Natural Awakenings Fairfield County April 2016

H E A L T H Y

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

FREE

Breathing Easier

Fighting for Clean Air and Health

Sustainable Cooking

Creative Scrap Recycling

TROUBLED WATERS Precious Supplies Are Shrinking

HONORING EARTH DAY

April 2016 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com

The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

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

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

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

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

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

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

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

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

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

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

From left to right:

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

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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

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

Call now for details.

501 Kings Highway East, Suite 108, Fairfield CT

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

natural awakenings

eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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contents The Center for Natural Medicine

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

• Men’s Health • Erectile Dysfunction • Prostate Disorders • Anxiety and Depression • Autoimmune Disease • Weight Loss

Dr. Ellen Lewis Dr. Andrew Cummins Cindy Wechsler, APRN Shannon Reynolds, LMT Tracy Pardo Beverly Lewis 8 Lincoln Street Westport, CT 06880

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

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

20 CELEBRATING

EARTH DAY LOCALLY AND GLOBALLY

by Meredith Montgomery

22

22 BREATHING EASIER

Fighting for Air and Health in Connecticut Dr. Ellen Lewis

Medical Director

p 203.916.4600 f 203.916.4601

www.ShalvaClinic.org Info@ShalvaClinic.org

Naturopathic Medicine • Massage Therapy Classes & Workshops

by Quinlan Mitchell

26 TROUBLED WATERS

Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking

30

by Linda Sechrist

30 EVERYDAY

SUSTAINABILITY

Practical Ways We Dr. Guerin introduces...

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

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

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

Janice B.

First Treatment only $49 Offer expires 5/31/16

For a confidential appointment call our office

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

Can Help the Planet

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko

36 ALLERGY TRIGGERS

ARE INSIDE AND OUT

Inflammation is the

Common Denominator

by Mark J. Joachim

38 RESTORE YOUR SOIL, HARVEST THE BENEFITS

by Ariana Rawls Fine

44 HORSE RESCUE

Caring Homes Sought for Aging and Abandoned Horses

by Sandra Murphy

56 SUSTAINABLE

COOKING

Creative Ways to Recycle Food Scraps

by Margrét Ann Thors 4

Fairfield County Edition

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7 newsbriefs 17 healthbriefs 18 globalbriefs 21 earthdayevents 26 greenliving 38 productmarketplace 42 naturallyhealthypet 44 naturalpet 46 petresourceguide 48 healthykids 49 schoolprofiles 53 masteringyoga 55 inspiredtable 58 consciouseating 60 calendar 65 classifieds 65 resourceguide 70 displayadindex

Be Allergy Free No Medication or Shots Needed!

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

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

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

Call 203-838-1555 for a complimentary consultation

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

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

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

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

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

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

Integrative Medicine and Wellness Services at New Milford Hospital 21 Elm Street, New Milford, CT

Reflexology and Massage Therapy

Gabrielle Cronin, LMT Reflexology $25/30 mins.

Massage $45/45 mins.

860-210-5349

Strong Women Strong Bones™

Lisa Marie Lee, Certified Instructor $85/7 week session 860-614-1737

Hypnotherapy

Alexandra Chalif, MS, MP $40/30 minutes 203-910-7878

Stress Reduction and Relaxation Training

Veronica Kleeman $60/75 minute session One-on-one or group 860-567-4384

(Pay by cash or check at class)

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.

Therapeutic Touch, Reiki Marcia Engle, QTTP $22/30 mins.

203-376-2703

Please call in credit card payment to 860-210-5349 or pay in person at the NMH Gift Shop at least 24 hours in advance.

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April 2016

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letterfrompublisher

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contact us Publisher/Executive Editor Nicole Miale Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Erica Mills Contributing Writers Celine Currier, Marcia S. Kendall, Quinlan Mitchell, Mary Oquendo, Eliot Snaith, Margrét Ann Thors Community Street Team Leslie McLean Sales & Marketing Alexa Ferrucci Nicole Miale Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County 54 Danbury Rd, Ste 323 Ridgefield, CT 06877 Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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

appy Earth Day month! While it may be a bit cliché or simplistic to honor our incredible planet only on one day of the year, it is important to have a marker which focuses our attention. The signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement agreed to in 2015 is set for April 22 at UN Headquarters in New York City. That historic accord makes a difference; there is much to celebrate, think about and take action on—from small to large-scale initiatives—in terms of environmental justice and sustaining the planet we call home. Changes are being made, if too slowly for my liking.

In this month’s articles, we take an elemental look at Earth, with editorial features on the state of Nicole Miale health of Connecticut’s air, water and soil. What impact does their health have on our own health? What steps can an individual take to determine the condition of their well water, for example, or the soil in which they grow their garden? Some local writers and experts examined these topics for you; some of what they found is sobering but there is also hope. One of the biggest developments is that the last operating coal-fired plant in Connecticut, located in Bridgeport, is finally going to be closed, improving prospects for cleaner air and better health for the whole region. Since this is the time of year when many people deal with seasonal allergies, improving the quality of the air we breathe is of interest to most. We asked a few experts what these allergies really are and discuss several different approaches which may help address them.

We are blessed to live in this area. Most of the world doesn’t have and may never know the environmental diversity and wealth we experience in our communities. The next time you’re outside, please pause and express some appreciation for all that surrounds you: the puffy white clouds, the serene blue sky, the shimmer of a lake or stream as you walk or drive by. Acknowledge the gift we have and, more importantly, take mindful care of any piece of it you come in contact with.

It seems this month is when everyone comes out of hibernation; many events are planned for the coming weeks. Be sure to check out the robust news brief and calendar sections when choosing your activities for the days ahead. Natural Awakenings will be at many of these events; we look forward to meeting you there!

As always, please consider patronizing our advertisers and distributors. It is only because of their generosity that this free community service is made possible and we are very grateful for their support. Tell them you found them in Natural Awakenings!

With love and light,

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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

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

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Fairfield County Edition

See our advertiser index on page 70.

Making it easier to find the resources you need. natural awakenings

newsbriefs

Clinics

Celebrating Mother Nature with Salt of the Earth

Clinics Clinics

S

alt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa is honoring Earth Day with Spa Saturday or Sunday cave sessions on April 22 and 23 for $25 each session.

Or, on April 23, visit the spa’s booth at Hollow Park in Woodbury from 11am to 4pm. Chair massages will be available for $1 per minute, learn about the spa’s conscious living membership and meet Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa staff.

Raw Foods Chef and Master Herbalist Tynne Clifford will be back with more samples and recipes. Bruce and Laura from Etheric Salts will be on hand with crystal light therapy for a $1 per minute for 10-minute sessions.

Starting March 20, SOTES (pronounced “soteez”) is now offering a conscious living membership. Limited to 100 guests, for $50 per month with a six-month automated payment plan, this membership offers two healing sessions per month (90 combined minutes) for a savings of $35. Salt of the Earth offers a second option for conscious living memberships. For $50 per month with a 12-month commitment, a one-time payment of $600 will give you an added bonus of having the option to do more cave sessions during the month for only $24, and you can bring a friend or family member for the same price.

For more information, visit NaturalSaltHealing.com, email SOTESWoodburyCT@gmail.com or call 203-586-1172.

Location: Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa, LLC, 787 Main St S, Woodbury. See ad, page 19.

Spring Conscious Craft Trunk Show

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oin Embody the Sacred, Elysian Life Design, Hands And Paws Reiki For All and Elemental Mercury for a spring craft show offering natural and spiritually minded gifts to enhance and heal body, mind and soul. The spring craft show will take place on, April 30 from 11am to 3pm at Nature’s Temptations in Ridgefield.

A raffle will be held at the show with the chance to win a grand prize of a basket full of goodies. Win gift certificates for customized jewelry, crystals, healing services or products. All raffle proceeds and a percentage of craft sales will go to the following charities: Green Chimneys, The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House, ROAR of Ridgefield and New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare.

Location: Nature’s Temptations, 32 Prospect St, Ridgefield.

See ad, page 14.

Your Partners in Health and Wellness.

Your Partners in

Health and in Wellness.

Your Partners and Wellness.

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

comparableMedicine treatments elsewhere.

Naturopathic • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture

Naturopathic Medicine • Dental Hygiene • Chiropractic • Acupuncture

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

New England’s fastest growing

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

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

For more information, please visit www.ubclinics.org

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

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

Natural Health & WELLNESS CENTER

Individualized Treatment Plans for Acute and Chronic Conditions Osteoarthritis & Joint Disorders • Back Problems Cholesterol Problems • Anxiety & Depression Fatigue, Insomnia & Weight Gain • Diabetes High Blood Pressure • Headaches & Migraine Upper Respiratory Conditions

LISA SINGLEY, N.D. Naturopathic Physician 203.874.4333

We accept most health insurance plans including Husky Health Connecticut

Schedule a consultation and receive 20% off all recommended supplements

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER 203.874.4333 2013 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615 • www.nhawc.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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newsbriefs Two Coyotes’ Family Fun Day

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wo Coyotes Wilderness School’s 4th Annual Family Fun Day Open House at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown will be held on April 16 from 1 to 4pm. Fun “Wild Nature” activities will provide whole families with the opportunity to get involved in the Two Coyotes experience.

There will be live music, contra dance and food at the event. The day’s activities will include making fire without matches, wildlife tracking, wild theater, gratitude circles, nature games, natural art, drumming and wild edible plant hikes. Parents must remain with children during the family Nature Stations. This is a Come & Go event! All ages are welcome!

The Two Coyotes Wilderness School location in Newtown offers children aged 5-16 ongoing, year-round outdoor programs as well as summer camps. The programs are based on the enduring wisdom of the ages and ancient wilderness skills. The school’s nature education philosophy is derived from the book Coyote’s Guide to Connecting with Nature.

This wilderness awareness experience and teaching method has been called “mysterious, timeless, hopeful, evocative and playful.”

For more information, visit TwoCoyotes.org. For reservations, visit TwoCoyotesNewtownFamilyFun.eventbrite.com.

Location: Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. See ad, page 31.

Body-Mind-Spirit Expo Returns to Tarrytown

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ore than 1,000 people are expected to attend this year’s spring Awaken Wellness Fair on April 24 from 10am to 5pm in Tarrytown, New York. The annual event includes speakers with a continuous program of 45-minute talks offered at no additional cost. Topics cover a wide range of current wellness subjects, including Mary Ellen O’Brien’s Align with Your Higher Self: A Channeled Guidance Session and Kramer-Perez’s 4 Keys to Become the Driver of Your Destiny.

“For 14 years, this wellness-focused, educational and experiential event has attracted well over 100 exhibitors to locations throughout the tri-state area,” says Paula Caracappa. The CEO of PPC Group, LLC and founder of the Awaken Wellness Fair points out that the event has grown in attendance from 42 people in 2002 to nearly 1,000 in recent years.

Vendors at the Awaken Wellness Fair will present a variety of products and services, including essential oils, Ayurvedic doctors, nutritional supplements, healing crystals and jewelry, and organic cleaning products. Intuitive readers will offer insight through tarot reading, mediumship, angel reading, numerology, pet readings and more. Reiki, reflexology and energy healing practitioners will also be present. Discounted rate appointments can be made with readers and healers online in advance after purchasing a ticket through the website.

For more information, visit AwakenFairs.com. Location: Awaken Wellness Fair, Double Tree Hotel, 455 So Broadway, Tarrytown, NY.

Hunter Healing Hands

Integrative & Intuitive Shamanic Wellness Holistic Healing to Honor, Restore, & Transform Body, Mind, & Soul Jessica Hunter

Shamanic Teacher, Practitioner, Shamanic Medium Crystal Healing Teacher, Melody Certified Crystal Healing Practitioner Reiki Master, OM, Circle of the Sacred Earth Quality Holistic Healing Training that is Personal, Professional, and Passionate!

• Certification & Accredited Training Programs in Reiki, Crystal Healing, & Shamanic Healing • Monthly Workshops & Events • Monthly Shamanic Drum Circles

Private Integrative Healing Sessions • Reiki • Crystal Healing & Melody Crystal Healing • Acupressure • Shamanic EFT • Shamanic Intuitive Readings • Shamanic Healing • Power Animal Retrievals • Soul Retrievals

• Extraction • Ancestral Healing • Shamanic Spirit Attachment Removal • Shamanic Curse Unravelling Healing • Shamanic Spiritual Counseling • Munay Ki Rites • Professional Space Clearing & Blessing for Homes, Land or Businesses • Legal Sacred Ceremonies • Drum & Rattle Making Sessions

203-916-8381 | www. hunterhealinghands.com | hunterhealinghands@hotmail.com 8

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

The Clean Bedroom Unveils More Affordable Mattresses

Kairali Wellness Center Detox with Ayurveda

Stress Relief ~ Shiro Dhara Skin Rejuvenation ~ Navarakizhi Detox ~ Panchakarma Ayurvedic Massage ~ Abhyangyam Hair Care ~ Thakra Dhara

56 West Broad Street Stamford, CT 06902 ww.kairalicenters.com

Call for an appointment 203.961.0044 or 203.559.1571

T

he Clean Bedroom has added a new, more affordable, innerspring mattress line to its product array: the Naturally Organic Classic, Ergo and Luxe models. Each line features organic and natural components and is engineered to provide a healthy night’s sleep on a mattress with a more traditional feel and look than the rest of the company’s offerings. The Naturally Organic brand has been exclusive to The Clean Bedroom for years and has earned a good reputation for comfort, quality and price. This new mattress line offers even more affordability with queen mattresses starting at $1,999.

The Classic features a continuous coil system with organic cotton and organic wool. The Ergo and Luxe feature a pocketed coil system, both with organic cotton. The Ergo contains organic wool as its fire barrier, while the Luxe features horsehair.

Stop into one of the company’s sleep showrooms for a test rest on a more affordable Naturally Organic spring mattress today. Currently available in The Clean Bedroom showrooms in Greenwich, Connecticut; Wellesley, Massachusetts; Portland and Kittery, Maine. The line will be available in the New York City showroom soon.

For more information, visit TheCleanBedroom.com or your nearest showroom location.

Greenwich showroom location: 79 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich.

203-292-9275. See ad, back cover.

Learn about saving money and the planet with info on recycling, alternative energy and transportation options, conservation, and food that your town and neighbors are employing now!

Saturday, April 30, 2016 10AM – 4 PM

* Food * Live Music * Exhibitors * Face Painting * Cooking Demos * FREE Admission * Rain or Shine!

Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Avenue www.fairfieldearthday.org

Westport Rolfing®

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

• Decrease chronic pain, muscle tension and stress.

• Create overall ease and balance throughout the entire body.

Offices in Westport and Fairfield, CT • www.westportrolfing.com Sachi Nakayama Certified Advanced Rolfer 203-216-9720 sachi@westportrolfing.com

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

April 2016

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Jill Badyrka, MFT & Reiki Master Marriage & Family Therapy for Families, Children, Couples, and Individuals Specializing in Trauma, Parent-Child Relationships, Divorce, Life-Coaching

In-Home, Holistic and Strength-Based In-Home Services Inspire Healing Balanced with Client Well-Being and Comfort Now Accepting Saturday Appointments for Therapy and Reiki Phone: 203-218-0194

Email: jbadyrkamft@gmail.com

HEDGE

TRIMMING

By Thomas

203-790-6741 Danbury & Surrounding Towns

NUTR TION RESCUE Jessica Moon, MS Clinical Nutritionist

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

Happiness • Strength • Hope • Wisdom • Coping • Flourishing

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

203-451-6208

annreevespsych@optonline.net • www.annreevespsychology.com Offices in Newtown & Wilton, CT 10

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

newsbriefs Lecture on Conflict Resolution at Darien Library

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free lecture by John M. Tyler, CSB, on spiritual conflict resolution on April 5 at 7:30pm will explore prayer-based action with a professional Christian Science healer. Attendees will learn how to get involved in healing conflicts in our own lives and for the world, from century-old, divisive national conflict to a family fight.

Sponsored by Darien’s First Church of Christ Scientist, the lecture will take place at Darien Library.

John M. Tyler

For more information, call 203-655-2772 or visit ChristianScienceCT.org. Location: Darien Library, 1441 Post Rd, Darien.

Creative Visualization Workshop Empowers in Ridgefield

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n, April 30 from 9am to noon, Liz Jorgensen of Insight Counseling and Karen Walant will facilitate an intensive, positive creative visualization workshop intended to empower participants Liz Jorgensen Karen Walant to increase real change in their lives. Held at Insight Counseling’s office in Ridgefield, the workshop will address common questions and problems, such as personal goals that seem out of reach; behavior patterns that seem at odds with your best interests; feeling stuck or at a roadblock with your usual programs and feeling overwhelmed by economic challenges or other anxieties.

Creative visualization uses mindfulness, Positive Psychology, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and guided imagery to help individuals identify and change repetitive fears and negative self-talk. The easy-to-understand concepts and techniques enable participants to change behavior and reduce feelings or anxiety or depression.

The cost for the workshop is $175, which includes workbook and materials. Friends who sign up together will pay a reduced rate of $140 each. Thirty dollars from each registration will be donated to the Alice Jones Pierce Fund, CCA Inc, a nonprofit helping homeless families in Connecticut.

For more information, visit InsightCounselingllc.com, email Info@InsightCounselingLLC.com or call 203-431-9726.

See ad, page 23.

Join CancerCare Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope

S

tarting off at Greenwich Point in Old Greenwich on April 17, CancerCare’s 4th Annual Walk/Run for Hope celebrates survivors, supports those living with cancer and remembers those lost. The event raises funds for CancerCare’s free, professional support services available to anyone affected by cancer.

Registration and check-in for the event begins at 7:45am.

A children’s half-mile fun run starts at 9am, followed by a USATF-sanctioned 5K at 9:15am. Entry fees are $40 per adult (13 and older), $20 per child (12 and under) and $10 per child for the fun run only. All participants receive a t-shirt.

Families, individuals and teams welcome. Race awards for the top finishers and awards to top individual and team fundraisers.

For more information and registration, visit CancerCare. org/WalkGreenwich or call 888-814-WALK (9255). For questions, contact Corey Cenatiempo at CCenatiempo@ CancerCare.org or 203-663-2189. Location: Greenwich Point Park, Greenwich.

Orgánachs Farm to Skin Opens in Westport

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rgánachs Farm to Skin recently opened in Westport, offering a curated selection of organic skincare from Europe and the U.S. for women, men and children.

The boutique offers brands such Earth Tu Face, Dr. Alkaitis, Bottega Organica, Nat’Aura, Voya, de Mamiel, Vapour Beauty Cosmetics and Zoe Organics, all products that have been featured in Siobhan McKinley top health and beauty magazines, blogger sites and major network news programs. A selection of organic facials and make-up services are available by appointment. An assortment of organic cosmetics and organic lifestyle items such as aromatherapy oils, soaps, diffusers, candles, tea, chocolate and baby gifts are also offered.

“Take care of what you put on your skin, hair and body as much as you take care of what you put into your body,” says Founder Siobhan McKinley. “Who says you can’t go green and be gorgeous?”

Store hours are Tuesday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and Sunday noon-4pm.

For more information, visit OrganachsFarmtoSkin.com or call 203-221-0435. Location: Orgánachs Farm to Skin, 15 Post Rd West, Westport (at the intersection of Rt 33 and Post Rd West).

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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newsbriefs Fresh Air Fund Seeks Host Families

Pryority Offers Free Qi Gong/ Tai Chi for the Earth & Elemental Approach to Wellness

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ince 1877, The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, nonprofit agency, has provided free, enriching summer experiences and acaCraighead-Reich Family demic programs for more than 1.8 million New York City children from lowincome neighborhoods. Each summer, nearly 4,000 Fresh Air children visit suburban, rural and small town communities along the East Coast and Southern Canada through The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program. Fresh Air summers provide children with opportunities to run barefoot through the grass, hike, gaze at star-filled skies or swim for the first time. Fresh Air children are boys and girls from seven to 18-years old who live in New York City. Children who are re-invited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips.

Interested Fairfield and Litchfield county residents are asked to consider being a host family. Local Ridgefield residents, Laura Craighead and Paul Reich are proud of their Fresh Air child Shawnelle’s college achievements; he is currently a freshman at Texas Southern University where he made the Dean’s List his first semester. He has visited Craighead and Reich every summer since he was seven years old.

For more information about hosting a Fresh Air child this summer, call Ann O’Brien at 847-345-4121 or visit The Fresh Air Fund at FreshAir.org.

P

ryority Wellness is a holistic fitness and wellness center in New Canaan. Founded by Julie Pryor, it provides clients with a full range of services to promote and elevate improved health and wellbeing. To celebrate Earth Day, Pryority Wellness will share its elemental energy with a free qi gong/tai chi for the earth class. Led by Lucy Gao, the one-hour class will guide participants through movements designed to bring balance and positive energy into individual bodies as well as the earth itself. Reservations are recommended as space is limited for the Earth Day class.

