Natural Awakenings Fairfield County November 2013

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P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

NEW

Section Special Edition

Tools for Conscious

LIVING Healing Body and Soul

Marianne Williamson on the Miracle of Midlife

Elizabeth Gilbert Soul Sister

November 2013 | Fairfield County Edition | eNaturalAwakenings.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

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The Natural Choice – The Breiner Whole-Body Health Center

Optimize Your Smile and Your Health!

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

Mark A. Breiner, DDS

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

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

WholeBodyDentistry.com 203-371-0300

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

Doesn’t it make sense to see the authority?

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

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

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

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

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

From left to right:

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

WholeBodyMed.com 203-371-8258

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

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

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

Call now for details.

Office located on the Fairfield/Trumbull line

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

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

WHY AN ORGANIC MATTRESS IS RIGHT FOR YOU

WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY WHY AN AN AN AN AN AN ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS ISISISRIGHT ISIS RIGHT ISRIGHT RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR FOR YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU YOU

While While While we While While we While sleep, we sleep, we sleep, we we sleep, our sleep, our sleep, our immune immune our our immune our immune immune system immune system system system system recovers system recovers recovers recovers recovers recovers will willbattle will battle will battle will will battle these battle these battle these these rather these rather these rather rather than rather than rather than repair than repair than repair than repair itself. repair itself. repair itself. itself. itself. itself. and and and prepares and prepares and prepares and prepares prepares prepares forforthe for the for day the for day for the day the ahead. the ahead. day day ahead. day ahead. ahead.

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Organic Organic Organic Organic Organic Innerspring Organic Innerspring Innerspring Innerspring Innerspring Innerspring Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses

Natural Natural Natural Natural Latex Natural Latex Natural Latex Organic Latex Organic Latex Latex Organic Organic Organic Mattresses Organic Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses Mattresses

While we sleep, our immune system recovers and prepares for the day ahead. If your mattress is filled with airborne allergens and chemical toxins, your immune system will battle these rather than repair

itself. Regular bedding & mattresses are laden with polyurethane foam, toxic flame retardants, and water or stain resistant chemicals.

When we found out what was in our mattress, my husband said, ‘Every mother in the world should know what they are putting their child on That was 2004, and the Clean Our Our cotton Our cotton Our cotton Our Our innerspring cotton innerspring cotton cotton innerspring innerspring innerspring innerspring mattresses mattresses mattresses mattresses mattresses mattresses are are made are made are made are with are made with made with made with with withWhen When When itWhen comes itWhen comes itWhen comes itatcomes to it night.’ comes itto latex comes latex to latex to there’s to there’s latex to latex there’s latex “natural” there’s there’s “natural” there’s “natural” “natural” “natural” and “natural” and then and then and then and there’s and there’s then then there’s then there’s there’s there’s organic organic organic organic cotton organic cotton organic cotton batting cotton batting cotton cotton batting batting and batting and batting organic and organic and organic and and organic wool organic wool organic wool – free –wool free wool – wool from free –from free – from free – free from from from “all“all natural”. “all natural”. “all natural”. “all natural”. “all We natural”.

We natural”. sell We sell We only sell We only We sell only “all sell “all sell only natural” only “all natural” only “all natural” “all natural” “all latex natural” latex natural” latex mattresses mattresses latex latex mattresses latex mattresses mattresses mattresses Bedroom was born.

chemicals chemicals chemicals chemicals chemicals and chemicals and pesticides! and pesticides! and pesticides! and and pesticides! pesticides! pesticides!

Great Great Great for Great for Great those for Great those for those for who those for who those who are those are who who are who are are are soso you so you sleep so you so sleep you so sleep you chemical-free. you sleep chemical-free. sleep chemical-free. sleep chemical-free. chemical-free. chemical-free.

Beware Beware Beware Beware mattress Beware mattress Beware mattress mattress mattress stores mattress stores stores stores stores stores —Chris Chamberlin, Co-founder online online online and online and online in and online in your and your in and and your neighborhood inin neighborhood your in your neighborhood your neighborhood neighborhood neighborhood selling selling selling “natural” selling “natural” selling selling “natural” “natural” “natural” or“natural” or or ororor forfor families for families for families for families for on families on families a on budget a budget on a on budget aon a budget because budget abecause budget because because because anbecause an innerspring an innerspring an innerspring an innerspring an innerspring innerspring is is is is is is “green” “green” “green” “green” or“green” or “sustainable” “green” or “sustainable” “sustainable” oror “sustainable” or “sustainable” “sustainable” foam foam foam mattresses. foam mattresses. foam mattresses. foam mattresses. mattresses. mattresses.

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FIND FIND FIND AFIND A FIND HUGE FIND A HUGE HUGE AAHUGE SELECTION AHUGE SELECTION HUGE SELECTION SELECTION SELECTION SELECTION OF OFTHE THE OF THE OF THE OF BEST OF THE BEST THE BEST THE ORGANIC BEST ORGANIC BEST BEST ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES MATTRESSES THE IN THE IN THE WORLD INTHE WORLD INTHE WORLD THE WORLD WORLD WORLD FIND A HUGE SELECTION OF BEST ORGANIC MATTRESSES INININ THE WORLD Queen Queen Queen $1799 Queen $1799 Queen $1799 Queen $1799 $1799 $1799 Queen Queen Queen $2439 Queen $2439 Queen $2439 Queen $2439 $2439 $2439 Queen Queen Queen $2549 Queen $2549 Queen $2549 Queen $2549 $2549 $2549 Queen Queen Queen $2530 Queen $2530 Queen $2530 Queen $2530 $2530 $2530 Queen Queen Queen $2875 Queen $2875 Queen $2875 Queen $2875 $2875 $2875 Queen Queen Queen $4398 Queen $4398 Queen $4398 Queen $4398 $4398 $4398

Naturepedic Naturepedic Naturepedic Naturepedic Essentials Naturepedic Essentials Naturepedic Essentials Essentials Essentials Essentials OrganicPedic OrganicPedic OrganicPedic OrganicPedic byOrganicPedic OMI by OrganicPedic OMI by Duo OMI Duo by by OMI Duo OMI by Savvy Duo OMI Savvy Duo Rest Duo Savvy Rest Serenity Savvy Rest Serenity Savvy Savvy Rest Serenity Rest Serenity Rest Serenity Serenity Best Best Seller Best Seller Oyasumi Best Seller Oyasumi Best Seller Best Oyasumi Seller Oyasumi Seller Oyasumi Oyasumi Royal Royal Organics Royal Organics Royal Organics Royal

by Organics RoyalPedic Royal byOrganics RoyalPedic byOrganics RoyalPedic by by RoyalPedic Green RoyalPedic byGreen RoyalPedic Sleep Green Sleep Green Dolcezza Sleep Green Dolcezza Green Sleep Dolcezza Sleep Luxury Dolcezza Sleep Luxury Dolcezza Luxury Dolcezza Luxury Luxury Luxury

TheCleanBedroom

WHY YOU SHOULD PURCHASE YOUR ORGANIC WHY WHY WHY YOU WHY YOU WHY YOU SHOULD WHY SHOULD YOU YOU SHOULD YOU SHOULD SHOULD PURCHASE SHOULD PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE PURCHASE YOUR YOUR YOUR ORGANIC YOUR ORGANIC YOUR ORGANIC YOUR ORGANIC ORGANIC ORGANIC MATTRESS FROM THE CLEAN BEDROOM MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS MATTRESS FROM FROM FROM THE FROM THE FROM CLEAN THE FROM CLEAN THE CLEAN THE THE BEDROOM CLEAN CLEAN BEDROOM CLEAN BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM BEDROOM We have an A+ rating with the Better Business Th e Finest Organic Mattresses & Bedding inhusband When When When weWhen we found When we found When found we out we found out we what found out what found out what was out was what out in what was in our what was our inwas mattress, our was in mattress, in our mattress, in our mattress, our my mattress, my mattress, husband my husband my husband my husband my husband We We have We have We have an We an have A+ We have an A+ rating have A+ an rating an A+ rating an with A+ rating with A+ rating the with rating the Better with the with Better with the Better Business the Better Business the Better Business Better Business Bureau.

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Our Clean Clean Clean Bedroom Clean Bedroom Clean Bedroom Clean Bedroom was Bedroom was Bedroom born. was born. was born. was was born. born. born.

Greenwich at 79 East Putnam Ave | 203.292.9275 and and construction. and construction. and construction. and and construction. construction. construction.

Our Our extensive Our extensive Our extensive Our Our extensive product extensive product extensive product product knowledge product knowledge product knowledge knowledge knowledge helps knowledge helps helps helps helps helps extensive product knowledge helps you select the —Chris —Chris —Chris —Chris Chamberlin, —Chris Chamberlin, —Chris Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Chamberlin, Co-founder Co-founder Co-founder Co-founder Co-founder Co-founder you you select you select you select you the select you the mattress select the mattress select the mattress the mattress the and mattress and mattress bedding and bedding and bedding and and bedding that bedding that bedding is that right is that right is that for right that is for is you. right for right is you. right Our you. for Our for you. for Our you. you.

Our Our Our Manhattan at 230 5th Ave | 212.889.1091 mattress and bedding that is right for you. Our prices eNaturalAwakenings.com November 2013 3 prices prices prices are prices are prices fair. are prices fair.

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WELCOME TO COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS… a series of social and networking events sponsored by Natural Awakenings magazine Whether you’re a reader, advertiser, contributor, distributor, (or all of these!)

Natural Awakenings appreciates your participation in the community of like-minded people striving to make the world a better place!

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

CT Native Elizabeth Gilbert on The Signature of All Things

by Susan Bloom

22 FAST TRACK TO

PERSONAL GROWTH

Transform Your Life with Mentors, Books, Workshops and Online Courses

by Bess J.M. Hochstein

and Soul

A Return to Our Shamanic Roots

by Deana Paqua

Beginning in October, we’re partnering each month with local businesses and practitioners to create occasions for in-person gatherings.

IDEA EXCHANGE • INSPIRATION EDUCATION • FUN! Friday, November 15 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Ifloat Holistic Happy Hour 163 Main Street Westport, CT Thursday, December 12 5:30 – 7:30 pm TLC Center Winter Festival* 152 East Avenue, Norwalk

PLEASE JOIN US!

31 The Feldenkrais

® Method

Easing Movement Eases Life

by Carol Lessinger

35 EARTH ANIMAL

On a Mission to Heal Animals and the Humans who Love them

by Nicole Miale

OF MIDLIFE

Being Exactly Who We Need to Be

by Marianne Williamson

46 GRAIN FREE &

BRAIN BRIGHT

How Wheat, Carbs and Sugar

by Linda Sechrist

48 Healing Power of Music & Sound

*Vendors/exhibitors wanted

by Jennifer Zulli

natural awakenings

41

41 THE MIRACLE

are Affecting Your Brain Health

Call 203-885-4674 for more information

Fairfield County Edition

22

26 Healing Body

LEARN CONNECT EXPLORE

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20

20 Soul Sister

46 48

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14 7 newsbriefs 14 healthbriefs 16 globalbriefs 32 naturallyhealthypet 33 petbriefs 38 38 naturalpet 39 peteventscalendar 40 petresourceguide 42 fitbody 44 inspiration 46 consciouseating 53 calendar 58 classifieds 59 resourceguide

advertising & submissions how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 203-885-4674 or email NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

Editorial submissions Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for News Briefs: the 5th of the month. calendar submissions Visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Deadline for magazine calendar listings: the 5th of the month. Website calendar listings may be entered at any time. regional markets Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

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

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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

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

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

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

We offer:

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

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

THE D’ADAMO TEACHING SHIFT

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

(203) 366-0526

WWW.GENERATIVEMEDICINE.ORG eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

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contact us Publisher/Managing Editor Nicole Miale Assistant Editor Ariana Rawls Fine Design & Production Erica Mills Sales & Marketing Nicole Miale Virginia Trinque Distribution Man in Motion LLC Natural Awakenings Fairfield County Phone: 203-885-4674 Fax: 203-516-2392 NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com

eNaturalAwakenings.com NAWebstore.com NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

utumn is a fitting time for Natural Awakenings to embark on an in-depth exploration of Conscious Living. This season is foremost about change and transition, which to me is a partial definition of conscious living. The very act of becoming conscious often spurs movement where before there might have been inaction or inertia.

Many of the articles this month resonate to this theme of embracing change, personal growth and healing. We have insightful articles from Fairfield County native and best-selling Nicole & Tonka author Elizabeth Gilbert and spiritual leader (and newly announced CA Congressional candidate!) Marianne Williamson, as well as several pieces by local thought leaders highlighting various paths you can take to a happier, healthier you. We are blessed in this area to be near many leading centers devoted to personal transformation… take advantage of what is available so close to you!

We’re thrilled to introduce in this issue our new Naturally Healthy Pet section!

Instead of a single article covering topics related to pet health each month, we’re introducing a more robust section dedicated to the needs of furred, feathered, and scaled companion pets. We began expanding distribution of the magazine to pet-related businesses a few months ago – increasing our circulation significantly – and this process will continue. Everyone benefits from this expansion: the amazing local pet resources and businesses, readers, advertisers, and of course, the animals themselves! The pages shaded in green mark the pet section so you can quickly identify the section by that green border. Please recommend us to your pet-related connections; we welcome submissions and inquiries. On this page are a few pictures of my own furkids, two rescue dogs and three newly rescued kittens.

I treasure their companionship and loving presence in my life.

A healing practitioner once told me conscious gratitude and abundance operate like a fountain in your life… the more you have, the more you will receive. I wish you all abundance, gratitude and joy this season. May these things flow like a fountain in your life now and always.

With love and light,

© 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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.

Jojo and Phoebe

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

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Fairfield County Edition

Shiloh natural awakenings

Ross

Calling to Career Tele-Summit

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he Calling to Career TeleSummit interview series airs from November 10 to 16. The program features Connecticut healers and spiritually-minded business people who have taken their desire to serve humanity and turned it into a business and a fulfilling way of life.

