the ice using crampons,” Peyton notes about their visit to the remote Gates of the Arctic and Kobuk Valley, among America’s least-visited parks, in

natural awakenings

contrast to the most-visited Great Smoky Mountains National Park, straddling Tennessee and North Carolina.

Whether witnessing Kodiak Island bears, Hawaiian volcanoes or Everglades’ alligators, their overarching mission was to visit every major park before Tanner embarked for college. The family’s National Park Service Passport already has 57 stamps secured during school holidays and summer vacations, timed to prime park seasons and complemented by destination photos.

“It’s easy to talk about the big moments, but you can have a memorable time in any park,” says Lisa, from appreciating the beauty of a boardwalk to boarding a ferry for an island picnic.

“Getting back to basics has been really good for our family, part of the glue that binds us together.”

She says her growing children learned to be brave and patient, help fellow travelers and be happy without cell phones. “We moved away from immediate gratification to focusing on a greater good,” remarks Lisa. “We enjoy interacting and doing simple things together.”

The family assesses its national parks tour as affordable, accessible and affecting how they experience life as a software engineer (Scott), physical education teacher (Lisa) and student athletes (Tanner and Peyton). They are pleased to be counted among the innumerable national park visitors that have benefited since the inception of what Ken Burns’ video series characterizes as America’s Best Idea. Lisa sums it up: “You don’t have to do it as big as we did to get big out of it.”

S. Alison Chabonais is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

ecotip Gas Saver

Keep Bucks in Your Pocket at the Pump When mass transit isn’t an option, drivers have many ways to save money by coaxing more miles per gallon (mpg) from their vehicle.

It’s easy to adopt some simple driving and maintenance habits.

Slow down. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), driving at 55 mph instead of 65 mph can improve gas mileage by as much as 15 percent.

Reduce excess weight. An extra 100 pounds of nonessential cargo in a vehicle could reduce mpg by up to 2 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Properly inflate tires. The increased surface area of the rubber in soft tires meeting the road creates ongoing drag and a greater demand on the engine.

Keep the engine tuned. Regularly check and refresh fluid levels, especially in colder regions where winter places additional stress on engine parts. While high-quality synthetic motor oil blends may protect the engine better than conventional oil, they don’t eliminate the need for regular oil changes, according to JiffyLube.com. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence notes that one misfiring spark plug can reduce fuel efficiency by up to 30 percent.

Avoid rapid accelerations and braking. The EPA estimates that about half of the energy needed to power a car is consumed during acceleration, and fuel economy can be improved by as much as 10 percent by avoiding unnecessary braking.

Keep the engine air filter clean. According to AAA.com, a clogged filter strains performance. In some cars, the filter can be easily checked by the owner; or drivers may ask a technician to do so during regular tune-ups.

Almond Crusted Salmon with Caramelized (Serves Onions and Basil 4) Almond meal, made from ground blanched almonds, forms the nutty topping on this baked salmon with slowly caramelized sweet onions and fresh basil spooned over the top. Serve this dish as a main course along with roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables and a green salad.

1/2 tablespoon butter 1/2 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, divided 1 sweet onion, thinly sliced Salt and pepper, to taste 1/2 teaspoon lime juice 1/2 cup almond meal 4 teaspoons honey mustard or sweet prepared mustard 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions 1/4 cup basil leaves 4 (4- to 6-oz.) skinless salmon fillets, skin removed • Heat butter and 1/2 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add onion, salt and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, 30 to 45 minutes. Stir in lime juice and keep warm.

• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375ºF. Grease the bottom of a large baking dish with remaining 1 teaspoon oil. Put almond meal into a wide, shallow dish and season salmon with salt and pepper. Brush the top of each salmon fillet with mustard and then roll in almond meal, pressing to make sure it sticks. Arrange salmon in prepared baking dish in a single layer and bake until just cooked through and flesh flakes with a fork, about 15 minutes.

• Transfer salmon to plates, top with caramelized onions, garnish with green onions and basil and serve.

for every child, a home

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

23

positive choices and the necessary tools for problem solving.

“These elements enable students to take all that they learn and use it with reverence and a sense of responsibility,” says Weil.

Her institute offers the only master’s degrees in humane education that this approach requires, with complementary in-class and online programs for young people and adults.

Her determined vision is slowly becoming a reality as teachers become familiar with these concepts and integrate them into hands-on, project-based learning that crosses disciplines and better marries school experiences with real-life lessons.

Zoe Weil portrait by Robert Shetterly

Make the Extraordinary Ordinary

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Seymour Papert, a renowned educator and computer scientist, has conducted in-depth research in how worthy real-world topics get students excited about what they learn. They increase their tendency to dig more deeply and expand their interest in a wide array of subjects as they better retain what they learn, become more confident in trusting their own judgment and make the connections needed to broadly apply their knowledge. Young people learn how to collaborate and improve their social and group speaking skills, including with adults.

THE NEXT LEVEL Education for a More Sustainable World

by Linda Sechrist

W

“

hat is the purpose of education?” That’s a question Zoe Weil frequently revisits with her workshop audiences. As co-founder and President of the Institute for Humane Education (IHE), Weil has spent most of her adult life researching the answer. Her conclusion is that the U.S. Department of Education’s present goal of preparing graduates to “compete in the global economy” is far too myopic for our times.

Weil’s firsthand research, which grounds her book, The Power and Promise of Humane Education, has led her to forward the idea that the goal should be inspiring generations of “solutionaries” prepared to joyfully and enthusiastically meet the challenges of world problems.

“I believe that it is incredibly irresponsible for America’s educators and policymakers not to provide people with the knowledge of interconnected global issues, plus the skills and tools to become creative problem solvers and motivated change makers in whatever fields they pursue,” says Weil.

Weil points to four primary elements that comprise a humane education: providing information about current issues in age-appropriate ways; fostering the Three C’s of curiosity, creativity and critical thinking; instilling the Three R’s of reverence, respect and responsibility; and ensuring access to both

24

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

We need to build cases for environmental protection around broad-based community concerns like health, quality of life, the protection of watersheds and wildlife and the education of our children. Environmental issues are also social, economic and quality of life issues.

Our challenge is to bring life-sustaining principles into creative thinking for the long view, rather than the short term. ~ Terry Tempest Williams

According to Papert, project-based learning improves test scores and reduces absenteeism and disciplinary problems. “If schoolchildren are given the gift of exploration, society will benefit, both in practical and theoretical ways,” notes Papert.

A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose

s xe bo s ft ture p

welry • fairy st r je • painting atues e v s an & sil gifts d s gi ng rian cu t l s

or

e d

dh

m

bu

Papert’s observations were affirmed by middle school students at Voyagers’ Community School, in Farmingdale, New Jersey, in one of the IHE 10-week online classes—Most Good, Least Harm—in April 2012. “Initially, students were intimidated and underestimated their ability to express their thoughts and concerns or debate issues with the adult participants. That challenge faded quickly,” remarks Karen Giuffre, founder and director of the progressive day school.

Posing provocative questions like, “What brings you joy?” and engaging in conversations in subjects like climate change, racism, recycling, green energy, genocide and war challenged the students to step up to become respected equals.

“This demanded a lot from these young people, because the experience wasn’t only about absorbing complex issues and developing an awareness of the material, political, economic and cultural world around them. It was also about how they probed their minds and emotions to determine where they stood on issues and what they could do to change their lifestyle, or that of their family and community, to make it more sustainable,” says Giuffre.

The students went on to help organize a peace conference that entailed 20-plus workshops to inspire an individual mindful awareness of peace that motivates and empowers the peacemaker within. It was intended to incite collective action across generations, explains Giuffre, and was followed by community service to people impacted by Hurricane Sandy.

stu eq nni ue

Telling Transformation

a’s

•c

ryst

als • pottery

m •&

uc

h

Gift Cards Available Intuitive Readings Every Weekend Wide Selection of Native American Gifts

203-438-7146

452 Main St, Ridgefield

Touch Of Sedona

touchofsedonaridgefield.com Open Every Day Until 5:30

Answering the Call

Children or adults that participate in activities such as those created by IHE or the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Challenge 20/20 are developing what Peggy Holman describes as “change literacy”, the capacity to be effectively present amid a changing set of circumstances. Holman, an adjunct professional lecturer at American University’s School of Public Affairs, in Washington, D.C., is co-founder of the Open Space Institute-US, which fosters whole-system engagement, and author of Engaging Emergence.

“Conversational literacy—the capacity to talk and interact in creative ways with others that are very different from us—is our birthright. However, change literacy, a necessary skill for future leaders, is learned via curiosity,” advises Holman. “In my experience, children grasp it more quickly than adults, because authentic expression and curiosity come naturally to them. Children don’t have a long history, and so are naturally more present when engaged in exploring things that matter.”

Global problems of deforestation, peacekeeping, conflict prevention, terrorism, water pollution and shortages, natural disasters and mitigation, global warming, education for all, biodiversity, ecosystem losses and global infectious diseases aren’t yet subjects found in a normal curriculum for grades five through nine. However, the Internet-based Challenge 20/20 program now has youth in nearly 120 independent and traditional schools throughout the United States working on solutions that can be implemented both locally and globally.