Pryority Wellness has adopted an elemental approach to all its offerings; depending on someone’s mood or needs, they can choose to visit Pryority EARTH or Pryority SKY.

Located within Halo Studios, Pryority EARTH is a space to get stronger, reduce stress, heal, rebalance and encourage grounding.

Resources exclusive to EARTH include functional training, Power Plate, BioMat Professional and Kinesiology Taping.

Located at the same location but with a separate, private entrance is Pryority SKY. The airy open space invites visitors to leave stresses behind to feel calmer, balanced, enlightened, supported and rejuvenated. Unique to SKY are wellness assessments and the far infrared sauna therapy, which warms the body in the same manner as natural sunlight. SKY also houses a retail shop and tea bar.

A team of certified trainers, therapists and nutritionists provide a large selection of programs at both locations including massage therapy, pilates, gyrotonic, energy therapies, nutrition counseling, aromatherapy, lifestyle coaching, muscle testing and Yamuna face rolling.

For information and reservations, visit PryorityWellness.com.

Location: 45 Grove St, New Canaan. 203-594-1552. See ad, page 48.

Chemical Free Mattresses All mattresses available as adjustable beds and pillowtops

• All Natural Latex • Certified Organic Cotton • Certified Organic Wool • No Toxic Flame Retardants

• No Petro-Chemicals • Hypo-Allergenic • 25 Year Warranty • Made in America

Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff!

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Summit, NJ 361 Springfield Ave (203) 739-0077 Mt. Kisco, NY 681 East Main Street, (914) 241-2467

Westport, CT 141 Post Rd. East (203) 557-3900 Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245

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Wellness Wednesdays and Health, Wellness and Fitness Fair at WCSU

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he Institute for Holistic Health Studies (IHHS), housed within the Department of Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences (HPX) at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), is sponsoring a series of monthly Wellness Wednesday Workshops to promote the importance of making and maintaining healthy choices. Visit WCSU.edu/NewsEvents/Wellness-Wednesday-Spring2016.asp for specific event information.

In addition to the regular Wellness Wednesday workshop series, IHHS and HPX, in partnership with Campus Recreation and University Health Services, will present the inaugural Health, Wellness and Fitness Fair from 11am to 3pm on April 12 in the Bill Williams Gym in Berkshire Hall on the WCSU Midtown campus. The goal of the health fair is to provide the WCSU and Greater Danbury communities with opportunities to broaden their knowledge and experience of traditional, conventional and integrative methods to enhance their well-being.

The organizers’ objective is to increase awareness of topics relate to health, fitness and wellness by providing activities, materials, demonstrations, screenings and information.

This event is building upon past Holistic Health Fairs. In the past, there have been over 40 exhibitors presenting on varied topics including meditation, nutrition, tai chi, yoga, Tibetan singing bowls and more. Reiki masters will be providing 15-minute Reiki sessions. The health fair is free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted to support this health fair and other events as well as student awards.

This year’s Health, Fitness and Wellness Fair is a collaborative effort involving WCSU Campus Recreation, Health Service, Counseling Center, CHOICES, Health Promotion and Exercise Sciences Department and the Institute for Holistic Health Studies.

The HPX department at WCSU offers two Bachelor of Science degrees: Health Education (Certification Pre-K-12) and Health Promotion Studies. Within the Health Promotion Studies program, students may choose one of four options/ concentrations: wellness management, community health, allied health professions, and holistic and integrative health.

The students in these degree programs are prepared for entry-level, certified health education specialist positions. The focus of studying health promotion and exercise science is to educate students about the importance of a physically active lifestyle, wellness, fitness, health protection and preventive services in schools and the larger global community.

For more information about WCSU HPX programs, contact Department Co-chairs Robyn Housemann at HousemannR@ WCSU.edu or Jody Rajcula at RajculaJ@WCSU.edu.

For additional information about the wellness fair, contact Robyn Housemann or Amy Shanks at Generoso002@ Connect.WCSU.edu. Fair location: Bill Williams Gym, Berkshire Hall, WCSU Midtown Campus, 181 White St, Danbury.

10th Annual Lyme Connection Patient Conference and Health Fair Featuring Lyme Expert and Author Kenneth B. Liegner, MD Thursday | May 19, 2016

5:00 - 9:30pm Lyme Disease Health Fair 7:00 - 9:30pm Lyme Expert and Author Kenneth B. Liegner, MD

Western Connecticut State University West Side Campus Student Center University Blvd, Danbury, CT 06811 GPS: 43 Lake Ave. Ext, Dby, CT 06811 Free and open to the public. No registration required.

For more Information visit: LymeConnection.org 203-241-2400 | facebook.com/LymeConnection Sponsors

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Open Every Day Until 5:30

April 2016

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newsbriefs Presentation on Effects of Psychotropic Medications on Autistic People

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n April 18 at 6:30pm, Greenwich Hospital will co-host with Friends of Autistic People (FAP) a presentation by Dr. Roger J. Jou. Jou is the medical director at the Center for Translational Developmental Neuroscience at the Yale Child Study Center. He will present on new treatment applications of psychotropic medications and their potential side effects.

Individuals living with autism are at increased risk for mental health conditions. Given the shortage of prescribers and other professionals specialized in treating mental health conditions in individuals living with autism, the aforementioned process is at risk for breakdown. This presentation addresses these various challenges by providing an overview on psychotropic medications followed by principles and practices for use in this special population. New treatment strategies are also presented, including experimental approaches targeting core social and communication vulnerabilities.

FAP is a local volunteer-based nonprofit advocacy organization. The organization recently added to its mission a project of developing a community homestead farm for adults with autism. Currently in the fundraising stage, Jou’s lecture at the hospital is intended to educate the public and to raise awareness about the project. At the Farm Academy, adult children over 21 with autism will live, enjoy nature-based education and learn a variety of skills—such as self-help, arts, crafts, food preparation, animal care and academic skills.

For more information, visit AutisticAdults.net, view tinyurl.com/FAPFarm, or shop through tinyurl.com/FAPSmile.

Location: Noble Conference Center, Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Rd, Greenwich.

On Earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it. ~Jules Renard

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Social Permaculture Programs at Sticks & Stones

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ow you can explore social permaculture in sustainable living at Sticks and Stones Farm in Newtown. AZOTH Project is running their comprehensive social permaculture syllabus in 2016 with a one-day Tool Kit workshop on May 15, a two-day weekend retreat in June, and a four-month immersive series that begins in July.

The one day May workshop will cover the basics of social permaculture: essential concepts and principles, strategies and practices, internal landscape assessment support, and emotional landscape management techniques. This social permaculture curriculum is designed to provide participants with a greater understanding of the interferences with collaboration, intimacy and vulnerability. Understanding these processes improves the likelihood of project success.

This one day event is material-intensive and geared toward introducing concepts and practices. The intention is to inspire participants to continue their own research and exploration into the world of social permaculture, independently or in groups. The rhythm of the workshop mimics natural expansion and contraction models; attendees will gather together to cover topics, expand into an activity or practice, then re-collect for more information, expanding again into another activity. Practices and lectures build upon one another successively.

The May workshop takes place from 9:30am to 10pm with breaks for lunch, a potluck dinner, and a concluding fire ceremony in the evening. Participants should bring a lunch and a potluck dinner contribution, a notebook and writing utensils, warm layers and a water bottle.

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Crystal Visions

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For more information, visit AzothProject.com. See page 34 for an informational article about social permaculture concepts. Location: Sticks & Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. See ad, page 19.

Phone Number Correction The incorrect phone number was published in the news brief about Yufang Lin’s integrative medicine consultative service in the March issue of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County.

The correct phone number for the New Canaan office is 203-920-1603. The number for the New Fairfield office is 203-746-6000.

Natural Awakenings regrets the error.

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April 2016

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Dolphonic Symphony Jerry LoFaro After ruling out his initial career choices of paleontologist, zoologist, baseball player and Good Humor ice cream man, Jerry LoFaro parlayed his lifetime interest in dinosaurs and other animals, fantasy, art history and literature into a successful career as an illustrator.

His art—always striking and often humorous—has been featured on book covers for major publishers and in advertising and promotional campaigns for clients including Nike, Disney, National Geographic, The Discovery Channel and TIME magazine. Celestial Seasonings has commissioned LoFaro to create tea, coffee and seasonings package designs, even entrusting him to update the company’s famous icon, Sleepytime Bear.

Among his many awards is the Gold Medal he was honored with from the Society of Illustrators in 2009. Recently, he was commissioned to create the official Earth Day 2013 Poster on the theme of big cat conservation.

“Superficially, I’d describe my work as realism,” says LoFaro. “However, much of what I’ve done in content is conceptual, with surreal flourishes.”

Prior to 2002, he worked primarily with acrylics; now, he uses Photoshop to create digital art.

LoFaro also treasures the rural beauty of his New Hampshire surroundings and confides, “My life revolves around walking out to my studio in the woods, listening to great music and being creative.”

View the artist’s portfolio and online store at JerryLoFaroDesigns.com.

healthbriefs newsbriefs 7eFit Spa Open House Nature’s in StamfordColors Aid Focus and Accuracy S

THE ‘DIRTY DOZEN’ Shamanic Healing Retreat in Redding OF CANCER-CAUSoin shamanic practitioners and ING CHEMICALS

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teachers Deana Paquacientists and Jessica at the Environmental Hunter for a day of shamanic healing Working abunGroup for gratitude, transformation, tamford has published a list dance, discovery and enlightenment. a new option esearchers from the University of Melbourne of the 12 chemiThis all-day healing retreat is open for those seeking determined that taking a quick break and lookcalswho that have to anyone and all levels wish to look and feel ing at natural colors can significantly increase been most prevalently linked to cancer to learn more about shamanism and their best during attention, focus and job performance. The™researchin numerous research studies. The list shamanic healing practices and techthe holiday seaers tested 150 university students that were randomly selected to view onethat of two encompassesinto bisphenol A, atrazine, orniques can be incorporated son and beyond. 7eFit Spa has opened on High Ridge Road, Deana Paqua ganophosphate pesticides, dibutyl phthalcity scenes consisting of a building with and without a flowering meadow green roof. daily life for transformation and posioffering a variety of aesthetic services and non-invasive techate, lead, mercury, peror polyfluoro The two views were experienced as micro-breaks, a 30-second period that tive changes. The event will be held at niques to support mind and body wellness. An open house is chemicals (PFC), phthalates, diethlyhexyl can be taken every 40 minutes. Both groups were tested before the andsanctuary after view-at The Redding Center scheduled for November 22 from noon to 7pm. phthalate, polybrominated diphenyl ing the scene for sustained attention spans, along with a performance test upon for Meditation on November 14 from The regular service offerings—which will be available as ethers, triclosan and nonylphenol. completing a task.

Subjects that looked at the scene with the verdant roof had Relax while our technology 10am to 5pm. brief demonstration sessions during the open house—include

The scientists suggest that consignificantly longer attention spans and fewer errors in doing their tasks. . does work A variety of techniques anti-aging andthe oxygen facials with oxygen therapy, Torc Plus biosumersand canteachreduce their exposure to Noelectric surgery or invasive procedures. ings will be incorporated throughout stimulation for targeted muscle activation (also available each of these chemicals by avoiding Infrared Sauna therapy) • Micro-dermabrasion with oxygen and weight loss, infrared sauna for detoxifi- the day, including shamanic plasticsjourney marked with “PC” (polycarMyolift • Torc • Body Waxing work, shamanic ceremonies, cation, Reiki and the DietMaster personal weight loss program. bonates)crystal or the recycling number 7 Diet Master • Oxygen Bar • Reiki medicine healing The Torc Plus has been FDA-cleared and is known to be healing, various spiritmark, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plasDermalogica Facials • Oxygen Facials teachings and shamanic techniques for effective for muscle tightening, toning, cellulite reduction tics in food packaging, PFC-treated Jessica Hunter clearing and manifestation practices. wrappers on food and other products, and inchTeeth loss.Whitening Paqua and Hunter bring unique mercury-laden and informativeseafoods, combinaSave Tracey Now with leada paints, Founder Scalzi, astudy long-time Stamfordofresident of thousands dentists found that the absorpIntroductory Prices! tion of shamanic healing and teachings to their gatherings. phthalates-containing fragrances and and business owner, decidedtion to open 7eFitSpa because she of mercury is associated with an increased risk Paqua specializesplastics, in Andean and South American shafoam products made before Call 203-356-5822 wanted a new business dedicated to helping people look of tremors. Published in the Journal of the American 2005, foreign antibacterial soaps, and manic traditions, while Hunter focuses on North American and feel their best. The spa hadAssociation, a soft opening in June but 1092 High Ridge Road |Dental Stamford, CT 06905the study followed 13,906 dentists detergents and paints with nonylpheshamanic traditions.

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Other proactive measures include inspirational shamanic gatherings that encompass a variety in mid-September. able The research tested the dentists’ urinary mercury levels to estimate their drinking only filtered water when of teachings and a global connection of a variety of Shaindividual exposure. The incidence of tremors—the involuntary shaking of hands, in agricultural areas and purchasing manic Healing practices.

For more information, andthe visit the was then compared with arms and other parts ofvisit the 7eLLC.com body—among dentists organic foods.

Stamford location, email 7eFitSpaCT1@gmail.com or call their exposure to mercury. visitThe researchers contend,and “Given For more information, EmbodytheSacred.net Location: 1092 High Ridge Rd, 203-356-5822.

Higher exposures to mercury increased theStamford risk of tremors among the entire that weSee liveads, in apages sea of10 chemicals, it HunterHealingHands.com. and 20. (inside Salon See ad, page 15. the increased risk among the young population of Cheveaux). dentists studied by 10 percent; makes sense to begin reducing expodentists was 13 percent. sures to ones we know are bad actors.”

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

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April 2016

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

Ground Control

Down-to-Earth Climate Change Strategy The Center for Food Safety’s Cool Foods Campaign report Soil & Carbon: Soil Solutions to Climate Problems maintains that it’s possible to take atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) that fuels climate change and put it back into the soil, where much of it was once a solid mineral. There’s too much carbon in the atmosphere and the oceans, but not enough stable carbon in the ground supporting healthy soils.

Cultivated soils globally have lost 50 to 70 percent of their original carbon content through paving, converting grasslands to cropland and agricultural practices that rob soil of organic matter and its ability to store carbon, making it more susceptible to flooding and erosion. Healthy soils—fed through organic agriculture practices like polycultures, cover crops and compost—give soil microbes the ability to store more CO2 and withstand drought and floods better, because revitalized soil structure allows it to act like a sponge.

The report concludes, “Rebuilding soil carbon is a zero-risk, low-cost proposition. It has universal application and we already know how to do it.”

Download the report at Tinyurl.com/CFS-Climate-Report.

GMO-Free Germany

Five Dozen Countries Now Ban or Label GMO Crops New rules implemented by the European Union now allow individual member states to block farmers from using genetically modified organisms (GMO), even if the variety has been approved on an EU-wide basis. Scotland was the first to opt out and Germany is next, according to German Agriculture Minister Christian Schmidt.

Controversy concerning the safety and/or necessity of GMOs persists, but countries like these have decided not to idly sit by while the effects posed by longterm consumption of GMO foods are revealed. This move makes Germany one of between 64 and 74 countries that have instituted some type of ban or mandatory labeling requirements.

Working Worms

They Can Safely Biodegrade Plastic Waste Mealworms can safely and effectively biodegrade certain types of plastic waste, according to groundbreaking new research from Stanford University and China’s Beihang University. In two newly released companion studies, researchers reveal that microorganisms living in the mealworm’s gut effectively break down Styrofoam and plastic into biodegraded fragments that look similar to tiny rabbit droppings.

Plastic waste takes notoriously long to biodegrade; a single water bottle is estimated to take 450 years to break down in a landfill. Due to poor waste management, plastic waste often ends up in the environment, and research reveals that 90 percent of all seabirds and up to 25 percent of fish sold in markets have plastic waste in their stomachs.

Worms that dined regularly on plastic appeared to be as healthy as their non-plastic-eating companions, and researchers believe that the waste they produce could be safely repurposed in agriculture. Further research is needed before the worms can be widely deployed.

It’s possible that worms could also biodegrade polypropylene, used in textiles, bioplastics and microbeads.

Source: Discovery.com

Source: CollectivelyConscious.net

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

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Oily Oops

145 Grassy Plain St. Bethel, CT

Touted Dispersants Worsened Effects of Gulf Oil Spill A study conducted by the University of Georgia has found that the Corexit oil dispersant lauded by British Petroleum during the devastating 2010 Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico oil spill not only failed to perform as expected, but may have formed deposits on the seafloor in a chemically altered condition. The naturally occurring proliferation of a particular species of bacteria (marinobacters) that eats untreated oil was completely curtailed when the spill was replaced with dispersed oil. This could be a worst-case scenario, because marine life would continue to be exposed to it over many years, if not decades.

According to the report Environmental and Health Impacts of the BP Gulf Oil Spill, “As compared with only oil, Corexit-laden oil is four times more lethal; dispersed oil is 10 times more deadly than the dispersant alone.”

The Center for Biological Diversity reports, “One of the dispersants used at the BP spill, Corexit 9527A, contains the toxin 2-butoxyethanol, which may cause injury to red blood cells, kidneys or the liver with repeated or excessive exposure.”

Many nations have since outlawed the use of dispersants in their territorial waters in response to these revelations.

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

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

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

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Read the report at Tinyurl.com/BP-Oil-Spill-Report.

100 Percenter

Lower Austria Wholly Powered by Renewable Energy Lower Austria, the largest of the country’s nine states and home to 1.65 million people, now receives 100 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources. The country’s total power output is about 70 percent renewable.

The Danube River is so powerful that hydroelectric power is a natural choice. The mountainous geography means that vast amounts of energy can be generated from this high-capacity river rapidly flowing down through a series of steep slopes. The remainder of the state’s energy is sourced from wind, biomass and solar power.

Source: IFLScience.com

Free Park-ing

National Parks Announce Fee-Free Days The National Park Service turns 100 years young in 2016 and is offering free admission on special days. Next up are April 16 to 24, National Park Week; August 25 to 28, its birthday celebration; September 24, National Public Lands Day; and November 11, Veterans Day. They invite everyone to come out and play.

Salt Therapy and Wellness Center

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eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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earthdayevents • YARD TO TABLE •

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Fairfield County Edition

Celebrating Earth Day Locally and Globally

by Meredith Montgomery

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epresentatives from nearly every country on Earth gathered in Paris for the 2015 United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called the Paris Agreement a triumph for people, the planet and multilateralism.

The signing ceremony is set for Earth Day, April 22, at UN headquarters, in New York City.

For the first time, every country has pledged to curb their emissions, strengthen resilience to related impacts and act internationally and domestically to address climate change. Other key elements aimed at achieving a state of climate neutrality—having a zero carbon footprint—before the century’s end include transparency, accountability and a plan for developed countries to support climate action in developing countries.

“A big part of the Paris agreement focuses on reduced use of gas, coal and oil, but there is also a focus on preserving trees and expanding forests,” says Earth Day Network (EDN)

natural awakenings

spokesperson Timothy McHugh, referring to this year’s Earth Day theme of Trees for Earth.

This year also kicks off a fouryear countdown to the environmental campaign’s 50th anniversary on Earth Day 2020. “By that mark, we hope to have planted 7.8 billion trees—approximately one tree for every person on the planet. Trees are vitally important because they soak up carbon and clean the air,” McHugh explains.

In addition to countering climate change and pollution, EDN’s global tree planting seeks to support communities and local economies, protect biodiversity and inspire environmental stewardship.

From global leaders convening at the UN to people participating in community events close to home, billions of the world’s citizens will celebrate our precious home planet this year. To join the worldwide observance, find an event online at EarthDay.org or participate in one or more of the local events listed here.

earthdaybriefs Join us at one of these Fairfield County Earth Day Events.

Woodbury • April 23

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• Students doing art: Along with learning how to reduce our footprint, the annual Arts Contest—with the theme of “What if…—has inspired Fairfield students of all ages to create art work, poetry, essays and videos. Student fashion models will present “Trashy Fashion” designs made from recycled materials.

• Gardening groove: Talk to a master gardener about your garden. Learn about beekeeping, invasive plants, and how to keep your compost pile healthy. Talk to Metrocrops about urban farming.

• Kids having fun: There is an array of activities and games, face painting, crafts (made from recycled items) and live music. Discovery Museum will offer earthy activities while folk singer Evelyn Avoglia will show kids how to turn household recyclables into rhythm instruments. The boy scouts of Troop 88 will be demonstrating “square foot gardening”.

There is no charge for admission or parking. The event will be held rain or shine.

oodbury Earth Day is preparing for its 21st Annual Earth Day Celebration, a free event that will be held on, April 23 from 11am to 4pm at Hollow Park in Woodbury. The largest Earth Day celebration in Connecticut, Woodbury Earth Day includes earth-friendly activities for the entire family.