Rachel Archelaus of Psychiclife.tv will be interviewing Sherri Conroy (shaman), Daniel Scranton (Channeler of “The Creators” and Reiki Master), Megan Crandlemire (website and marketing expert), Chantal Guillou-Brennan (Quantum Healing Hypnosis practitioner), Jennifer Zulli (sound healer, composer and SOUND Center Arts owner) and Maya Cointreau (author and Enchanted Realmz owner). The series will focus on how they have merged the physical and spiritual in a way that supports them and their work.

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Cost: $125 ($115 before November 7). To register: email Melene Rose at RT4res@gmail.com or call 203-403-3338. For more information, visit CarolLessinger.com, CFRhealing.com or Feldenkrais.com. See ad, page 24.

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workshop entitled “The 3 P’s…

Perception, Posture and the Psoas Muscle,” focusing on core strength for physical and mental health, is coming to Danbury on November 16, 2013 from 10am to 4:30pm. The presenter, Carol Lessinger, is a senior teacher of the Feldenkrais Method® and Cortical Field Reeducation® with over 40 years teaching experience. For the past 3 years, Carol has Carol Lessinger created the material for the “3 P” workshop in response to her own need to understand and develop core strength.

The workshop will take place at A Common Ground Arts and Dance Studio at 33 Crosby St., Danbury. In this workshop, there will be anatomy lessons, then gentle movement sequences to experientially bring the information together.

The day will be filled with an emphasis on ease. Beginners or advanced students are welcome but the ability to get up and down from the floor without assistance is helpful. Carol Lessinger will also be available for private sessions November 17-19.

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A Unique Boutique with Heartfelt Purpose

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

203-438-7146

452 Main St, Ridgefield

Touch Of Sedona

touchofsedonaridgefield.com Open Every Day Until 5:30

Master’s in Nutrition Online

• Increase revenue possibilities by offering expanded wellness services to patients

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

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

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

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

For more information and to register for free, visit FromCallingToCareer.com. eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

7

newsbriefs Donaldson Financial Wellness Network Launched In Westport

D

Call us at or email us at today!

Fit. Figured Out. Koko FitClub Smartraining.

It’s fast, motivating, and so effective, it’s patented!

Call Today For A Free Fitness Assessment.

Koko FitClub of Ridgefield ridgefield.kokofitclub.com 203.894.5055

Koko FitClub of Westport westport.kokofitclub.com 203.557.3994

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

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

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

203-261-2838 SalonAponte.com

onaldson Financial Wellness Network, LLC has opened its doors at 191 Post Road West in Westport. Principal Bill Donaldson specialBill Donaldson izes in helping individuals or couples through the financial issues of divorce and offers amicable ways to traverse that process.

In addition to 15 years in the financial advisory business, Donaldson’s background includes 10 years as a Certified Financial Planner. He is currently President of the Collaborative Divorce Team of CT, a Past President and current Treasurer of the CT Council for NonAdversarial Divorce and a past board member of the Association for Divorce Financial Professionals.

For more information, call 203-2212848 or visit DonaldsonFWN.com.

New Natural Frontier Market Opens in Stamford

N

atural Frontier Market, a company entering its 12th year, has opened a new Stamford market in addition to its current Manhattan and Brooklyn locations. The store offers a selection of nourishing food and environmentally friendly products, as well as a juice bar and deli. The store, which celebrated its grand opening in October, sells vitamins and supplements, specializing in organic and natural products.

Location: 80 Prospect Street, Stamford.

For more information, call 203-3482973 or visit NaturalfrontierMarket.net.

See ad, page 9.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Koko FitClubs’ Chief Fitness Officer to Appear in Westport

Natural Frontier Market

Stamford, CT Offering the Best in Quality and Price

M

ichael Wood, the national Chief Fitness Officer of Koko FitClubs, will be making an appearance at Koko FitClubs of Ridgefield and Westport at Michael Woods their Westport location at 619 Post Road East on November 7, 2013 from 3-7pm. In addition to celebrating local members’ successes, he will be speaking about Koko FitClub’s Smartraining approach to strength and cardio training. On November 8, Michael Wood will lead a hike in the Devil’s Den Preserve in Weston, CT beginning at 10am.

Koko’s patented Smartraining System Technology, developed with assistance from the Founding Director of the MIT Center for Sports Innovation, is a personalized, technology-driven program.

For additional information, call 203-894-5055 in Ridgefield or 203-557-3994 in Westport or visit KokoFitClub.com. See ad, page 8.

Healing Center Opens in Wilton

F

orza5 Holistic Fitness and Healing Center, a new fitness-body and mind-spirit center, has opened in Wilton. Forza5 offers plyogalates, Nirvana, Reiki, energy work, full moon meditations and intuitive readings in its meditation and yoga rooms. The fully equipped gym has cardio equipment and weight machines and offers one-on-one personal training and group fitness classes.

The founder, Lisa Tenore, is a trained personal trainer, group fitness instructor, mat pilates and yoga teacher and intuitive in addition to being certified in Reiki, One Light Touch Healing Energy Work and Natural Health Consulting work.

Location: 1047 Danbury Rd, Wilton. For more information, call 203-247-4175. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 60.

Purchase over $50 - Get an extra 5% off the total bill! k Organic Produce k Natural Products k Dairy Free Products k Vegan

k Raw k Gluten Free k Non GMO k Bulk

k Juice Bar k Health & Beauty Aids k Vitamins & Supplements 20%-50% off everyday

Don’t forget to ask for Student and Senior Discount!

Free Home Delivery Available

203-348-7973 k www.NaturalFrontierMarket.com

Open 7 Days 8:00AM - 9:00PM k 80 Prospect St. Stamford, CT

The best thing about our products

is what we leave out!

No Ammonia • No Parabens No Scalp Staining No Scalp Discomfort

Long lasting beautiful colors WITHOUT using harsh chemicals!

Kim RoacH • 15 Square Acre Dr., Stamford 203.461.9543 x1 • Mon & Wed 9-7, Sat 9-5 Book Appt’s Online At: Vagaro.com/KimRoach

complimentary Glaze For New Clients! ($30 value)

His Holiness has a Fan Page. Do You?

We all Want to be LIKED

203.548.7785 Rob@SocialResultsToday.com eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

9

newsbriefs Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa Debuts in Brookfield

H

and and Stone Massage and Facial Spa recently opened in Brookfield to provide professional spa experiences at affordable prices with same day walk in convenience. The spa offers services including facials with licensed estheticians, massages in several treatment rooms and private rooms reserved for couples and other services.

John Marco, COO and Founder, has said of Hand and Stone, “as a physical therapist, I saw an opportunity to bring the spa experience to mainstream America. It used to be massage was offered at high‐end or day spas only. My vision has been to offer therapeutic massage and more recently facials, at an affordable price and make it convenient for consumers’ busy lifestyles.”

Hand and Stone welcomes same-day appointments and walk-ins and is open 7 days a week and late on weekdays.

Location: 143 Federal Road, Brookfield. For more information or to purchase gift cards, visit HandAndStone.com. See ad, page 11.

Essence of Life Celebrates Anniversary; Announces Holiday Fundraiser

E

ssence of Life Massage and Holistic Center in Brookfield is celebrating its first anniversary and this year their annual fundraising events on November 9 and 23, 2013 from 9am to 1pm will benefit a single mother with her holiday needs.

“I’m becoming a grandmother myself this year,” Essence of Life founder Kimberly Joyner explains. “My daughter has a large, loving family so all her needs and her children’s’ needs will be met. But I myself was a single mother and struggled to provide for my children. I realized Essence of Life could help a single mom with a newborn who needs support.”

Donations of unwrapped baby items/supplies are requested, and, plants and other products will be available for purchase. All donors will receive $5 off their next massage or Reiki treatment at the studio.

Essence of Life Massage and Holistic Center offers services such as therapeutic and Thai massage and Reiki treatments as well as henna art, CPR and Reiki classes. The studio also offers Mother Earth natural skin and hair products.

Readers who schedule an appointment and mention Natural Awakenings will receive a one-hour massage for only $50.

Location: 246 Federal Rd, C-23b, Brookfield. For more information, visit Essence-Of-Life.net or call 203-297-0037.

GET YOUR HEALTH BACK IN BALANCE...

naturally.

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

You may have an untreated nutritional or hormonal imbalance.

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

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

Michael E. Doyle, Md • 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com 10

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Winemaking Club Opens in Danbury

The Healing Arts Consortium Launches at Dew Yoga in Stamford

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D

ew Yoga welcomes a cooperative of healing art practitioners called The Healing Arts Consortium to the Stamford studio. Massage, Acupuncture, Reflexology, Prenatal Services, Ayurveda and various energy healing modalities are among the range of offerings through The Consortium, provided by experienced therapists, many well known to the Fairfield County community.

Readers are invited to help the collaborative grow and develop future mind/body/spirit programs with the group, which is an evolving entity. Information on which of the group’s practitioners will be available throughout the week is available on The Healing Arts Consortium’s page on Facebook.

Location: Dew Yoga, 123 High Ridge Road 3rd floor in Stamford. To book private appointments, visit TheHealingArtsConsortium.com or contact Manager Julia Supple at SuppleYoga@gmail.com.

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helter Rock Winery’s Winemaking Club has opened its doors in Danbury and is open to for those who wish to participate in the art and science of winemaking. Owner Giovanni Petretta’s intention is to teach the purity of natural sulfite-free winemaking and guide members through the process.

The Shelter Rock club concept is simple: a group of friends purchases grapes which arrive from Sonoma and other areas of California in the fall, then host a winemaking event where all have the chance to crush grapes, bottle, and label their product. During the event, participants enjoy samples of wine made from last year’s harvest of grapes from Petretta’s private label “Casa Petretta Cellars.”

A membership can be shared among six people, with each member receiving 46 to 48 bottles. The winemaking club will operate seasonally - from September through November - with choices of Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Chardonnay and more.

Location: 5 Shelter Rock Rd., Danbury, Building D. For more information For more information, email ShelterRockWinery@gmail.com or call 203-744-9488.

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November 2013

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kudos Dr. Breanna Bongiorno, D.C. Joins Pro-Health Chiropractic

Stillpoint Owner Joins Volunteer Program

ro-Health Chiropractic announced the recent addition of Dr. Breanna Bongiorno, DC to their Southport office. Dr. Breanna Bongiorno (“Dr. Bre”) recently completed her chiropractic training at the University Of Bridgeport, College of Chiropractic. Prior to her chiropractic education, she obtained a degree in healthcare administration.

In addition to general wellness, she foBreanna Bongiorno cuses on prenatal and post-partum care, with particular attention to fertility and pregnancy wellness.

Dr. Robert Kipp, president of Pro-Health Chiropractic, said, “We are very fortunate to have Dr. Bongiorno joining our team.

She has tremendous passion for helping people live a healthier life, and she possesses the techniques to help them achieve it.

We look forward to a long-term relationship with Dr. Bre.”

heila LaSella, LMT, NCBTMB and owner of Stillpoint Massage & Healing Therapies, LLC in Fairfield, is now participating in the Reiki Volunteer Program at Yale New Haven Hospital. Patients or their families may request Reiki and a practitioner will provide brief session(s) in the comfort of the patient’s room.

Reiki is a gentle, hands-on healSheila LaSella ing technique that promotes relaxation, healing and rest. Reiki stimulates the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. Reiki and other forms of complementary medicine, such as massage therapy and acupuncture, are now available in major area hospitals such as Yale.

LaSella practices massage therapy, Reiki and Polarity Therapy at her office in Fairfield.

Pro-Health Chiropractic is located at 2600 Post Rd, Suite L2, Southport, CT. For more information, visit YourProHealth.com or call 203-333-2700.

Stillpoint Massage & Healing Therapies, LLC is located at 1885 Post Road, Fairfield. For more information, call 203-927-4055 or visit Fairfield.MassageTherapy.com.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

All-Star Transportation’s John Dufour Named “Sustainability All-Star”

J

ohn Dufour, the president of All-Star Transportation, a privatelyheld Connecticut school bus company, has been named a “Sustainability All-Star” by Green Fleet magazine based on his efforts to green the company’s school bus fleet. The award was presented at the 2013 Green Fleet Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

This year, All-Star Transportation John Dufour purchased propane-driven vehicles to run its 51-bus fleet serving the Torrington Public Schools on more environmentally friendly propane gas. The school district also benefited by getting a 50 cent per gallon tax reimbursement for switching to an alternative fuel and a fuel tax exemption of 18 cents per gallon. All-Star Transportation also utilizes several hybrid vehicles and recycles all waste fluids from its diesel vehicles to heat its maintenance facilities.

“This is well-deserved recognition among your peers and the key movers and shakers in the area of sustainability,” said Lauren Fletcher, Managing Editor of Green Fleet about Dufour.

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inmemorium

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ohn R. Voell, father, author and visionary co-founder of Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation, has served as a mentor to our family of publishers for 15 years. During John’s time with us, the Universe responded to his faithful living of the principle to love God, one’s self and others by providing fertile soil for the big ideas he relished nurturJohn Voell ing. His books, Cancer: How to Heal It—How to Prevent It and Cancer Report, as well as his latest development project, United We Can, were just a few of the ways that John allowed himself to be an instrument of the Divine in helping humankind.

John was passionate about the success of our magazine, pleased and proud that the now 90-strong family of Natural Awakenings franchise publishers touch the lives of millions of readers each month. He’s known around here for saying, “I don’t know what your spiritual beliefs are, but I believe that when I leave this world, I’m going to somehow measure my success by those I’ve helped along the way.” Those that knew and worked with him would say that he more than succeeded—he soared.

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natural awakenings

healthbriefs

Mindful Meditation Relieves Inflammation

A

new University of Wisconsin-Madison study shows that meditation, a proven reducer of psychological stress, can also lessen stress-caused inflammation and thereby relieve the symptoms and pain of certain diseases. Long-term stress has long been linked to inflammation, an underlying cause of many diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, bowel disease, asthma, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes.

Meditation study volunteers were divided into two groups—an eight-week mindfulness meditation course or a stress reduction program of supportive nutrition, exercise and music therapy that did not include meditation. The meditation group focused attention on the breath, bodily sensations and mental content while seated, walking or practicing yoga.

Immune and endocrine data was collected before and after training in the two methods and meditation proved to be more effective. Melissa Rosenkranz, a neuroscientist with the university’s Center for Investigating Healthy Minds and lead author of the report, concludes that, “The mindfulness-based approach to stress reduction may offer a lower-cost alternative or complement to standard treatment, and it can be practiced easily by patients in their own homes whenever needed.”