“Challenge 20/20 partners American schools at any grade level [K-12] with counterpart schools in other countries, free

Non-toxic tick control.

It ’s in our nature to care.

203.790.9809

CamillaLandscapeDesign.com Organic Services

IC LAND CA GAN RE OR

CT lic # hic.0630545 * CT reg # b-0839 NY lic # wc-24146-h11 * NY reg # 15330

eNaturalAwakenings.com

AC

CRE

DITED PROFESSIO N

April 2013

AL

25

rocky terrain.

Bill McKibben portrait by Robert Shetterly

Re-Imagining Education

of cost,” explains NAIS Director Patrick Bassett. “Together, teams tackle real global problems while forming authentic bonds and learning firsthand about cross-cultural communication.” Qualifying students may have an opportunity to share their experiences at the association’s annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

In 2010, 11 students at the Fay School, in Southborough, Massachusetts, partnered with Saigon South International School (SSIS), in Vietnam. After a year of studying, raising awareness and brainstorming solutions for the global water deficit, Fay students focused on the challenges families in underdeveloped countries face that must walk miles to find clean, safe, water sources.

A taxing water-carrying experiment brought immediate appreciation for the difficulty of transporting water, prompting them to invent the Water Walker. The modified rolling cooler with heavy-duty straps attached can carry up to 40 quarts of water on large, durable wheels and axles designed to navigate

“Transformative learning, which is vital to the learning journey, goes beyond the acquisition of information,” says Aftab Omer, Ph.D., president of Meridian University, in Petaluma, California, and founder of its formative Institute of Imaginal Studies. “In informational learning, we acquire facts, concepts, principles and even skills, but in transformative learning, we are cultivating capacities. This is how certain capabilities become embodied in us, either as individuals or as human systems,” he advises.

Portrait artist Robert Shetterly tours with his series of more than 100 portrait paintings in traveling exhibits titled Americans Who Tell the Truth. They are helping individuals learn to embody patience, perseverance and compassion, while enhancing their understanding of sustainability, social justice, civic activism, democracy and civil rights, via both historical role models and contemporary mentors such as environmental activist Bill McKibben, conservationist Terry Tempest Williams and renowned climate scientist James Hansen.

“We don’t need to invent the wheel, because we have role models that have confronted these issues and left us a valuable legacy,” remarks Shetterly.

In 2004, he collaborated to produce a companion curriculum with Michele Hemenway, who continues to offer it in Louisville, Kentucky, elementary, middle and high schools. Hemenway also teaches Art in Education at Jefferson Community & Technical College and 21st-Century Civics at Bellamine University, both in Louisville.

Out of many, she shares a particularly compelling example of a student transformed due to this learning method: “I taught a young girl studying these true stories and portraits from the third through fifth grades when she took her place in a leadership group outside the classroom. Now in middle school, she is doing amazing things to make a difference in her community,” says Hemenway.

Reflecting on her own life, deciding what she cared about most and what actions she wanted to take, plus her own strengths, helped the student get a blighted building torn down, document and photograph neighborhood chemical dumping and have it stopped and succeed in establishing a community garden, a factor known to help reduce crime.

Organic lawncare for the safety of your kids, pets & the environment ~ Lawncare to achieve a beautiful, thick green lawn, naturally

Call for a FREE soil analysis.

~ Tree Care – Protection from insects and disease ~ Tick and Mosquito Control to keep your family safe and healthy

26

Fairfield County Edition

(203) 268-2922 • (203) 353-9576 www.countrygreenorganic.com

license #B-1245 C-0860770

natural awakenings

Clinics Terry Tempest Williams portrait by Robert Shetterly

Your Partners in Health and Wellness

Among Shetterly’s collection is the portrait of John Hunter, a teacher in Charlottesville, Virginia, who devised the World Peace Game for his fourth grade students. Children learn to communicate, collaborate and take care of each other as they work to resolve the game’s conflicts. The game triggers an eight-week transformation of the children from students of a neighborhood public school to citizens of the world.

Demonstrating transformational learning at its best, they experience the connectedness of the global community through the lens of economic, social and environmental crises, as well as the imminent threat of war. Hunter and his students are now part of a new film, World Peace and Other 4th-Grade Achievements, which reveals how effective teaching can help unleash students’ full potential.

Professor Emeritus Peter Gray, of Boston College, who researches comparative, evolutionary, developmental and educational psychology, believes the transformational method will be accepted as part of the increased demand to integrate enlightened educational approaches in public schools. The author of Free to Learn notes, “A tipping point can occur. It’s happened before, when women won the right to vote, slavery was abolished and recently when gays were openly accepted in the military.”

Weil agrees that when more individuals commit to working toward a sustainable and just world, it will happen.

“What’s more worthy of our lives than doing this work for our children and coming generations?” she queries. “How can we not do this for them if we love them?”

Linda Sechrist is a Natural Awakenings senior staff writer.

For recorded source interviews and additional perspective, visit her website, ItsAllAboutWe.com.

The UB Clinics, located on the campus of the University of Bridgeport, are staffed by some of the brightest and most talented healthcare professionals of the future. Open to the public, the UB Clinics offer affordable, high-quality care at a fraction of the cost of comparable treatments elsewhere.

• Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture Call our UB Clinics at 203-576-4349 to take advantage of this unique healthcare opportunity located in your own backyard. Or visit www.ubclinics.org

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

UBRIRE380_natrl_Awkngs_Ad color PRINT.indd 1

4/6/10 4:58 PM

Whole Foods Market is bringing you natural & organic foods at premium quality, not premium prices.

Westport 399 Post Road West, CT 203.227.6858 Greenwich 90 E. Putnam Avenue, CT 203.661.0631 Darien 150 Ledge Road, CT 203.662.0577 eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

27

consciouseating

Eating Ecology Daily Decisions Make a Difference

by Judith Fertig

C

onsuming food has such an enormous ripple effect that making small changes, one meal at a time, can reap big benefits. How we choose, prepare, cook, serve and preserve our food can improve nutrition, weight loss, cost savings and the environment.

Decide What to Eat

Choosing what we eat is critical. New York Times food columnist Mark Bittman believes that no food is absolutely off limits because, “It’s all in the way we use these things.” Yet, he adds, “The evidence is clear. Plants promote health.”

For the past few years, Bittman has experimented with eating vegan for breakfast and lunch, and then indulging at dinner. “It’s just one model of a new way of eating,” he says, “but it makes sense on many levels. By eating more plants, fewer animals and less processed food, I’ve lost 30 pounds and my cholesterol and blood sugar levels are normal again.”

When a friend sent him a 21stcentury United Nations study on how intensive livestock production causes more greenhouse gas emissions than 28

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

driving a car, Bittman realized how a change of diet is a win-win for him and the environment.

For a wake-up call on how our food choices affect the planet, the Center for Science in the Public Interest offers a short quiz at Tinyurl.com/ EatingGreenCalculator.

Identify Good Sources “One of the most ecologically conscious things you can do to make a great meal is prepare it with food that you grew yourself,” says New Yorkbased lifestyle writer Jen Laskey, who blogs at Frugaltopia.com. “Plant a small vegetable garden and a few fruit trees in your yard or join a local community garden. Even sprouting an herb garden on a windowsill will make a difference; plus, everyone in your household will appreciate the choice in fresh seasonings.”

Kansas City Star journalist Cindy Hoedel suggests planting parsley, basil, dill and other herbs every three to six weeks in eggshells in a sunny window after the outdoor growing season for a year-round tasty harvest.

When shopping, renowned

activist, author and eco-stylist Danny Seo, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, suggests bringing along reusable shopping bags and choosing local foods when possible, plus sustainable seafood and free trade, organic and hormone-free foods. The Socially Responsible Agricultural Project offers more eco-shopping tips, such as carpooling grocery trips and avoiding products with more than five ingredients, at Tinyurl.com/ShopHealthier.

“Double recipes to maximize your time and the fuel used to cook, bake or grill.

Then, think like a restaurant chef and use what you have in creative ways.”

“Adopt the traditional French practice of using—and reusing—a cloth napkin all week, or until it is too soiled to use,” she recommends. “Family members like to have a personal napkin ring. Each napkin gets shaken out and then rolled up in the ring for use at another meal.”

“Saving leftovers in the freezer helps keep it full (which helps it run more efficiently) and ensures future meals that require minimal energy to prepare,” advises Seo.

Hoedel’s zero-waste tips, shared via TwitPrepare and Serve Righteously ter, include making and freezing lots of end~ Kim O’Donnel, author, “On average, each person throws about of-season pasta sauce with tomatoes, peppers The Meat Lover’s Meatless $600 worth of food into the trash every year and basil.

Celebrations: Year-Round because of spoilage,” says Seo. Instead of

Food can also be canned or pickled.