Visitors will enjoy a lively vendor fair with more than 130 vendors, including artisans, farmers and growers, environmental organizations, and home improvement services, along with demonstrations like the Live Birds of Prey presented by Audubon Sharon. A main stage, a community stage, a kids’ activities tent, and some of the best food trucks in Connecticut will keep attendees engaged and well fed. Among the many talented performers, The Regulators and HannaH’s Field will rock the audience while Bring the Hoopla gets everyone moving. Caseus Cheese Truck, Hardcore Sweet, El Camion and several others will serve up favorite eats and Aquarion Water Company will provide drinking water to help wash it all down.

“We are proud to be an event that focuses on supporting our local economy while also protecting and improving the nature of our communities, our land and water, and ourselves,” says Carol Haskins, Woodbury Earth Day’s chair.

Woodbury Earth Day is presented under the leadership of the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, a Woodburybased environmental nonprofit organization, and a team of dedicated community volunteers. Event sponsors include New Morning Market, Aquarion Water Company, O&G Industries, Eversource, The Farm of Woodbury, Brown Tufts Montessori School, Civil 1 Engineering, Power Home Remodeling Group and ECS Aeroseal.

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For more information visit WoodburyEarthDay.org.

Location: Hollow Park, Woodbury.

Wilton • May 1

Fairfield • April 30

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spring highlight for families and the “environmentally inquisitive”, Fairfield’s Earth Day Celebration will take place on April 30 from 10am to 4pm at Fairfield Warde High School. Since 1997, Fairfield has been celebrating Earth Day as a way of bringing together the community as we explore ways to live gently on the earth.

This year’s event will feature face painting, kids’ games and crafts, live music, food trucks, gardening specialists, an 1899 flying machine facsimile, and a high school “trashy fashion” show, just to name some of the many highlights.

For more information visit FairfieldEarthDay.wordpress.com.

Location: Fairfield Warde High School, 755 Melville Ave, Fairfield.

Newtown • April 23

ewtown’s 9th Annual Earth Day Festival will be, April 23 from 10am to 4pm in front of Newtown Middle School.

The day will feature live music (bands, singing and Taiko drumming), activities for children and adults, a multitude of vendors, food, and educational and nature exhibits. Special programs include Bees and Beekeeping at 1pm and Birds of Prey at 2pm. In addition, the annual Silent Auction will feature local and handcrafted items and services.

Proceeds from this event support green scholarships for Newtown High School graduates to pursue degrees in environmental fields.

For more information, visit Newtown Earth Day Festival on Facebook or NewtownEarthDay.org. Location: 11 Queen St, Newtown (in front of Newtown Middle School).

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his year’s Wilton Go Green Festival, sponsored by Ross Solar Group Wilton Town Green and Wilton Library, will take place on May, 1 from 11am to 4pm at the Wilton Library and town center. The 2016 celebration of green living has a new Emerald Sponsor in Gardel Home Improvement.

The free annual event will feature the following events and activities: 5km Run sponsored by Outdoor Sports; dog parade; electric car rally; bounce house; more than 80 exhibitors; live music; food; and a silent auction.

For more information, visit WiltonGoGreen.org.

Location: Town center at Wilton Library. eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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BREATHING

EASIER Fighting for Air and Health in Connecticut

by Quinlan Mitchell

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ince it's practically invisible, many people take the air they breathe—and its quality—for granted. Not Sharon Jones. She's the executive director of an environmental justice organization here in Connecticut; she's been involved in the struggle for cleaner air, water and skies since her college days—when Marvin Gaye released his What's Going on? album in 1971.

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Fairfield County Edition

“The album dealt with environmental issues, as well as issues relating to the war. The one song that got my attention in college was ‘Mercy Mercy Me (the Ecology)’ when he talked about the polluted water and skies,” says Jones.

This spring in Connecticut, what's going on with the environment is the historic clearance for a plan to close the last operating coal-fired power

natural awakenings

plant in the state—the Bridgeport Harbor Station—and transition it to a natural gas facility. Along with the closure came an agreement to ensure that the change is beneficial to the Bridgeport community. On that particular agreement is a signature from Jones' organization, the Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice (CCEJ).

“I do believe that this is the beginning of a just transition for the community,” says Jones.

It's also a move toward cleaner air for Connecticut. The importance of air quality for our heart and lungs is well-known. But given the surprising fact that clean air is also implicated in proper brain functioning, the closure of the coal-fired plant is something all Connecticut residents should be excited about.

The 47-year-old Bridgeport Harbor Station has been negatively impacting community health in Connecticut for decades. Jones claims that because of the pollution, generations of families have been harmed by having the plant in Bridgeport.

“You need to understand the type of pollution that comes out of power plants,” she explains. “It's black coal; it's particulate matter, which is devastating to one's cardiovascular system and it produces lung disease, asthma and heart disease.” Countless reports from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health and environmental organizations support Jones' claims.

But air quality is not just about the acute impacts on the cardiovascular system. Newer understanding suggests

that air actually has wider affects on overall health.

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AIR AND HEALTH Holistic health paradigms, including naturopathic medicine, weight the importance of clean air to health more heavily than conventional medical paradigms may. It may be useful to think of the impact of air as even more widespread than a single health condition or emergency room visit; air is about the ability of the body to function healthfully every day.

Gary Gruber is a naturopathic physician and a professor at the University of Bridgeport with a specialty in environmental medicine. Talking about the topic of air quality and health, he underlines the importance of stress in determining the health of a patient and the potential dangers of air pollution.

Gruber describes a useful concept for understanding the importance of air that's integral to his practice: total load. “Everything contributes to the total load,” he explains. “The [total] load is really all of the different stressors that are affecting our physical health.”

Total load can be viewed as a factory system in the body. Gruber uses a well-known scene from an episode of I Love Lucy to make his point. In the episode, Lucy and Ethel are wrapping chocolates traveling to them on a factory conveyor belt. But when production on the line suddenly speeds up, the pair frantically try—and fail—to wrap the chocolates speeding by too fast. They ultimately begin stuffing chocolates into their mouths, hats, bras, and anywhere else they can find.

It's a humorous example, but it's also good insight into how stress and toxins in the air affect the body. If the body can't handle the total load of stressors coming down the “conveyor belt”—like Lucy—the whole system starts to go a little haywire. The problems may manifest in a number of ways.

Based on this understanding, it wouldn't be a stretch to say that, for Bridgeport residents and their neighbors in surrounding regions, living in the shadow of the plant has kept body systems out of balance for decades; this is something Jones has seen with her own eyes.

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“I talk to people who are really on the fence line of these polluted facilities and it saddens me to see how they live. It saddens me to see the illnesses that they have. And how these illnesses affect social and economic conditions, which they tend to live with for the rest of their lives,” Jones says.

For example, she makes a point of noting how an illness such as asthma has ramifications far beyond a single attack. A late-night emergency room visit can keep a studen—and their siblings—out of school the next day or keep parents from getting to work on time; these all have a ripple effect on people’s lives.

“Asthma has social, political and economic implications,” says Jones. And so, it seems, does air.

When looking at air quality and the Bridgeport Harbor Station from the perspective of stress, is it really possible to peg poor health in urban areas directly on air quality in the surrounding environment? Or is it another stressor that's the real culprit?

According to Jones, that's not really the point. “If a person is being attacked by multiple stressors, you ask yourself: ‘Well which one can I choose? Which one is the one that is really affecting me? The answer is all of them. But you need to attack each one individually, and eliminate the greatest first and move down the list.”

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“Environmental justice is more than just pollution. We're dealing with poverty; we're dealing with economics; we're dealing with education; we're dealing with place: where you live, how you live,” says Jones.

Within the context of his field, it seems Gruber is dealing with much of the same. “Traditionally environmental medicine has always been about man-made toxins and environmental allergens...I turn it upside down, in a way, because I see environmental medicine as all of these different influences. It's how your cells react to [their] environment.”

That environment includes stressors like poverty, poor educational systems and, of course, air quality.

But the impacts of air run even deeper than health, economics and social systems; they affect the self, right at the source. Research appears to shows that air may have an effect on, not just our health, but the way we think. In a recent study from Harvard University in collaboration with other leading research institutions, scientists showed that improving indoor air quality significantly increased cognitive function in office workers.

On the flip-side of that study, a less encouraging fact, according to Gruber, is that poor air can decrease cognitive function and even cause damage to brain cells.

“If a person is exposed to environmental toxins, that creates a chronic stress in their body. Whenever there's chronic stress, it changes the heart rate variability, and the heart rate variability affects cognition,” he says.

Two powerful heart hormones—ANF and ICA—are responsible for this effect on cognition. Secreted when the body is under stress, these hormones essentially tell the brain to turn its processing power toward survival, not higher cognitive functions like formal reasoning or problem-

solving. This can lead to things like brain fog and fuzzy thinking. If chronic stress is a way of life—and an individual's detoxification system isn't working correctly—in some individuals the toxic load can lead to inflammation, which causes brain cell damage.

“It's like any other inflammation in the body,” says Gruber.

Add that to the acute effects described by Sharon Jones and the Bridgeport Harbor Station may end up leaving more than just nasty health conditions—like asthma and heart disease—as a legacy. The station may have a lasting impact on the way residents of the city and surrounding communities feel and think.

LIMITING EXPOSURE; FILTERING AIR With the eventual closing of the facility secured, a larger question is uncovered: what can Connecticut residents do to limit their exposure to all harmful toxins in the air, not just those from power plants?

Gruber has an answer. According to him, filtration and location are the most important factors to keep in mind when talking about staying safe from air toxins.

“It's very difficult if you live in an area of the country like we live in— here in Southwest Connecticut—to really escape the air toxins,” he explains.

That's because on top of the coal plant nestled in Fairfield County, Con-

necticut itself is subject to wind and weather patterns that shunt air and toxins from other areas of the country directly to the tri-state area.

“On a really clear day, drive up to Holyoke; there's a plateau up there.

Turn around and look towards the horizon, towards Springfield and Connecticut. What you will see is not blue sky. You will see a lot of brown and yellow sky. And that's what is covering this area of Connecticut that we live in,” Gruber says.

That brown and yellow sky is due to pollution picked up by air currents in the South and Midwest, and deposited in Connecticut. Given the crossregional pollution, the best advice Gruber has is to filter indoor air.

“You want to try to sleep in an environment that can try to remove as much of that stuff as possible,” he says. “If you have some kind of inflammation in your respiratory system, you don't want to be burning wood, for example. You want to have a filtration system. You want to make sure that your oil burner is well-vented, so that the fumes from that are not diffusing into your home. These are just a few things that you can do in your home.”

In addition, the doctor provided a rule-of-thumb that he gives as advice to all his patients. “If you smell something, you have absorbed it,” Gruber says. And, like Lucille Ball wrapping

chocolates, if we've absorbed too many toxins, our body essentially begins to stuff them all over the place in the cells and tissues for later processing.

WORKING FOR WHOLENESS For Bridgeport residents who’ve spent their lives near the plant, it spells decades of toxins from black coal combustion stored in the body, causing all kinds of stress reactions from asthma to heart disease to inability to concentrate. And, for some residents in the area, a good filtration system indoors just isn't to be found.

“There's indoor air quality that's poor as well as outdoor air quality,” explains Jones.

But, at the end of the day, the picture isn't all bleak. The Bridgeport Harbor Station is scheduled for closure by 2021. Jones and the CCEJ were successful in giving that glimmer of hope to the community—in working as healers in a surprising field.

“My agenda is to make people whole—make people well,” says Jones.

As a naturopath, Gruber hopes to do the same thing. And as the Harbor Station begins to approach the end of its life in Bridgeport, Gruber and Jones can probably both heave a big sigh of relief.

Quinlan Mitchell is a freelance writer living and working in New England.

Connect with him at QCMitchell@ gmail.com or visit him on LinkedIn.

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TROUBLED

WATERS Our Precious Freshwater Supplies Are Shrinking

by Linda Sechrist

V

irtually all water, atmospheric water vapor and soil moisture presently gracing the Earth has been perpetually recycled through billions of years of evaporation, condensation and precipitation. As all living things are composed of mostly water and thus a part of this cycle, we may be drinking the same water that a Tyrannosaurus Rex splashed in 68 million years ago, along with what was poured into Cleopatra’s bath.

Perhaps this mythological sense of water’s endlessness or the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-

tion images from outer space of a blue planet nearly three-quarters covered by water makes us complacent. Yet only 2.5 percent of Earth’s water is not salt water and of sufficient quality to be consumable by humans, plants and animals.

Vulnerable to the demands of humanity’s unprecedented population explosion, careless development and toxic pollution and other contamination, we must reexamine this precious resource. Sandra Postel, founder of the Global Water Policy Project, who has studied freshwater issues for more than 30 years, says,

Clean drinking water is rapidly being depleted all around the world.

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“Communities, farmers and corporations are asking what we really need the water for, whether we can meet that need with less, and how water can be better managed [through] ingenuity and ecological intelligence, rather than big pumps, pipelines, dams and canals.”

Seeking to reclaim lost ground in the protection of our water and wetland resources, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed the 2015 Clean Water Rule. The new regulations are needed to restore the strength to the 1972 Clean Water Act that has been weakened by the courts and previous administrations.

Notably, within hours of activating the regulation, the EPA was served with lawsuits from corporate polluters, and within weeks, more than 20 state attorneys general filed suit against it. Today the legal battle continues over whether the new regulation will be allowed to stay in force or not.

“Every day, local, state and federal governments are granting permission to industries to pollute, deforest, degrade and despoil our environments, resulting in serious effects on our planet and our bodies,” says Maya K. van Rossum, a Delaware Riverkeeper and head of the four-state Delaware Riverkeeper Network.

Under van Rossum’s leadership the network has created a national initiative called For the Generations advocating for the passage of constitutional protection for environmental rights at both the state and federal levels. It was inspired by a legal victory secured by van Rossum and her organization in 2013 in a case titled Robinson Township, Delaware Riverkeeper Network, et al. vs. the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, which used Pennsylvania’s Constitutional Environmental Rights Amendment to strike down significant portions of a profracking piece of legislation as unconstitutional. Until this legal victory, Pennsylvania’s constitutional environmental rights amendment was dismissed as a mere statement of policy rather than a true legal protection.

“Each individual process of fracking uses on the order of 5 million gallons of freshwater water mixed with chemicals for drilling and fracking

Water is the foundation of life. operations, introducing highly contaminated wastewater into our environment,” explains van Rossum. “Every frack increases the chances of carcinogenic chemical leakage into the soil and water sources.” In the pioneering Pennsylvania case, the court’s ruling made clear that the environmental rights of citizens aren’t granted by law, but are inherent and rights that cannot be removed, annulled or overturned by government or law.

“Even more significant, the court stated that these environmental rights belong to present generations living on Earth today and to future generations,” enthuses van Rossum. She also cites that although America’s Declaration of Independence includes several inalienable rights, our federal constitution and those of 48 states fail to provide protection for three basic needs required to enjoy them—the right to pure water, clean air and healthy environments.

Freshwater Needs Spur Fresh Thinking United Nations World Water Development Report Tinyurl.com/UNWaterReport Food & Water Watch on Corporate Takeover of Water Tinyurl.com/CorporateWaterTakeover Public Citizen on How to Protect Our Public Right to Clean Water Tinyurl.com/WhyOpposeWater Privatization U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Roster of Contaminated Water Cleanup Sites EPA.gov/SuperFund Clean Water Rule Call to Action EPA.gov/CleanWaterRule

Van Rossum’s audiences are shocked to learn that clean water isn’t enforced as a human right. Threatened by myriad environmental, political, economic and social forces, and contamination from carcinogenic pesticides, toxic herbicides, chemical warfare and rocket fuel research materials plus heavy metals like mercury and lead, an era of clean water scarcity already exists in parts of our own country and much of the world.

Episodic tragedies like the 2015 Gold King Mine wastewater spill near Silverton, Colorado, and Flint, Michigan’s current lead-laced drinking water crisis raise public awareness.

“The technologies and know-how exist to increase the productivity of every liter of water,” says Postel. “But citizens must first understand the issues and insist on policies, laws and institutions that promote the sustainable use and safety of clean water.”

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

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According to a 2008 report from the National Toxicity Program, data showed the possible health risks from chemicals found in plastic bottles of all sorts—with BPAs or not.

And it turns out some companies were bottling straight from the tap, with a lack of regulation. That issue was not brought to the forefront until many years later when more conscious consumption became more widespread.

Consider our public water supply or well source. You can request a report from your town water department about what is in your city/town water. If you have a well as a means of your water source, take heed. Whatever you put on your lawn or in your soil, or has seeped to your property from other sources—such as runoff from neighboring property or from flood events—can eventually go into your well.

If you use pesticides or chemicals for weed control, you will have those toxins in your body, which can cause or contribute to a slew of illnesses, disorders or diseases. Countless domestic dogs and cats have sickened or perished because they ate grass or licked their paws after repeatedly playing in grass tainted with pesticides and other contaminants.

Water, Water, Everywhere!

How Healthy is Your Water?

by Marcia S. Kendall

A

bout 71 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered with water. On average, water also makes up about 60 percent of our bodies. However, it’s the water that’s not on the surface of the Earth, but below it that affects our bodies and that we should concern ourselves with most of all. Second only to the air we breathe, water is a vital source of life without which we simply can’t survive. We bathe in it, cook with it, are rained on by it, and consume it on a daily basis; perhaps we don’t realize how much we take it for granted, especially clean water. Do you know what’s in the water you absorb every day? We, as a people, tend to not make proactive changes until either we are forced to, or circumstances beyond our control push us to the “no other alternative” state of consciousness.

Back in the early 1990s, when everyone jumped on the bottled-water train, most of us had not heard of BPA, PET, HDPE (or LDPE), PVC or number 7 (a polycarbonate).

Nor did we overly concern ourselves with what our water was packaged and sold in as long as we were drinking it.

After all, many of us believed that it must be better than tap water.

28

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Whatever you put on your lawn or in your soil, or has seeped to your property from other sources... can eventually go into your well.

When is the last time you had your water tested? It may cost between $45 and $300 for a full analysis depending on your location and how thoroughly you’d like it to be analyzed—a small price to pay considering the knowledge you will gain. There are numerous contaminants that can be found in well water, including aluminum, arsenic (a carcinogen), barium (causes a variety of cardiac effects), lead (delays normal physical and mental development in babies and young children) and mercury (causes nervous system disorders). Pesticides can contribute to thyroid, reproductive, gastrointestinal, liver and kidney damage and are linked with numerous kinds of cancers. A water purification system, though pricey, can aid in combating inorganic contaminants. Since there are numerous systems designed to do different things, it is a good idea to ask others who have had them installed already about their experiences.

We like our showcase lawns, but do we like them enough to die for? The old slogan, “We are what we eat,” is antiquated and inadequate to address the underlying issue. The food we grow to consume needs water to nourish that growth. “We are what the soil and the plants eat and drink,” seems more appropriate. It’s time to turn the tide and increase the health of our water to better our health.

Marcia Kendall, MA, is a certified naturalist, supervisory enumerator for USDA/NASS, private holistic consultant and proprietor of Kendall Lite Media. She produces a radio show each Sunday entitled “Sunday Soulstice Radio” on Danbury’s WXCI (91.7 FM). Connect at KendallLiteMedia.com or Sunday Soulstice Radio on Facebook.

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“The sustainability movement is large and growing in the U.S.,” says Todd Larsen, with Green America, a grassroots nonprofit organization harnessing economic forces to create a socially just and environmentally sustainable society. “Half a million people turned out in New York City to march for action on climate change. People also are working in their local communities

natural awakenings

to oppose fracking and pollution, and to support green building and clean energy. Many businesses now include sustainability as a core business practice, including the 3,000 certified members of Green America’s Green Business Network.”

This month, Natural Awakenings profiles the experiences of representative individuals from around the country that are helping to both make the world more sustainable and their own lives richer and more meaningful. From growing and cooking family food and line-drying laundry to powering their business with renewable energy, their approaches are as varied as the places they call home.

First Steps

“Many people start with something small at home, particularly if they’re concerned about the impacts on their family’s health,” says Larsen. “More Americans are approaching sustainability first through food. It’s relatively

easy to change spending habits to incorporate more organic, fair trade and non-GMO [genetically modified] foods, and with the growth of farmers’ markets nationwide, people are able to buy local more easily.”

A focus on food quality is how Wendy Brown and her husband and five children launched their eco-journey just outside of Portland, Maine.

“We started thinking about where our food came from, how it was grown and raised and what we could do to ensure that it was better,” says Brown. “What we don’t grow or forage ourselves, we try to purchase from local farmers.”

Living more simply during the past decade has helped the family cut debt and become more financially stable.

“Our entry point to sustainable living was to grow tomatoes on the steps of an apartment that Kelly and I once called home years ago,” echoes Erik Knutzen, who, with his wife Kelly Coyne, have transformed their 960-square-foot Los Angeles bungalow into an oasis where they grow food, keep chickens and bees, brew, bake and house their bikes.