Walnuts Strengthen Sperm

A

dding a handful of walnuts to a man’s daily diet might just increase the chance of pregnancy for couples with fertility problems.

Scientists attribute male infertility as the central issue in 30 to 50 percent of the 70 million couples worldwide experiencing such difficulties.

Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, investigated whether increasing intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fish, flax seed and walnuts that are critical for sperm maturation and membrane function would increase sperm quality in men consuming a typical Western-style diet.

They found that less than three ounces of walnuts added to a man’s daily diet improved sperm strength, size and motility (swimming ability). The men eating the walnuts also showed fewer chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm.

Tanning Beds Invite Melanoma

Natural Awakenings Singles Site

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s summer tans fade, some might feel tempted to use tanning beds to keep a “healthy glow”, but they may be less than healthy. A recent multi-country meta-study published in the British Medical Journal confirms that exposure to a tanning bed’s intense doses of ultraviolet light significantly increases the risk of cutaneous melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer.

Of the 64,000 new melanoma cases diagnosed each year in Europe, more than 5 percent were linked by researchers to tanning bed use. Users experience a 20 percent increased relative risk of all types of skin cancer compared with those that have never used one. This risk doubles if indoor tanning starts before the age of 35, and the risk increases with every session.

Happy Life, Healthy Heart

F

eelings matter when it comes to protecting a person’s physical health. Researchers at Boston’s Harvard School of Public Health reviewing more than 200 studies published in two major scientific databases found a direct correlation between positive psychological well-being and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. They concluded that positive feelings like optimism, life satisfaction and happiness are associated with the reduced risk, regardless of a person’s age, weight or socioeconomic or smoking status.

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November 2013

15

globalbriefs

Frack Attack

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

Giving Group

Millennials Devote Time, Talent, Treasure Much is rightly written about how and why “millennials”, or “Generation Y”—the young people heading into the 21st century—spend their time and money. This generation is redefining the way we think about business, and conscious consumerism is now its own form of philanthropy.

This age group is leading the charge by extending the premise of a moral compass to for-profit enterprises and looking for ever-more meaningful opportunities to have an impact.

The trend carries fresh implications for the nonprofit sector, too, because millennials lead the way in forwarding worthy causes.

When The Case Foundation partnered with Achieve, a thought leader in nonprofit millennial engagement, to produce the Millennial Impact Report, researchers surveyed more than 2,500 millennials ages 20 to 35. They found that last year, 83 percent gave a financial gift to an organization supporting a cause that resonates with their interests.

Seventy-three percent volunteered for a cause that they were passionate about or felt created impact, and 70 percent are raising money for their causes both online and offline.

Controversial Drilling Threatens Pacific Ocean Federal regulators have approved at least two hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking”, operations on oil rigs in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of California since 2009 without an updated environmental review that critics say may be required by federal law. Environmental advocates are concerned that regulators and the industry have not properly reviewed the potential impacts of fracking in the Pacific outer continental shelf.

Fracking, a subject of heated debate, is a method of drilling that forces water, chemicals and sand deep beneath the Earth’s surface at high pressure to break up underground rock and release oil and gas. Offshore fracking is currently used to stimulate oil production in old wells and provide well-bore stability.

In California, the oil company Venoco has been using fracking technology to stimulate oil production in an old well off the coast of Santa Barbara—where the public memory of the nation’s third-largest oil spill in 1969 lingers—since early 2010. Another firm recently received permission for fracking in the Santa Barbara Channel, home to the Channel Islands Marine Reserve.

So far, offshore fracking is rare, but officials expect that other firms may seek to utilize the environmentally damaging technology on offshore rigs in the future.

Source: Tinyurl.com/PacificFracking

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458 Monroe Tpke, Monroe, CT | 203-268-1ARC (1272) | arcsacredcenter.org | arcsacredcenter@gmail.com 16

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Pass Go

Cooperation Rules in New Board Game Monopoly is a traditional, popular board game that provides fun for the whole family as players ruthlessly strive to outwit each other, form a monopoly and take ownership of all the real estate, houses, hotels and money. If that doesn’t seem like a pastime that teaches values of fairness and social justice, there’s a new game in town—Co-opoly.

In the 21st-century game, invented by the Toolbox for Education and Social Action (ToolboxForEd.org), players develop cooperative businesses using a team effort. Sharing knowledge and creating cooperative strategies determine whether everyone wins or loses. Instead of encouraging players to grab up all the wealth and bankrupt others, it showcases the economic success that can result when people work together.

Capital Idea

Social Networking Funds Local Business Community Sourced Capital (CSC) is a newly formed lender headquartered in Seattle, Washington, that aims to apply the crowdsourcing model to encourage the growth of locally owned businesses. “The hardest part is often not attracting shoppers once the project is off the ground,” explains co-founder Casey Dilloway, “but securing capital to get it started.”

CSC’s objective is to harness the power of the connections that tie local people together—both via social media and in the physical world—to find people willing to loan money to small local businesses. They may initially connect through CommunitySourcedCapital.com.

Lenders make funds available in $50 blocks up to a maximum of $250 per project, and are acknowledged by the receipt of a pale-blue square card bearing the CSC logo, which identifies them as “Squareholders”. The funds are then made available to borrowers at zero interest, and loans are paid back at a designated rate based on the company’s revenue. CSC makes loans of up to $50,000.

Source: Yes magazine

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Serve over rice or noodles if you like.

2 teaspoons canola oil 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 teaspoon red curry paste 2 teaspoons light brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1 (14 ounce) can coconut milk 2 cups low-sodium gluten-free chicken broth 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces, about 4 cups 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 cup shredded coconut, toasted (optional) Lime wedges • Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic and ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant and onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in curry paste, sugar and salt and cook 1 minute longer. Stir in squash, broth and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until squash is tender, 20 to 25 minutes.

• Stir in shrimp and simmer just until cooked through, about 2 minutes. Stir in cilantro, sprinkle with coconut and serve with lime wedges on the side.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

17

globalbriefs Bamboozled

Table Label

Chipotle’s Identifies GMO Ingredients Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not require the labeling of genetically modified organisms (GM or GMO) used as ingredients in any food, the Chipotle Mexican Grill national fast food restaurant chain has chosen to do so, on the way to eliminating them from its menu altogether.

They have already switched fryers from using soybean oil, almost always made from genetically modified sources, to sunflower oil, which is not. With 1,400 locations, Chipotle reports that its labeling system reflects that it does use GMO soybean oil in some of its products and that most of the grain used to feed its animals for meat and dairy is GMO corn. The chain’s success in this effort may also prompt other fast food outlets to follow suit.

Don’t let the fear of striking out hold you back. ~Babe Ruth

18

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Bamboo Fabric a Product of Greenwashing At least one dealer in sustainable products has taken a stand against bamboo fabric, which most people associate with bamboo lumber, a rapidly renewable resource that requires fewer pesticides to grow than other crops. Laura Mathews, of Eco Promotional Products, Inc., in Washington state, cites the Federal Trade Commission’s report: “The truth is, most bamboo textile products, if not all, really are rayon, which typically is made using environmentally toxic chemicals.

While different plants, including bamboo, can be used as a source material to create rayon, there’s no trace of the original plant in the finished rayon product.”

Mathews says that her company has discontinued selling bamboo clothing and all other items made from bamboo fabric. She notes, “It’s the responsibility of everyone to vet these and other similar terms to ensure that the eco-friendly product you’re putting your purchasing power behind is actually eco-friendly.”

Source: EcoPromotionsOnline.com

ecotip Digital Detox

Unplug to Cut Stress, Up Success Whether it’s extreme texting, tweeting, Googling, posting or blogging, the phenomenon of being caught in the web of the Web is real. Rationalizations range from coping with today’s information overload to fear of missing out (FOMO).

Yet, detriments of such continual digital connectedness range from the stifling of family and social bonds to a lack of life skills that only face-to-face communication fosters.

In 2011, The New York University Child Study Center reported that 8-to-18-year-olds average more than six hours of daily media use and that school grades of a surveyed group that considered themselves “heavy” users were considerably lower than their “light” use counterparts. Stanford Communications Professor Clifford Nass, author of The Man Who Lied

to His Laptop, remarked in a 2013 NPR interview that people that do extensive media multitasking “can’t filter out irrelevancy, can’t manage memory and are chronically distracted. They say they are productive and can ‘shut it off’, but can’t keep on task and focus on one thing.”

Fortunately, programs to unplug are catching on. More than 400 middle and high schools in 20 U.S. states plus Canada took a Digital Blackout Challenge to refrain from using electronic devices for one week during the 2012-2013 school year (DigitalBlackout.org). From Chief Sealth International High School, in Seattle, Washington, senior Marissa Evans says the experience informed her “there’s a balance between ‘too much’ and ‘just enough’” in being connected, and classmate Alex Askerov terms the Challenge “a breath of fresh air.”

For the 2013 documentary film, Sleeping with Siri, Seattle-based journalist Michael Stusser underwent a oneweek, self-assessed “techno gorge”, followed by a digital detox of the same duration. During stage one, he said his blood pressure went up 40 points after four days. He found, “You’re always waiting for a response.” He subsequently enjoyed being disconnected.

Foresters, a Toronto, Ontario-based life insurance provider, asks families to take a Tech Timeout pledge for at least one hour every day and make Sundays entirely non-tech, packed with family activities and socializing.

Learn more at TechTimeout.com.

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November 2013

19

Soul Sister Best-selling author Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) opens up about her new found emotional health and best-selling new book, The Signature of All Things.

by Susan Bloom

W

ith the release of her 2006 memoir Eat, Pray, Love, the world got to know author Elizabeth Gilbert and the post-divorce year she spent searching for personal truths and new love in Italy’s trattorias, India’s ashrams and Bali’s lush gardens. A #1 New York Times bestseller that sold over 10 million copies and was translated into more than 30 languages, the book landed Gilbert a spot on Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people and was made into a 2010 movie starring Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem. Gilbert continued to forge new inroads with readers in her 2010 sequel, Committed, as she explored the conven-

tion of marriage, both culturally and from her own experience, as she prepared to wed the Brazilian businessman she fell in love with in Bali. Through her honest prose, Gilbert bared her soul as she navigated the delicate balance between relationships and personal fulfillment.

A Connecticut native who now lives in Frenchtown, NJ, where she owns the Two Buttons eclectic home décor shop, the author has released her sixth book, The Signature of All Things. We recently sat down with Gilbert, 44, to discuss how she’s grown since her Eat, Pray, Love experience and the advice she offers readers for achieving greater emotional health.

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Fairfield County Edition

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What are some of the lessons you learned about yourself following the experiences you chronicled in “Eat, Pray, Love” and “Committed?”

I think the writing of those two books helped me enormously just to know myself. I spent my twenties and early thirties just flinging myself at life in such wild and experimental ways, and it was only after a complete breakdown that I finally stopped and faced myself. I guess I had hit that wall we all eventually run into, the one with the graffiti on it that reads: “You are the common denominator in all your life’s problems, lady!” It was painful and exhausting to finally start to pick that reality apart and see where my own destructive behaviors kept bringing me the same troubles again and again — both in my own life and in the life of others. I don’t think I could have become an adult if I hadn’t set aside the time, alone, to finally start to sort all that out. And I certainly would have had no business getting married until I’d really recognized the roots of my own suffering. Without that recognition, I would have continued to trade out partners forever, always looking for the perfect match who would somehow complete me. It wasn’t until I completed myself that I was ready to embark upon a relationship again.

How do you feel you’ve achieved a healthier and more balanced lifestyle in the last several years?

OK, I have a confession! Over the last 10 years, I’ve grown really averse to the word “balance” — only because I think it’s become yet another word that we now use to beat ourselves up and punish ourselves with. We’ve all been trained that we must seek balance in all regards, which comes dangerously close to sounding at times like “perfect.” I’m not sure I’ve ever met a perfectly balanced person — and if I did, I’m not sure I would want to be friends with her! To live is to fall in and out of balance constantly; this is the human universal. We exist on a slippery, spinning, unstable planet and our minds are often slippery, spinning, unstable neighborhoods. We achieve balance for periods of time, and then we teeter and totter and lose ourselves and tumble...and then try again. I would hate for somebody to abuse herself because her life hasn’t reached that point of perfect equilibrium. That said, I do love the word “healthy,” which I believe includes a healthy sense of self-forgiveness for the times we fall short.

Through the publication of Eat, Pray, Love and Committed, you’ve inspired readers to become more independent, move on from regressive behaviors and relationships and find that which truly drives them. Any tips for readers as it relates to letting go and identifying and pursuing the life they’re meant to live?

The question I ask people when they come to me for advice is, “When was the last time you were on the trail?” Generally, they understand my question immediately and can usually give an exact date. When was the last time you truly felt like you were walking your own path, following your own compass? What happened between then and now? How far away from your trail have you drifted? Do you think you could find it again? Would you ever allow yourself permission to seek it? I can never know the answers to these questions — only the person herself can know. But I love stories of people rediscovering their trail.

Your new book, The Signature of All Things, was released this October to rave reviews. Anything you’d like to share about the book or how the experience of writing it was the same or different for you relative to that of Eat, Pray, Love?

It’s a historical novel about a fictitious female botanical explorer and her adventures in the world of science, love, intellect, and travel. I worked on it for four years and it contains my entire heart. My readers will see all of my old favorite themes in there — unconventional women’s lives, passion, travel, curiosity and redemption. I’m excited for it to be out!

Finally, how do you feel about where you are in your own personal journey and do you have any final tips to help readers enhance their emotional health?

There’s no doubt that I’m a far healthier person after Eat, Pray, Love than I was before; I’m less inclined to injure myself through too many excesses (emotional or otherwise), and when I do slip up, I’ve learned how to be more gentle and forgiving of myself. I think the best we can hope for is a life where we harm ourselves and others as little as possible — to me, that’s health.

Freelancer Susan Bloom writes for New Jersey’s Asbury Park Press, New Jersey Monthly Magazine and USA Today and specializes in topics related to nutrition, fitness and healthy lifestyles.

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November 2013

21

Transform Your Life with Mentors, Books, Workshops and Online Courses

by Bess J.M. Hochstein

Our capacity for self-examination distinguishes us from other animals.