Vegetarian Feasts rinsing food before storing, which causes Seattle cookbook author Kim O’Donnel, more spoilage, he recommends cleaning it who founded Canning Across America and is right before meal preparation. known for her meatless recipes, says, “My only regret about

Buying what’s in season (and thus less expensive) makes canning is that I waited so long. Learning how to extend the sense, advises Hoedel. “When you find fresh produce on season of my favorite fruits and vegetables in a jar is one of sale, buy it in large quantities and boil it (one to five minthe most gratifying and useful skills I’ve acquired as an adult.” utes, depending on how long the regular cooking time is),

As green eating habits add up, Bittman says he enjoys… and then freeze it in glass containers. This saves money and “a bit of self-satisfaction knowing that, by an infinitesimal plastic packaging waste.” Hoedel also likes to store lemon amount, I’m reducing the pace of global warming. And I’m wedges, chopped onions and other leftovers in small glass saving money by buying more ‘real’ food and less meat and jars instead of plastic bags. packaged junk.”

Seo suggests using real dinnerware, glasses and utensils instead of disposable products. For a touch of elegance, take Award-winning cookbook author Judith Fertig blogs at the advice of travel expert Kathy Denis, of Leawood, Kansas.

AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

29

wisewords

Healing the Ecosystem Within A Conversation with Bioneers Co-Founder Nina Simons

by Brita Belli

B

ioneers are innovators from all walks of life, seeking to make the world a better place in ways that respect the Earth and all of its inhabitants. Their organization, considered a “network of networks,” connects people and ideas through their annual National Bioneers Conference, local community action groups and original multimedia productions, including the award-winning “Revolution from the Heart of Nature” radio series.

Bioneers co-founder Nina Simons, co-editor of Moonrise: The Power of Women Leading from the Heart, talked with Natural Awakenings about the role each of us plays today in creating a more sustainable tomorrow.

influences our inner story and impacts how we nourish our psyches, stories and visions.

One of the greatest medicines for despair is action. When we act on behalf of what we love and those in need, it can help restore gratitude, a sense of faith and a more balanced view. That’s why natural disasters often elicit the best kinds of responses human beings can offer: compassion, empathy and a desire to generously contribute to solutions.

How can we be hopeful about the state of the Earth?

To what extent does healing the Earth depend on healing ourselves?

I feel that we each need to cultivate a balanced view. It’s important to hold what I call a “both/and” awareness, which recognizes how seriously our planet’s life support systems are compromised and how intensive the demand is for us to engage in reversing their deterioration. At the same time, I remain deeply hopeful, because so many people are awakening to the urgency of the issues we face and many more are now mobilizing to act in positive ways.

Does this mean that you see a societal shift toward a better way of thinking?

Our state of mind is directly affected by where we place our attention. If our primary source of information is mainstream media, then it’s easy to feel depressed and hopeless. Each of us would benefit from limiting our daily media intake, because it

• Needleless Acupuncture Option • Detox / Weight Loss / Weight Coaching • Facial Rejuvenation • Rain Drop Essential Oil Technique • Yoga, Tai-Qi, Qi-Gong: Call for Complimentary Class MOsT INsuRANCE ACCEpTED

GrAnd OPenInG! Acupuncture is Amazing for Pain & Sports Injuries!

Joseph downer, LAc

2318 Main Street, Stratford, CT StratfordAcupunture.com • (203)257-7550 30

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

We co-created the current political, economic, energy, industrial and food production systems based on competition and hierarchies that are wreaking havoc on Planet Earth and on our collective quality of life and future survival. As long as we participate in them, we perpetuate them. We have an immense opportunity to reinvent our selves and society’s systems right now.

Our culture conditions us to be hard on ourselves, judging and comparing our talents and actions while often valuing ourselves primarily based on our work or relationships.

To be the most effective change agents we can be, I believe we need to reverse these patterns and learn to consider ourselves and all of life as sacred and inherently worthy of love.

One of the most powerful things each of us can do at this pivotal point is to claim full responsibility for our inner

How Is Your Life?

Call me. I can help you make it better.

Dharma-Works.com Coaching & Consulting

Sequoia Sun 203-246-1369

Sequoia@Dharma-Works.com

“story-scape”—to shift our personal story about the impacts we’re capable of having, what our capacity for action really is and how bringing ourselves in service to life at this moment can be meaningful, joyful and effective.

Isn’t there often a conflict between what people believe and what they do?

We each contain a complex ecosystem within us. The more we can become conscious of cultivating ourselves to be authentically and fully in heartfelt service to what we love, the better we can show up on behalf of the Earth and the people and creatures with whom we share it as home.

Do you see women playing a particular role in this transformation?

While every person is a unique mix of both masculine and feminine qualities, I think that women as a whole have a deeply embedded coding that inclines us to be especially strong in caring, compassion and collaboration.

As leadership capacities, I believe these three—and connecting across differences—may be among the most essential to resilience. Our future as a species will clearly benefit from more women finding their voice, truth and connections to power.

The more women that can articulate their individual experiences in support of an inclusive collective vision, the more we can begin to tip our institutions, culture and the men we love to increasingly value these “feminine traits,” which I refer to as relational intelligence. For a long time, we have perpetuated a fatally flawed culture that has put intellect first. It’s past time that we all put the wisdom of our hearts, bodies and intuition first, with intellect in a supporting role.

Freelance writer Brita Belli is the editor of E-The Environmental Magazine.

Connect at BritaBelli.com.

Integrated Health Center Combining Traditional Natural Healing Wisdom with Modern Science and Your Personal Health Goals Services offered: • Breast Thermography • Craniosacral Therapy • Colonic Hydrotherapy • Rapid Fat Loss/ Weight Management • Allergy Testing • Homeopathy • Body Reshaping & Skin Tightening

Detox & Rejuvenate!

Restore energy, vitality & health.

A gentle, medically supervised program that uses natural supplements, colon hydrotherapy & steam baths to enhance the body’s ability to eliminate toxins.

Visit our website for more information

Dr. K. Pramila Vishvanath, LCEH, PA, ND 2324 Post Rd • Fairfield • 203.259.2700 IntegratedHealthCenterOnline.com

A NEW DAY A NEW APP Enjoy Natural Awakenings on the GO!

Your healthy living, healthy planet lifestyle app for the iPhone/iPad. • NATIONAL DIRECTORY • MONTHLY CONTENT • ARTICLE ARCHIVES • HEALTHY KIDS • NATURAL PETS • EN ESPAÑOL • IT’S FREE!

Search iTunes app store for “Natural Awakenings”and download!

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

31

naturalpet

DETECTING

DISEASE

Liver and Adrenal Issues Share Symptoms

by Dr. Shawn Messonnier

A

drenal and liver diseases can commonly plague pets, with adrenal problems occurring more often in dogs but routinely misdiagnosed, and liver disease more frequently present in cats.

Liver Disease

This inclusive term is used to describe any disorder of the liver. In both dogs and cats, common causes include toxins, infections, metabolic problems and tumors. In cats, infections and fatty liver disease are more likely, while dogs more often experience infections and tumors. Clinically affected pets are usually anorectic (not eating)

32

Fairfield County Edition

and lethargic; in severe cases, jaundice may occur.

Conventional therapies depend to some extent on the cause, but in general, antibiotics and hospitalization for fluid therapy and forced feeding, often through a stomach tube, are necessary to give the pet the best chances of recovering. Pets with liver cancer are usually diagnosed too late to be a candidate for surgery, unless only one liver lobe is involved, or chemotherapy.

More gentle natural therapy often results in curing the condition, even in later stages, depending upon the root cause. The herb milk thistle is well known for its ability to heal liver

natural awakenings

“In my veterinary practice, pets with elevated levels of enzymes indicating liver or adrenal disease are always treated with natural remedies first.

In most cases, this treatment is effective and conventional medication is not needed.” ~ Dr. Shawn Messonnier

damage. B vitamins, as well as the nutritional supplements comprising S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and phosphatidylcholine, may also be effective treatments.

Adrenal Disease

Adrenal issues, especially common in middle-aged and older canines, can refer to Addison’s disease or Cushing’s disease—signifying decreased or increased adrenal function, respectively— and are commonly misdiagnosed as liver disease.

Addison’s disease, although not prevalent, is often incorrectly diagnosed because its symptoms of reduced ap-

petite, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness are shared with most other diseases. Blood testing can be helpful, but is not always definitive.

Cushing’s disease is a more common problem. Signs mimic diabetes and kidney disease, including increases in appetite, thirst and urination. Accurate diagnosis requires specialized blood tests and abdominal sonograms.

Conventional treatment for either disease involves lifelong medication. Natural therapies that work to prevent and alleviate such ailments may involve adrenal glandular supplements, milk thistle and herbs such as licorice (for Addison’s disease) or ginseng and magnolia bark (for Cushing’s disease).

Regular laboratory testing is important for a pet to allow for early diagnosis and treatment of potentially life-threatening diseases. If a pet develops liver or adrenal disease, combining conventional therapies with natural remedies usually results in successful treatment of the condition.

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

Where The Pet People Go

Enter as Strangers, Leave as Friends

Your trusted pet food advisor– He althy, natural, holistic foods for balanced nut rition!

Complete Restocking of Orijen® & Acana® in June

102 Old R idge f ie ld R d , Wi l t o n, CT

203. 210. 5441 • Ol i ve rsP l ac eLLC.c om Mon-Fri: 9:30a - 6:00p & Sat: 9:30a - 5:00p OliversPlaceLLC@gmail.com

Natural Awakenings Singles Site

Single?