Gabriele Marewski’s journey also

started with what she ate. “I became a vegetarian at 14, after reading Diet for a Small Planet, by Frances Moore Lappé,” says Marewski, who in 1999 turned an avocado orchard in Homestead, Florida, into Paradise Farms.

“Forty-seven years later, I’m still a strict vegetarian. I believe it’s the single most important statement we can make about saving the planet.”

Marewski’s five-acre farm showcases certified organic micro greens, edible flowers, oyster mushrooms and a variety of tropical fruits marketed to Miami-area chefs. Her farm also offers Dinner in Paradise farm-to-table experiences to raise funds for local nonprofits providing food for underprivileged city residents, and bed-and-breakfast lodging.

Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology offers a free online course, Sustainability in Everyday Life, based on five themes: energy, climate change, food, chemicals and globalization. “People can make a difference by making responsible choices in their everyday life,” says Anna Nyström Claesson, one of the three original teachers.

Consume Less

“Every step toward sustainability is important and in the right direction,” explains Gina Miresse, with the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), which will again host the world’s largest energy fair in June in Custer, Wisconsin. “It’s easy to start at home by adopting one new practice and sticking with it until it becomes a habit; then add a second practice and so on. This keeps people from getting overwhelmed.”

We might, for example, switch to non-toxic home cleaning products when current products are used up.

“There’s no need to throw everything in the trash and replace it all immediately—that would partially defeat the purpose of sustainability,” says Miresse.

Green America, which suggests green alternatives to many products in online publications at GreenAmerica. org, recommends a congruent strategy.

“We see people first change the way they purchase their food, move to reduce their purchases overall and green those they make, and then make their home more energy-efficient,” remarks

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Next Steps to Sustainability Green America GreenAmerica.org Midwest Renewable Energy Association MidwestRenew.org Browsing Nature’s Aisles

by Eric and Wendy Brown ECOpreneuring

by Lisa Kivirist and John Ivanko Surviving the Apocalypse in the Suburbs

by Wendy Brown The Urban Homestead and Making It

by Kelly Coyne and Erik Knutzen Larsen. “Next, they consider walking and biking more.”

Pamela Dixon explains, “On a day-to-day basis, it’s really about the products we use, like transferring to eco-friendly cleaners and yard main-

tenance, recycling electronic devices, paying bills electronically and receiving statements via email.” She and her husband, David Anderson, own Dave’s BrewFarm, in rural Wilson, Wisconsin, where they grow herbs, hops, raspberries and apples on 35 acres.

“A 20-kilowatt wind generator supplies our electricity, and we use geothermal for heating and cooling,” adds Dixon. Due to career opportunities involving teaching principles of sustainability, the Wisconsin couple is in the process of selling the BrewFarm to move to La Crosse. “At our new home, we’re replacing the windows and appliances with more energyefficient ones. We also chose our neighborhood so we can walk or bike to local grocery co-ops. We prefer to repair things when they break rather than buying something new, recycle everything the city will accept, compost food scraps and buy clothes at secondhand stores.”

When the MREA Energy Fair began 27 years ago, the majority of attendees were interested in learning about first steps, such as recycling, relates Miresse.

Today, sustainability basics ranging from

fuel savings to water conservation are familiar, and they’re focused on revitalizing local economies. “Folks are now considering more ambitious practices such as sourcing food directly from local farmers, producing their own solar energy and incorporating energy storage, driving an electric vehicle or switching to more socially responsible investing.” The fair’s 250 workshops provide tools to help in taking their next steps on the journey to sustainability.

Knutzen and Coyne’s passion has evolved from growing food into a larger DIY mode. “Cooking from scratch is something I prefer to do,” comments Knutzen. “I even grind my own flour.” Library books provide his primary source of inspiration.

The Brown family likely echoes the thoughts of many American families.

“We have many dreams, but the stark reality is that we live in a world that requires money,” says Wendy Brown. An electric car or solar electric system, for example, is a large investment.

“The biggest barriers were mental blocks because we ‘gave up’ previous lifestyle norms,” she says. “Most people we know have a clothes dryer and can’t

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imagine living without one. Line-drying is just part of the bigger issue of time management for us, because living sustainably and doing things by hand takes longer.”

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“toxic relationships” within our lives. Unfortunately, even when we recognize toxic influences, we often either lack the self confidence to stand in our power and make changes that create new space in our lives. Sometimes we also come up against the socially created notions of “rugged individualism” that ensnare us in harsh self-judgments. Whether we react to toxicity in our lives with fear or egotism, we are prevented from building stronger, more sustainable social networks and, ultimately, from following our dreams.

Social permaculture offers a set of strategies for managing social landscapes using the cornerstone ideas of agricultural permaculture. Some social permaculture groups may focus more on institutional policy or leadership training but, on a comprehensive level, social permaculture starts with the self. At its best, social permaculture nurtures individual growth and development, while weaving together social networks of individuals; those networks, when bonded, create the catalyst needed for personal and social reforms.

So often within the sustainability movement we see passionate people coming together with rational and reasonable ideas only for the project to become derailed due to breakdowns in communication. In trying to create sustainable models for agriculture and urban development, these groups

by Eliot Snaith and Celine Currier overlook the network of communication lines between themhe term permaculture has gradually been working its selves and their colleagues. Communication with others and way into our social vocabulary. Permaculture is deourselves is difficult, but we can use the models provided to fined as the development of agricultural ecosystems us by nature to learn, implement and cultivate more producintended to be sustainable and self-sufficient. Permaculture tive and sustainable social networks. Essentially, all of our practices adopt the natural and cyclical principles at work in economic, cultural and political troubles boil down to an the natural world. Social permaculture applies the same apissue in human communication. proach to social systems as permaculture does to agricultural

To begin, we start at the highest zone use (zone 0 or 1) systems. Social permaculture integrates the individuals and that requires the most attention. In agricultural permaculvarious systems operating within our social community into ture, this covers the home or the area where we spend the a ‘permanent culture’ that is more reflective of the balanced most time. In social permaculture, the zone of highest use and effective systems in the natural world. is the Self. We first begin to consciously assess the Self and

Foundational to agricultural permaculture techniques begin to nurture it in ways that optimize health, a process is the observation and understanding of relationships. In often referred to as self-care. Social permaculture leads this America, the phrase, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you self-exploration within a group setting in order to create know,” is incredibly common. As a culture we understand healthy boundaries between people and their egos and that our well-being is dependent on our relationships with is to insecurities.

By both bearing demonstrate witness and being witnessed Our mission continually discover, others. Working within the paradigm of social permaculture, in the process of self-assessment, we can avoid the pitfalls andAseducate our source of the Good is God people begin to develop strong reflective habits. these thatthat often impede progress of thewithin. aspirant. This social new outlooks take root, we are better able to recognize aspect of personal growth is important to avoid the fears

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Allergy Triggers Are Inside and Out Inflammation is the Common Denominator

by Mark J. Joachim

S

pring is here. For some, it is not the most enjoyable time of the year while, for others, it is a time to enjoy the great outdoors. However, even for those of us who enjoy the time outside, our breathing may be challenged by certain triggers in the environment; they can cause respiratory-related symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing or even asthma-type symptoms.

Why do some people suffer while others are not affected at all? Our overall health and immune system strength may dictate how we respond to various molds, pollens, chemicals or other air-borne triggers. The body’s ability to ward off irritants and have an “allergic response” is predicated on our health and well-being.

36

Fairfield County Edition

What really happens when an allergic response occurs? In short, when our body is exposed to an environmental trigger or allergen, certain people will develop an antibody reaction, IgE; this then causes the release of histamines, which leads to the production of symptoms. The symptoms occur because inflammation is occurring around the airway and within other areas of the body. The severity of the response will dictate the intensity of the inflammation. For some people, the inflammatory response is mild enough where they do not require an antihistamine or other medication while, for others, they know immediately they require medication to reduce the reaction. Depending on the person, respiration may be affected on

natural awakenings

a mild basis or more severely, such as an asthma attack.

Sometimes breathing difficulties may not be caused by the environment. Anaphylactic food allergies are running rampant in our society, such as those to peanuts, cow proteins and sulfites. Hidden food sensitivities can also be present. Typically, these sensitivities will not be evident to the person; however, every time these foods are eaten, the immune system is stimulated to attack the foreign food and, in doing so, weakens and compromises the immune system to a point where it cannot defend the body against environmental irritants.

The health of our digestive tract is so important and can aid the person with breathing difficulties in allergy season. Approximately 70 percent of the immune system resides in our intestinal tract. When the gut has been compromised over time from poor eating habits, medications, stress, poor hydration and anything else that compromises it, our immune system is compromised along with digestion and bowel movements. When we eat that certain unknown food(s) sensitivity, our immune system is compromised and our ability to fight the irritants is very poor.

Another condition which may occur is when the intestinal walls weaken, allowing intestinal tract contents to leak into the body. This is called leaky gut syndrome. When this occurs, the immune system is activated and responds. As this occurs on a repetitive basis, the immune system is weakened to a point that it can no longer defend against the environment. A weakened gut equals a weakened immune system.

There are a number of situations which may trigger an allergic response.

The first is when cross reactivity is present. It is known that all foods come from either a plant or animal source and are grouped based on their origin.

For example, are asparagus, chives, garlic and onion—all part of the lily family. Therefore, an allergy to one member of the family may predispose us to an allergy to another member; that occurs because their chemical makeup is so close. This cross reactiv-

ity occurs between foods and pollens, which will heighten the symptoms for some people. An example is with the members of the gourd family—bananas, cucumber and watermelon can cross-react with ragweed pollen. How can this happen? They have the same allergy-producing proteins.

Another type of allergy is called a concomitant. This occurs when two allergens—such as wheat while ragweed pollens are out—are present simultaneously and a reaction occurs. These can actually occur up to six weeks after pollen season is over.

A synergistic allergy happens when two or more foods are eaten together and cause a response even though individually they are benign to us.

How does this all tie together?

Whether it’s an environmental or food trigger, the common denominator is the initiation of inflammation from the response of the immune system.

With that in mind, what can be done to help ward off the inflammatory response—whether to known or unknown, food or environmental triggers? We need to strengthen the immune system by supporting it directly and our gut.

Here are some tips: • Hydrate properly by drinking 50 percent of our body weight in ounces • Repair leaky gut syndrome and healing the gut, if present • Support immune system through proper diet and nutrition, including eliminating mucous-forming foods, such as dairy products • Exercise to support and strengthen the immune system • Rest to allow the body to recuperate and repair To effectively fight and defend against allergies, the number one defense is keeping as healthy as possible.

Mark J. Joachim, DC, practices at 156 East Ave in Norwalk. His 26 years of experience have led to the creation of a new line of vitamins called Key Essential Nutrients. For more information, call 203-838-1555 or visit AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com.

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Fairfield County Edition

Restore Your Soil, Harvest the Benefits

by Ariana Rawls Fine

G

rowing robust flowers, vegetables, herbs and fruits takes care and time, but building healthy soil is a vital step in increasing the yield and health of your plants. The “biological beauty” of the soil will affect the physical bounty of your plants.

Understanding the nutrient composition of the soil you are working with and using practices which support carbon restoration can make a big difference to you and your gardens.

Although there are a number of things you can do to restore your soil to its own optimal health, a good place to start is defining the “don’ts”.

Fungicide, antibacterial, herbicide and insecticide products—whether organic or conventional—can indiscriminately kill healthy organisms and insects in addition to their intended targets. By doing so, you inadvertently affect those that add nutrients to the soil and help control unwanted pathogens. Excess fertilization is another issue. By not knowing the chemical makeup of your soil, you may be providing your soil with too much of one type of nutrient and not enough of another, explains Joe Magazzi, MS, the president and co-founder of Green Earth Ag and Turf LLC (GreenEarthAgandTurf.com) in Branford. He recommends getting a soil test to optimally provide your specific planting space with the nutrients it needs to provide to the plants.

A basic nutrients test, such as one offered free to homeowners through

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The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CT.gov/CAES), will show you the general levels of your soil’s texture, organic matter, pH, phosphorus and several other components. For more information, the University of Connecticut’s Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory (SoilTest.UConn.edu/) in Storrs offers soil tests that help identify nutrient deficiencies and imbalances starting at $8 per sample for homeowners. The latter two will tell you what is in your soil; to go more in depth, laboratories such as Logan Labs (LoganLabs.com) in Ohio will test your soil to give you a snapshot of the exchange rate of what your soil gives out to the plants. Soil Foodweb New York, Inc. (SoilFoodwebNewYork.com) is another soil biology option that also offers individual assays. The combination of the latter and the state testing will give a good, low-level snapshot of the biology in the soil for the average homeowner, says Magazzi.

Support Healthy Bacteria and Fungi It is also key to bolster carbon and nutrients in your soil. “Bacteria and fungi are the primary decomposers in the soil. If they weren’t present, we would be standing on a giant pile of dead plant and animal matter that never breaks down. The carbon and nutrients that make up all living matter is constantly recycled through the actions of the soil biology,” Magazzi explains in his “Soil Biology Basics, Part I” article

in 2012 for Ecological Landscape Alliance (tinyurl.com/SoilBioBasics).

In addition, bacteria and fungi help deliver nutrients and encourage plant growth.

There are two ways to increase their effectiveness. Bio-stimulation is working with the microorganisms in the soil that you currently have using fertilizers such as manure or seaweed to add micronutrients. The second, bio-supplementation, adds microorganisms. Similar to the use of probiotics for human gut health, soil restoration can also be bolstered through the use of beneficial microbes.

Some of the quickest ways to address the general deficiencies in soil is to add compost, use a verma compost or create a compost tea. The tea can be brewed by adding several layers of compost to a large container and then adding water; the nutrientrich water can then be used to water or spray your plants. Soil probiotics—available commercially in liquid, powder or as a coated seed—give an extra biological boost that accelerates a more balanced soil microbiology.

As an example, Quantum Growth, a highly concentrated probiotic liquid produced by Green Earth Ag and Turf LLC, contains live microbes and humates (rich organic matter) that can help deepen root growth, reduce fertilizer runoff and improve disease resistance for plants, trees and turf.

The Critical Importance of Carbon in Soil

Another component of soil health is the level of carbon in your individual space. It is important to remember that plants protect the carbon in your soil while unplanted soil oxidizes carbon.

There are ways to keep as much carbon as you can in your soil, explains Jack Kittredge, the soil carbon program coordinator, a former policy director and a 30-year veteran activist for the Massachusetts chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA.org), and the editor of The Natural Farmer. Kittredge stresses keeping the ground covered to avoid carbon seepage, including keeping the soil planted as much as possible with cover crops or legumes when you have harvested your produce plants and diversifying your plants using crop rotation practices. He discourages tilling or double digging, as many farmers practice as their main way to cope with weeds. He has several suggestions for home gardeners. Instead of tilling the soil, Kittredge suggests aerating the soil using a broad fork; it opens up channels with its tines to get air and water in without disrupting soil life and fungal networks that you want to encourage in the soil. You can also experiment with perennials to keep soil, including asparagus.

To deter weeds, laying down a clear plastic covering for a couple of days (the

higher the temperature, the less time it needs to remain) when it is hot enough outside to kill weed seeds will help prevent weeds from growing in the first place. Other materials that prevent sunlight from getting to the weeds include black plastic, cardboard and mulch.

Cover crop cocktails are a great way to diversify the biology of your soil while retaining and restoring the carbon. Sold through most retailers, they usually include 10-20 different seeds from varying types of plants, including grasses and legumes. The advantage of this mix is that the varieties serve different purposes—some are deep-rooted, some have wide leaves, some thrive at certain times while others take longer.

At any point, a part of the cover crop will be doing well, says Kittredge.

Increasing the carbon content also positively influences your soil’s ability to retain water, which decreases soil erosion and diminishes the amount of water you need to use on the plants.

Good practice is, first and foremost, not destroying the biology that is already there, Magazzi emphasizes.

Second is building upon or correcting your soil biology to be as healthy and invigorating to your plants as possible, just as we do with our own health and bodies.

Ariana Rawls Fine is editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. She resides in Stratford with her family.

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Allergies and the Chiropractic Connection Air Intake and Spinal Health Can Improve Seasonal Suffering

by Peter Braglia

S

omewhere along the line, we started believing that seasonal allergies were normal—a notion perhaps supported by the endless bombardment of allergy drug commercials. We started believing that seasonal allergies are something an individual is going to have to live with for the rest of their life, while medicating themselves. The truth is allergies are far from normal; the fact that they are so common means that many of us do not have an optimally functioning body.

As it relates to our body, Deepak Chopra’s take on asthma and allergies in his “Why is Asthma on the Rise?” article (Chopra.com/CCL/Why-is-Asthma-on-the-Rise) is on point:

“It is indisputable that this kind of inflammation represents a breakdown of the healing process. What is supposed to help the body starts to harm it. In some way, the body’s innate intelligence has made a mistake and keeps making it. The same can be said of allergies, where your immune system attacks harmless dust, pollen and animal dander as if protecting you from a threat.”

THE CHIROPRACTIC CONNECTION

It is vital for our health that our immune system and inflammation response is well balanced. The immune system not only destroys foreign tissue but also unwanted parts of our own tissues. Inflammation is the body’s effort to deal with damaged tissue and begin repair. Upset in these systems can lead to our body causing havoc on itself. The body’s lack 40

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

of ability to properly adapt to the changing environment is what we label as a seasonal allergy. After all, everyone breathes the same ragweed pollen, yet everyone does not have seasonal allergies. This is become some people can adapt and others are not able to do so.

A healthy spine is essential for a healthy nerve system, which coordinates all of the other systems in the body. Only recently have researchers uncovered the molecular connections between the nervous and immune systems and inflammation. As chiropractors, we have a direct influence over the nervous system. We now know through research that chiropractic care has beneficial effects on immunoglobulins, B-lymphocytes (white blood cells), pulmonary function and other immune system processes. Besides the growing research, there are numerous case studies of patients who have seen drastic improvements in their allergies from a balanced immune system from regular chiropractic care.

THE ROLE OF BREATH

The role of proper breathing is not often discussed in terms of seasonal allergies. Most of us are shallow breathers.

This is a problem because shallow breathing leads to poor oxygenation of our blood as breathing oxygenates every cell of our body. Poor oxygenation means that the body is not able to function optimally—affecting everything from our muscles to our metabolism. Therefore, the easiest way to get more oxygen into your body and in every cell of your body is to breathe properly. Proper breathing dramatically increases exercise endurance and mental clarity, elevates our mood, and helps the body detoxify more efficiently.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a different way to get oxygen to our cells from a physiological standpoint. This breathing is deep; it causes the belly to push out rather than the chest to rise up. This breath is accomplished primarily by the contraction of our diaphragm—a muscular umbrella at the bottom of your ribcage that separates your chest and abdomen; it pulls air in and gently massages our internal organs in a rhythmic way. This is the way children breathe, and it’s how we were meant to breathe most of the time. It triggers the parasympathetic nervous system for rest and repair.

Here’s how to get started with diaphragmatic breathing: • Assume proper posture by standing (or sitting up) straight and dropping shoulders back and down • Inhale slowly through your nose, trying to get the air down as far as possible into the belly • Pause for a second or less • Exhale slowly through nose—this should last twice as long as inhalation • Repeat five to 10 times

Try to repeat breathing exercise every hour—even practicing diaphragmatic breathing twice a day can make a big difference.

Based in Stratford, Peter Braglia, DC, is a structural chiropractor with advanced training in prenatal and pediatric care. He can be reached at TrueHealthCT.com or 203-923-8633. See ad, page 18.

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petbriefs Derby-Themed Cocktail Party Fundraiser

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f you want to get ahead, get a hat.” New Canaan’s L’Armoire boutique is taking the catchphrase to a new style level by hosting a Derby-themed fundraiser for New Canaan Mounted Troop (NCMT) on April 28 from 6-8pm.

Owner Diane Roth, who is a keen equestrian, is encouraging party guests to dress up “Derby-style” and has invited New York-based milliner Ellen Christine to show off her spring/summer collection. Also joining in the fun will be makeup artist to Diane Roth the stars, Kevin James Bennett, a multiple Emmy-award winner with over three decades of makeup experience. Enjoy light bites by Gates, drinks

by Broken Shed Vodka and special prizes. Beval Saddlery of New Canaan is supporting the event, and will raffle off a gift basket to benefit NCMT that night

L’Armoire will also be donating 10 percent of all sales between April 28 and April 30 to benefit NCMT.

Celebrating its 76th year, NCMT is a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive educational full horsemanship and equine care programs for youth in Fairfield County. In 2012, NCMT launched the Super Troopers Therapeutic Program to serve children and adults with special needs. Last fall, over 40 adults and children with special needs experienced equine care and adaptive riding programs.