We feel compelled to ask: “Who am I? What am I here for? How can I attain my full potential?” The quest for answers has engaged humans for millennia.

P

opular books that have helped people on this journey span centuries, from Wallace Wattles’ The Science of Getting Rich (1910), Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich (1937), Dale Carnegie’s How to Win Friends and Influence People (1937), Abraham Maslow’s Motivation and Personality (1954) and Dr. Thomas Anthony Harris’ I’m OK, You’re OK (1967) to Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret (2006).

The personal growth genre is a cornerstone of the publishing industry.

Companies like Hay House, founded by motivational author Louise Hay, have flourished. Hay teaches, “No matter where we live or how difficult

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our situation seems to be, we have the ability to overcome and transcend our circumstances.” The success of her 1984 book, You Can Heal Your Life, a New York Times bestseller well into the 21st century, led to her publishing empire, which includes authors such as Dr. Wayne Dyer, Caroline Myss and Joan Borysenko, Ph.D. One of its recent top sellers is Pam Grout’s E-Squared: Nine Do-It-Yourself Energy Experiments that Prove Your Thoughts Create Your Reality.

Hay House has expanded its messages of hope and healing through online courses, films, conferences, special events and other opportunities to meet leading thinkers and peers.

natural awakenings

Courtesy of Doug Ellis/Esalen Institute

Fast Track to Personal Growth

Such expansion is essential as more of those pursuing the examined life seek personal interaction in community and find that inward exploration frequently translates into outward action to improve the world.

Perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, in California, the Esalen Institute, established in 1962, helped birth the modern human potential movement. It exists to help individuals grow through education, experience and research, with the conviction that positive personal and social transformation go hand-in-hand.

Today, Esalen offers about 600 workshops a year, serving around 12,000 participants. Popular programs range from dance and yoga to couples workshops and psychology courses.

Cheryl Fraenzl, director of programs, explains the appeal: “For most of us, life can be challenging and messy. Gaining the insight, skills and tools to move through the challenging times with more ease and grace while creating more love for yourself and those around you seems like a good investment of time and energy. Being consciously kind and relationally wise ripples out and changes the world.

The effort has to start with the individual, like paying it forward; imagine if we all were doing it?”

The largest holistic retreat center in North America, Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, attracts 35,000 participants to 800 programs annually. According to Denise Barack, the nonprofit’s director of program development, current workshops in high demand include qigong, Buddhist meditation, mindfulness and yoga nidra. She also notes a growing interest in diverse dimensions of yoga, dance and “authentic movement” for

~ Plato healing, addiction recovery, releasing trauma and energy medicine.

Psychotherapist and yoga teacher Stephen Cope, founder and director of the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living, the Center’s yoga research department, notes that many guests first come to Kripalu “… as a result of some form of suffering. Then they engage in a period of self-exploration—perhaps learning some form of contemplative practice to help them manage themselves more effectively. Almost always there is a turn outward, back toward the world, and a longing to bring the healing power of contemplative practice into their own domain.”

Once someone has experienced the benefits of contemplative practices such as yoga, meditation, breathing and other healthy lifestyle routines, notes Cope, a powerful aspiration typically arises to share these practices and perspectives. “These practices all

Courtesy of Omega Institute for Holistic Studies

Courtesy of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

The unexamined life is not worth living for a human being.

lead to a sense of union, relatedness and sameness with others,” he says, “and this burgeoning consciousness of sameness compels us to share what we’ve learned.”

In Rhinebeck, New York, the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies offers similar self-empowering and reflective opportunities. Dr. Stephan Rechtschaffen and Elizabeth Lesser founded Omega in 1977 as a “university of life.” Through working with prominent Zen masters, rabbis, Christian monks, psychologists, scientists and others, Lesser has found, “By combining a variety of religious, psychological and healing traditions, each of us has the unique ability to satisfy our spiritual hunger.”

Based since 1981 in a former camp on a lake with more than 100 buildings on 200-plus acres, Omega hosts more than 23,000 guests in up to 500 programs between mid-April and October, plus special programs in Costa Rica and New York City. Director of Rhinebeck Programs Carol Donahoe notes the rising interest in workshops on dietary cleansing, detox and juicing, such as “Reboot with Joe Cross: A Jump Start to Health and Weight Loss,” led

by the filmmaker of Fat, Sick & Nearly Dead. Personal transformation and mindfulness programs led by teachers like Jon Kabat-Zinn, Saki Santorelli, Florence Meleo-Meyer, Byron Katie and Pema Chödrön are perennial favorites.

“As humans, we continue to be fascinated by the big questions in life,” observes Donahoe, “like, ‘Where do we go when we die? Who are we if we are not our thoughts?’ People seem particularly drawn to hearing about it from those that have always lived their lives in a left-brain, logical way, and then come to believe the unexplainable through an extraordinary life experience, and now view the world through a completely different lens.”

As examples, she cites neurosurgeon Dr. Eben Alexander, who recounts his near-death experience in his bestselling book, Proof of Heaven, and neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, author of the bestselling memoir My Stroke of Insight. Taylor’s 2008 TED talk was ranked the nonprofit’s second most-watched for the past two years.

Both of these cutting-edge thinkers have given presentations at Omega, which, like at Esalen and Kripalu, helps bring ideas and practices that once seemed on the fringe—from yoga and meditation to complementary medicine and sustainability—into mainstream consciousness. Particularly innovative initiatives include helping military veterans heal from post-traumatic stress disorder; the women’s leadership center; the center for sustainable living; and pioneering programs on mindfulness in the workplace, education system and at-risk urban youth communities.

Celebration Service Sundays at 10:30 am Our mission is to continually discover, demonstrate, and educate that our source of Good is God within.

Our Ongoing Events

Rev. Shawn Moninger 3 Main St, 2nd Floor Norwalk, CT 06851 (203) 855-7922 www.unitycenterps.org

Metaphysical Movie Night, 1st Fri at 8 pm Open Mic Night, 3rd Sat at 7 pm

Reiki Healing Circle, 1st Thu at 7 pm Purls of Wisdom, 2nd Sat at 6 pm

Special Events

Open Mic Night, Saturday, November 16th, 7-9 pm, $10 Cover Singers, Poets, Musicians - All are welcomed!

Participants wishing to be accompanied at the piano should bring sheet music.

Friendship Sunday, Sunday, November 17th, 10:30 am Celebration Service

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November 2013

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Photo by Ali Kaukas / Wanderlust Festival

The 3 P’s Workshop • Perception • Posture • Psoas Muscle

Presented by Carol Lessinger, Senior Teacher of the Feldenkrais Method® and Cortical Field Reeducation®

Saturday, November 16, 2013 10:00 am to 4:30 pm A Common Ground Arts & Dance Studio 33 Crosby Street Danbury, CT Investment $125 Discount for early registration

Carol will be available for private sessions Nov. 17-19.

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

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Fairfield County Edition

“We recognize that because we live in an interconnected world; the behavior of one can contribute to creating changes that benefit the whole,” says Donahoe. “Doing both the inner and outer work can awaken the best in the human spirit, and so provide hope and healing to individuals and society.”

For those unable to travel great distances for a holistic immersion experience in community with like-minded seekers, Wanderlust Festivals may offer an answer. Four-day regional summits, primarily held at ski resorts during the off-season, feature teachers like Shiva Rea, Elena Brower and Gurmukh; stimulating discussions; yoga; music and adventure, amidst stunning vistas.

Wanderlust co-founders Sean Hoess and Jeff Krasno strive to create an expansive space for personal growth and mindful living. One common element at every gathering—now including urban and exotic locales—is Seane Corn and Suzanne Sterling’s Off the Mat program, mobilizing yoga students toward activating social change.

The Shift Network is dedicated to creating an online community that shares the tools of self-actualization, empowering a global movement of people creating an evolutionary shift of consciousness that leads to a more enlightened society, built on principles of sustainability, peace, health and prosperity. This new model for the human potential movement has roots in the grandfather of retreat centers; The Shift Network’s founder, Stephen Dinan, both worked at Esalen and contributed to Esalen’s Center for Theory & Research.

Dinan explains that at a meditation retreat, he received a detailed vision of “a large global transformation network that would be helping to usher in a shift to the new era.” The Shift Network now offers free teleseminars and online

natural awakenings

summits on subjects ranging from meditation and parenting with presence to enlightened business practices and cultivating peace.

“We started with The Sacred Awakening Series—40 days with 40 spiritual leaders—and 30,000 people signed up in 21 days,” says Dinan. The Inspiring Women Summit attracted 25,000 participants. Since 2010, more than 400,000 people from 160 countries have participated in free teleseminars; 18,000 have paid for online courses such as Barbara Marx Hubbard’s Agents of Conscious Evolution, Andrew Harvey’s Christ Path and Thomas Hüebl’s Authentic Awakening.

The Shift Network has already reached profitability and donated more than $50,000 to nonprofits. Dinan’s vision includes providing education program certifications; building a multimedia platform of e-zines, mobile phone apps and web TV broadcasts; and eventually building facilities and intentional communities to model the possibilities of a more healthy, peaceful, sustainable way of life.

From reading a book on meditation to attending a yoga intensive or tapping into a multifaceted community striving to change the world, we have myriad opportunities to lead an examined life.

While the seeker may have a personal goal in mind, each mode of self-inquiry can expand outward toward making the world a better place.

Hay encourages us all. “You’ve been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

Bess Hochstein is a freelance writer enjoying bicoastal bliss in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, and Sonoma County, California. Connect at BessHochstein.com.

Courtesy of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

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November 2013

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Healing Body and Soul A Return to Our Shamanic Roots

by Deana Paqua, MA, LMT “The shamanic path is the path of the heart and the soul. It is a path of beauty, wholeness, sacred living, oneness and connectedness with all things and non-things, awareness, mindfulness, respect, honor and gratitude…It is a path where the central focus of life is creating balance, harmony, impeccability, and wholeness. It is a path that requires integrity and honesty–with oneself and others.”

F

~ Colleen Deatsman, The Hollow Bone: A Field Guide to Shamanism

or thousands of years, shamans and medicine people have known about the connection between spirituality and health, personal growth and our connection to each other, nature and the cosmos. They believed that everything is alive and is connected through the great web of living energy. All of our ancestors practiced some type of shamanic way of life. They honored the cycles of the moon and the seasons and made offerings of gratitude for the blessings given to them each day.

Shamans heal through their sacred

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natural awakenings

relationships with the spirits of trees, animals, stones and plants, as well as their ancestors, angels and spirit guides.

Their lives and the lives of their communities have depended for centuries on these connections and living in balance and harmony with their environment. Modern times have led to a renewed interest in shamanism and a more spiritual, natural, holistic approach to health and healing based on these ancient traditions. Today, shamanism and the path of the shaman continue to support the deep healing and transformation many of us seek.

Shamanism is a diverse path, incorporating many different cultures, practices, rituals, beliefs and traditions.

It is a spiritual path of direct revelation open to everyone. However, actually calling oneself a shaman is usually avoided, as it is a title that is traditionally bestowed by the community as a title of honor. Fulfilling the role of a shaman in one’s community, whether indigenous or in our modern culture, usually requires years of dedication, training and practice. Many shamans have been called to their healing and spiritual journeys through their own difficult life challenges from which they recovered, often miraculously, with the help of deep spiritual connection.

Thankfully, it is not necessary to wait until one experiences an illness or loss to follow the path of the shaman.

It is not necessary to leave one’s home and family to study with a holy man for years to practice some of the shaman’s healing and sacred techniques.

One of the shaman’s tools and practices that is common in many traditions is the practice of shamanic journeying. A form of deep spiritually guided meditation and problem solving, often conducted to the repetitive beat of a drum or rattle, journeying can give one access to unlimited resources of knowledge and wisdom. During the shamanic journey, we can make contact with helping spirits, such as power animals and guardian angels, who can give us personal spiritual guidance, healing and restoration of our energy and vitality. They can accompany us as we explore other realms of consciousness to expand our minds and awareness. Shamanic journeying can be learned from a teacher, a book or a course depending on the individual and their level of interest and preference.

Another shamanic practice that is easy for us to start using right away is the practice of gratitude and honoring our relationships to nature, the earth, each other and the cosmos. How we do this is very personal but it can be as simple as taking time each day to notice the beauty around us. Simply spending some quiet time outside on a regular basis, acknowledging our connection to nature and life has unlimited benefits for blessing our lives.

If we work with a local shamanic healer or practitioner, we can go deeper in our journeying practice. We can learn more ceremonies and rituals to connect with the healing powers or resolve some of our deepest wounds with the practice of soul retrieval. These practices can help us clear our energy and our spaces so that we can think more clearly and live more peacefully.

Shamans are the doctors of the soul, just like physicians are the doctors of the body. Involving our soul and our spirit in our healing process and journey through life makes the experience more full, whole and rich. When we are open to these new worlds and possibilities we see the unlimited potential in all areas of our lives. Anything is possible.

Deana Paqua is a shamanic healer, Reiki master and spiritual teacher offering private sessions and classes in the Ridgefield and Danbury areas. Her website is EmbodyTheSacred.net. See ad, page 30.

shamanicpractitionerprofiles Jane Burns, OM

Shamanic Practitioner, Reiki Master Journeys to the Soul Southbury, CT • 203-218-9450 JourneysToTheSoul.com What first led you to the shamanic path?

When I was diagnosed with cancer in 1996, I was inspired to make the journey a spiritual one, and that decision steered Jane Burns me away from chemotherapy and radiation towards energy medicine and choices like shamanism.

Who have you studied with and where?

Over the years, I have studied with Sandra Ingerman, Tom Cowan, and Betsy Bergstrom. My ancestry is Celtic, and my practice is motivated by the challenge of bringing Celtic Shamanism, a broken tradition, back to its original vibrancy.

How long have you been practicing?

I started my client practice (www.journeystothesoul.com) in 2005, and have been teaching shamanism since 2007. I also teach Celtic Reiki.

Do you have a particular specialty or forte? Shamanism is a practice that is intended to make our lives more manageable, and that is how I practice and teach it. I aim to bring it out of the esoteric and exotic into the real and tangible.

What do you most want readers to know about the shamanic worldview?