Ready to Meet Your Beloved?

A

ccess many thousands of health-conscious, eco-minded, spiritual singles now!

Join for free and manifest an extraordinary, enlightened relationship. Spring is in the air; be proactive by joining today.

Your soul mate is waiting to meet you!

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

33

Coming in May

fitbody

Picture Perfect From athletes to astronauts, mental imagery boosts performance.

Women’s Wellness L Practical ways to achieve radiant well-being.

Redefining your best years yet.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

203.885.4674 34

Fairfield County Edition

by Debra Melani

ast winter, Terry Chiplin went for an early morning run near his Colorado home. Snow crunched as his sneakered feet hit the front porch of his mountain lodge, tucked into a secluded forest. Evergreen boughs glistened in the sun, drooping slightly from the weight of the sparkling white powder.

The running coach smiled as he lifted his face to the sky, welcoming the large, wet flakes that kissed his face.

“Can you picture it?” asks the bubbly British native and owner of Active at Altitude, in Estes Park. That is visualization, he explains, a concept he uses regularly at retreats he conducts for runners from beginner to elite as a holistic means of boosting performance. “It’s simply a succession of mental images; we use visualization all the time.”

Whether it’s Tiger Woods envisioning a perfect golf swing minutes before taking a shot or Michael Phelps replaying a mental video of an ideal swim the night before an Olympic event, many athletes have long worked with trainers such as Chiplin to move beyond strictly physical preparation and consciously enlist creative mental capacities to

natural awakenings

enhance their performance. Using imagery and positive self-talk can improve the efforts of any type of athlete and, as Chiplin’s clients have found, improve their lives.

“The notion that we are just a physical body, so we just need to train physically, is old-fashioned,” Chiplin maintains. Shortly after launching his program six years ago, he learned firsthand how powerful the mind could be in boosting (or sabotaging) performance.

He remarks, “It quickly became apparent that the main issues people face are the mental things, what is happening in their heads.” Chiplin recalls watching runners fall from the peak capabilities they had reached after training hard for endurance events as their mileage tapered off in the final days before the race. Similarly, he thinks the sort of “negative visualization” he witnessed can have a similar impact on everyday life events, such as exams, interviews and job achievement.

Although unclear about its exact mechanism, sports psychologists have long recognized the value of positive mental imagery, especially in building skills and reducing anxiety. In working

with athletes, they apply shared models such as those reported in The Sport Psychologist.

Both professional and amateur runners have benefited from Chiplin’s camps, including graduate Ginny Landes, 62, who says visualization techniques have changed her running outlook and her life.

“My goal is not high achievement or personal records; it’s to always finish my run feeling good,” says Landes, of Lafayette, Colorado. As part of the visualizing process, she says she also clears her mind of negative thoughts, stops comparing her performance to others and accepts factors that are out of her control, whether it’s bad race weather or competitive colleagues.

Practicing helpful visualization techniques consistently in daily life can lead to better returns across the board, not just in athletics, according to Terry Orlick, a performance consultant from Ottawa, Ontario, and author of many self-improvement books, including Embracing Your Potential and In Pursuit of Excellence.

Orlick has worked with people from many walks of life that use imagery in their quest for improvement, including surgeons, musicians, pilots, dancers, astronauts and CEOs. When working with Canadian Olympic teams, Orlick found that 99 percent of the athletes practiced visualization an average of 12 minutes per day, four times a week.

Studies have linked imagery and improved performance in a variety of sports. For instance, researchers found that golfers that used visualization and positive self-talk improved their putting performance (Journal of Sports Science & Medicine). Another study showed an increase in confidence among novice female rock climbers, leading to better performance (Journal of Sport Behavior).

For Landes, her personal experience is all the proof she needs. After years of rarely being able to run the entire course of a major annual race in Aspen—generally walking the last stretch—Landes tried visualizing herself having a strong finish as she trained and prepared for the event. For weeks, she replayed the last three miles many times in her mind.

Then she ran the race, paring 12 minutes off her previous year’s time. “It felt great,” Landes says, “and it worked.”

Freelance journalist Debra Melani writes about health care and fitness from Lyons, CO. Connect at Debra Melani.com or DMelani@msn.com.

Yoga, Dance & Fitness FITNESS FAIRFIELD Camillo Health & Fitness CamilloHealthAndFitness.com 203.259.9906

MEDITATION WILTON Sacred Doors 1 Danbury Rd. SacredDoors.net 203.727.8685

Visualization Tips

A

s with any skill, practice often, gradually increasing the number of sessions. n For maximum effect, incorporate sounds, smells, colors and feel ings to create vivid images. n

DANCE STAMFORD Jazzercise also located in Norwalk Jazzercise.com 203.845.8856

YOGA

Plan imagery to meet current needs. If struggling with a skill, imagine performing it perfectly and confidently many times. If distractions are an issue, imagine remaining calm and focused while dealing with whatever occurs during an event.

Source: Adapted from Association for Applied Sport Psychology

FAIRFIELD Yoga for Everybody 27 Unquowa Road 203.254.YOGA (9642) Yoga4everybody.net

STAMFORD Gianna Ragona-Suarez, RYT Hatha, Vinyasa, Sports Yoga YogaConcepts@gmail.com 203.550.8811

YOGA TRAINING Lotus Gardens Yoga School Lara Azzarito Ward LotusGardensYoga.com 860.354.6241

Beyond Touch

MARTIAL ARTS

Massage & Energy Therapies • • • •

Therapeutic Massage De-stress - Relieve Pain Energy Healing & EFT Manifest Abundance

$10 Off Your First Two Sessions

REDDING Kindred Spirits KindredSpiritsCenter.com 203.938.3690

STAMFORD Tai Chi & Qi Gong Healing 414 West Main St. 203.570.1752 TaiChiStamford.com

Roberta Russell, LMT West Redding, CT

203.438.2354 • Beyond-Touch.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

35

Put An End to Your PAin Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain delivers safe and effective relief from: • Arthritis Pain • Stiff Joints • Cramps • Knee, Neck & Back Pain • Inflammation & Swelling • Tired, Sore Muscles • Headaches • Strains & Sprains • General Aches & Pains

GEt Your LifE BAck, it’s timE to stArt LivinG AGAin! Experience All-Natural Pain Relief Like I Did

Here’s What Some of Our Customers Have to Say About Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain:

“Through the years, accidents had left me with a crushed heel, seven herniated discs and a torn rotator cuff. I was spending $4,500 a month on medication prescriptions including for pain and became addicted to oxycontin. Finally, I decided not to allow drugs to control my life anymore.

“I have been using this for 3 months to relieve my arthritis pain and it has been a lifesaver on my bad days! LOVE it!”

I became intrigued by an upand-coming natural aid: Emu Oil. Out of personal necessity to get off drugs, aided by pain management doctors, other medical personnel, herbalists and lengthy research and development, I created the natural topical pain relief product, Dr. Emu’s Rx for Pain.

It not only eased my pain within minutes, it also made my life more livable again. Since then, many physical therapists, chiropractors and pain management doctors have testified to its apparent effectiveness with their patients.”

Darrell Hart,

founder and CEO of Everlasting Health

36

Angie at ForLivingStrong.com

“I had a knee injury for 15 years. After using this three times over three months my knee was better.”

Jeffrey Mark Bablitz

“I ... was amazed at how good this is. It has taken away the pain from my hip/leg/ankle and reduced the swelling in my ankles I get every summer. Thank you!”

Patty Mullins

“I was told about this by my doctor’s office. It truly helped my back and knee pain. It is a little costly but well worth the extra cost over others in discount stores. It works so well, I don’t even need to use it as much now. Thank you for bringing it to us.”

Tony, Naples, FL

All-Natural Ingredients Include: Emu Oil: • Certified Emu Oil • Aloe Vera • MSM • Glucosamine • Chondroitin • Essential Oils • Oriental Herbs • Botanical Extracts • Complex Vitamins • Antioxidants

Guaranteed to end or at least reduce severe pain by 50% or your money back!

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

• Penetrates Quickly • Reduces Swelling • Reduces Scarring • Decreases Wrinkles • Promotes Healthy Skin • Increases Skin Thickness • Promotes Healing • Provides Essential Fatty Acids

4-oz Spray Bottle

19.95

$

plus $5 shipping for up to 4 bottles

To place your order visit

NAWebstore.com or call 888-822-0246

calendarofevents

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Magazine calendar events must be received by April 5th (for May 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.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Integrating Psychotherapy & The Usui System of Reiki Healing with Dr. Donna Baker-Gilroy Sat. April 6th • 9:30am-4:30pm Sun. April 7th • 9am-1:30pm

Obtain Level I Reiki certification (based on Usui System) to reduce stress, alleviate pain and inflammation, promote relaxation, and restore body, mind and spirit. $250 (CEUs)

Hartford Family Institute • West Hartford, CT To register call 860.236.6009 or visit HartfordFamilyInstitute.com

Monday, April 1 Buddhist Meditation Class—7:30pm-9pm.