“New Canaan Mounted Troop is grateful and excited for the Derby-themed cocktail party at L’Armoire…Since all of our horses and ponies are donated, fundraisers such as this help us achieve our mission of enriching the lives of youth and individuals with special needs by giving these animals a second chance,” says Sara Tucker, NCMT’s executive director.

For further information or to attend the party, contact Rachel Lampen at Rachel@Lampen.co.uk or call 203-970-8432. Location: L’Armoire, 102 Park St, New Canaan.

Explore Alternative Equine Therapies

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

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

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Fairfield County Edition

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ay of Light Farm, home to Horse and Donkey Rescue in East Haddam, will open its gates on May 7 from 10am to 5pm to welcome the greater horse community of Connecticut to its inaugural Equine Wellness Fair. The public is invited to spend a day on the farm exploring alternative therapies applied to the equine world. It is an East-meets-West educational fair demystifying over 25 different practices or modalities that can work alongside traditional veterinary medicine. It will be an opportunity for Connecticut horse folks to find out about local resources.

The modalities or practices that practitioners will speak about include holistic nutrition, equine cognition and phobia, tai chi riding, myo-fascial release, yoga on horseback, classical French dressage, Equinosis lameness exam, bit fit, saddle fitting, homeopathic medicine, Reiki, acupuncture, aromatherapy, going barefoot, preventative ulcer care and emergency response. The early bird price is $10 and $15 the day of the event.

Rescues can be the center of a community outside of their gates and fence lines. We know them as hubs; places where people with shared passion come together and bring more of themselves for the love of animals. It is the unspoken mission of the rescue that this altruism continues beyond into the greater community. Whether volunteering time makes someone more centered and alive throughout the rest of the week or whether the rescue itself invites families and groups in to share in festivities, rescues do a community good.

For more information and for advance tickets, visit RayofLightFarm.org/#!EquineWellness-Fair-2016/u922s. Location: Ray of Light Farm, 232 Town St, East Haddam.

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Food allergies happen when a pet ingests one or more ingredients that are triggers. Many times, food allergies occur in conjunction with atopy, which makes pinpointing the offending substance that much harder.

Typical symptoms of allergic reactions run the gamut: • Itching • Odor from body and/ or ears • Skin infections including secondary bacterial infections • Anal scooting • Face rubbing • Burping • Flatulence

SEASONAL ALLERGIES IN PETS

by Mary Oquendo

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ccording to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), over 90,000 claims for canine allergy were submitted in 2014 to the tune of $8.1 million. And that’s number two on their claim list. The number one claim is ear infections. While exact figures are not available, it’s highly probable that many of those ear infection claims are also allergyrelated. Though not as common in cats, allergies still made it into VPI’s top 10-claim list for cats.

It’s safe to say that allergies are a significant issue for both our canine and feline friends.

WHAT IS AN ALLERGY?

An allergic response occurs when the immune system decides that a normally safe substance is now a threat. There are four different types of allergies; atopy, contact dermatitis, fleabite dermatitis and food allergies. The substance that causes the allergy is called an allergen, sometimes referred to as the trigger.

Atopy is the most common. Environmental in nature and usually seasonal, examples include pollen, dust mites and mold.

Contact dermatitis occurs when the pet comes in contact with the irritant, such as rugs, household cleaners, shampoos and perfumes.

Fleabite dermatitis is caused by an exaggerated response to a fleabite. This pet does not have to be infested; a single bite will do it.

• Ear infections • Vomiting • Diarrhea • Increased bowel movements • Licking • Swollen lymph nodes • Hives • Conjunctivitis • Wheezing • Coat loss

A pet with allergies may exhibit one or any combination of the above symptoms. As symptoms can vary, it can be difficult to initially diagnose allergies. There are three common allergy tests.

A radio allergosorbent serum test (RAST) is a blood test for specific allergens. It gauges the blood’s reaction to individual antibodies. As it is not cost-effective to screen for every antibody, this test usually covers the most common allergens.

An intradermal skin test is similar to RAST in that it checks for specific allergens. A small amount of an allergen is injected into a shaved area on their body and reactions are noted.

Food elimination diets begin with a select ingredient or two, usually a protein or a grain/vegetable. Different foods are then added one at a time at specific intervals to determine which foods are triggers.

The problem with allergy testing is that is not necessarily accurate and may be costly. It may be worth it depending on the situation, however, since untreated allergies can lead to many more serious conditions.Not only are chronic ear infections painful, over time they can lead to hematomas, deafness or other serious medical concerns.

Skin irritations caused by scratching can turn into staphylococcus, streptococcus and pseudomonas infections, which are difficult to treat.

Rectal and anal sac abscesses can be caused by scooting.

Final Journey,

LLC

( Pet Euthanasia Service )

Kristen Klie, D.V. M. and Associates

( 203 ) 645-5570 www.finaljourneyllc.com

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April 2016

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Weight loss and digestive upset can occur as a result of food allergies.

Chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, chronic urinary tract infections and inflammatory bowel disease are possibilities.

Some scientific evidence suggests a correlation between allergies and cancer. Currently available studies are inconclusive and in opposition to each other. Some indicate an increased probability, while others suggest a decreased risk of cancer.

naturalpet

Horse Rescue

Caring Homes Sought for Aging and Abandoned Horses

TREATMENT

You would think that removing the allergen from the pet’s environment is the way to go, but it can be impractical. If your pet is allergic to pine trees, you can hardly deforest your neighborhood.

The conventional approach is to treat the outward manifestations, then add steroids, antihistamines or immune-suppressing drugs. A holistic veterinarian would treat the physical ailments, and then detoxify the pet’s body and enhance the immune system, as well as discuss dietary and environmental changes. Other modalities that may offer relief to the allergic pet include Bach flower therapy, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, Reiki and crystal therapy.

An allergic pet is a miserable pet.

Changing the approach to the treatment of allergies can reduce or even eliminate those symptoms, resulting in a happier pet.

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

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Fairfield County Edition

by Sandra Murphy

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n estimated 9 million horses in the U.S. are used for racing, show, informal competitions, breeding, recreation, work and other activities. Many need a new home when they start to slow down physically or when an owner’s finances become tight. Horses need space to run, require hoof care and when injured or ill, may require costly procedures.

Domestic Horse Rescue

“We foster 50 horses right now,” says Jennifer Taylor Williams, Ph.D., president of the Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, in College Station, Texas, which has placed about 800 horses in the last decade. “We could have 10 times that many if we had more foster homes and space. There’s often a waiting list. We help law enforcement, animal control, and shelters with horses found through neglect or abuse cases.”

Starved and too weak to stand, Tumbleweed was an emergency case when she arrived at the Humane Society of Missouri’s Longmeadow Rescue

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Ranch clinic on a sled. Having since regained her health, including gaining 200 pounds to reach the appropriate weight for her age and size, she illustrates the benefits of the facility’s status as one of the country’s leaders in providing equine rescue and rehabilitation.

The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racers (CANTER USA) serves as an online matchmaker for racing horses. Volunteers take photos at tracks, obtain the horse’s bio from the owner or trainer and post them to attract potential new owners. Along with the healthy horses, the 3,000 ill or injured horses cared for by the alliance have been retrained, rehabbed and re-homed to participate in polo, show jumping, cart pulling and rodeos.

“Race horses are intelligent, used to exercise and retire as early as 2 years old, so we find them a second career,” says Nancy Koch, executive director of CANTER USA. The nonprofit’s 13 U.S. affiliates work with 20 racetracks across the country. “I can’t

Horses Count Racing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 844,531 Showing . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,718,954 Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . 3,906,923 Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,752,439 Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,222,847 Note: “Other” activities include farm and ranch work, rodeos, carriage tours, polo, police work and informal competitions.

Source: The Equestrian Channel; U.S. stats emphasize enough the importance of volunteers. No one here receives a salary.” Collectively, they have placed more than 23,000 horses nationally since 1997.

Wild Horse Rescue

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management calculates the appropriate management level (AML) for the number of wild horses. Excess numbers are captured and offered for adoption or sale. In December 2015, 47,000 horses were waiting in holding facilities at an annual cost of $49 million. The AML projects removal of an additional 31,000 horses from Western lands. As an example, although local wild species predate the park’s existence, horses in Colorado’s Mesa Verde National Park are labeled “trespass livestock”, and subject to removal.

Return to Freedom, a nonprofit wild horse rescue in Lompoc, California, recognizes the tightly bonded nature of these herd groups. Its American Wild Horse Sanctuary is the first to focus on entire family bands, providing a safe haven for about 200 horses and burros.

The Wild Horse Rescue Center, in Mims, Florida, rescues, rehabilitates and finds homes for mustangs and burros, usually housing 30 horses at a time. With many needing medical care upon arrival, expenditures average $3,000 their first year and $1,700 annually once they’re healthy. Although the goal is adoption, equine fans also can sponsor a horse by donating $5 a day or purchasing a painting done by a horse.

The center also provides public educational forums.

Sponsored by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), April 26 is Help a Horse Day, a nationwide grant competition.

Last year, some 100 U.S. equine rescue groups held events to recruit volunteers, gather donated supplies and find homes for adoptable horses (Tinyurl. com/ASPCA-HelpAHorseDay).

Call to Action

Although a U.S. law now bans slaughterhouses for domestic horses, each year 120,000 are sold at auction for as little as $1 each and transported to Canada and Mexico for slaughter, their meat destined for human consumption in Europe and Japan or for carnivores at zoos. Horses can legally be confined to a trailer for up to 24 hours without food or water during shipment.

Two-thirds of all horse rescue

operations are either at or approaching capacity. Almost 40 percent turn away animals because of lack of space or money. Many horses are ill, underweight or injured, which raises the cost of care.

“We need foster homes and volunteers. We need the time and skills people can donate; not everything is hands-on, so those that like horses but don’t have handling skills can still help,” says Williams. “Bluebonnet, for example, has many volunteer jobs that can be done remotely. Office work, social media to spread the word, gathering donations—everything helps.”

Rescue groups ask that concerned horse lovers donate time, money and land to help and lobby for legislation to ban the export of horses for meat markets.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at StLouis FreelanceWriter@mindspring.com.

The average lifespan of a horse is 30 years. It should have two acres of land for grazing. The minimum annual cost for basic food and veterinarian services is $2,000, not including equipment and boarding, which can be more expensive in urban areas and in or near racing meccas like Kentucky or Florida. Rescues budget $300 a month per horse.

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petresourceguide ADOPTION/RESCUE ANIMALS IN DISTRESS INC. 238 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-762-2006 • Animals-In-Distress.com BRIDGEPORT ANIMAL CONTROL 236 Evergreen St, Bridgeport 203-576-7727 BULLY BREED RESCUE PO Box 953, New Canaan BBRCT@yahoo.com BullyBreedRescueInc.org COMMUNITY CATS PO Box 4380, Stamford CommunityCatsCT@yahoo.com CommunityCatsCT.org DANBURY ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St, Bethel 203-744-3297 FRIENDS OF FELINES, INC. PO Box 8147, Stamford 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org • AdoptAPet.org NFSAW 223 State Rt 37, New Fairfield 203-746-2925 • NFSAW.org PET ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY INC. (PAWS) 504 Main Ave, Norwalk 203-750-9572 • PAWSCT.org PET PROTECTORS 2490 Black Rock Tpke, #453, Fairfield 203-330-0255 • PetProtectorsRescue.org

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Fairfield County Edition

PET NUTRITION

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

HOLISTIC MOBILE GROOMING MARY OQUENDO

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

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PAUL’S CUSTOM PET FOOD LLC PO Box 794, New Milford 603-706-0739 Paul@PaulsCustomPetFood.com PaulsCustomPetFood.com

Nutrition is your pet’s best friend.

We create handmade, personalized pet food and treats with ingredients that are organic, free of GMOs, synthetic chemicals, added growth hormones, unnecessary antibiotics, and preservatives. Food is handmade in small batches. See website for details about ordering or customizing for your pet’s special needs.

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

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, high-volume facility for cats and dogs, the first such professional clinic in Fairfield County. The clinic offers other low-cost services only during the spay/neuter appointment. Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers at face value from adopted shelter pets and qualified low-income families and offers further low-cost incentives to nonprofit rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an an even more reduced rate, and the clinic offers spay/neuter and vaccine discounts for feral cats. See ad, page 46.

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healthykids

A GREENER SHADE OF YOUTH New Generations Put Earth First

by Randy Kambic

Every generation gets a chance to change the world. ~Paul David Hewson (Bono)

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aby boomers inspired in their youth by Earth Day are now supporting a new generation’s enthusiasm for sustainability through educational and employment opportunities. A 2015 Nature Conservancy survey of 602 teens from 13 to 18 years old revealed that roughly 76 percent strongly believe that issues like climate change can be solved if action is taken now; they also hold that safeguarding

important lands and waters should be a priority, regardless of ancillary benefits or the economy. This represents an increase in awareness since a 2010 Yale University Project on Climate Change Communication survey of 517 youths 13 to 17 years old showed that just 54 percent believed global warming was even happening.

Launched as Teens for Safe Cosmetics in 2005 and renamed Teens

Turning Green two years later, today’s expanded Turning Green (TG) nonprofit of Marin County, California, also informs and inspires college and graduate students to live and advocate for an eco-lifestyle (TurningGreen.org).

TG’s first 30-day Project Green Challenge (PGC) in 2011 involved 2,600 students nationwide and internationally; last fall’s annual edition drew 4,000 students. “We’ve seen tremendous increases in sustainability offices and curriculums at universities nationwide,” notes Judi Shils, founder and executive director. “They have set an intention.”

Reilly Reynolds, a senior at Ohio Wesleyan University, hopes to take up urban farming and eventually own a farm-to-table organic restaurant. The PGC finalist and TG student advisory board member says, “I strive to lead an environmentally friendly and socially responsible life, but there is always room for improvement.”

Another PGC 2015 finalist, Matt Gal, a senior at the University of Arkansas, also aspires to be an organic farmer. He wants “to grow and give away as much fresh and organic food as possible to people who need it most.”

The TG ProjectGreenU.org site features eco-friendly products, plus green advice geared for college students. It also operates a Conscience College Road Tour, leadership program, and organic non-GMO school lunch programs in Marin County and Sausalito schools via its Conscious Kitchen and Eco Top Chef programs.

Milwaukee’s 13th annual Sustainability Summit and Exposition

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45 Grove Street, New Canaan CT 06840 | (203) 594.1552 | info@pryoritywellness.com

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Fairfield County Edition

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(SustainabilitySummit.us), from April 13 to 15, will admit local students for free. “We’ll address trends and potential careers in energy engineering, environmental health and water quality technology, sustainability and renewable energy,” says Summit Chair George Stone, a Milwaukee Area Technical College natural sciences instructor.

Bradley Blaeser, founder and co-owner of The Green Team of Wisconsin, Inc., which provides eco-friendly landscaping and gardening services, helped start the Sustainable Enterprise Association of Milwaukee. As a social worker at the nonprofit Neighborhood House of Milwaukee in the late 90s, he helped young people in schools and community centers learn how to build their own aquaponics system, plus other gardening skills.

“Young people are becoming well informed about environmental issues by traditional and social media.”

“We hit the marks as far as science guidelines,” he recalls. “Kids would see the entire seed-to-harvest cycle through after-school and summer camps. Teachers also embraced nature a little more and saw how they could infuse it in curriculums.” He notes that two young men that subsequently graduated from local colleges currently work for Neighborhood House and Growing Power.

More recently, he’s worked with two local organizations, Next Door Foundation and Operation Dream, to teach youngsters agricultural skills and find recruits for related job training internships and employment. Green Team landscape technician Darius Smith, 25, of Milwaukee, will become a crew leader this spring. “You get a good feeling installing plants,” he says. “We’re a team, working in sync.”

For the 13th year, the Agricultural Fair Association of New Jersey (njagfairs.com) has selected a youth ambassador—Rebecca Carmeli-Peslak, 16, of Millstone Township, near Princeton—to visit 2016 fairs to promote agri-tourism and encourage youngsters to pursue agricultural careers.

“It’s important for kids to know where food comes from,” says Carmeli-Peslak, who is also in her second year as a local 4-H Club health and fitness ambassador, visiting Monmouth County libraries to speak on healthy eating and exercise. She’s training selected peers to speak in other counties; the club’s latest Look to You award recognizes her mentoring prowess.

She says, “I want to be a large animal vet and own a farm.”

“Young people are becoming well informed about environmental issues by traditional and social media,” observes Shils. “There’s exponential growth in their taking a stand and becoming more active.”

Randy Kambic is an Estero, FL, freelance editor and writer who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

schoolprofiles Housatonic Valley Waldorf School 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113, ext. 501 Camp@WaldorfCT.org • WaldorfCT.org Facebook.com/Pages/Housatonic-Valley-Waldorf- School/105329826199351 Twitter.com/HVWS1 School/Organization: Philosophy and summary of offerings: At the core of the Waldorf philosophy is the belief that knowledge is best learned experientially and that the specific developmental phases of childhood should be respected.

Education is an artistic process.

How long in business? Always focused on development and provision of nature programs or has that developed over time?

The summer camp combines just the right balance of activities and relaxation; children also enjoy the occasional field trip and are always inspired by the week’s activities, which feature wholesome, natural themes.

Areas of specialty, and/or any special certifications: Our most popular weeks are Archery and Circus Arts – this year two weeks of each will be offered and NEW this year will be two weeks of Art camp.

What summer programs are you offering in 2016 and for what age children?

For ages 3-7: Week 1 (Jun 27-30) – Fantastic Fireworks Week 2 (July 5-8) – Music and Merriment Week 3 (July 11-15) – Circus Clowns Week 4 (July 18-22) - Fairies, Knights and Dragons Week 5 (July 25-29) – Farm Fun Week 6 (August 1-5) – Creatures, Critters and Bugs, Oh My! Week 7 (Aug 8-12) - Hoes, Hands and Harvest For ages 8-12: Week 1 (June 27-30) – Games, Games, Games Week 2 (July 5-8) Circus Arts Basics Week 3 (July 11-15) – Performing Circus Arts (basic circus arts required) Week 4 (July 18-22) - Archery Week 5 (July 25-29) - Archery Week 6 (August 1-5) – Advanced Archery (basic archery required) Week 7 (August 8-12) – Fantasy, Phantom and Fairies New – 2 Weeks (July 18-August 12) Art Camp

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your organization’s approach to educating children about nature?

A reverence for the natural world is cultivated in all students beginning with from youngest to oldest. Nature is to be respected and nurtured. Care is taken to model sustainable, ecological practices in all aspects of camp and school operations. eNaturalAwakenings.com

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schoolprofiles Westbrook Nature School 7 Long Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-664-1554 Info@WestbrookNatureSchool.org WestbrookNatureSchool.org Facebook.com/WestbrookNature School/Organization: Philosophy of education and summary of offerings: Westbrook’s curriculum is based on daily, direct encounters with all that is living in the natural world: animals, plants, water, sun, rain and wind. Our curriculum aims to foster a child’s intimate relationship with nature, which will inspire wonder and support the child’s expanding sense of self.

How long in business? Always focused on development and provision of nature programs or has that developed over time?

Westbrook Nature School opened its doors in January 2014.

Areas of specialty, and/or any special certifications: Westbrook is an outdoor, nature-based school.

Will Fall and Winter program opportunities be offered later in 2016?

Westbrook Nature School offers fall, winter and spring parent-child classes (for caregivers and children from birth to three). Parents may join at any point throughout the year.

Our mixed-age kindergarten runs from September through June. Each year, Westbrook hosts three festivals: our Woodland Halloween in late October, our Illuminated Forest in late December, and our May Fair in early May. What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your organization’s approach to educating children about nature?

The mission of Westbrook Nature School is to return vitality and joy to the young child’s educational experience by providing a dynamic natural environment that fulfills a child’s fundamental need for exploration and discovery. Through their deepening relationship with nature, we guide the child toward resilience, balance and social growth.

We also seek to support the health and well-being of our families, to play a supportive role in the local community, and to be a vital component in the growing global effort to ensure every child’s right to experience the natural world as part of their education. We are also committed to supporting the growing global effort to sustain, heal and becomes stewards of the earth.

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Fairfield County Edition

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Two Coyotes Wilderness School 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown 203-843-3112 Info@TwoCoyotes.org • TwoCoyotes.org Facebook.com/Pages/Two-Coyotes-WIlderness- School/77631641850 Twitter.com/TwoCoyotes School/Organization: Philosophy and summary of offerings: Two Coyotes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing healthy, whole human beings through building self-awareness, community, and connecting people to nature.

How long in business? Always focused on development and provision of nature programs or has that developed over time?

Founded in 2000, Two Coyotes has always used wilderness survival, wildlife tracking and naturalist skills as tools that help us to better understand ourselves and our place in the world.

Areas of specialty, and/or any special certifications: Our staff teaches the following: wild edible food identification, scout tracking, wilderness survival, nature games, making forts, theater arts, building fire without matches, nature art, gratitude, storytelling and much more!

What summer programs are you offering in 2016 and for what age children?