Shamanism isn’t a costume or a magic act—it’s a way of being and changing.

It’s an art of transformation.

Gail Gorelick, MA, OM Shamanic Healing Trumbull, CT • 203-268-0292 CrossingRainbows.com

What first led you to the shamanic path?

I was called to the shamanic path first during an initiation directly with Nature at 10 years of age and then more Gail Gorelick firmly with a near death experience at 25.

Who have you studied with and where?

I have studied with Michael Harner, Marina Nelson, and indigenous shamans in Ireland, England, Peru, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Hopi Reservation, Arizona, and Sedona, Arizona.

How long have you been practicing?

All my life, but for others - intensively 21 years.

Do you have a particular specialty or forte? My strengths are Soul Retrieval and deep cleansings called Extraction for people and places. Since November 2006 I have been working ancestrally for the family soul through Family Constellations. Curse breaking, which is connected to Constellations, has been coming up a lot lately and is more common than one would think! I love it all, but these are the highlights.

What do you most want readers to know about the shamanic worldview?

Shamanism is the most ancient spiritual path on the Planet Earth. It is the ancestor of all religions and spiritual paths anthropologically. Shamanism includes everything and everyone, and excludes none. The ancients knew what Quantum Physicists say today...everything is alive, living and has a spirit. Life is sacred. Shamanic healing is profound,

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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shamanicpractitionerprofiles Keith Donlay

energetic healing.

Deana Paqua MA, LMT

Reiki Master, Shamanic Healer and Spiritual Teacher Embody the Sacred New Milford and Ridgefield, CT 203-994-5045 • EmbodyTheSacred. net What first led you to the shamanic path? Like most kids I had a rock collection. I spent more time in the woods than anywhere else, and talked to invisible friends such as angels, fairies, dragons, and unicorns. More recently, in 1997, I had near death experience through a near-fatal car Deana Paqua accident. I call it my “crash course in self-healing.” From that point on, I knew through direct experience the power of the connection between spirituality and health.

Who have you studied with and where? My path has been very eclectic. Some of my recent teachers include Gail Gorelick and Eileen O’Hare. My indigenous teachers include Alverto Taxo of Ecuador, Don Umberto, Don Francisco and Dona Juanita of the Q’ero, Don Martin of Cuzco, Peru, Gonzalo Lima of Peru, and Lama Lobsang Palden of Tibet. I have taken a 3-year training in Elemental Mastery shamanic studies, and completed the 16-month Medicine Spiral Program in Andean shamanism. I have also trained in various shamanic techniques over the years such as shamanic journeying, soul retrieval, shamanic extraction, depossession, shadow work, stone healing, and space clearing. I am also a Reiki Master and Licensed Massage Therapist.

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

Do you have a particular specialty or forte? My specialties include guiding those who have been through a major loss or trauma get their lives back. I also support energy healers, Reiki practitioners and other health care professionals with their personal healing work and spiritual journeys.

What do you most want readers to know about the shamanic worldview? That God/Great Spirit is in everyone and everything. Our spiritual connection is the foundation of healing. Spirit, God, the Angels, our Ancestors and the loving Nature Spirits are all around us. We call and they come. Shamanism is all about relationships. If we treat ourselves and everyone and everything with integrity, respect, honor and love, that is what we will get back. All of Nature is Holy, and so are we. We just need to remember.

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natural awakenings

New Horizons Healing New Milford, CT KeithDonlay@NewHorizonsHealing.com NewHorizonsHealing.com What first led you to the shamanic path? My first ceremony was with Don Umberto, a Q’ero medicine man and former leader of the Q’ero nation. The love and humbleness emanating from him is what led me to fall in love with Shamanism.

Who have you studied with and where? Deana Paqua helped me to find my first of many teachers, Keith Donlay including herself. I have studied with teachers of the Mystery School (Elemental Mastery), Tibetan monks, Eileen O’Hare (Andean Medicine), Gretchen Thermer (Quabalah), Alverto Taxo (Ecuadorian Shamanic Medicine) and several of the Q’ero medicine people. I have studied Reiki, Karuna reiki and EFT, among other modalities and I am a Deeksha Oneness blessing giver through Marieka Voh. I have also done classes of Shamanic Constellations with Gail Gorelick. All of my training so far has been here in the greater Northeast area.

How long have you been practicing? Over the last two years I started putting myself out into the mainstream because I wanted to hone my skills to better benefit my clients.

Do you have a particular specialty or forte? I really like doing cord cuttings on people and house clearings. There is an immediate change that comes over people and I love to be witness to their healing.

What do you most want readers to know about the shamanic worldview? A more knowledgeable understanding of what Shamanism really is. To me, it encompasses everything from a natural viewpoint, The sun, moon, trees, water... it’s all connected…spiritually, energetically…fundamentally, and so are we. Everyone is connected right down to the most finite molecule. Shamanism is a way to engage with all of that and to be a part of the entire living force of everything that is and more.

Jessica C. Hunter

Hunter Healing Hands Bridgeport, CT • HunterHealingHands.com

Jessica Hunter

What first led you to the shamanic path? My first draw was stones and crystals. As a child I was enamored by stones, filling my pockets and taking them home. It was in nature I felt most calm, safe, and spiritually connected, feeling the energy in all plants, animals, stones, oceans, lakes, or rivers. It wasn’t until I embraced formal shamanic training that I realized I had been drawn to shamanic practices most of my life.

Who have you studied with and where?

Shamanism is life-long training. Most of my core training has been with Gail Gorelick. I have also taken shamanic training with Sanctuaries of the Earth Mother. Most recently, I trained at the Omega Institute with Sandra Ingerman, a world-wide Shamanic Teacher. I continually learn from my colleagues as well as spirit. Half of shamanism is good formal training, and the other half is developing your own connection to your spirit help.

How long have you been practicing? Professionally, I have been practicing for 3 years. In my personal life, I have been practicing since childhood when I explored crystal healing work. Reiki, Shamanic Healing, Crystal Healing and Acupressure are all practices I offer professionally which have personal meaning to me. Shamanism is a life path and commitment; you don’t just offer it as a service to people, you need to be living and practicing it for yourself Do you have a particular specialty or forte? My passion in the work is Crystal Healing, Extraction, Soul Retrieval, and Space Cleansings and Blessings. My lifelong connection to crystals is a core part of my healing work. I feel most at home with Shamanic Extraction and Space Cleansings. Soul Retrieval was one of my last core trainings, and surprisingly became a forte. Spirit leads you where you are meant to go, even if it is off the track of your own ideas.

What do you most want readers to know about the s hamanic worldview? Whether we acknowledge it or not, shamanism is all around us, buried in our DNA; our ancient ancestors all practiced some form of shamanism. It surrounds us in the natural world - that connection will never be severed, despite further development of our technology. We are specks of dust in the grand scheme of the Universe, and we are all connected. Our ancestors knew that instinctually, we are re-learning it.

Callie Hill

Reiki Master, Teacher in Shamanic Studies, Holistic Counselor The Healing Drum Fairfield, CT • 203- 515-2505 Callie@HealingDrumReiki.com • HealingDrumReiki.com

Callie Hill

What first led you to the shamanic path? On August 23, 2011 I received a “Full Illumination” from James Riverstone, a shaman in the Inka tradition. A rare earthquake in Connecticut synchronized with the timing of this session, awakening me to a profound Oneness on many levels.

James told me there are no accidents in reality and Pachamama (Mother Earth) makes no mistakes. Truly, a door was opened at that point.

Who have you studied with and where? I have sat with many different indigenous medicine teachers including the Q’ero of Peru, the Huichol of Mexico, an Apache Roadman of the Southwest, and the Shipibo nation of the Amazon. Ancient Crystal Skulls have also come with their mystery teachings.

This path is one of humility so it feels best to pronounce the wisdom in experience rather than a labeling of teacher names.

How long have you been practicing? I realize I have been a medicine person many times before, so that question has a broader meaning. Yet on a linear timeline my shamanic self has been activated on a deep level since the session with James Riverstone. My introductory shamanic studies overlapped with other spiritual modalities, so my toolbox contains seven years of experience.

Do you have a particular specialty or forte? My passion is to sing, and my songs carry the nurturing prayers of native Grandmothers. Deer Spirit works through my drum, which I birthed by hand. Turkey Spirit is a profound totem that assists me. I gently cleanse the body with Her feathers along with incenses and oils. All these tools are used in private sessions, ceremonies and rituals to bring balance and healing.

What do you most want readers to know about the shamanic worldview? Walk a path of gratitude, humility, compassion and love for our Earth and every living thing She supports. Honor and protect the tribal nations. Trust that everything you need to know is within you, and surrender to the spiritual flow of life. Nurture and inspire others to care for themselves with strength and grace. Breathe deeply the essence of creation, and exhale unconditional loving kindness for the world.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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Total Life Care Center 152 East Avenue • Norwalk, CT 06851 203.856.9566 •www.tlccenter.com

T

otal Life Care Center is dedicated to holistic health by providing you with highly trained and experienced integrated health care practitioners. TLC Center is Fairfield County's largest holistic health center - with over 90 Independent Members - and was founded by Beth Prins Leas in 1997 on the premise that a single candle burns brighter in a gathering.

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

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

Embody the Sacred®

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therapyspotlight

The Feldenkrais ® Method Easing Movement Eases Life

by Carol Lessinger

T

here is something about the seemingly easy movements of athletes, musicians, singers or actors that catches the eye and holds our attention. Their body is well-balanced and does not seem to be struggling in motion. Such a person moves with good organization, with their intentions and actions reflecting each other. Often that person also seems to emanate an aura of confidence, fun and joy.

Ease of movement is a learned skill. In our culture, less effort can be associated with being lazy or not committed. However, experiencing the organization of our movement engages us deeply, like a healthy baby learning to walk. It invites us to be curious and be tuned to the possibility of pleasure in action.

No matter what our circumstances, it is possible to learn a more comfortable way of moving. It’s true for anyone… parents picking up infants or toddlers

put their structure under daily strain or people with desk jobs who experience a work day with little motion but much stress. Unconscious habits while sitting at a computer or in a car or the compensations we adopt after a traumatic event usurp our presence with our body. The Feldenkrais® Method brings us back to a state of connection which improves movement, often dramatically, by providing the brain with gentle sensory movement information. The Feldenkrais® Method offers direct experience, using our capacity to be aware to bring more ease into our daily life.

In the Feldenkrais Method®, our body movement becomes our own personal laboratory for discoveries. We can feel how a turn of our head affects our spine, our ribs, our pelvis and even our feet. Sometimes we inhibit the efficient flow of a movement by tensing some part of ourselves. When we prevent that part from joining the action,

another body part becomes strained and overworked; it wasn’t designed to carry such a large load. Often these overused areas are the places where we experience pain. If the underused areas learn to become active, the movement becomes easier and better organized.

By bringing these areas into awareness, we empower ourselves to make more efficient, comfortable choices. The part of our body that was habitually off line begins to reconnect and act more harmoniously with our intention. Stress and chronic pain are often relieved.

This occurs because the whole nervous system has learned a better way to function and is more relaxed.

The Feldenkrais Method® offers two kinds of learning opportunities: a group activity called Awareness Through Movement®, and individual sessions called Functional Integration®. In a Feldenkrais class, the student usually lies on the floor and receives verbal guidance through a series of gentle, powerful and cohesive movement sequences. During a private Feldenkrais session, the person is lying or sitting on a table that is similar to a massage table, and the practitioner gently provides hands-on, assisted small movements. In both instances, the student is encouraged to notice differences, especially in comfort levels and in relationship with the earth. The capacity to notice small differences develops kinesthetic intelligence and increases awareness. Neuroplasticity, the ability to increase neural connections, is enlivened through this learning. Awareness, in and of itself, is transformational.

Carol Lessinger, a Utah-based Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner and a Cortical Field Reeducation Instructor with over 40 years teaching experience.

Learn more on YouTube under “What is the Feldenkrais Method®?” and at CarolLessinger.com, CFRhealing.com or Feldenkrais.com. See ad, page 24.

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WHOLISTIC PET SERVICES

Boutique Dog Resort & Spa Boarding, Daycare and Grooming Training, Socialization and Long Trail Hikes Holistic Nutrition and Remedies Cooking Lessons and Catering 203-542-0910 • www.wholisticpetservice.com loukia@wholisticpetservice.com

Like us on Facebook @ Wholistic Pet Services-K9 Resort & Spa

“Congratulations and thank you,

Natural Awakenings

for supporting Naturally Healthy Pets and related businesses in Fairfield County!”

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

The grateful “woof” team at Wholistic Pet Services

petbriefs Cat Adoption Event in Stratford

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The Monthly Naturally Healthy Pet Section Starts Here!

he Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic will hold a cat adoption event at the clinic on November 9 from 12-3pm.

More information and an adoption application can be received by emailing Info@NutmegClinic.org.

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a Fairfield County low cost, high volume professional clinic for cats and dogs. Since its opening in August 2012, Nutmeg has altered more than 4,000 animals. It offers other low cost services only during the spay/neuter appointment such as basic vaccines, feline leukemia/AIDS testing, heartworm testing for dogs, topical parasite treatment, microchipping, ear cleaning and nail trims.

Nutmeg honors state spay/neuter vouchers from shelters and offers incentives for low income families and rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome at an extra low cost, and the clinic offers discounts for feral cats to be spayed or neutered.

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic, located at 25 Charles Street in Stratford, is open Monday through Thursday by appointment only. Please call 203-690-1550 or visit NutmegClinic.org for more information. See ad, page 37.

Adopt-a-Dog Launches Program with Pet Pantry Warehouse and Blue Buffalo

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

new program benefiting the Adopt-A-Dog shelter in Armonk, NY, called “Feed the Need,” launched in October with the help of Pet Pantry Warehouse in Greenwich and Blue Buffalo pet foods in Wilton. As part of its support, for a year Pet Pantry Warehouse will promote the program with special “Feed the Need” displays to promote Blue Buffalo dog food donations to feed animals at the Adopt-A-Dog shelter.

“We were thrilled to know that Pet Pantry Warehouse and Blue Buffalo would partner with us as a food provider for our homeless animals,” said Allyson Halm, president and executive director of Adopt-A-Dog. “We want to keep our dogs as healthy as possible and now with access to Blue Buffalo we know they will be getting the best food available.”