Karma, Compassion, and Changing Your Life.

Learn how an understanding of Karma and compassion gives us the ability to profoundly change our lives. $10. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Fish Church Lounge, Stamford. 914.607.3583. epc@Vajralight.org.

Introduction to Reiki— 7:30pm-9:15pm. Dr. Oz recommends Reiki! Learn about Reiki. Receive a mini-Reiki session from Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/ Teacher. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan

AWAKEN FAIR Saturday, April 20 • 10am-5pm The biggest/best loved body-mindspirit-green event north of NYC Doubletree Hotel 455 S Broadway, Tarrytown 10591 Sponsors, Exhibitors, Speakers visit ThePractitioners.com Awaken.Fair.com

Ave (enter office downstairs in back), Norwalk.

Pre-register: 203.852.1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Saturday, April 6 Psychic Fair—12pm-5pm. Psychic Fair at Albertson Church: Mediumship, Tarot, Pendulum, Soul Mandala Drawings, Past Life Regression. $30/reading. Sessions approximately 25 mins.

Walk-ins welcome. $30. Albertson Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 914.909.0914.

My10cats@optonline.net.

Sunday, April 7 TBDA 5th Annual Walk/Run to Fight TickBorne Diseases—9:30am-1pm. Registration/ Check-in 9:30am. 5K and 10K run, also 1.5 mile and a 3 mile walk. More info, to volunteer, to register: tbdalliance.org/walks. Rain or shine.

Sherwood Island State Park, Westport.

A Day of Healing—12pm-2pm. Following Sunday Service and Community Hour free services will include Massage, energy healing, spiritual counseling and prayer blessings. Free! ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. 203.268.1272. arcsacredcenter@gmail.com. ARCSacredCenter.org.

Monday, April 8 Buddhist Meditation Class—7:30pm-9pm.

The Code for Happiness. Learn how to make our lives more joyful and beneficial by investigating

special methods for training the mind. $10.

First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Fish Church Lounge, Stamford. 914.607.3583. epc@Vajralight.org. MeditationInStamford.org.

Tuesday, April 9 Intuitive Drawing Class—11:30am-1pm.

Intuitive drawing allows one to channel their higher self, the realm of possibility, and the past.

No experience necessary! Bring paper and crayons or colored pencils. $25. Sound: A Creative Arts and Mindfulness Center, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown. 203.019.624.

Rewiring the Brain: What is Neurofeedback?— 7pm-8:30pm. Neurofeedback is a safe, nonmedication treatment for common childhood and adult issues, including ADHD, Autism, Anxiety, Learning Issues, Social Issues, Sports-Related Concussion and Mood Issues. Free. Dr. Roseann

OPEN THE DOOR to Your Highest Potential

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

A unique Healing & Education Center for the achievement of wholeness through holistic and ancient healing methods.

Soul Focus (203) 727- 8685 • SacredDoors.net 2 Park Street, Norwalk, CT Do you want to create vibrant health?

Do you want to empower yourself & uplift others?

Do you want to become heart-centered in business?

Do you want to learn about long-term, financial prosperity?

We are a network marketing team committed to changing how the industry is seen and practiced.

Join our team!

For more information contact: Connie at: TrueHealthTrueWealth@aol.com or call: 203 913 8118

Mela Rispoli 203-570-3868 mrispoli2@aol.com

Time to pay close attention

to what your body is telling you

If you experience: Headaches • Digestive Issues Problems Sleeping • Lack of Energy Tired All the Time • Food Cravings Welcome Om Wellness is here to help with dietary changes that are easy and simple with the ingredients you already have in your kitchen.

Welcome Om Wellness • 203-414-0532 FaithWollner@yahoo.com • Trumbull eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

37

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NATURAL AWAKENINGS

NATURAL CONNECTIONS NIGHT Saturday, June 22

Join us at the beautiful & magical setting of Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown.

10-acre Moss Mountain Stroll Garden, moonlit outdoor Labyrinth walk, Drum Circle. Meet local holistic practitioners. Wear walking shoes, dress for outdoors, bring flashlight and the whole family.

201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

RSVP: 203.885.4674.

Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield.

203.438.4848.

Wednesday, April 10 Mastering Manifestations—7:30pm-9pm. Create the life you really want with Roberta Russell. Learn how to manifest better relationships, money, health, joy using the Law of Attraction. Must register. $20.

Peterson Chiropractic and Wellness, 31 Bailey Ave., Ridgefield. 203.438.2354. Thrive@BeyondTouch.com. Beyond-Touch.com.

Saturday, April 13 Mediumship: Expanding our Awareness of Spirit—1pm-3pm w/Rev. Lelia Cutler, President NASC, experienced teacher, lecturer. $35.

Albertson Memorial Church. Old Greenwich. Liz 914.707.0076.

Family Yoga—2:30pm-3:30pm w/Kerri Gawreluk.

Yoga for the whole family! This special class is designed for children (ages 5-12 years) and adults to enjoy and share together! $20, $15/person by 4/6.

Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield.

203.254.9642.

Seance Circle with Rev. Lelia Cutler—7pm9pm. Seance Circle w/Rev. Lelia Cutler, President NASC, experienced teacher, lecturer. $25.

Albertson Memorial Church, Old Greenwich. Liz 914.707.0076.

Monday, April 15 Play and Tea Open Day—1-2pm. Meet the teachers while children play in the Waldorf inspired

classroom. Learn about Mixed-Age Kindergarten, Gentle Beginners and Growing Together.

The Clover Hill School at Christ Episcopal Church, Norwalk. RSVP: Sarah 203.661.6484.

TheCloverHillSchool.org.

Buddhist Meditation Class—7:30pm-9pm.

The Code for Self Improvement. Learn special methods for improving our own lives and learn how to benefit others by investigating the Three Codes to Live By. $10. First Presbyterian Church, 1101 Bedford Street, Fish Church Lounge, Stamford. 914.607.3583. epc@Vajralight.org.

MeditationInStamford.org.

Saturday, April 20 Spiritual Protection Workshop—1pm-3pm w/ Angela Pizzarello. Learn how to shield against negative or chaotic energy, bring in spiritual protection, and release energy from other people’s energy fields? $35. Albertson Memorial Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

914.909.0914.

Ease Into Spring With Ayurveda—2:30pm-5pm. w/Kathy Jamison. An introduction to Ayurveda.

Learn lifestyle, diet, and yoga strategies to keep us in balance. Bring notebook, pencil, yoga mat. $50, $40 if paid by 4/13. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203.254.9642.

Community Drum Circle—7pm-9pm. Fun family evening of playing drums in the Stone Barn w/ Mark Zarillo. Beginner’s, dancing and hooping welcomed. Bring drums or hoop $15 (Seniors & Kids under 12 $5.) Cash Only. RSVP to mark@drummingspirit.com. Sticks and Stones Farm Retreat, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

Wednesday, April 24 EFT ~ Your Personal Power Tool—7:30pm9pm. Learn this simple and practical self-health tool, used to clear limiting beliefs, negative emotions, pain, disease symptoms, trauma, stress, with Roberta Russell. $20. Peterson Chiropractic and Wellness, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. Must register. 203.438.2354. Thrive@Beyond-Touch.com.

Beyond-Touch.com.

Thursday, April 25 Reiki Refresher for All Levels—7:30pm-9:45pm w/ Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master. Practitioners only.

Techniques taught that will help raise one’s Reiki vibration. Includes a re-attunement. $38 + $8 material fee. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave,

Norwalk. 203.852.1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Saturday, April 27 Let Your Yoga Dance—2:30pm-5pm. Join Megha, President and Founder of Let Your Yoga Dance and master teacher-trainer at Kripalu, for a joyous, powerful, funky-fun yoga dancing chakra fusion event! $45, $35 by 4/20. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203.254.9642.

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day—10am-1pm. Tai Chi & Qigong practitioners and students from schools throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties will join with others in 50 states and 65 nations on 6 continents to form a wave of healing breath around the world. Free. Milford Green.

203.843.1595.

Owning Our Stories: A Yoga and Journaling— 3pm-6pm. Journaling, like yoga, can help alleviate stress and physical, mental, and emotional dis-ease by bringing to the surface patterns of resistance.

Bring a favorite notebook, pencil. $45, $35 by 4/20. Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203.254.9642.

Sunday, April 28 White Buffalo Woman Speaks—1:30pm-3:30pm w/Eve Kerwin. $50. Communications from Spirit and Energy Healing to integrate and balance your spiritual, mental, emotional and physical Self.

Private readings available after workshop, 4pm on. $50. Albertson Church, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. Appointments: 914.909.0914.

Monday, April 29 Play and Tea Open Day—1-2pm. Meet the teachers while children play in the Waldorf inspired classroom. Learn about Mixed-Age Kindergarten, Gentle Beginners and Growing Together.

The Clover Hill School at Christ Episcopal Church, Norwalk. RSVP: Sarah 203.661.6484.

TheCloverHillSchool.org.

Tuesday, April 30 Intuitive Drawing Class—11:30am-1pm.

Intuitive drawing allows one to channel their higher self, the realm of possibility, and the past.