We offer: Wild Plant Medicine and Food (5-13 year olds), Woodland Arts (5-13 year olds), Forts & Shelters (5-13 year olds), Feather, Fur & Fin (5-13 year olds), Advanced Survival (9-14 year olds), Magical Forest Theater (5-7 year olds), Wild Theater (8-14 year olds), Scout Tracker (10-14 year olds), Wildwood Adventurers (5-8 year olds), Wildwood Rangers (5-14 year olds), Fire, Wood & Stone (5-13 year olds).

Will Fall and Winter program opportunities be offered later in 2016?

The fall/winter programs are quite similar to the summer camp offerings. We offer children and teens homeshool, afterschool and weekend fall and winter programs. We also offer family and adult programs all year long.

What do you most want Natural Awakenings’ readers to know about your organization’s approach to educating children about nature?

Two Coyotes has a vision of creating a healthier and more connected future for children. We inspire enthusiasm for learning in creative and invisible ways. Our programs nurture values such as service, thanksgiving, leadership, self-trust, respect, teamwork, fun and discovery!

Visit us at the FREE Two Coyotes Family Fun Day Open House in Newtown on April 16 from 1 to 4pm. To find out more & RSVP, visit TwoCoyotesNewtownFamilyFun. eventbrite.com.

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April 2016

51

THE BREATH

Your Natural Guide into Spirit

by Deanne Mincer

D

about losing a job, becoming ill, being late and so many other fears can trigger you to “fight and flight” breathing.

The benefit is a calmer self.

When you are faced with an emergency or potentially life-altering scenario, your body and mind can enter fight/flight even if you have already trained and mastered the many breathing techniques. Stopping yourself and paying attention to your breath can help you regain more control and make clearer decisions. In addition, your anxiety or fears will be less palpable to others that may be involved in the emergency situation.

The way you breathe has power, but what about using it to reach into spirit, into peace and even enlightenment?

• Imagine that whenever you breathe in, the breath carries within it divine light and love and it spreads throughout your body. When you breathe out, the breath carries away fear, illness, pain and worry.

• Now add a color to the breath, maybe one of the higher chakra colors, such as blue or violet. Imagine that color moving through your body.

• Try coordinating the breath with mantras or words—such as a “so ham”, “om”, “I love myself completely now” or “let go”—on every in and out breath.

• You can stop in your day and, for a few minutes, do this or let it be a part of your meditation practice.

• Remember that the breath is a favorite focus for many forms of meditation—simply watching the breath and without judgment.

• When you inhale, does the belly fill o you know that you have up? When you exhale, does the belly always carried the key into go in? The reverse of this is contrary spirit? From the time you were breathing and not to be desired. born and until you leave this world, • Is the breath even while inhaling and that guiding gift has been with you exhaling? every single minute. You have access • Do you hold your breath and stop to this powerful tool and can use it more than 23,000 times a day. It is the breathing, thus producing stress and creating a lack of oxygen? breath, something you may take for

granted. But, if you fine tune it, your These are some of the basic essentials breath can lead you into peace, love and the truth of your own being—your to healthy breathing. Also of importance is training yourself to be aware of divine self. “fight and flight” breathing; when you

We always have the breath with breathe rapidly and into your chest, us. Even if it is for a few minutes or that is a signal that you are in fight/ longer, you can choose at any time to flight or feel in danger. Unless you are check in with yourself. being chased by a wild animal, you • Notice how you are breathing. Witdon’t want to breathe like this because ness the breath. it wears out the body.

• Are you breathing in the upper chest

The problem is that many of us (stress breathing) or deeper into the breathe as if we are in danger bediaphragm?

• Are you breathing through your nose cause of what we think. Moving your breath into the diaphragm can help and not through the mouth? you “trick” your body into letting go of • Is the breath jerky and agitated or is HVWS_MorningGlories_NatAwake_4.75x2.25_April2016_HVS PM K_CT par 2007 3/17/16 12:53 PM the stressed breathing when thoughts it smooth and flowing?

Yoga offers many different breathing exercises—some that calm the body and others that energize. You might want to try them by finding a yoga teacher who has training in this.

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Fairfield County Edition

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natural awakenings

Deanne Mincer is a speaker, the author of The 52: Discovering the True You in 52 Simple Lessons and the co-creator of the Divine Love: A Unique Yoga Nidra Experience album. She teaches classes, including A Course in Miracles, and offers private healing sessions in Ridgefield. Connect with her at DeanneMincer.com. See ad, page 51.

Mastering

YOGA

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

Bhakti Yoga Artists to Perform at YogaSpace

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hakti yoga, also known as the yoga of devotional chant, has been growing in popularity. Bethelbased YogaSpace is hosting Bhakti artists Brenda McMorrow and John de Kadt on Brenda McMorrow and John de Kadt April 17 at 7pm for an adventure into the world of sacred sound combining McMorrow’s voice and guitar with de Kadt’s percussion and spoken word.

McMorrow has accompanied cellist David Darling and Kirtan musicians such as Jai Uttal, Wah!, David Newman and Dave Stringer. Her latest album, “My Heart Bows Down To You”, was also featured as one of Yoga Journal’s top 10 yoga albums of 2015. de Kadt is a percussionist, storyteller and poet. He has studied and played ethnic hand percussive instruments for over 30 years and has performed on PBS and NBC.

Although the artists typically play much larger venues like Kripalu, Omega and BhaktiFest, this is an opportunity to experience their music in a local, intimate setting.

Visit YogaSpace-CT.com or call 203-730-9642 for more information and tickets. Location: YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd (Rt 6), Bethel.

Online Yoga & Wellness Festival Debuts

O

n April 7, leading yoga experts and spiritual teachers will gather for the world’s largest online yoga event. YOGA IS: Online Yoga & Wellness Festival will offer yoga enthusiasts and students access to yoga, spirituality, alternative health and wellness authorities via original video interviews and classes featured at YOGAIS.com.

“Yoga is my personal passion and a powerful anchor in my life.

I wanted to make it accessible to everyone regardless of demographics, finances or time and that’s why I created the YOGA IS online festival. You cannot find this level of carefully curated content or prestigious group of teachers all in one place, anywhere online or on the ground,” says Suzanne Bryant, YOGA IS founder and host.

Director of the YOGA IS documentary—recently featured in Forbes—Bryant expanded her brand into an online teaching venue after she received over 30,000 emails from people worldwide seeking transformational tools to improve their lives. After a successful debut of the first YOGA IS online conference in 2015, it has now grown into a bi-annual event featuring 60 virtual classes (filmed on location) with prescriptive and themed interviews. The workshops include Yoga for Stress, Self Acceptance, Yoga for Confidence & Courage, Detoxing for a Mindful Planet, Releasing Karma and Trauma, Discovering Meditation, Common Sense Healing, Living with Intent, Activating our Sexual Energy, The Science of Yoga and others.

The lineup for the upcoming event includes yoga instructors Shiva Rea, Sharon Gannon, Seane Corn, Elena Brower, Keith Mitchell, Colleen Saidman Yee and Mandy Ingber. In addition, there will be special guest appearances from new thought leader Deepak Chopra, spiritual leaders Don Miguel Ruiz (author of The Four Agreements), Caroline Myss, Ocean Robbins and musician Michael Franti.

For more information, visit YOGAIS.com. Early bird pricing is available at $49.

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Earth Song

Mother Nature’s Rhythms Restore the Soul

by Susan Andra Lion

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other Earth’s gentle hand is the secure cushion that warms us on long nights and sings comforting messages through endless days, protecting us even when things seem amiss. Take in her lovely presence. Embrace her consistent wisdom. Know that her dreams are ours and ours hers, connected by timely, comforting songs.

It’s time to step away from the manicured lawns, concrete walks and well-planned gardens. An open door beckons us to the sparkling air out there to listen to the grasses breathe and murmur. Prairie grasses roll on and on through curvaceous hills and flat-edged fields, undeterred by human attempts to control their rippling arpeggios. We are asked to just listen. Be alone with the music of the grasses and be in harmony with the hum of the universe.

Mother Earth’s apron is laden with flowers; simple, ever-present reminders that we are loved. She tempts us to take some time off, shed our shoes and settle into the lyrical realms of her strong body.

The trees reach to the depths of the earth, deep into the mystery of lavender waters, and simultaneously throw their arms to the heavens, connecting all things living. The wind hears the prevailing songs that weave in and out of these lovely courtiers of the forest. In listening to their unerring stories, we let their siren songs sigh into our soul.

It’s time to play in Earth’s garden and see her for who she is—today. Don’t hesitate. Go, play, linger, breathe and be one with the present moment.

Adapted from Just Imagine Trees, a coloring book for all ages,

by Susan Andra Lion.

natural awakenings

INSPIRED

TABLE

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

203-885-4674

inspiredtable Study at The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

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ecome immersed in sustainable food practices through a year-long program from The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition (TIOSN). Participants of the program move through life changing, hands-on practices in the science of nutrition, local/sustainable gardening practices, culinary skills, kitchen medicine and sustainable foraging.

Housed at the Holcomb Farm in West Granby, TIOSN has become a haven in the field of sustainability and food. Students learn how the body and food work together and change with the seasons. Additional teaching include the cycles of plants/weeds, soil, bees and planets; preparing and sharing food in the kitchen; making traditional remedies, teas, tonics and brews; and exploring outdoors for wild food.

Students learn and change their relationship with themselves, food and the outdoors.

Many guest speakers join the TIOSN community throughout the year to teach specialty topics such as fermented sourdough bread making, growing microgreens, sea vegetables, sauerkraut, miso, cheese making, mindful eating, fermented drinks and more.

TIOSN is also now accepting applications for the second year of the 10-month Herbal Intensive. Last year’s class sold out in two days with all slots going to alumni.

This year, because of popular demand, the school is offering workshops that are open to the public. These will be in the areas of sustainable gardening, foraging, kitchen medicine and culinary. The first of these will be Planting Your Healthcare: A Tea, Culinary and Medicinal Herb Garden. See the TIOSN web page for more information and to register.

For more information, applications or to register for any of the programs, visit TIOSN.com or call 860-764-9070. See ad, page 32.

DARK Act Defeated

Senate Vote Reflects Citizen Demands

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he Deny Americans the Right to Know, or DARK Act, was defeated in the U.S. Senate in March, representing a major victory for consumers. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) spearheaded the large-scale citizen opposition to a bill that would have outlawed all state-level labeling laws of genetically modified (GMO) food ingredients nationwide; it was intended to keep consumers in the dark about the genetically engineered content of their food.

Scott Faber, EWG senior vice president for government affairs, says, “Consumers have made their voices heard to their elected representatives in the Senate and they said clearly, ‘We want the right to know more about our food.’ We remain hopeful that congressional leaders can craft a national mandatory compromise that works for consumers and the food industry.” Organic Consumers Association reports that an alternative to the DARK act is being proposed that still could preempt state GMO labeling laws. So they recommend that consumers stay vigilant to ensure the DARK act remains defeated.

The development is evidence that the EWG Just Label It campaign is on the right track, and the group plans to support the recently introduced Biotechnology Food Labeling Uniformity Act targeting a national mandatory standard for GMO labeling. Jean Halloran, director of food policy initiatives for Consumers Union, explains, “This bill finds a way to set a national standard and avoid a patchwork of state labeling laws, while still giving consumers the information they want and deserve about what’s in their food.”

Sources: Natural News, Environmental Working Group, Organic Consumers Association eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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Sustainable Cooking Creative Ways to Recycle Food Scraps

by Margrét Ann Thors

W

e probably all remember the “Clean Plate Club”, that elite dinner table guild of good eaters who finished all the food on their plates. Joking aside, more important than “cleaning” our plates—which often involves eating past the point of fullness—is creating a meal with clean, wholesome ingredients that nourish our bodies and the environment. But what can we do with the unfinished food on our plates? There are reasons to think twice before discarding leftovers or throwing away wilted greens.

The average American wastes about 20 pounds of food per month, and a typical family of four tosses upwards of $1500 worth of food per year. With global populations and demands for food on the rise, many of us are seeking creative, constructive ways to trans-

form, rather than toss, organic waste.

So what’s the secret to turning scraps into sweet and savory dishes?

Finding creative, sustainable ways to repurpose food scraps benefits our budgets, our community and our planet as a whole. Cooking with organic waste can help us to cultivate gratitude for the fullness of the bounty around us.

FRESHEN UP Fresh fruit and vegetables are some of the most versatile foods to repurpose.

Stamford-based wellness chef and health coach Lia Adair suggests using carrot tops, zucchini stumps, onion and garlic skins, and leek roots to make homemade vegetable broth. Throw the scraps in a pot of water, add desired spices and boil. As an added bonus for

those short on refrigerator space, pour cooled, concentrated broth into an ice tray and store in the freezer.

For those who juice, pulp can be dehydrated and used to make vegetable-flax crackers, fruit leather or even pie crusts. Pulp from ginger, carrots and similar roots can also be used to puree into a hearty soup, while fruit pulp can be steeped in water for a refreshing tea. In addition, once frozen, almost any fruit or vegetable can be included into a smoothie. Adair also recommends experimenting with eating fruit skins, particularly kiwi and mango, which are rich in fiber and nutrients.

The uses for fruit scraps aren’t limited to mealtime, either. Overripe citrus can be dried and used as potpourri, while boiling citrus rinds adds both humidity and zesty aroma to the home—a sweet, refreshing duo as we transition from winter to spring.

MAKEOVER MEAT A simple way to reinvigorate leftover meat is to slice it, add some vegetables, and serve over a bed of lettuce with freshly made dressing. Ground or sliced meat can also be stuffed into bell peppers, spooned into squash “canoes”, or placed in a slow cooker and used to make a stew. Rice and grains work wonders as well; almost any dish can be turned into a curry or stir fry with the right cast of herbs and spices.

Another easy way to get more out of a meat dish is to keep the carcass or bones and boil them for stock. As with the vegetable variety, this stock can be concentrated and frozen into easy-tostore, easy-to-use cubes.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Coco-Cashew Curry Photo Courtesy of Lia Adair

a new sauce to spruce up an old dish.

“The right sauce can change leftovers into a new meal,” says Adair, who offers three quick, nourishing recipes for sauces that breathe fresh life into recycled food.

Pesto Photo Courtesy of Lia Adair

Creamy Cilantro Sauce

Ingredients 2 large handfuls of fresh cilantro with stems ¼ cup raw cashews, soaked at least three hours ½ inch knob of fresh ginger, chopped 1 small garlic clove ¼ yellow onion Juice of 1 lime Zest of half a lime 2 Tbsp rice vinegar 1 Tbsp olive oil Cayenne and salt to taste Water to consistency

Instructions Place all ingredients into a blender and process until very smooth.

Instructions Place greens and garlic into food processor and pour olive oil in slowly, allowing oil to saturate leaves. Add more oil if necessary.

Use as a salad dressing, a marinade, a sauce for roasting, a sauce for pastas, or a classic curry sauce with vegetables and rice.

Based out of Stamford, Lia Adair is a wellness chef and health coach who helps people thrive through food. She offers fun, educational cooking and food prep classes in one-on-one and group settings. Connect with her at LiaAdair.com.

Add nuts and pulse to maintain a bit of texture. If you like a smooth pesto, then process until smooth. If you prefer a firmer texture, pulse 3-5 times.

Finish by mixing salt in by hand so as not to over process the nuts.

Serve as a dressing on spiralized zucchini and carrots. Use as a topping for fish, meat or mushrooms. Or add more garlic and olive oil and heat at very low for 10 minutes and use as a pasta sauce.

Use as salad dressing, marinade, sauce to roast root vegetables and cabbage in, or dip for vegetables or meatballs.

Nature’s Temptations

Your HealTHY FooD MarKeT

Photo Courtesy of Lia Adair

Instructions Place all ingredients in a blender and process until very smooth.

Ingredients 2 cups fresh basil and parsley or arugula and carrot greens (seasonal preference) 1 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts Sea salt to taste

Ingredients 2 cups raw cashews soaked at least three hours 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (vegetable broth to dilute if too thick) 2 Tbsp curry powder (or more to taste depending on the type of curry powder you use) 2 tsp garam masala Juice of 2-3 lemons (depending on how acidic the lemons are) ⅛ cup nutritional yeast ¼ yellow onion Salt and pepper to taste

Margrét Ann Thors is a writer, educator and holistic wellness enthusiast based in Fairfield County. She leads an academic and creative coaching practice that supports student success within, without and beyond the classroom. Connect with her at Margret.Ann@me.com.

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

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April 2016

57

consciouseating

Edible Heirlooms Old-Fashioned Fruits and Veggies Return to the Table

by Avery Mack

O

f the 7,500 varieties of apples in the world, 2,500 are grown in the U.S., but only 100 commercially. As of the 1990s, 70 percent were Red Delicious; more recently they’re being replaced with Gala, Granny Smith and Fuji types from taller, thinner trees that can be planted more compactly for easier harvesting, yet are more sensitive to disease and require trellis supports.

Mass-produced fruits and vegetables have been modified over the years to make them look appealing and ship well, while sacrificing taste. Consumers in search of health-enhancing nutrients and robust flavor can find them by instead connecting with the past through food and flowers.

“Heirloom seeds have remained intact and unexposed to commercial pesticides,” says Jere Gettle, owner of Baker Creek Seed Company, in Mansfield, Missouri. “They’re reliable—plants grown now will be the same next year; not so with hybrids.” This cleaner, tastier alternative to the status quo

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Fairfield County Edition

is typically packed with more good vitamins than good looks. Heirloom produce often also delivers a unique regional flavor, such as Vidalia onions or Hatch chile peppers.

Exemplary Fruits

Fine restaurants like to feature Yellow Wonder wild strawberries because they taste like cream. The fragrant Baron von Solemacher strawberry, an antique German Alpine variety, is small and sweet, red and full of flavor; it’s been around since the Stone Age. For pies and preserves, pair them with Victorian rhubarb, which dates back to 1856.

Eat only the rhubarb stalks; the leaves contain poisonous oxalic acid.

Aunt Molly’s ground cherry (husk tomato) hails from Poland. “It’s sweet, with a hint of tart, like pineapple-apricot,” says Gettle. “The Amish and Germans use them in pies. Their high pectin content makes them good for preserves.

Heirlooms send people in search of old recipes and they end up creating their own variations. It’s food as history.”

natural awakenings

Valuable Vegetables

Trending this year are purple veggies like the brilliantly colored Pusa Jamuni radish. Pair it with bright pink Pusa Gulabi radishes, high in carotenoids and anthocyanins, atop a stunning salad with Amsterdam prickly-seeded spinach’s arrow-shaped leaves, a variety once grown by Thomas Jefferson. Add a fennel-like flavor with Pink Plume celery.

Brighten salsas using the Buena Mulata hot pepper, a deep violet that ripens to a sweet red. Serve with pink pleated Mushroom Basket tomatoes or Lucid Gems, with their black/orange peel and striking yellow/orange flesh.

Purple tomatillos are sweeter than green varieties and can be eaten right off the plant.

“Purple sweet potatoes are found in Hawaii, but aren’t common on the mainland,” explains Gettle. “Molokai Purple sweet potatoes keep their deep purple color even when cooked, and are much higher in antioxidants than the orange variety.” To be novel, serve the Albino beet. Baker Creek’s customers use it raw in salads, roasted or fried and don’t let the greens go to waste.

Monique Prince, a clinical social worker in Chester, New Hampshire, grows heirloom organic radishes, greens, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers and pumpkins in eight raised beds.

She received Ganisisikuk pole beans (seventh-generation seeds) and Abnaki cranberry runner beans from a

Native American client. Rather than eat the bounty, she’s accumulating the seeds to save the varieties.

Herbs

Thai basil loves summer heat. Make batches of pesto, then freeze it in ice cube trays for later. Christina Major, a nutritionist in Trevorton, Pennsylvania, grows heirloom herbs that include borage, with its edible flowers, and marshmallow, which is a decongestant when added to tea.

Her 300-square-foot garden supplies summer veggies such as scarlet runner beans, more than 50 kinds of perennial herbs for year-round use and heirloom raspberries, gooseberries and blackberries “that are eaten as fast as they’re picked,” she says.

Heirloom enthusiasts like to exchange seeds to try new varieties. “From December to March, traders swap seeds and plot their gardens,” says Major. “I got 20 kinds of tomatoes by connecting with other traders on Facebook.”

Heirlooms extend to trees and bushes.

The drought-resistant Fourwing Saltbush has a deep root system and provides cover for songbirds in the West. ~BBB Seed

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Flowers

Of 400,000 flowering plants in the world, 20 percent are in danger of extinction. “Instead of marigolds and petunias, consider old-fashioned annuals. Trying new things is fun,” says Gettle. Four O’clocks, familiar to many Midwesterners, come in several colors and are easily cultivated from their abundant seeds. The succulent Ice plant, with its white-pink flowers, looks like it was dipped in sugar; its edible leaves taste like spinach. Black Swan’s burgundy poppies have a frill-like edge, while Mother of Pearl poppies offer subtle watercolors.