Founded in 1981, Adopt-A-Dog is a dog and cat rescue sanctuary and adoption center serving Connecticut, New York and beyond.

For more information, visit AdoptADog.org or call 914-273-1674.

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

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

eNaturalAwakenings.com

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petbriefs CT Alliance for Humane Pet Shops Forms

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onnecticut’s major animal advocacy organizations have joined to form the CT Alliance for Humane Pet Shops to push for change in the pet shop industry. The Alliance is founded with the goal to promote legislation that would require Connecticut’s pet shops to source their dogs and cats from shelters, pounds and rescue organizations instead of commercial breeders or puppy mills.

Founding members include Connecticut Votes for Animals (CVA), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty for Animals (ASPCA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), CT Coalition Against Puppy Mills, and Westport Coalition Against Puppy Mills. In addition to an October 16 meeting, the task force will hold a public hearing in the Legislative Office Building room 1D in Hartford at 1pm on November 13.

“Our goal is not to shutter small businesses,” said Amy Harrell, president of CVA. “We are simply asking pet stores to transition to a business model that is based on adoption and rescue, and does not perpetuate the exploitive industry of puppy mills.”

Alliance membership is free and open to any organization or business active in Connecticut and sharing the Alliance’s goal.

More information is available at HumanePetShops.Wordpress.com.

Wholistic Pet Services Moves to East Norwalk

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holistic Pet Services, a boutique dog boarding and training company, is leaving Greenwich for East Norwalk. Their new location brings them much closer to Cranbury Park and Calf Pasture where canine guests go for daily socialization and training hikes.

The company offers boarding and day care in a pri-

Do they Play While You’re Away?

Camp Bow Wow® Services • All Day Play, Snooze the Night Away® • Large Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas • Spacious Cabins with Comfy Cots • Live Camper Cams® • Certified Camp Counselors®

Home Buddies Services

• Dog Walks and Pet Sitting for Cats, Birds, Fish, Small Mammals & Reptiles • In-Home Web Cam Rentals • Care for Special Needs Pets • Bonded & Insured • Caregivers are Background Checked

Camp Bow Wow® Stamford www.campbowwow.com/stamford

Fairfield County Edition

For more information, visit WholisticPet Service.com. See ad, page 32.

Tails of Courage Raises Funds

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ails of Courage, a national dog rescue organization, held a fundraiser in mid-October to raise money for repairs to its new permanent home in Danbury, the oldest kennel in the state of Connecticut. The Pasta Paws event was held at First and Last Café in Danbury.

Kristan Exner, a Brookfield resident, local immigration attorney and founder of the group after surviving 9/11, took over the former Wilcroft Kennels on Pembroke Road over the summer.

“We are really excited to have our own permanent home right here in Danbury,” Exner says. “The organization has really grown tremendously over the years, and we really needed the space. It’s growing faster than we ever envisioned.”

Exner says the group needs Danbury-area volunteers and has an ongoing wish list of supplies, including dog food, bedding and cleaning products.

“We do what we can, but we are very grateful for the generosity of others,” she said. “It’s amazing to see what beauty came from the ashes.”

Home Buddies Stamford

www.myhomebuddies.com/stamford

203-504-2288 • 581 Hope St. Stamford, CT • stamford@campbowwow.com

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vate home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden for a small number of canine clients. Furry guests, including those recovering from surgery or illness, receive good manners training and a certified Veterinary Assistant is on staff who can administer medications and provide necessary care during rehabilitation. Stays may include homemade holistic nutrition and herbal remedies from Earth Animal/Dr. Bob Goldstein, nutritional advice, cooking lessons and catering if needed for dog parents.

Wholistic Pet Services also offers one to two hour walking and socialization sessions for clients who do not require other services.

natural awakenings

Location: 1 Pembroke Rd., Danbury.

To donate or for more information, call 877-63-TAILS or visit TailsOfCourage.org.

communityspotlight

Earth Animal On a Mission to Heal Animals and the Humans who Love them

by Nicole Miale

F

rom the outside, Earth Animal in Westport looks not unlike many pet shops located in strip malls across America. On the inside, however, it’s a different story, for Earth Animal’s intention goes far beyond selling product.

“True healing – healing with integrity and respect for the whole animal,” co-owner Susan Goldstein says when asked about the Earth Animal mission.

More than a pet store, Earth Animal is a holistic, solution-oriented community resource for people seeking to support, improve or ease their companion animals’ health at all stages of life.

Owned by Susan, husband and veterinarian Dr. Bob Goldstein and Merritt, their youngest daughter, Earth Animal has been in Westport for almost 35 years and was recently voted the #1 pet store in Connecticut by the readers of CONNECTICUT Magazine. As the company prepares for a national launch of its own Earth Animal line of treats, supplements and pet foods, its success

tells a story of vision, perseverance and defying the odds.

“We have been a health food store for animals since 1979,” Susan says.

“Back then some really brilliant marketing people in New York and Greenwich told us we wouldn’t last a few months if we didn’t carry chemical products, but here we are. I was on fire with a vision and energy that would not be denied.”

That vision was Susan’s entrepreneurial blueprint, but she was aided and abetted by her clinical counterpart in husband Dr. Bob. Dr. Bob and his brother, Dr. Marty Goldstein, were early pioneers in the movement of veterinary medicine from the conventional medical model to a more natural approach.

Dr. Bob founded the now-heralded Smith Ridge Veterinary Clinic in nearby South Salem, NY, which later became Marty’s clinic as Dr. Bob and Susan moved on to pursue the Earth Animal vision. The Goldstein’s approach emphasized wellness and longevity, beginning with keen attention to an animal’s diet. This was radical in the 1970s and 1980s, when consciousness about human food was low and concern for animals’ diet was nonexistent. Dr. Bob was instrumental in formulating the first natural pet foods for such now wellknown holistic pet food companies as Blue Buffalo (based in Wilton, CT) and Newman’s Own Organics.

A family run business even today with daughter Merritt managing the store, website and mail order business for the past 15 years and daughter Abbey running an affiliated pet sitting business, “Leave It To Abbey,” the Goldsteins have made sure as it grows that Earth Animal remains first and foremost about healing, secondarily about selling products.

“Every animal is an individual with individual wellness and healing needs,” explains Susan. “Because of our 35 years of experience, clinical and other, we are in a unique place to help families understand the specific needs of their animals and work with them.

Whether you’re bringing home your

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

We are a foster-based, no-kill rescue dedicated to saving the lives of homeless, neglected, and abused animals by providing a safe refuge, rehabilitation, and permanent homes.

Please

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

November 2013

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new baby or working through the grief of transition, we are here to hold the hands of the family. “ The Earth Animal difference, according to Susan, is not only in the services they provide, but in the people they employ. “We don’t want to sell product. We want to create a culture that is about healing and well-being of animals and the people who love them.”

To that end, the store doesn’t hire salespeople to sell their many herbal, vitamin and nutraceutical supplements.

Instead, the store’s hiring emphasis is on empathy and what Susan calls a “natural born healing ability.”

“I’m not interested in hiring retailers,” she says. “I hire naturally occurring healers. These are people defined by a soul-deep need to make a meaningful contribution to animals and their families.”

Earth Animal provides those dedicated staff members with a wealth of tools, including the various Earth Animal herbal products and the new Solution Finder, which is a proprietary software platform based on the Goldsteins’ decades of experience and research. More than 120 Solution Finders have been sold to vets and other pet stores so far. The system acts as a “custom vitamin shop” where a user can identify a condition or problem area and receive recommendations for herbal, homeopathic or vitamin remedies which are likely to aid the animal’s situation.

The Earth Animal product line is now available from Maine to Florida, with recent expansion to the Midwest bringing their formulations to more people and animals than ever before.

The majority of their products are

“Every animal is an individual with individual wellness and healing needs… whether you’re bringing home your new baby or working through the grief of transition, we are here to hold the hands of the family.”

– Susan Goldstein produced in Pennsylvania, which is also where they are sourcing Bell & Evans’ chicken for their new treat and food lines. Bell & Evans has given Earth Animal the exclusive right to use their chickens for pet food, something which excites the Goldsteins.

“There is a very dark side of the pet food industry, and we’ve been battling it for a long time,” Susan says. “We are completely opposed to factory farming and were determined to find the right source for our treats and future dog and cat food lines. We’re very excited and gratified that Bell & Evans recognized and shared our passion.”

As their business expands, the Goldsteins travel across the country giving lectures and workshops on the subject of animal well-being. In their “Ask Dr. Bob and Susan” workshops, they provide common sense, tested and nature-based solutions to common animal health problems. They recently had their first sold out lecture to more than 100 people in Ohio and Susan says she was struck by the intensity of interest from the audience.

“There is a shift occurring,” she

declares. “There is new awareness and interest in finding solutions which work with the animal, rather than against.”

The Goldsteins are the authors of The Goldstein’s Wellness and Longevity Program, published by TFH Publications. Dr. Bob is the editor and an author of the groundbreaking veterinary textbook, Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practices, published by Wiley Blackwell. These books have introduced many veterinarians and laypeople to the concepts of natural healing for animals.

On the subject of the future of veterinary medicine, Susan is hopeful but pragmatic. “Veterinary medicine has a brilliance in service like no other,” she says. “At the same time, all medicine needs to move forward. We need to find alternatives to using pesticides and chemicals on ourselves and our animals.”

That was the Earth Animal mission when it was founded in 1979 and remains the mission today as the company expands its reach and product lines.

“We don’t want to get sloppy with age,” Susan says with a laugh. “We intend to keep raising the bar, for ourselves and others. The animals deserve nothing less.”

Earth Animal is located at 606 Post Road East, Westport. For more information call 203-222-7173 or visit EarthAnimal.com. See ad, page 39.

Nicole Miale is publisher and managing editor of Natural Awakenings Fairfield County. She has had a lifelong love affair with animals and wanted to be a vet until she realized how much math and science would be involved.

Beginning with the December issue, Naturally Healthy Pet will feature a monthly opportunity to get your questions answered

by Dr. Bob and Susan Goldstein of Earth Animal in Westport!

Email your questions to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsmag.com and look for the answers in a future issue!

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter CliNiC iS a high quality, low CoSt Spay/Neuter CliNiC.

Tired of unwanted litters?

Need to get your pet fixed, but not sure if you can afford it?

Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic can help!

Call 203-690-1550 for an appointment.

Nutmeg SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC

www.nutmegclinic.org 25 Charles Street, Stratford, CT 06615

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naturalpet

Saving Animals

Saves People Rescue You, Rescue Me

by Sandra Murphy

Like water, grace seeks its own level. In rescuing animals, the rescuer is often also rescued. Both lives change for the better.

B

“

uster came to us for a reason,” says Amy Burkert.

“My husband, Rod, and I were walking our Shar-Pei, Ty, in our Philadelphia neighborhood when a man warned us about ‘a big, black dog’ in the alley. The friendly fellow came home with us and after a fruitless search for his family, we decided to make him part of ours.”

In 2009, when the couple encountered difficulty finding a vacation hotel that would accept their new 70-pound German shepherd as an overnight guest, they decided to launch GoPetFriendly.com, a website that assists in finding travel accommodations for families with dogs and other pets.

Selling their house in Pennsylvania and hitting the road in a 24-foot-long RV, they’ve now traveled to 47 states to research and qualify content for the website; Rod works from “home” and Amy writes the weblog. Their travel schedule flexes, with most stops lasting one to three weeks.

“It’s not the life two accountants were banking on, but we couldn’t be happier,” she says, “and we owe it all to Buster.” The site now lists more than 60,000 hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, beaches, dog parks and activities across the U.S. and Canada, plus a road trip planner.

“I woke up one morning and thought, ‘I can’t find a husband, so I’ll get a dog,’” says BJ Gallagher, a sociologist and award-winning author. “I’d lived in my Los Angeles house for 16 years and knew none of the neighbors. Within six months of adopting Fannie from a shelter, I’d met them

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Humans rescue animals, but animals show up for a reason—most humans can use some rescuing, as well. all. Thanks to her, I’ve become a full-fledged member of my community.” Fannie’s Chinese heritage includes chow and Pekingese breeds.

Transformations can come from more unusual pets, as well. Soon after Susan M. Tellem, a registered nurse in Malibu, California, gifted her husband, Marshall, with two tortoises for his birthday, the couple discovered there was no national protection program for the reptiles. They started American Tortoise Rescue (Tortoise.com), an organization that has been rescuing, rehabilitating and providing sanctuary to more than 3,000 water turtles and land tortoises since 1990. Their education and awareness initiatives for humane treatment have gone international, as well.

It was a bird that rescued April Leffingwell. She had been dealing with a severe back injury that necessitated pain medication and kept her from regular work for six months when she and her husband visited a local Los Angeles pet store, “to get out of the house.” She was touched by seeing a large Moluccan cockatoo that was afflicted with a damaged claw. Her husband recognized how she related to the bird’s condition and brought Izzi home the next day.

Now with just one leg, Izzi has learned to sleep while lying down to rest his other limb. “Izzi and I found each other when we were both broken,” she says. “We’ve become each other’s source of strength. If he can live with only one leg, I can live through pain.”

When members of the armed forces deploy, they often have to find alternate living arrangements for pets and may not always be successful. Kimberly Gauthier, a blogger at KeepTheTailWagging.com, and her ex-Army partner are securing funding and laying plans to foster dogs for deployed soldiers. Emailing updates and Skype visits will aim to boost the morale of both the dog and serviceman or woman. The couple lives on five acres in Marysville, Washington.

An animal-enriched environment has proved to be helpful for author Kathy Rowe, a 20-year veteran retired from the military, and her husband, Scott, who also retired from Air Force service that included Special Forces duty. They have chosen to live on a 100-acre farm in Tyner, Kentucky. Kathy believes their variety of resident rescued animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys and a potbelly pig, all help Scott in dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Riding, working with and grooming his horse, Quint, is particularly helpful. “My husband is less frustrated, has better focus, is less jumpy and has fewer flashbacks than he used to,” relates Rowe. “Knowing that our rescue dog, Lola, is guarding the farm, he feels he can sleep better because she has his back.”

Humans rescue animals, but animals show up for a reason—most humans can use some rescuing, as well.