No experience necessary! Bring paper and crayons or colored pencils. $25. Sound: A Creative Arts and Mindfulness Center, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown. 203.701.9624.

Unity Center For Practical Spirituality

Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am Childcare Provided

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

Our Ongoing Events The Thought Exchange, Mon at 7 pm Twelve Powers of Humankind, Thu at 7 pm Under-Earners Anonymous, Wed at 8:30 am Reiki Healing Circle, 1st Thu at 7 pm Journaling, Wed at 7 pm Prayer Works, 3rd Thu at 7 pm Metaphysical Movie Night, Last Sat at 6:30 pm

Visit www.unitycenterps.org for schedule details and changes!

Rev. Shawn Moninger

38

Fairfield County Edition

3 Main St, 2nd Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851(above the Ford dealership) unitycenterps.org (203) 855-7922 natural awakenings

The Good Bookstore is open Sundays before and after the Celebration Service.

It’s Always a Bright, Sunshiny Day When You Love Your Work.

Don’t miss this opportunity to own one of Fairfield County’s most rewarding businesses.

Fairfield Co. Natural Awakenings Magazine is For Sale

This is a turnkey business. The current owner wishes to transition the publication to someone with similar passion, enthusiasm and vision.

• Huge Income Potential • No Experience Needed • Training Provided

call 203.885.4674 today for more information

e na tu ralaw ak enings .c om eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

39

ongoingevents

sunday

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

monday

Angelic Reiki Meditation w/Essential Oils— 8am-9am. 3/31. 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.

Yoga—9:30-10:45am w/Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly Mon. & Fri. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: Physically, mentally and spiritually.—$13/class, discount w/ 6 weeks.

ARC Sacred Center. 458 Monroe Tpke. Monroe.

203.414.6790.

Interfaith Service Gathering—10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. ARC Sacred Center.

Monroe. 203.268.1272

Nutrition Monday—6-7:30pm w/ Carolyn Finch. Learn how to plan, purchase and prepare food for greater wellness. $20 or free w/green card. Hampton Inn. 81 Newtown Rd. Danbury.

203.791.2756.

Reiki Volunteers—10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield & Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training.

ReikiOvertones. Fairfield. Jim or Jeannette: 203.254.3958.

Celebration Service—10:30am-12pm—w/ Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music. Fellowship Hour after the service. See website for activity schedule. Unity Center 3 Main St above Ford Dealership Norwalk 203.855.7922.

Albertson Church of Spiritualism Sunday Service—11am-12:30pm. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism. 293 Sound Beach Ave. Old Greenwich.

A way to end your day by letting go and finding your freedom. Kundalini integrates the body, mind, and spirit. To connect you with your true and total self.

All levels welcome. $20/class, $150/10 classes.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Danbury CT 24 Clapboard Ridge Rd. 914.450.7642 techniques. Free/Donations accepted. Valerie Candela, LMT, LMSW, SEP. Dress warmly.

Register: 203.966.5509.

Transformation and Healing—7:30-8:15pm.

Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from the luminous energy field that surrounds each person, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center. Monroe Tpke.

Monroe. 203.268.1272.

Yoga—7-8:15pm w/Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly.—Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: Physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/ class, discount w/ 6 weeks. ARC Sacred Center.

458 Monroe Tpke. Monroe. 203.414.6790.

Free Guided Meditation—7:30-8:30pm w/ Dr. Levy. Meditation is shown to reduce stress, depression, anxiety and weight gain while increasing energy.—Sabita Holistic Center. 3519 Post Rd. Southport. RSVP: 203.254.2633.

Newtown Healing Circle & Meditation—7pm8pm. Come join our healing circle. Time for sharing, guided meditation and hands-on healing for those who wish to receive. Learn self-healing

JOIN OUR FAMILY, PUBLISH YOUR OWN NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINE

For more information contact Co-Founder John R. Voell at: (239) 530-1377 or go online to: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com natural awakenings

Meditation Monday—7:30-9pm.

Guided meditation for relaxation/anxiety. No previous

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 85 markets across the U.S. and Puerto Rico • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Fairfield County Edition

Wednesdays • 6-7:30pm With Hari Sangat (Carrie Kane)

The Thought Exchange—7-9pm w/ David Friedman. A spiritual support group based on observing the thought/sensation connection to manifestation What if one’s life just mirrors one’s thoughts? $20 suggested donation. Love offering.

Unity Center 3 Main St above Ford Dealership Norwalk 203.855.7922.

WORKING TOGETHER TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE

40

FIND YOUR BREATH KUNDALINI YOGA

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Birmingham, AL Huntsville, AL Mobile/Baldwin, AL* Little Rock/Hot Spg., AR Phoenix, AZ Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA Los Angeles, CA San Diego, CA Denver/Boulder, 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. Aug., FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL* Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tallahassee, FL* Tampa/St. Pete., FL FL’s Treasure Coast Atlanta, GA

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

Western NC/No., GA Chicago No. Shore, IL Indianapolis, IN Louisville-Metro, KY Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Baltimore, MD Boston, MA Western, MA Ann Arbor, MI Grand Rapids, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI Minneapolis, MN Asheville, NC* Charlotte, NC Triangle, NC Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ Monmouth/Ocean, NJ* North NJ North Central NJ Somerset/Middlesex, NJ South NJ Santa Fe/Abq., NM Las Vegas, NV* Central, NY Long Isand, NY Manhattan, NY Rockland/Orange, NY Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY

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

Central OH Cincinnati, OH Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR* Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA Harrisburg, PA Lancaster, PA Lehigh Valley, PA Northeastern PA* Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC* Grand Strand, SC* Greenville, SC* Chattanooga, TN Knoxville, TN Memphis, TN Nashville, TN Austin, TX Dallas, TX Dallas/Ft. Worth Metro N Houston, TX San Antonio, TX Richmond, VA Southwestern VA Seattle, WA Madison, WI* Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico

*Existing magazines for sale

experience required. $20. Soul Focus. Bethel.

203.570.3638.

A Course in Miracles—7:30-9:30pm w/ Joan Goss. A channeled self-study spiritual work. Its primary purpose is to show the way to experience the peace and love of God right now. $20. Mystical Parlors. South Norwalk. 203.810.4491.

tuesday Yoga—12-1pm w/Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly Tues. & Thurs. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: Physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/class, discount w/ 6 weeks. ARC Sacred Center. 458 Monroe Tpke. Monroe. 203.414.6790.

Age-ing to Sage-ing, The Second Half of Life— 6:30-8pm w/Barbara Stokes. Explore the vast inner potential available to all in the second half of life. $10 Love offering. ARC Sacred Center. 458 Monroe Turnpike. Monroe. 203.268.1272.

Reiki Shares—7:30-10pm. 1 & 3rd Tuesdays.

Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher.

For Reiki Practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included $10. Held at Angelic Healing Center. 7 Morgan Ave. Norwalk pre-register: 203.852.1150.

wednesday Buddhist Chanting—11-11:30am.

Hosted

by June Fagan. All welcome. Free. Kindred Spirits. 59 Ledgewood Rd. Redding. Please call: 203.938.3690.

Free Guided Meditation—1-1:45pm w/ Dr. Levy.

Meditation is shown to reduce stress, depression, anxiety and weight gain while increasing energy.

Sabita Holistic Center. 3519 Post Rd. Southport.

RSVP: 203.254.2633.

Journey within, Do you feel stuck?—7pm.

1st Wednesday monthly. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom. Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20.

Newtown Congregational Church. 14 West St. Newtown. Call: 203.426.9448.

thursday Reflexology—2-9:30pm w/ Mark Hoyt. Also held Sat. This ancient healing art uses hand/thumb pressure corresponding to the body systems. The outcome is balanced, inner peace due to deep physical & mental relaxation. $20/15minutes.

Mystical Parlors. South Norwalk. 203.810.4491.

A Brush with Soul—7-9pm w/ artist Alexandra Philippas. 2nd Thurs monthly. Healing with color: fun intuitive painting. Practice observing one’s mind/body response to inner child’s free expression. Supplies provided. $20 suggested. Love Offering. Unity Center. Norwalk. 203.855.7922.

Prayer Works—7pm w/ Karen Mitchell, musican/ healer. 3rd Thurs monthly. Explore various modalities of healing through prayers specifically designed for those attending. Unity Center. 3 Main St. Above the Ford Dealership. Norwalk.

203.855.7922.

Teen Meditation—7-8:30pm Guided Meditation for Stress/Anxiety/Relaxation. No previous experience required. $20, $15 w/school ID. Soul Focus, Bethel. 203.570.3868.

Family Yoga—2:30-3:30pm w/ Kerri Gawreluk.

Class designed for children and adults to enjoy and share together. $21 per student. Yoga for Everybody. Fairfield. 203.254.9642.

Sound Healing Event—7:30-8:30pm w/ Laurie Millo. 3rd Thurs. monthly. These sounds and vibration have a profound effect aiding the release of congested energy from ones’s body muscle, cells, bone and organs. $10. ARC Sacred Center.

Monroe. 203.268.1272.

Reiki Sessions—5-6pm. ReikiOvertones offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st-reserved.

Fairfield. Jim or Jeannette: 203.254.3958.