“Save seeds, share with neighbors and pass them on to the kids,” advises Gettle. “They’re evidence of our culture.”

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

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

CRISPY TURKEY PATTIES WITH ARTICHOKE CHIMICHURRI (Serves 4)

Quinoa mixed inside and also used as a coating helps make these turkey patties delightfully crisp and nutty on the outside but still tender and juicy inside. We love them paired with a super-flavorful version of chimichurri sauce made with artichoke hearts.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 (14-ounce) can artichoke hearts in water, drained (about 2/3 cup) 2 tablespoons drained capers 1 small clove garlic 1/4 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes, or to taste 1/2 cup plus 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, divided 1/8 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, divided 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 pound ground turkey, preferably dark meat 1 cup cooked red quinoa, divided 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 tablespoons grated onion

• To make the artichoke chimichurri sauce, place artichoke hearts in a food processor and pulse until chopped. Add capers, garlic, chile flakes, 1/2 cup of the parsley and 1/8 teaspoon of the salt and pulse until finely chopped. With the motor running, pour in 2 tablespoons of the oil and 2 tablespoons water. Set chimichurri aside. • Place turkey in a large bowl and add 1/2 cup of the quinoa, pepper and onion. Finely chop remaining 1/4 cup parsley and add it to the bowl along with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Using moist hands to prevent sticking, form turkey mixture into 4 patties, each about 3/4 inch thick and 4 inches in diameter. Place remaining 1/2 cup quinoa on a small plate. Coat each patty with quinoa, pressing it with your hands so it adheres. • Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add patties and lower heat to medium-high. Cook, turning once, until they are browned and crisp on the outside and just cooked through, about 4 minutes per side. Serve patties topped with chimichurri. eNaturalAwakenings.com

April 2016

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calendarofevents

markyourcalendar

Magazine calendar events must be received by April 12 (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.

Twin Star Herbal Education presents

FRIDAY, APRIL 1 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-5:30pm. With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125.

Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 2 1-Day Meditation Retreat – 9:30am-4pm. Silent session allows the mind more time to drop daily thoughts and develop deeper levels of awareness of body, mind, thoughts and feeling. Bring a bag lunch.

All attendees must register. By donation. Redding Center for Mindfulness & Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 9:30am-5:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti. Learn Western style from an experienced Reiki master (20 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. 2 manuals and certificate. $125.

Angelic Healing Center for Reiki, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReikiGigiB@ snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Spring Cleaning for the Body & Soul – 10:30amnoon. Start Spring with a clearer body and a fresh mindset using Kundalini yoga and meditation, essential oils, and easy and practical methods to support the body. Bring a towel and mat. $30. SOUND Center for the Arts, 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown.

203-270-1119. CassettaWoman@hotmail.com.

SoundCenterArts.com.

Spiritual Psychic and Healing Fair – Noon-5pm.

Gifted and caring psychic intuitives available for private readings. Healings for people and pets.

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

Restorative Yoga: Unwind From the Grind – 3-5pm. Gentle, passive practice, using props to support your body so you can unwind tension and experience a peaceful state of deep relaxation. $28 by 4/1; $35 on day of event (if space available). YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd (Rt 6), Bethel. 203-730-YOGA. Info@YogaSpace-CT.com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 3 Sacred Transitions: The Journey of Crossing Over – 10am-3pm. Willow Star, 10-year Healing Arts Consultant with hospitals and hospice, shares her Transitional Healing work that unites the energetic and physical bodies to assist in the various stages of dying. $50/registration required. The Liphe Balance Center of Weston. 203-912-2791. LipheBalance@ gmail.com. LipheBalance.com.

TLC Healing & Psychic Sunday – 11am-4pm.

Event features a day of insight, clarity, peace and healing brought to you by the professionals at TLC Center. Free admission, free mini-workshops, 20-minute healing sessions and readings $20/20 min. Free admission. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. TLCCenter.com.

Reiki Healing Clinic – 11:30am. Experience the beneficial effects of relaxation and feeling of peace from Reiki Healing. Reiki can help relieve chronic and acute pain, boost immune function, ease anxiety, and reduce stress. Must pre-register. $20/ suggested donation. Muktinah Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathC@gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Workshop With Psychic Detective Nancy du Tertre – 1-3pm. How to refine and understand subtle energies for solving mysteries, healing, re-ordering laws of the universe. $35. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. AlbertsonChurch@ gmail.com. AlbertsonChurch.org.

Restorative Yoga with Tibetan Singing Bowls – 4:30-6:30pm. With Marie-Anne Gajdosik and Judy Vuozzo. Revitalize, heal and renew your body, mind and spirit. This is a practice to experience deep restand healing. $35 before 4/2, $40/at door. Naam Yoga

Flower Essence Practitioner Certification Course Wednesday, April 6 • 10am-5pm 125+ hours of in-depth FE training. Meets 4 full days and 6 partial days over the course of 1 year.

Please see website for dates. $200 deposit; see website for full cost.

Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford.

203-313-7883 or TwinstarHerbs@gmail.com.

TwinstarHerbal.com Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-7302400. DebClelland@gmail.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

MONDAY, APRIL 4 Health and Wellness Council Meeting – 8:159:30am. Group of incredible health and wellness professionals who are members of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce. Meetings are held monthly.

Please RSVP. First two meetings are free. Cucumber and Chamomile, 3 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

203-438-5992. JMulhern@RidgefieldChamber. org. RidgefieldChamber.org .

TUESDAY, APRIL 5 TLC Networking Breakfast – 8:30-10am. Are you a holistic/integrative practitioner or wellness solo-preneur? Looking for a community of healthy living professionals? We are a relaxed, supportive community of professionals and welcome you to join us. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. TLCCenter.com.

Documentary Screening: Seeds of Time – 7:309pm. A perfect storm is brewing as agriculture pioneer Cary Fowler races against time to protect the future of our food. $11. Bullard Square Cinama’s, 41 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield. 203-292-8190.

CatchAHealthyHabit@yahoo.com. Gathr.us/ screening/14467.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6 Free Introduction to Reiki – 7-8:30pm. The place to start if you’re simply curious about Reiki or interested in learning more about how to heal yourself and others. Beth Leas will share 25 years experience using Reiki in this fun, explorative and interesting evening.

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

Robin Ordan, LCSW 203-561-8535

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

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markyourcalendar Two Coyotes Wilderness School’s

4th Annual Family Fun Day “Open House” Saturday, April 16 • 1-4pm Fun “Wild Nature” activities will provide whole families with the opportunity to get involved in the Two Coyotes experience.

Making fire without matches, wildlife tracking, wild theater, nature games, natural art, drumming and wild edible plant hikes. Live music, contra dance and food!

TwoCoyotes.org.

For reservations,visit TwoCoyotesNewtownFamilyFun.Eventbrite.com Sticks and Stones Farm, 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-8569566. TLCCenter@aol.com. BethLeas.com.

The Yoga of Conscious Dying – 7:30-9:30pm.

4/6 & 4/7. Robert Sachs, author and Ayurveda teacher explains the Tibetan and Indian Ayurveda dying process along with visualization and phowa exercises. $50 (or $30 per evening). Registration required. The Liphe Balance Center of Weston.

203-912-2791. LipheBalance@gmail.com.

LipheBalance.com.

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

NaamYogaCT.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 7 Holistic Happy Hour – 5-7pm. $10. Meridian Wellness Center, 66 Glenbrook Rd, Stamford.

203-353-8811.

Embrace Your Life With Purpose & Positivity with Debbie Morgan – 6:30-8:30pm. Create a Vision Board. Engage your inner artist to design a powerful collage representing your dreams, desires goals and life’s purpose. $35. Mother Earth Gallery, 449 Danbury Rd, New Milford. 203775-6272. MotherEarthBrookfield@gmail.com.

MotherEarthCrystals.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 8 TLC Tarot Evening – 7-9pm. What’s in the cards for you? Find out during this event designed for everyone. Explore the tarot or develop a deeper relationship with the cards. Receive a reading from Beth Leas. April’s focus is Story Telling. $40. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

TLCCenter@aol.com. BethLeas.com.

Monthly Shamanic Healing Drum Circle – 7:3010pm. Enhance your connection to energy, spirit and Mother Earth for guidance and healing through Native American methods. Drums and rattles provided. $20/ pre-registration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

Naam Yoga New Moon Celebration – 8-9pm.

Manifest and bring in all things new...health, abundance and prosperity. $18.08. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400.

DebClelland@gmail.com. NaamYogaCT.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 9 Reiki 1 Certification Training – 9am-2pm. Taught

by Beth Leas (20+ years). Great starting point for those interested in energy healing and a great adjunct for practitioners/teachers of other modalities. You will learn hand positions for treatment of others and an attunement into the Reiki System. $245. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. BethLeas.com.

Jin Shin Jyutsu for Self-Help and Transformation – 2-4pm. Would you like more energy and vitality? Learn and experience simple and profound hands-on energy revitalizing exercises. You will receive practical knowledge and experience you can use anytime, and helpful handouts. Beth Leas. $50. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. BethLeas.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 10 Get Healthy! Ayurveda Workshop – 3-5pm. With Allison Valentino, Adjunct Professor at Southern Connecticut State University. Explore the origin of Ayurveda, discover our individual constitutions and learn how to apply this knowledge. $30/advance, $35/ day of. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. DebClelland@gmail.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13 Questions and Answers about Reiki – 7-9:30pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki master. 7-8:30pm: non-Reiki practitioners, $5. 8:15-9:30pm: Reikicertified practitioners, $10. Western Style & Jikiden Eastern Style Mini- Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150.

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 TLC Healing Circle/Reiki Share – 7-8:30pm. We welcome all those new to energy healing and practitioners of all modalities and levels alike. We open with a healing meditation and then provide an opportunity to receive and/or give energy work as we explore the wonderful world of healing. Led by Beth Leas. By donation. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. TLCCenter.com.

markyourcalendar GROWING YOUR HEALTHCARE with The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition Wednesday, April 13 • 6:30-9pm Learn to live more sustainably by growing your health care in your own culinary, tea and medicinal herb garden. Tea will be served. $15 Holcomb Farm 113 Simsbury Rd, West Granby Register: 860-764-9070 • TIOSN.com

markyourcalendar Coalition of Co-Creators presents

Change – Changing – Changed A dramatic musical illuminating journey

Saturday, May 14 • 10:45am-4:45pm Join healing practitioners, passionate change agents, brilliant speakers, sublime musicians and mystic poets on a dramatic interactive day journey through change – changing – changed!

Wainwright House, Rye, NY Register at Wainwright.org Automatic Writing: Connecting Directly to the Guidance of the Divine – 7-9pm. Automatic Writing is a psychic technique to connect directly to the Spirit world for guidance, answers, healing, and direction. Learn how it works, and incorporate exercises to experience and practice. $40/pre-registration. Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport. 203-916-8381. HunterHealingHands@ hotmail.com. HunterHealingHands.com.

SUNDAY, APRIL 17 4th Annual CancerCare Greenwich Walk/Run for Hope – 9-11:30am. Walk or run to celebrate survivors, support those facing cancer and remember those lost while raising funds for Cancer free, professional support services available to anyone affected by cancer. $40/adult, $20/child, $10/child fun run only. Greenwich Point Park, 99 Tod’s Driftway, Old Greenwich. 203-663-2189. Ccenatiempo@ CancerCare.org. CancerCare.org/WalkGreenwich.

Women’s Empowerment Day: Empowerment Through Loving Choices – 1-4:30pm. Guided healing meditation using chakra healing bowls, then Scarlett Lewis of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Foundation will be speaking, followed by Tai Chi, healing exercises and make your own gift to take home. $20-$30. Sticks & Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-6262.

CarlaBarzetti9@yahoo.com. BrilliantSoul.com.

The Art of Meditation – 6-7pm. Explore a variety of techniques while practicing in the serene sanctuary of YogaSpace. Chairs available. Suggested donation $10, with any offering—large or small—accepted. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd (Rt 6), Bethel. 203-730-9642. Info@YogaSpace-CT. com. YogaSpace-CT.com.

Songs From The Soul: An Evening of Kirtan, Mystic Poetry and World Percussion – 7-9pm.

With Brenda McMorrow, devotional chant artist and John de Kadt, percussionist, storyteller, poet. Reserve early to save your spot and $5. $25 before 4/15, $30 afterwards. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd (Rt 6), Bethel. 203-730-YOGA. Gloria@ FishCatDesign.net. YogaSpace-CT.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 21 Peace Pilgrim: Lessons for Us Now – 7-8:30pm.

Learn about a fascinating woman who walked penniless for 28 years bearing the message of peace among nations, between people, and Inner Peace.

Free - non-perishable food donation encouraged.

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calendarofevents markyourcalendar Transcend Horizons LLC and YWCA Greenwich Presents

Chakra Healing and Meditation 101

featuring Chakra expert from India - Smita Jayakar Saturday, May 21 • 9:30am-4:30pm

Spend a day nurturing yourself through a one-day Chakra Healing and Meditation workshop with renowned Chakra Healing and Meditation expert from India – Smita Jayakar. Learn about the Chakra system and techniques to tune in to and open up the seven energy centers of the subtle body.

YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich Cost: $150 (Includes Lunch and Tea) Limited Capacity Event Ticket booking at Transcend.events

197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-6262.

CarlaBarzetti9@yahoo.com. BrilliantSoul.com.

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

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

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27

SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Wise Woman Wednesday – 6:30-8:30am. Join us for this monthly herbal healing circle. Learn and gain better understanding about a new plant each month and how to incorporate their healing remedies into your life. Healing remedy included. Wise guys welcome, too. $25. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 203-460-2854.

BekahTwinstar@gmail.com. TwinstarHerbal.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 Monday Morning Meditation – 11:30am12:30pm. 5 sessions. With Beth Leas. Practical approach and individualized support as you develop a solid life skill. Great for those new to meditation and sage meditators. $100/5 sessions or $20/per session. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com. BethLeas.com.

Ravenwood Holistic Wellness Center, 199 West Center St, Manchester. 860-871-5467. Patricia.

Shannon1@sbcglobal.net. AfhlNow.org.

Guided Healing Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm.

Guided Healing Meditation channeled from the Archangels for healing in the highest best interest of all. Quartz crystal chakra bowls are used to vibrate and cleanse all major healing chakras, while you receive divine healing energy. $15. Sticks & Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

203-364-6262. CarlaBarzetti9@yahoo.com.

BrilliantSoul.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 22

FRIDAY, APRIL 29

Honoring the Medicine Wheel: Spirits of the East – 7:30-9:30pm. Connect with the Spirits of the East of the Medicine Wheel. Receive guidance, healing, transformation, and learn shamanic teachings of the East. Shamanic healing, drumming, sacred ceremony and shamanic journey work incorporated with the energy of the Full Moon. $40/pre-registration.

Hunter Healing Hands, 215 Harbor Ave, Bridgeport.

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

HunterHealingHands.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 23 Spiritual Conversations: Meet & Greet New Teachers at Basil Yoga Center – 3:30-5pm.

Meet and get to know Basil Jones, Khristee Rich and Keith Lightning as they discuss their classes/ workshops, spiritual practice, philosophies and inspirations, and what brings them joy. Free. Basil Yoga Center, 31 Bailey Ave, Ridgefield. 203-4032280. Info@BasilYoga.com. BasilYoga.com.

Naam Yoga Full Moon Celebration – 7-8pm. The Full Moon is a time for healing. Bring your mental, emotional and physical bodies into balance. Let go of unhealthy patterns, sending healing to places in need and opening yourself to receive Divine Love. $18.08. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. DebClelland@gmail.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 26 Spiritual Life Coaching & Essential Oils – 7-8:30pm. Essential Oils pave the way for deep emotional clearing and bringing balance to our lives, while eliminating toxins. Come experience nature’s nurturing gifts. $15. Sticks & Stones Farm,

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

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

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

AngelHealReikiGigiB@snet.net. AngelHealReiki.com.

Reiki Mastership Orientation – 1-2pm. With Beth Leas, Reiki Master (25+ years). Orientation to learn more about her personalized Mastership program. Increase your awareness of Reiki as a spiritual practice. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566. TLCCenter@aol.com.

BethLeas.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4 Westchester-Fairfield Go Red for Women Health & Wellness Exhibition – 9:30am-noon. Exhibition provides attendees with opportunities to learn about their risk for heart disease and stroke and measures they could take to mitigate their risk. Free.

Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa, 243 Tresser Blvd, Stamford. 203-295-2941. Deena.Kaye@Heart.org.

WestfairGoRedLuncheon.Heart.org.

FOR LAYOUT: not a mechanical

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

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

COMING IN MAY

mark your calendar

mark your calenda

The Alliance For Conscious Transitioning

The Alliance For Consciou Transitioning

Presents:

Presents:

Celebrating Life and Beyond

Celebrating Life and Beyond

Sacred Transitions The Journey of Crossing Over with Willow Star Sunday, April 3 10-3pm $50

Sacred Transitions The Journey of Crossing Over with Willow Star Sunday, April 3 10-3pm $50

The Yoga of Conscious Dying with Robert Sachs Wed & Thurs, 4/6 & 4/7 7:30-9:30pm $50 (or $30 per night)

The Yoga of Conscious Dying with Robert Sachs Wed & Thurs, 4/6 & 4/7 7:30-9:30pm $50 (or $30 per night)

Death, Dying & The Afterlife A 3-Day Intensive with Gene Ang Fri-Sun 4/15- 4/17 9-5pm $475 Die Wise - with author, Stephen Jenkinson Sunday, June 5 7–9 pm $35 For more information, and to register: 203-912-2791 or liphebalance@gmail.com The Liphe Balance Center of Weston, CT LipheBalance.com.

natural awakenings

women’s wellness plus: hormone health

Death, Dying & The Afterlife A 3-Day Intensive with Gene Ang Fri-Sun 4/15- 4/17 9-5pm $475

Die Wise - with author, Stephen Jenkinso To advertise Sunday, June 5or 7–9 pm $35 participate in our For more information, and to register: next203-912-2791 issue,or liphebalance@gmail.com call The Liphe Balance Center of Weston, CT

LipheBalance.com.

203-885-4674

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

NewBeginningsInCommunity.Weebly.com.

Family Meditation Program – 10-11:30am. Second and fourth Sunday. Young people ages 4 to 12 years old are invited to take part in our program during the 10am meditation session. While the adults are meditating in the main building, young people can connect with others in their age group.

Contact Matt Keeler, Program Director. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, W Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

Family Program (Kids and Teens) – 10-11:30am.

First and third Sunday. Introducing kids to meditation, metta, yoga, art practice, a discussion of ness in everyday life, generosity, compassion, letting go of negative mind states and other basic Parents can meditate in the main building.

Contact Matt Keeler at MmKeeler@gmail.com.

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

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

monday Intro to Yoga 4-Week Series with Leslie Santiana – 5:45-6:45pm. Learn healthy alignment of basic yoga poses that establish the foundation of a safe yoga practice. $99/4-week series (includes one month of unlimited beginner yoga classes). LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-3547070. NIna@lifepathyoga.net. LifePathYoga.net.

Flower Essence Immersion – 6-8:30pm. First and third Monday. Study/spend time with cayenne as a flower essence. Receive a bottle of the essence to work with. $50 drop-in rate. Twin Star Herbal Education, 65 Bank St, New Milford. 504-812-2683. TwinStarTina@gmail. com. TwinStarHerbal.com.

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

Yoga.For.Me241@gmail.com.

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

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

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

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

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

DrKathySward.com.

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

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

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

Hannigan@charter.com. ToastMastersClubs.org.

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

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 12:30-2pm.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

Meditating Holistically – 6:30-8pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. ah Yoga, 168 New Milford Tpke (Rt 202), New Preston. 860-868-6707 or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk.

Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Preschool Open House – 10:30-11:30am. The Clover Hill School invites you to experience our classrooms. Play-based program, inspired by Waldorf Education, in a welcoming and green environment for ages 2 months to 6 years old. Call or email to schedule a visit. Free. The Clover Hill School, Christ Episcopal Church, 2 Emerson, Norwalk.

203-661-6484. Sarah@TheCloverHillSchool.org.

TheCloverHillSchool.org.

Understanding Brain Wave Training – 10:3011:30am. First & third Wednesday. Discuss how conditions such as ADD, anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain and others have unique, abnormal brainwave patterns that can be improved using BrainCore Neurofeedback Therapy. Free. Halo Studios - Club Room, 45 Grove St, (upstairs in tennis center), New Canaan. 203-316-8212. Info@NorwalkBrainCore. com. NorwalkBrainCore.com.