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy of St. Louis, MO, at StLSandy@mindspring.com.

peteventscalendar Magazine pet related calendar events must be received by November 5th (for December 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.

Saturday, November 2

Sunday, November 3

New York Metro Pet Reptile Expo – 10am-4pm.

Thousands of pet reptiles from world-famous breeders available for sale. $10 adult/$5 children.

Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY. www. reptileexpo.com or 845-526-4845.

DAWS Foster Parent Orientation Session – 11am. DAWS can only keep a limited number of adult animals at the shelter. Some adults - and all of the puppies and kittens, are cared for by foster volunteers. It’s a rewarding way to volunteer and save more lives. DAWS Community Room, DAWS Shelter, 147 Grassy Plain St., Bethel.

Stepping Stones Museum: Mutt-i-grees ® Program – 11am-12pm. PAWS visits Stepping Stones Museum the first Saturday of every month as part of the national «Mutt-i-grees®» program.

Meet a PAWS dog and hear a PAWS representative present about shelter animals, adoption, and safe handling techniques (especially geared toward children). Free with ticketed admission. Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Mathews Park, 303 West Avenue, Norwalk. 203-899-0606.

Friends of Felines Cat Adoption Event at PetSmart – 12pm-3pm. Donation $150. Applications being accepted for the event but will also be available at PetSmart. PetSmart, 288 West Ave, Stamford. 203-353-9807.

PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm.

Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572.

PAWS Animal Adoption Event – 12pm-4pm.

Meet your new best friend! PAWS, 504 Main Ave., Norwalk. 203-750-9572.

DAWS Adoption Event at Petco – 11am-3pm.

Stop by Petco to meet adoptable animals and DAWS volunteers. Our friends at Petco invite us quite often, so if you can’t make it this weekend, you’ll have plenty of opportunities throughout the year. Petco, 169 Federal Road, Brookfield. 203-775-3337

Wednesday, November 13 CT Alliance for Humane Pet Shops Public Hearing – 1pm. Legislative Office Building 1D, Hartford. HumanePetShops.Wordpress.com.

Saturday, November 16

Saturday, November 9 Cat Adoption Event – 12pm-3pm. Nutmeg Spay/ Neuter Clinic, 25 Charles St., Stratford. To download an adoption application, email info@NutmegClinic.org. 203-690-1550.

DAWS Volunteer Orientation – 10:00am. Adults must attend a General Orientation before beginning volunteer service. DAWS Community Room, DAWS Shelter, 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel.

203-744-3297.

Feral Feline Festival – 7pm – 12am. Live music, dancing, raffles, and more! $25 donation includes entertainment, food, coffee, etc. The Greater New Haven Cat Project, Inc. Italian-American Club, Hamre Lane, Branford. Email gnhcp.org or call 203-782-2287 for tickets.

pet-related businesses/services please submit calendar listings to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com or on eNaturalAwakenings.com

EARTH ANIMAL NATURAL ANIMAL CARE & NUTRITION Offering Natural Solutions for 30 Years The Highest Quality Dog & Cat Foods Our Own Veterinarian Formulated Vitamins Natural Flea & Tick Products American Made Treats & Chewies Toys, Leashes, Collars and more . . .

The only store in town to cause barking, purring, & chirping!

Become a fan on Facebook!

606 Post Road East, Westport, CT • 203-222-7173 • www.earthanimal.com Store Hours: Monday - Friday 9:30 - 6:00 • Saturday 9:30 - 5:00 • Sunday 12:00 - 4:00

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petresourceguide Adoption/Rescue

Doggie Day Camp, Day Care, Training & Boarding

Animals in Distress Inc. 238 Danbury Rd., Wilton 203-762-2006 Animals-In-Distress.com

Camp BowWow & Home Buddies Stamford

Bridgeport Animal Control 236 Evergreen St., Bridgeport 203-576-7727

Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) 147 Grassy Plain St., Bethel 203-744-3297

Friends of Felines, Inc. PO Box 8147, Stamford, CT 203-363-0220 Cats@AdoptAPet.org AdoptAPet.org

Pet Animal Welfare Society Inc. (PAWS) 504 Main Ave., Norwalk 203-750-9572 PawsCT.org

Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue 45 South St., Ridgefield 203-438-0158 Roar-Ridgefield.org

SPCA of Connecticut Inc.

359 Spring Hill Rd., Monroe 203-445-9978 SPCAct.org

Strays and Others

PO Box 473, New Canaan, CT 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

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Fairfield County Edition

581 Hope St., Stamford • 203-504-2288 CampBowWow.com/Stamford Stamford@CampBowWow.com Camp Bow Wow ® provides a fun, safe and upscale environment for dogs to play and receive attention. We provide doggy day camp for dogs dropped off in the morning and picked up in the evening, as well as overnight boarding.

Overnight campers play in the day camp program during the day and have individual cabins at night.

Home Buddies Stamford provides premier in-home pet care in the Stamford, Greenwich, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk areas. See ad, page 36.

Dog Gone Smart

15 Cross St. Norwalk, CT 203-838-7729 DogGoneSmart.com Fairfield County’s TOP canine center, where we treat your dog like family! Dog Gone Smart is a state-of-the art canine center dedicated to providing outstanding care and services to dogs and their owners for over 20 years. Our professional staff consists of dog trainers, and animal behaviorists who have been working together here to make Dog Gone Smart a loving, safe, fun and happy home away from home for your dog. Daycare, boarding, training, classes, swimming, grooming, fencing and more! See ad, page 36.

Wholistic Pet Services Boutique Dog Resort & Spa East Norwalk • 203-542-0910 WholisticPetService.com Loukia@WholisticPetservice.com

Wholistic Pet Services is a unique and very “boutique” dog -boarding and training resort in a private home with a fully fenced and landscaped garden. Our furry guests receive good manners training, sleep on cotton sheets and Persian carpets and go for daily socialization and training hikes in the Norwalk parks. Guests have the choice of home-made holistic nutrition supplemented by herbal remedies and we offer nutritional advice and cooking lessons for health conscious dog parents. See ad, page 32.

natural awakenings

Pet Food & Health Supplies Earth Animal

606 Post Road East, Westport 203-222-7173 • EarthAnimal.com Earth Animal has been the pioneer in the natural pet health industry for decades.

The family owned business sells their own veterinarianformulated products for cats and dogs. These include vitamins, organic herbal remedies and a natural flea and tick prevention program. Dr. Bob Goldstein recently partnered with Bell&Evans® to produce a hormone and antibiotic free line of American made chicken treats. Earth Animal also sells raw and dehydrated foods and organic home cooking pre-mixes, plus the best quality treats, bones, toys, leashes, collars, beds, etc! See ad, page 39.

The Honest Kitchen

145 14th Street • San Diego, CA 866-437-9729 • TheHonestKitchen.com The Honest Kitchen provides natural, human-grade pet food products for dogs and cats. Our gourmet recipes are 100% natural and gently dehydrated. See ad, page 33.

Veterinary Services Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic 25 Charles St., Stratford 203-690-1550 • NutmegClinic.org

The Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic is a low-cost, highvolume 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 shelters and offers incentives for low-income families and rescue groups. Pit bulls and mixes are welcome and the clinic offers discounts for feral cats to be spayed or neutered. See ad, page 37.

wisewords

The Miracle of Midlife Being Exactly Who We Need to Be

by Marianne Williamson

H

ow would we live, were we not afraid of death? How would we live if we gave ourselves permission to give to life everything we’ve got? In The Longevity Factor, Lydia Brontë, Ph.D., observes that we’ve added 15 years to our lives… but in the middle, not at the end. No longer identifying ourselves as “over the hill” at whatever age, we are simply removing the hill. We are forging a different conversation and a new vision to take us beyond the limited thought forms that have defined the parameters of age for generations.

For the first time in history, we can realistically view the first half of life as a kind of gestation period, preparing us for an even more productive second half. Midlife is like a second puberty, a point at which one persona falls away and another comes to take its place.

What happens then is up to us.

Some begin a long, slow cruise toward death at that point, allowing memories to become more meaningful than the present. Others, remembering that the spirit within us never ages, see the moment of midlife as a rebirth—the time to put our engines into high gear.

Whomever it is we were born to be, whatever our soul was coded to accomplish, whatever lessons we are here to learn; now is the time to seriously get

going. We may regret that we’re no longer young, but we’re ecstatic that we’re no longer clueless.

We must be disciplined, though. We want to become precision instruments now, focused on exactly what we want to do and being exactly who we need to be. This requires separating from the person we were before to whatever extent that person was not who we know in our hearts we were created to be.

There’s no more time for five-year detours. No more time for relationships that don’t serve us or for staying in situations that aren’t true to who we are. No more time for pettiness, false pride or whatever other dysfunctional roadblocks obstruct our higher destiny and the joy that’s meant to be ours.

Our life might not be as fabulous as it used to be in some ways, but in other ways it’s even more fabulous. The Universe is constantly and infinitely elastic, responding not to our past, but to our present state of mind. As we learn to reprogram thoughts—atoning for our mistakes of the past and embracing the endless miraculous possibilities of the present—we step into a time when we have every reason to look forward with genuine excitement to what happens next.

Individually and collectively, we are now fitted to fearlessly forge new

ground, wielding the power of what life has taught us so far and laying claim to the possibility of redemption, not only for ourselves, but also for the entire world. The planet needs a new story, aligned with a larger consciousness, and so do we.

What we need now are imagination and courage. Many of us feel we’ve forever carried around a secret dream, rarely validating it even to ourselves and often denying its reality. Yet it has refused to go away and is ready to be born at last. Individuals that have spent decades achieving one thing or moving in one direction often take up something else entirely that gives them far more psychic satisfaction. They see achievements that were the height of their material success as preparation for an even greater one; the means by which they learned the skills ultimately needed to make their biggest contribution to the world.

Divine law guarantees that the power of “now” presents an endless fount of miraculous opportunities. In God, there are no limits to how high we can go, ever. In God, there is no time… only the call of the soul. It is not too late; we are right on time and we are better than we know.

Now, having visited so many other places in our journey of life, we seek our place within the collective heartbeat of holiness. When enough of us stand in the light of our higher purpose, seeking to be ever-greater servants of love, each consciously dedicated to creating a more loving world, then a new field of collective possibility will emerge among us. All that is not love will begin to fall away of its own dead weight. A profound moment of planetary renewal will occur then, after our having allowed it first to occur within us.

Marianne Williamson is an internationally acclaimed inspirational author and lecturer. Six of her 10 books have been New York Times bestsellers, including The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife, the basis for this article.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

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Relax, Enjoy &

Let Your Spirit Shine Thru

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Fairfield County Edition

F

itness seekers across the country are finding their wild sides by crouching like cougars, leaping like leopards and crawling like crabs.

Although it might seem like they’ve let silliness encroach on their fitness goals, these adventurous types might be on the right track, realizing more of the rippled muscles and exceptional agility of our four-legged complements.

“It’s getting people back into their own bodies,” says Mike Fitch, creator of Animal Flow, one of several fitness programs offered in health clubs around the country that enable participants to make the most of their inner beast. “People are tired of being injured and doing the same old workouts. They need a more well-rounded, holistic approach to their health.”

Fitch, founder of Global Bodyweight Training, in Miami, Florida, incorporates fluid movement (including parkour, break dancing and gymnastics) in his routines.

Animal-related workouts are proving to be a fun form of natural bodyweight training—named a top fitness trend for 2013 by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Men and

natural awakenings

women are mimicking animals to attain stronger, leaner and more agile bodies that perform better in life. Whether building arm strength by swinging their lower bodies sideways, feet-to-hands, like a gorilla, or toning thigh muscles by stalking forward inches from the ground like a panther, animal workout converts are toning their bodies in challenging ways without the use of heavy weights or equipment.

“The bear crawl is another good example,” advises David Nordmark, author of Animal Workouts: Animal Movement Based Bodyweight Training for Everyone. With hands and feet on the ground and rear end raised in the air, the bear crawl involves scrambling quickly forward and backward—a popular high school football and karate agility drill for years. He contends, “Even if you think you are in shape and do it for a minute, you’ll be amazed at how much more of a workout your arms get.”

Neal Pire, a New Jersey-based strength trainer and ACSM fellow, agrees the movements are intense and strength building, but wonders if an evolved, two-legged animal is meant

to mimic four-legged species. “It’s a very tough workout,” says Pire. “You’re loading muscles where typically you don’t have very much leverage, so your muscles are doing all of the work; yet some moves might be overloading to certain people’s joints.”

Fitch claims the overall result is increased muscle endurance. He cites a study published in the journal Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism of women that found whole-body, aerobic resistance training like what’s applied in his program supplies a cardiovascular workout similar to endurance training, but with the added benefits of increased balanced muscle strength and perceived enjoyment.

“I call it body balance, working your body as a unit,” Nordmark says, citing pushups, which activate specific muscle groups, as a more traditional example. He notes, “I think it gives people a more natural and attractive look than bodybuilding, more like dancers or even martial artists or gymnasts.”

Working out like animals keeps human cores activated, especially when combining the exercises together for a sustained routine. In addition to

“Even if you think you are in shape and do it for a minute, you’ll be amazed at how much more of a workout your arms get.” ~ David Nordmark on “the bear crawl” exercise tightened abdominal muscles, it boosts calorie consumption and leads to enhanced core and overall strength. Fitch points to a relevant study of college football players that demonstrated the strength connection, published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Pire concurs that sustained exercises at a moderate range, as with animal workouts, is an effective calorie burner. Firming up a flabby middle also works to improve balance, as another study in the same journal showed, involving sedentary women performing fitness ball exercises.

Moving the body in many directions in intense, but flowing, almost dance-like workouts, naturally improves

stability, agility, flexibility and balance, as exhibited in the animal kingdom.

“Challenging the body as it moves in all directions uses the body the way it was intended to be used,” maintains Fitch.

Nordmark also points to similarities in yoga poses resembling animal postures that have contributed to physical and spiritual health for millennia.

Nordmark and Fitch believe that animal themes provide many more bodyweight movements that can keep workouts fresh and be mastered for life, keeping bodies strong and functional as people age. “If you meet an old bear in the woods, he’s not walking around with a walker,” Nordmark observes. “He’s still a formidable animal, and you don’t want to mess with him.” Plus, adds Fitch: “The workouts are great fun.”