Reiki Healing/Exchange—7-9pm. 1st Thursdays.

All welcome. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St. Norwalk. Gigi: 203.852.1150.

Expression of Self— 7-9pm w/ Deboorah Sikorski, Charlies Sikorski and Eddy Nataraj.—4th Sat. monthly. An evening of friendship, healing and connecting to one’s inner and outer being. Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center. Monroe.

203.414.6790.

Women’s Sacred Circle—7:30-9pm. w/ Rev Chris Guerrera. 4th Thurs monthly. Share, connect, explore, play, and heal in a sacred space. $25. ARC Sacred Center. 458 Monroe Turnpike. Monroe.

203.268.1272.

Kirtan with the Bindu Band—7-9pm. “Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart.” Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe.

203.268.1272.

friday QiGong—9:30-10:30am. Join June Fagan and Tracy Mignone for Happiness QiGong. No experience required. $10. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. Register: 203.938.3690.

Activating Your Angel Frequency/Soul Intuition—7-9pm. Mia DiDio will activate dormant vibrations through attunements the Archangels have shared. Karmic and soul healings will begin to emerge through these tested activation sessions. $20. Mystical Parlors. South Norwalk.

203.810.4491.

Circle of Life—7:30-9:30pm. 4th Fri. monthly.

Wondering about one’s Life Mission? Learn how to bring love, life and happiness to oneself and those one loves. Bring questions and receive healing and messages from Spirit. $30. Monroe. 203.286.3262.

saturday Angelic Reiki Meditation w/Essential Oils— 8am-9am. 3/31. 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.

Buddhist Chanting—8:30-9am. Hosted by June Fagan. All welcome. Free. Kindred Spirits. 59 Ledgewood Rd. Redding. Please call: 203.938.3690.

QiGong—8:30-9am. Join June Fagan and Tracy Mignone for Happiness QiGong. No experience required. $10. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. Register: 203.938.3690.

The Universal Reiki Plan—11am-1pm. Every 3rd Sat. monthly. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Love offerings appreciated.

Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant. 85 Ferris St. Bridgeport. Reservations Jim or Jeannette: 203.254.3958.

The Universal Reiki Plan—1:30-4:30pm.

Every 3rd Sat. monthly. Reiki Practitioners only.

Workshop & ReikiShare. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant.

85 Ferris St. Bridgeport. Reservations Jim or Jeannette: 203.254.3958.

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: $1 per word. $25 minimum. Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to FFCadvertising@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

For RENT 1st month & one month security to move in. Newly refurbished, paint and carpeted office spaces from 1100 to 4800sf available. Great for Prof. office space, Medical, Counselling, Nutritionist, Chiropractor, Dental, Insurance, Real Estate,Telemarketing, Technology, Accountant, Lawyer, etc. 1st floor. Immediate occupancy.

Good parking. Call Donna Anderson for info: 203.609.8075. Located at 85 Old Long Ridge Road, 3 miles west of Exit 34 Merritt Parkway. Next to Giovanni’s /LaRocco’s Country Market. Easy ride to and from the Merritt.

Part time rental space for Holistic health practitioner. Weekday/weekends available. $175 month. Newtown. 203.270.1119 SHARED OFFICE SPACE – Stamford. Ideal for therapist, massage, healing. Professional office suite, beautiful space, I95 Exit 9, central heat & air conditioning, quiet, parking, private office, shared kitchen, bath & waiting room. 1 day $250, 2 days $425 (all inclusive). 203.966.5509.

Space Available in small Wellness Center 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203.570.3868.

HELP WANTED Distributors Wanted for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings to our distribution sites. Just a few hours/month. Perfect for a holistic practitioner who wants to earn free advertising and connect with the community. Available territories: Ridgefield, Newtown/Monroe. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors – if you don’t have it in spades, please do not apply. 203.885.4674.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

41

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community.

To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide (CRG) in print and online email FFCadvertising@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request our advertising rates.

ACUPUNCTURE

Ayurveda

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, LAc

INSTITUTE FOR AYURVEDIC & NATUROPATHIC THERAPIES

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203.259.1660 CTacupuncture.com 25 year full time practice

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility, and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad pg 31.

Jody Eisemann, LAc

AffordableAcupunctureCT.com Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203.216.2548 High quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

See ad pg 16.

Dr. Neeru N. Kaushik, ND, MS Acup, MS, MA 805 Kings Hwy E., Fairfield 203.331.9111 47 Buttonball Ln, Weston 203.227.7550 AyurvedicInstituteCT.com Ayurvedic medicine including Panchakarma, the Ayuredic detox and Rejuvenation program; are combined with Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Acupuncture, Clinical Nutrition, Constitutional Hydrotherapy, Ozone therapy and Colonics to create an individualized treatment program for optimum healing benefits. Most major Insurances Accepted. Visit our website for more info.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Suite D, Norwalk 203.856.1421 AlbaThermalImaging.com

STRATFORD ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESS CENTER

2318 Main St, Stratford CT 203.257.7550 StratfordAcupuncture.com Joe Downer, LAc is trained in several systems of Acupuncture that are amazing for pain, sports injuries, facial rejuvenation, fertility, weight, allergies, emotional balancing, and more.

Call for your complementary consultation! See ad pg 30.

ALLERGIES BioSET Allergy Elimination Program

Dr. Mark Joachim Advanced Certified Practitioner 156 East Avenue, Norwalk 203.838.1555 AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com

FDA registered.

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER

Fairfield County Edition

X TO RAYS.COM

Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging Suzanne Pyle, MS, CCT 866.XtoRAYS SuzannePyle@Prodigy.net Get peace of mind with safe (no radiation), FDA-approved breast cancer screening. 8 years earlier detection vs. mammography.

Certified DITI thermographer.

Conveniently located throughout Fairfield.

COACH RECHARGE RETREATS COACHING Liz Carey, M.S. Recharge–Retreats.com 845.225.5192

Live the life you DESERVE. Break old patterns of thinking and acting and open yourself to less stressful living, stronger and closer relationships and a real sense of purpose. Complimentary first session.

COLONICS COLONICS AT LIFELINE HYGIENICS Rejuvenation Center Since 1993, Rye, NY 914.921.LIFE (5433) LifelineHygienics.com

31 Old Rt. 7, Brookfield CT 203.740.9300 SophiaNaturalHealth. com

Experience and personalized service you can trust.

The finest in colonic irrigation and personal care.

Serving the tri-state area since 1993. See ad pg 13.

As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field. Thermogram results include a free 15-minute phone consultation.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

BioSET can eliminate all food and environmental allergies related to behavioral issues, asthma, eczema, headaches, fibromyalgia, sinus conditions, gastric disorders and chronic health conditions. Safe for all ages, without drugs, shots or side effects! See ad pg 5.

42

Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body. Safe, painless, non-invasive,

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

natural awakenings

Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing procedure. Watch our colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed. com Call for Free CD on Detoxification. See ad pg 2.

COUNSELING Lisa Donohue-Olivieri, MA, LCAT Art Therapist and Addiction Counselor Norwalk / Westport 203.505.3063 ldonolivieri@gmail.com

Using talk or art-making to uncover one’s natural ability to heal, Lisa specializes in helping individuals and families cope with addiction, anxiety, and trauma.

EDUCATION Housatonic Valley Waldorf School

40 Dodgingtown Road, Newtown 203.364.1113 WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity, and reverence for nature. See ad pg 32.

Energy Healing Maryann Barrett, RN

Wilton, Newtown offices 203.788.7119 EarthBodySpiritConnections.com Maryann has a natural sensitivity and intuitive ability that enables her to connect on an energetic level to her clients. A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and Registered Nurse, Maryann is able to combine traditional medicine with an alternative practice to treat a multitude of health issues.

FAMILY SERVICES Healing Steps

Tracy King LCSW-R Early childhood thru adolescent counseling 914.589.6755 TracyAKing14@msn.com

anxiety.

Supporting children and parents with expert knowledge in the field of mental health and psychiatry.

Specialized in treating preschool age through adolescence with behavioral/emotional issues such as abuse, trauma, divorce, separation

Fitness

HOLISTIC DENTIST

Camillo Health & Fitness

MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

Get motivated! Get moving! Feel better!

We’ll help you discover the food, exercise and lifestyle choices that best support you. Train with us, and finally reach your goals! See ad pg 12.

Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer.

His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad pg 2.

Gary Camillo 85 Mona Terrace, Fairfield 203.259.9906 CamilloHealthAndFitness.com

HEALING

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203.371.0300 WholeBodyDentistry.com

Hypnosis

HEALING FOR LIFE

Valerie Candela, LMT, LMSW, SEP Stamford, Ridgefield, Newtown 203.966.5509 ValerieCandela.com

MeLanie Barnum, CH

Loss, grief, anger, abuse and trauma stress the nervous system.

Body-centered experiencing provides unlimited opportunities to learn, heal and thrive. Craniosacral, somatic experiencing- trauma resolution, energy healing, counseling, meditation & self-regulation for adults & children.

HEALING CENTER

Hypnotist, Life Coach, Intuitive Counselor Author, Reflexologist 203.451.0914 MelanieBarnum.com Create a life you love! Unique individual and group sessions, ongoing workshops. Connect to your future! Be the person you want to be!

MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203.268.1272 ARCSacredCenter.org

Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad pg 7.

SOUND - A Center for

Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203.270.1119 SoundCenterArts.com

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 pg 17.

Integrative Medicine Physician Michael E. Doyle, MD

SOUND is a holistic center for arts and spiritual awareness. We offer individual classes and group workshops for children and adults in music, creative arts, intuitive development, sound and energy healing, meditation yoga and much more.

Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St Suite 201 Stamford, CT 06905.

203.324.4747 GoToDrDoyle.com Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness.

Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad pg 47.

RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD Karen Zino, MD 1200 East Putnam Avenue Riverside, CT 06878 203.637.3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology is a fullservice medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes two OB/GYN’s and a naturopathic physician. See ad pg 29.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

43

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY Center for Integrated Vision

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOV Norwalk: 203.840.1991 vtotWorks.com VisionworksVT@aol.com Trumbull: 203.268.8852 TLTC.org Schulman@tltc.org

Hope Grows . . . With Every Step Honor a loved one in a monumental way.

Inscribe a brick today and help us complete the Timothy Kelly Terrace, step by step.

To order a brick, go to: www.annsplace.org For more information, call Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place (203) 790-6568.

Dr. Schulman specializes in vision therapy, pediatrics, learning disabilities, developmental delays, autism, TBI/stroke, and preventative and alternative vision care.

She also practices Iridology, the study of the iris. Gain insights into your physical, emotional and spiritual being through this unique reading.

INTERFAITH MINISTRY REV. KAREN S. JUDD, LCSW

Counselor â&#x20AC;˘ USUI Reiki Master ReverendKarenSJudd.com Office: Bethel, CT 203.545.3664 Creates and performs Weddings, Union Ceremonies, Memorial Services and Baby Blessings.

Life transitions - bereavement counseling; facilitating a deeper connection with yourself, others and the Divine.

Dedicated to Men, Women and Children Touched by Cancer

Massage & Bodywork iFloat

Suburbia is where the developer bulldozes out the trees, then names the streets after them. ~Bill Vaughan

We all have a hand in creating the community where we want to live.

The support of our wonderful advertisers is what makes it possible for us to provide this free resource to you every month.

Please support the businesses that support us... And be sure to mention you saw them in Natural Awakenings!

Thank you!

44

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

163 Main St, Westport 06880 203.226.7378 ifloatspa.net Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt.

Relieve stress, chronic pain, and more. See ad pg 16.

Robin Ordan, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203.561.8535; RobinOrdanLMT.com

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

See ad pg 28.

Naturopathic Physician Debra Gibson, ND 100 Danbury Road Ridgefield, CT 06877 203.431.4443

Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic, and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad pg 28.

INTEGRATED HEALTH CENTER

K. Pramila Vishvanath, ND 2324 Post Rd, Fairfield 203.259.2700 IntegratedHealthCenterOnline.com Serving Fairfield County for 20 years. Specializing in craniosacral therapy, classical homeopathy, allergy assessment and treatment, nutrition, weight management, body reshaping and skin tightening, detox, colonics, breast thermography. See ad pg 31.

Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc 1300 Post Road East, Westport 203.255.5005 BigAppleHealth.com

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

Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 33 Main St. Suite 15 Newtown, CT 1.800.723.2962 NortheastNatMed.com

Integrative naturopathic medicine clinic and therapeutic massage center for the whole family.

Services include advanced diagnostic testing, detoxification programs, personalized nutrition, and botanicals. Insurance accepted.

Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine University of Bridgeport

115 Broad Street Bridgeport, CT 06604 203.366.0526 GenerativeMedicine.org Under the direction of Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a leader in naturopathic medicine, we blend time-honored healing techniques with stateof-the-art diagnostics to provide highly individualized patent care. Personalized nutrition, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and infrared sauna offered. See ad pg 10.

Naturopathic Physician Marvin P. Schweitzer, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203.847.2788 DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years.

Acupuncture, Bio-Identical H o r m o n e s , H o m e o p a t h y, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/ Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad pg 3.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203.371.8258 WholeBodyMed.com

POOLS & SPAS - NATURAL BELL ISLAND LIVING

Keith Garner, SP-1 25 Old Kings Highway North, Unit 13 Darien, CT 203.952.8011 KeithGarner4@hotmail.com Deep experience in both alternative and conventional pool technology. Service, repairs or complete pool rebuild. Pool water Soft-as-Silk with our legendary chlorinefree systems, “noiseless” pumps, solar heat pumps, pool safety systems. And virtually all aspects of Pools & Spas. Licensed/Insured.

PSYCHOTHERAPY DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

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, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback, and other therapies. See ad pg 2.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical Therapy of Southern CT Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton CT 06484 203.926.6997 PhysicalTherapySoCT.com

Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County DeniWeber.com 203.544.6094

Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

Denise Cirillo-Romaniello, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe, CT 203.257.4185 PyschToday.com dcirillo1@aol.com

Offering hypnotherapy, past life regression, EFT. I can assist you in finding your strengths and releasing your blocks to achieve your goals. Holistic, spiritual approach, 17 years experience.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW 238 Monroe Tpke. Suite B Monroe, CT 06468 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.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

45

PSYCHOTHERAPY

REIKI

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford, CT 203.561.8535; RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has over 18 years of experience working with families and children.

Specializing in Divorce, Parent/Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment /Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad pg 14.

Vicki Scataglini, LPC

CT Counselors 107 Church Hill Rd, Suite 1, Sandy Hook 203.392.4846 Weaving traditional training with a spiritual understanding of the human path. Every human has the potential for joy and bliss - it is my role to guide you, help you uncover your blocks and be aligned with your soul’s purpose.

VICTORIA SHAW, PhD, NCC

Intuitive Psychotherapist and Consultant Westport, CT VictoriaShawIntuitive.com 203.254.3403

EMBODY THE SACRED® Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203.994.5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net

REIKI Sherrill Zucker

Reiki Master / Psychic Medium 914.450.3326 szhealing33@gmail.com The Reiki experience is enhanced via channeled messages from loved ones and guides, facilitating healing and personal growth.

Serving CT & NY. Credit cards accepted.

Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength.

Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury, and NY areas.

GIGI BENANTI USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave. Norwalk, CT 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 Reik

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master Ridgefield, CT 203.438.3050 TurningPointReiki.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.

Reiki Medic

Suzanne Schultz RN, Reiki Master, CCH Monroe, CT 203.650.0325 ReikiMedic.com

I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens, and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom, and healing.

Specializing in Reiki and Hypnosis. Healing from my heart center to yours. Offering private sessions and teaching all Usui Reiki levels. Will travel.

Workshops PROMINDFUL, INC. Stamford, CT, USA ProMindful.org 203.856.5299

ProMindful is a non-profit o rg a n i z a t i o n o ff e r i n g i n t egrative practices including yoga, meditation, and holistic nutrition services. We work in collaboration with existing teachers and organizations to provide scholarships, lectures, classes, workshops, publications, recordings, and broadcasts.

The Fairfield County ReStore accepts donations of Furniture, Appliances and Building Materials both New and Used.

Your tax-deductible donation will help Habitat for Humanity build decent affordable homes for hard working low-income families as we work towards our mission of eliminating substandard housing in Coastal Fairfield County.

Wrong Size? Wrong Color? Wrong Amount?

Or Just Tired of It? Call Our Donation Hotline 203-383-4358 Don’t Throw It Away!

WE’LL TAKE IT!! www.fairfieldcountyrestore.org Or Visit

46

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

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

Naturopathic Medicine Services Offered:

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

Facial Rejuvenation– “The Natural Facelift” Pediatrics

Diet & Nutritional Counseling Botanical Medicine

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

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

GET YOUR HEALTH BACK IN BALANCE...

naturally.

Are you tired of being tired, unable to sleep, suffering from dry skin or hair loss — unable to lose weight, irritable, depressed or anxious, experiencing muscle pain?

You may have an untreated nutritional or hormonal imbalance.

Call 203-324-4747 for an appointment with a Board Certified, Georgetown-trained MD who is inclined to treat you... naturally.

22 FIFTH STREET• SUITE 201 • STAMFORD, CT • 06905

Michael E. Doyle, Md • 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2013

47

DECLARE YOUR FREEDOM! FROM HARMFUL CHEMICALS IN YOUR BEDROOM

Chemical Free Zone!

Natural Awakenings Special

2 Free Organic Latex Pillows

• All Natural Rubber • Certified Organic Covers • Certified Organic Wool • No Toxic Flame Retardants • No Petrochemicals • Locally Manufactured • 25 Year Warranty

Also Available with our Adjustable Sleep Systems

With purchase of any queen or king mattress or adjustable bed With this coupon.

Not to be combined with any other offer.

Expires 4/30/13.

Healthy Choice

Organic Mattresses

Danbury, CT The Danbury Fair Mall (203) 739-0077

Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900

Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467

The Healthiest, Most Comfortable and Most Durable Mattresses on the Planet! www.HCmattress.com

48

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

www.ZeroGravitySleep.com