Vinyasa Yoga – 6:15pm. In Vinyasa yoga, your movements are synchronized to the breath. This style is sometimes also called flow yoga, because of the smooth way that the poses run together and be-

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ongoing calendar come like a dance. $14 or co-op rate. 3 Rt 39, Unit #5, New Fairfield. 203-885-0577. WholeFitNF@ gmail.com. EarthFITnf.com/Whole-Fit. Reiki Share – 6:30-8:30pm. First Wednesday. With June and Tracy. Come join our circle of practitioners for sharing and caring and healing. All levels of practitioners are welcome. Please RSVP. $15. Kindred Spirits, 59 Ledgewood Rd, Redding. 203-938-3690.

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

By donation. Muktinath Holistic Center, 755 Main St (Rt 25), Monroe. 203-518-5808. MuktinathHC@ gmail.com. MuktinathHolisticCenter.com.

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 7-8:30pm.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

thursday Tea and Meditation – 9:30-11am. Mahasati is a form of Insight Meditation. The Redding Center for Meditation’s mission is to help people of all faiths develop the self-awareness and inner peace necessary to live life in a skillful way. By donation.

Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. Info@ ReddingMeditation.org. ReddingMeditation.org.

Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative

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Fairfield County Edition

Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

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

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

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

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

DrRoseannInfo@att.net. DrRoseann.com.

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

No experience needed, all are welcome. $15.

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

Meditating Holistically – 7-8:30pm. With Urgyan, a Western Buddhist lama sharing a rich practice of traditional meditation guidance directed toward holistic integration. Group meditation and discussion, devoted to our mutual innermost truths. $15. YogaSpace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-YOGA or Danbury Area Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation on Meetup.com.

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

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

AngelHealReiki.com, UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

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

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

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

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

Intro to Yoga 4-week series with Shannon Aleksa – 12:30-1:30pm. Learn healthy alignment

natural awakenings

of basic yoga poses that establish the foundation of a safe yoga practice. $99/4-week series (includes one month of unlimited beginner yoga classes).

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

LifePathYoga.net.

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

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

Friday Evening Yoga Happy Hour with Nina Antolino – 5:45-7pm. Followed by community sangha at 7pm, YinYasa Yoga with Meditation offers an open level flow class ending with long restorative yin to release stress and tension. Topped off with a guided mindfulness meditation to bring your week to an amazing close. Followed with light refreshments and community gathering. 4/8: essential oils with Kristen Rzasa and 4/29: Kirtan with Bindu band. $21/drop-in. $10/community event.

LifePath Yoga & Wellness, 430 Main Ave, 2nd Flr, Norwalk. 203-354-7070. NAntolino@aol.com.

LifePathYoga.net.

Exploring the Chakras – 6-7:30pm. Awaken the 7 chakras using yoga postures, breathing practices, and meditation. Each week will focus on a different chakra, creating inner and outer balance, igniting our spiritual fire, and connecting us to our highest selves. $120/7-class series, $25/individual class.

Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. Info@NaamYogaCT.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

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

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

Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. Third Friday. Explore topics such as love, trust, permission and forgiveness as tools in navigating through life’s opportunities, losses and changes. Learn how to bring love, life and happiness. Notetaking welcome and encouraged. $40. Bridgeport location given with registration: 203-268-3262. TrinityProduction.org.

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

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

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

ChrisGuerrera@me.com. InsightsWellnessCenter.com.

Mahasati Insight Meditation – 10-11:30am.

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

ReddingMeditation.org.

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

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

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

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

DrCummins@ShalvaClinic.org. ShalvaClinic.org.

Buddhist Teachings & Practice Discussion Group – 11:45am-1:30pm. Second and fourth Saturday. Join a relaxed group, in a tranquil environment, and explore some of the core principles of Buddhist practice. By donation. Redding Center for Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 914-763-4639. Jexel@att.net.

ReddingMeditation.org.

Yoga For Recovery – 6-7:15pm. Naam Yoga Connecticut: Yoga for Recovery. Join Christy Doyle on Saturday evenings for a Yoga for Recovery class. $10 donation. Naam Yoga Connecticut, 164 Greenwood Ave, Bethel. 203-730-2400. DebClelland@gmail.com.

NaamYogaCT.com.

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

ACUPUNCTURE

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY

ACUPUNCTURE BY JIM FITZPATRICK 3 Hollyhock Ln, Wilton &

Community Health Associates of Newtown, 153 South Main St, Newtown 203-257-4377 JimFitz@AcuJimFitz.com • AcuJimFitz.com I bring years of experience and study to my patients to create a relationship that emphasizes clear communication, responsiveness to a patient’s needs and expectations, and effective care with the totality that TCM has to offer: Acupuncture, Herbs, Adjunctive Therapies.

FOR RENT OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT IN NORWALK. Two large, bright rooms; newly painted and carpeted. Large adjacent bathroom. Ample parking.

Great exposure on RT.7. Opportunity for highly visible signage. Ideal for a wellness professional; psychologist/counselor. Close to I-95 and Merritt Parkway. Additional space is available. Email Pat at pmiller434@gmail.com.

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

Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safe, painless early detection 71 East Ave, Ste D, Norwalk 203-856-1421 • AlbaThermalImaging.com

PETER BRAGLIA, DC

INGRI BOE-WIEGAARD, LAc

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ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad, page 23.

JODY EISEMANN, LAc

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

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

Specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues. See ad, page 33.

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

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

We are proud to serve patients from all over Fairfield and New Haven County with our unique and gentle approach to health care.See ad, page 18.

RISA SLOVES, DC

Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care 156 East Ave, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • CTChiropractic.com Dr. Risa Sloves is 1 of 12 Chiropractic Physicians in Connecticut with Board Certification in Maternity and Pediatric Care including Webster and Bagnell Tu r n i n g Te c h n i q u e s . A l s o provided: acupuncture, BioSET Allergy Elimination Technique and the DRX9000 Spinal Decompression. See ad, page 5.

COLONICS

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

COLONICS

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

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April 2016

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FLOATATION THERAPY

COLONICS WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

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

MOTHER EARTH GALLERY

449 Danbury Rd, New Milford 203-775-6272 • MotherEarthCrystals.com The area’s finest crystal shop for natural, polished and tumbled gemstones for healing or collecting. Handcrafted gemstone jewelry, candles, chimes, books as well as a showcase for local artisans. See ad, page 60.

Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad, page 51.

35 Corporate Dr, Trumbull 203-445-6918 PurestFloat.com

Float for stress and pain relief, relaxation and mental calmness.

At PuREST we provide a relaxing environment from pre-float to post float. After your float, stay for complimentary tea and come back to earth in our oversize, inviting post float area. See ad, page 30.

KURT WAPLES, DC

HOUSATONIC VALLEY WALDORF SCHOOL

40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown 203-364-1113 • WaldorfCT.org We develop each child’s unique capacity to engage meaningfully in the world by integrating experiential and artistic learning, academic excellence, respect for diversity and reverence for nature. See ad, page 52.

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

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

Call today to experience the power of natural medicine.

HEADACHE / PAIN RELIEF

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

Our curriculum builds physical and emotional resilience, moral awareness and the foundation required for intellectual growth. See ad, page 37.

Fairfield County Edition

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 iFloatSpa.net

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

EDUCATION

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MARY GILBERTSON, MS, BSN,CHHC

iFLOAT

PUREST FLOAT CENTER

CRYSTALS

HEALTH COACH

CONNECTICUT HEADACHE & MIGRAINE RELIEF CENTER/ TOM ANZALONE, DDS

235 Glenville Rd, Ste 2B, Greenwich 203-531-5688 • CTHeadacheRelief.com Connecticut Headache and Migraine Rel i e f C e n t e r ’s (CHMRC) approach to head-ache pain relief actually addresses and treats the sources of the problem. Using techniques that have been proven effective in sports medicine, the CHMRC system targets improper muscle forces in the head, neck, and jaw area that cause painful conditions. See ad, page 25.

natural awakenings

Licensed RN, Nutritionist & Certified Health Coach 500 Monroe Tpke, Monroe • 203-521-4733 GilbertsonMary@yahoo.com Prescription4Wellness.com Working 1:1 in groups and corporations to develop customized healthy lifestyle plans. You receive tools to optimize your health through nutrition, disease management, exercise, weight loss & stress reduction. 28 years of experience supporting teens & adults in healthy lifestyle. Available for speaking engagements and health events. See ad, page 16.

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

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

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

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

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

Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy, Time Line Therapy, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad, pages 16 & 27.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE PHYSICIAN HENRY C. SOBO, MD

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

INTEGRATIVE NATURAL MEDICINE SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER Ken Hoffman, DAc, (RI), LAc, CCH, Medical Director Bruce Roff, LAc, LMT, Senior Associate Craig Pannone, ND 31 Old Rt 7, Brookfield 203-740-9300 • INM.center

Using naturopathic and Chinese medical principles, we get to the source of your health concerns.

Diagnostic methods include functional testing such as advanced bloodwork analysis, cardiovascular testing, hormone evaluation and thermography. Our customized treatment program includes acupuncture, herbal and nutritional medicine, diet and lifestyle counseling and more.

Most insurance accepted.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

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

See ad, page 26.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT KIMBERLY TAYLOR

Crystal Visions, Inc. 1 Rt 37 East, Ste 2, Sherman 860-210-9897 CrystalVisionsCT.com Kimberly is a psychic medium and intuitive. Readings consist of childhood experiences, present personal and professional relationship paths and future outcomes of major life decisions. Kimberly can also be a conduit for lost loved ones. See ad, page 15.

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

MOBILE FITNESS & WELLNESS BRAMASOLÉ FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER

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

MASSAGE SCHOOL

Elizabeth D. Aleksinas 57 Slab Meadow Rd, Morris 860-567-0219 BramasoleWellness.com

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

Studio hours also available.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

FINGER LAKES SCHOOL OF MASSAGE

NATURAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

272 N Bedford Rd, Mount Kisco, NY 914-241-7363 FLSM.com Join us for a transformative experience as you develop your intuitive and scientific abilities to heal through therapeutic touch. Classes taught to auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners. Financial aid available for full and part-time programs.

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

Lisa Singley, ND, MS 2103 Main St, Ste 2, Stratford 203-874-4333 Info@NHAWC.com • NHAWC.com We use advanced diagnostic testing with safe, effective, allnatural healing modalities and treatment options to treat acute and chronic conditions, restore balance and treat the mind, body and spirit. Specialists in endocrine disorders, digestive issues, pain management and chronic fatigue. We offer comprehensive solutions to prevent illness and maintain optimal health for body, mind and spirit. See ad, page 7.

MARVIN P. SCHWEITZER, ND

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

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

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

Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years. Acupuncture, Bio-Identical Hormones, Homeopathy, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/Toxin Testing, Oxygen T h e r a p y, M e r i d i a n S t r e s s Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad, page 41.

SHALVA CLINIC, LLC

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

She also has a special interest in pediatrics and utilizes a variety of natural modalities when working with patients with ADD/ADHD, autism, allergies, eczema and asthma. Treatments include herbal medicine, functional medicine, biotherapeutic drainage, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 4.

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NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIAN

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING

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

THE CLEAN BEDROOM

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

Insurance accepted.

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN 501 Kings Highway East, Ste 108, Fairfield 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared P h o t o t h e r a p y, F u n c t i o n a l Medicine, Herbal Medicine, H o m e o p a t h y, H o r m o n a l Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback and other therapies.

See ad, page 2.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING NUTRITION RESCUE

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

Specializing in dietary management of food sensitivities/allergies and providing support with elimination diets, menu development, and minimizing the impact of food restrictions. See ad, page 10.

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Fairfield County Edition

79 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich 203-292-9275 • 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and allnatural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad, back cover.

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PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

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

Holistic and strength-based. Now accepting Saturday appointments for therapy and Reiki. See ad, page 10.

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

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

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

CHRISTINE GUERRERA, LMFT

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

natural awakenings

HARMONY OF THE MIND, BODY, & SOUL, LLC

Anasta Kydes, MA, NCC, LPC, ACSM, CPT (Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Personal Trainer) 91 East Ave, Norwalk 203-318-4514 • AnastaKydes@yahoo.com A client centered approach is taken in a supportive, non-judgmental, empathetic, and compassionate environment. I teach coping skills to help manage life’s challenges and incorporate exercise and meditation upon your request to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. See ad, page 15.

ROBIN ORDAN, LCSW

Family, Child, Individual & Couples Therapy Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-561-8535 • RobinOrdanLCSW.com Robin has more than 18 years of experience working with families and children. Specializing in Divorce, Parent/ Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment/Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad, page 60.

DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

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

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

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

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

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT 100B Danbury Rd, Ste 101, Ridgefield 203-438-3050 TurningPointReiki.com TurningPointShare.com

HUNTER HEALING HANDS

JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

RIVER’S EDGE REIKI Lori Haggerty Usui Reiki Master Bethel • 203-994-8978 RiversEdgeReiki.com

Jessica C. Hunter 203-916-8381 HunterHealingHands@hotmail.com HunterHealingHands.com Healing sessions in shamanic healing, Melody crystal healing, reiki, shamanic intuitive readings. Accredited and certification training programs in reiki, crystal healing, and shamanic healing. See ad, page 8.

We specialize in today’s latest skin rejuvenation. Anti-aging and acne treatment, massage, facials, hair removal, acupuncture, lymphatic drainage, VelaShape for cellulite treatment and more.

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

See ad, page 51.

SPIRITUAL ARTS, LLC

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

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

WELLNESS CENTER

CODY SMOLIK, LLC

Offices in Fairfield County; Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY; Greenville, SC Cody.Smolik@gmail.com Cody-Smolik-Rolf-SI.com • 917-544-4412

7EFIT SPA

Advanced Rolf Practitioner/ Structural Integrator – align and transform the body via the fascial system. Ease pain, chronic injury, scar tissue (burns); gain resilience, flexibility, improve balance and movement. Structural Integration offers long lasting results.

NATURAL BEAUTY SPA

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

WESTPORT ROLFING

Providing Rolfing Structural Integration to Fairfield County.

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

See ad, page 9.

Kure Spa rovides a place for people to rely on as part of their weekly routine to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Experience our 4-Pillars of Health for 30-days and we’ll transform your life to one of Health, Healing & Vitality! Offering Vibrosaun, massage, and an organic juice bar. See ad, page 11.

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ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION Kaia Yoga Studio, Westport and Fairfield near Merritt exit 46 Sachi: 203-216-9720 Sachi@WestportRolfing.com Mikel: 203-216-9770 Mikel@WestportRolfing.com

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

4154 Madison Ave, Trumbull 203-502-8503 Natural.BeautySpa@hotmail.com CTNaturalBeauty.com

TRANSFORMATIVE HEALING

Feeling the negative effects of a high stress life? Illness, unhappiness, exhaustion? Experience the power of Reiki and how it can restore you physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sessions for adults, children and senior citizens (geriatrics is my specialty!). Reiki training classes offered for all levels. See ad, page 38.

KURE SPA

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

SALTANA CAVE

590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-969-4327 SaltanaCave.com Fairfield County’s first and only therapeutic Himalayan salt cave provides relief from respiratory issues such as allergies, asthma, and side effects of smoking and pollution. Salt is naturally antiinflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit. See ad, page 19.

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April 2016

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COSMIC RHYTHMS

by Alethea Hunt

A

n Aries New Moon on April 7 gets engines revving; however, the prevailing energy is rather volatile so there’s a “caution” flag thrown out despite the mood being set for action. Whatever you may be trying to initiate near this lunation, take your time because more planning may be in order. You may need to hold your horses and slow things down a bit for any number of reasons, and things like bureaucratic red tape may even gum up the works. Know that Mars sits nearly at a standstill ahead of its retrograde on April 17, potentially blocking or inhibiting momentum. Be advised there is a good chance that whatever you start now may take much longer to come to fruition than anticipated, thus you may need more patience.

Regarding this Mars Retrograde, it runs from April 17 until June 29. Know the hazards of taking action toward a goal if the following are not accounted for: • A challenging obstacle or impediment you may not foresee that can dissipate motivation • Whatever is initiated may require more work than expected • Being sidetracked and/or tripping yourself up over little things that don’t matter. Ask yourself with every move if it is relevant to what you are doing so you do not lose big-picture context

On April 22, a Full Moon Scorpio means cravings for intense or even sordid emotional scenarios may arise, so be very aware of any feelings the subconscious may drag up; especially if so-called “ugly” emotions surface. Don’t let them simmer stagnantly away; it is not a time to bury, but to unearth and heal.

On another level, there’s a “paramour” type of vibe and strong feelings can surface within this dichotomy of Mistress (or Mister) and Mate. For this reason, even in “open” unions, it’s best not to play with fire if looking to keep a current partner. Feelings of jealousy, resentment and/or possessiveness are easily evoked under a Scorpio Moon.

Do be aware because it’s possible a subconscious compulsion could create quite an emotional undertow now. Spiritually, these kinds of situations seem symptomatic of a collective discomfort with “letting go”. The reason they may surface is to trigger the breakup of a relationship that has lingered past its expiration date yet is still clung to for security—the “other (wo)man” may just be a catalyst. Rather than create a messy emotional scene or be the one still holding on when a union is legitimately over, let go and go your own way.

Lastly, Mercury retrogrades in financially-oriented Taurus April 28-May 22, so double/triple check any financial agreements before/ during this period. Don’t sign on the dotted line if you don’t “have to”, as there is a higher chance a deal is predicated on misinformation—whether accidental or intentional. Check bank statements for possible errors as well because a discrepancy, data glitch or something else can affect wallets. This is why it’s also not an opportune time to purchase/install/update accounting software. That aside, this can actually be a really lucrative phase for generating moneymaking ideas; just don’t act on them right away. Turn them around your mind from multiple angles first, waiting until well after the retrograde ends to implement.

A practitioner of Western Tropical astrology, Alethea Hunt has been practicing for more than 17 years. Connect with her at 203-9176312, Alethea@EmpoweredDestiny.com or EmpoweredDestiny.com.

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displayadvertiserindex Acupuncture Center/ Ingri Boe-Wiegaard 23 Acupuncture Healing CT/ Jody Eisemann 33 AcuThin Westport 4 Advanced Healing Skin Cream 47 Associates in Family Chiropractic and Natural Health Care 5 Jill Badyrka 10 Judith Barr 15 The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Medical 2 The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center: Dental 2 The Center for Natural Health 33 Central Services 24 Chamomille Natural Foods 56 Change-Changing-Changed/ Coalition of Co-Creators 29 The Clean Bedroom 72 Conscious Craft Trunk Show 14 Crystal Visions 15 CT Headache & Migraine Center 25 DoTerra/Lori Haggerty 38 Michael E. Doyle, MD/ Stamford Integrative Medicine 37 Eat Naturall 55 Embody the Sacred 19 Eyecare Associates 26 Fairfield Earth Day Celebration 9 Final Journey LLC 43 Debra Gibson, ND 17 Health 2 Go 41 Healthy Choice Mattress 12 Hedge Trimming by Thomas 10 Homefront Farmers 20 Housatonic Valley Waldorf School 52 Hunter Healing Hands 8 Ifloat 51 Insight Counseling/Creative Visualization Workshop 23 Insight Counseling/Recovery Tours 3 The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition 32 Jiiva Yoga 53 Kairali Wellness Center 9 Kindred Spirits 35 Kure Spa 11 Anasta Kydes/Harmony of the Mind, Body & Soul 15 Beth Leas 51 LifePath Yoga & Wellness 53 Lipo-Light Westport 35 Lyme Epidemic Conference 13

Deanne Mincer 51 Mind-Body Transformation 16 Mind-Body Transformation 27 Mother Earth Gallery 60 Mowatt Painting & Services 54 Natural Awakenings’ Franchise Sales 71 Natural Health & Wellness Center 7 Natural Solutions 38 Nature’s Temptations Healthy Food Market 57 Nature’s Way Natural Foods 56 New Milford Hospital Integrative Medicine 5 Newtown Earth Day 22 Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 46 Nutrition Rescue/Jessica Moon 10 Olivette 59 Robin Ordan, LMT 15 Robin Ordan, LCSW 60 Organic Sleep at Sleep Etc 39 Prescription for Wellness/ Mary Gilbertson 16 Pryority Wellness 48 Julie Punishill 51 PuREST Float Spa 30 Ann Reeves 10 Salon Aponte 37 Salt of the Earth Therapeutic Spa 19 Shalva Clinic/Ellen Lewis, ND 4 Victoria Shaw, PhD 35 SNO Organics 45 Soul Focus/Mela Rispoli 19 Sticks & Stones Farm 19 Hilda Swaby 51 Total Life Care Center 51 Touch of Sedona 13 TreeTech 24 True Health Family Chiropractic 18 Two Coyotes Wilderness School 31 Unity Center for Practical Spirituality 34 University of Bridgeport Clinics 7 Wellness Institute/ Marvin Schweitzer, ND 41 Westbrook Nature School 37 Westport Farmers Market 57 Westport Rolfing 9 Whole Fit Studio 53 Whole Foods 59 Wilton Go Green 33 Woodbury Earth Day 14 Worden Wellness Center 16

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