Watch animal moves in action at Tinyurl.com/AnimalFlowVideo.

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

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inspiration

Coming in December

LIVING GRATITUDE

A Taproot of Happiness

by Leo Babauta

Holiday Gift Guide

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“

f the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘Thank you,’ that would suffice,” a maxim first voiced by mystic Meister Eckhart, has held true through the centuries. Why should this simple act mean so much?

Expressing gratitude works wonders.

Gratitude reminds us to recognize good people in our life. They range from loved ones to those that render a kindness to a stranger. Treasuring goodness in every form brings more of it into our experience.

Gratitude turns bad things into good things. Having problems at work? Be grateful to be employed and serving others. Challenges keep life interesting, enhance judgment and strengthen character.

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Gratitude reminds us of what’s important. Being grateful to have a healthy family and friends, a home and food on the table puts smaller worries in perspective.

Gratitude reminds you to say, “Thank you.” Call, email or stop by to say thanks… it takes just a few minutes to express our reason for doing so. People like being appreciated. It creates a satisfying beam of mutual happiness that shines on.

Habit-Forming Tips

Here are some ways to overcome any initial discomfort felt in stepping forward to thank others.

44

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Create a morning gratitude session.

Take a few minutes each morning to close your eyes, silence the to-dos and give thanks to whomever and whatever is cause for gratitude.

Show thanks. Sometimes we think about something helpful or kind that someone did for us recently or long ago. Make a note, call them up or even better, tell them in person with sincere conviction why you continue to be grateful and appreciative. Another option is a thank-you card or email— keep it short and sweet.

See the silver lining even in “negative” situations. There are always two ways to look at something.

We can perceive something as stressful, harmful, sad, unfortunate and difficult, or look for the good embedded in just about everything.

Problems held in a positive light from a different perspective can be opportunities to grow and to be creative in devising a solution.

Learn a gratitude prayer. Many songs and prayers, religious or not, serve to remind us to be grateful. Find or write a special one and post it in a highly visible spot.

Leo Babauta is the founder of the simplicity blog, ZenHabits.net, and author of bestselling e-books Focus, The Little Guide to Un-Procrastination and Zen to Done.

Be Thankful Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Holistic Moms Connect to Drive Change

by Ariana Rawls Fine

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times, you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.

They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles and they can become your blessings. ~ Author unknown

H

olistic Moms Network (HMN) recently held its 2013 national conference in New Jersey on October 12, 2013 with attendees from the tri-state area and across the nation, including Connecticut chapter members. The non-profit HMN is a support, education and social network for parents interested in green living, alternative health care and gentle, responsive parenting. The HMN Natural Living Conference focused on a variety of holistic living topics, including The Art of Conscious Parenting with Dr. Shefali Tsabary and Creating a NonGMO Mom Revolution – Starting with Holistic Moms with Jeffrey Smith.

Smith, author of Seeds of Deception and Genetic Roulette, touched on the key role parents play in raising public awareness about GMOs and their effects on our health and environment in order to bring public outcry to a critical, game changing level.

In her speech to begin the conference Nancy Massotto, HMN Founder and Executive Director, spoke about the true meaning of personal connection, community and holistic living. “We came together in a small group to share our hopes, fears, and challenges and to save our sanity…But when we came to-

gether, it was revolutionary…in the very simple act of gathering together. In fact, each and every one of you is engaging in a revolutionary act at this moment. It is in being present with other, in community, in unity, that we not only learn, grow, and change, but that we find our inner power and realize that we, too, can make a difference. It is when we feel connected and understood that we develop the confidence and security to truly start a movement. And it is this moment right now, when you choose to show up, to open your mind, to feel your own power and to experience what it’s like to be in a community that supports your journey…But power isn’t found online. It’s found here – in real life…Apathy and disconnection are the true enemies of the world because it is when we are too busy and just showing up becomes too much of challenge that we are relinquishing our power and giving up our chance to evolve.”

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7:30pm.

Location: Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, 156 East Avenue, Norwalk. For more information on HMN, visit HolisticMoms.org.

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November 2013

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lzheimer’s, the most common form of dementia and a general term for memory loss and other intellectual disabilities serious enough to interfere with daily life, affects 5.6 million Americans. According to The Lancet Neurology, a well-respected medical journal on brain research, Alzheimer’s, which presently has no cure, is preventable.

“Lifestyle choices, like aerobic exercise and eating plenty of healthy fats and reducing carbohydrates, affect overall brain health, as well as the risk of Alzheimer’s,” says Dr. David Perlmutter, a board-certified neurologist and author of the new bestselling book, Grain Brain: The Surprising Truth about Wheat, Carbs, and Sugar—Your Brain’s Silent Killers.

Food is a powerful epigenetic modulator—it can enable or hamper our DNA, thus regulating the expression of many genes. Experts have only begun to understand the damaging consequences of wheat consumption.

“Grain Brain is a timely wake-up call about how we are increasingly challenging human physiology by consuming what we are not genetically prepared to process, like the 133 pounds of wheat the average American eats annually,” says Perlmutter. He believes that one of the main culprits for the decline in brain health in modern times has been the introduction of wheat into the human diet. Today’s modernized and hybridized wheat crops share little genetic, structural or chemical similarity to the wild einkorn variety of grain our ancestors consumed in small amounts.

In the West, 20 percent of calories come from wheat-

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based food. Perlmutter is among those that regard this as a dangerous statistic, especially since Dr. Alessio Fasano, a pediatric gastroenterologist and research scientist who leads the Center for Celiac Research & Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital, in Boston, found that the gluten in wheat leads to the production of zonulin in the gut.

Zonulin increases the permeability of the intestinal wall, allowing proteins to leak from the gut into the bloodstream, explains Perlmutter. These proteins, which would normally remain within the digestive system, then challenge parts of the immune system, the macro fascia and certain other types of white blood cells that increase production of inflammation-related chemicals. “Zonulin is the cornerstone of diseases characterized by inflammation in the brain—Alzheimer’s, autism, Parkinson’s and attention deficit disorders—as well as autoimmune diseases,” advises Perlmutter.

Fasano’s research shows that such a reaction to zonulin is present in 100 percent of humans—not just in the 1.8 percent of the population that have celiac disease or 30 percent that are gluten sensitive. “A hallmark of what I term grain brain is that brain dysfunction is predicated on the inflammation from consumption of gluten, as well as the long chains of sugar molecules known as carbohydrates,” says Perlmutter. “This includes fruit, which also was consumed in limited quantities by our ancestors.”

“A hallmark of what I term grain brain is that brain dysfunction is predicated on the inflammation from consumption of gluten, as well as the long chains of sugar molecules known as carbohydrates.” ~ Dr. David Perlmutter

He cites a published analysis by Loren Cordain, Ph.D., author of The Paleo Diet.

A diet high in carbohydrates has been directly related to atrophy, or brain shrinkage, according to a recent German study by University of Bonn researchers, published in Neurology.

A blood test for hemoglobin A1C, the standard laboratory measurement to assess average blood sugar, is frequently used in studies that correlate blood sugar control to disease processes like Alzheimer’s, mild cognitive impairment and coronary artery disease. The researchers concluded that elevated hemoglobin A1C is directly associated with brain shrinkage, says Perlmutter.

He further notes, “The function of the brain, which is 60 to 70 percent fat and maintained by the fats you consume, depends on its environment.”

Grain Brain recommends a diet that’s aggressively low in carbohydrates (60 grams per day) and bountiful in sup-

portive brain fats. These include extravirgin olive oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, ghee, almond milk, avocados, olives, nuts, nut butters, cheese and seeds such as flaxseed, sunflower, pumpkin, sesame and chia. It is also rich in above-ground vegetables such as kale, broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and salad greens, while relatively low in below-ground vegetables like beets, carrots and potatoes, which are higher in carbohydrates. It also calls for reduced fruit consumption.

“Having two to four servings of fruit every day, based on America’s present food pyramid, is not helpful.

More in line with avoiding brain drain is an apple or a handful of berries, or about 100 calories worth of any fruit.

In my opinion, the pyramid needs to be stood on its head,” advises Perlmutter.

“We should eat a diet similar to what our ancestors survived on for 2.6 million years and reprogram support of our genetic destiny for the better.”

Dr. David Perlmutter is a board-certified neurologist, Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and author of Grain Brain. For more information on his 2013 PBS Grain Brain series, visit DrPerlmutter.com.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings.

Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for the recorded interview.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

47

The Healing Power of Music and Sound

by Jennifer Zulli

W

hat is music? Beethoven said it is, “one incorporeal entrance that comprehends man but man cannot comprehend.” We can say the same thing for sound.

Have you ever heard a song that, when you got to one part, that one part, you sing with all your heart? Your arm hairs stand up, chills run through your body and, for a brief moment, you feel as though you’ve slipped into another di-

mension. Many of us have experienced this once or on numerous occasions. Is it the lyrics or the chord structure? Is it the intention of the artist that does it each time? Many of us can agree that we are connected in that moment to something bigger than who we are.

It all begins with vibration. Everything is in vibration - the trees, our food, your chair, the earth – because everything is energy. The higher the

frequency, the greater the energy. But what is it about music and sound that possesses the extraordinary power to make us feel otherworldly?

What speaks to you in music you love? Every note has an exact pitch an exact frequency (or a cycle) that resonates with perfection whether it be the words and lyrics themselves or the chords’ vibrations in non-lyrical compositions.

According to Mitchell Gaynor, MD, a New York oncologist and Clinical Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University, “sound enters the healing equation from several directions: It may alter cellular functions through energetic effects; it may entrain biological systems to function more homeostatically; it may calm the mind and therefore the body; or it may have emotional effects, which influence neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, which in turn help to regulate the immune system--the healer within.”

Each of our physical organs resonates to its own frequency, as do our thoughts and feelings. Those frequencies fluctuate depending on health, dis-ease, outside situations and what our personal “HOME” frequency is tuned to. We also have intention. Have you felt a vibe that was off when you walked into a room and immediately wanted to escape? Children are attuned to this; watch your children and they can alert you to the true intentions of

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Locations in Southern Fairfield County 139 Main Street Norwalk, CT 06851 203-840-1991 5893 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-268-8852 6515 Main Street Trumbull, CT 06611 203-374-2020 2600 Post Road Southport, CT 06890 203-255-4005

people around you. How do you feel when you leave a rock concert - where the intention is to excite - or when you are chanting “Om” in your yoga class?

All of the above result in the symbiotic and perfect culmination of the music and sounds you hear as a vibrational match to your HOME frequency and/ or what energy needs to be moved or released at that particular time.

The beauty of sound is that it is powerful, multifaceted and yet simple.

It can be used to heal on a deep cellular level. Vibrational and sound healing techniques are widely offered today and effective through the concept of resonance and entrainment. During our waking state, our brain waves’ normal frequency is that of Beta. Sound tools entrain the brain to move into the deeper Alpha and Theta frequencies. These are the frequencies that induce deep meditative and peaceful states, clarity of mind and intuition. Modern medicine can now measure, and thus confirm, the practice of sound as a means to promote healing. Sound is a type of energy medicine that has the ability to move and clear energy not only in our physical bodies, but our spiritual and emotional bodies. It can create the sacred space in which the body can heal from pain, stress disorders, depression, emotional roller coasters and more.

Entrainment is when the dominant vibration of one tone or frequency changes the less dominant one. Sound

or sonic entrainment has been used across cultures by medicine men and women and shamans. The ability to create altered states of consciousness through drumming, chanting and music is probably as old as music itself.

One of the most powerful yet sometimes overlooked instrument for healing is the human voice. The voice is most powerful because it can transmit intention more directly than an instrument. The human voice contains tones and overtones which can work the physical and subtle energy bodies while electronic instruments and machines do not have the full spectrum of harmonics.

Toning, chanting and vocalizing mantras are ways to use your voice in a group or alone. Many people who have never previously experienced group chanting describe their first time as life-changing or spiritually profound. Through the regular use of sound plus intention, we have the ability to shift the vibration, thus creating healing for ourselves and on our planet. It is through this divine gift we share, that we can find our true HOME frequency and pathway to understanding ourselves unlike anything else.

In the Hindu tradition the word AUM, known commonly as Om, was the sound that initiated the Creation. According to scientists, the big bang theory was actually an extraordinarily deep subatomic note, much slower and deeper than anything that could be heard.

No matter what school of thought you

resonate with, it seems we have come full circle. For everything originates and is comprised of vibration and sound.

Jennifer Zulli, MA is a Sound and Energy Healing Practitioner, New Age Artist and Composer, Teacher and the Founder and Director of SOUND (A Center for Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness), located in Newtown, CT. Her latest album “Goddess Rising” will be released in late 2013. For more information, visit SoundCenterArts.com and JenniferZulli.com. See Community Resource Guide listing, page 60.

Open your eyes,

look within. Are you satisfied with the life you’re living?

eNaturalAwakenings.com

~Bob Marley

November 2013

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n this age of unlimited information, we need to look deeper beneath the surface of things within the world and in ourselves to encourage the blossoming of the self in all of its possible fullness.

For some, this means time in solitude to run inside yourself to “hear” your soul.

Instead of looking for all the answers outside, most can be found on our own inner journey, away from the tribe.

There is a need for people to be devoted to go inside, to practice “inner-ing” in order to know their way and their truth. This can mean walking alone, meditation, sipping tea, singing, yoga, creative play or intentional contemplation, to name a few. Knowledge and information is everywhere, but wisdom is more elusive. Wisdom requires the experience of space, openness, listening, meditation, connection and trust. It grows with experience. It cannot be taught but rather learned.

We are each here on earth to partici-

natural awakenings

pate in our own creation of our journey through self knowledge and self growth that comes from experiences of play, exploration and vulnerability.

Science now proves the benefits of yoga and music therapy and that our brain is more musical then verbal. Just listening to the right music or better chanting produces a dopamine response and vibrates our entire being into a pattern we can choose. We have the awareness, research and tools but do we take the time to journey within?

In our relationships, we need to trust, connect and communicate. It should first be in place with ourselves and then we can transfer to our relationships with others. Without soul time for ourselves, we lose our imagination and ability to hear our inner longing. We become stunted by conditioned attitudes and adaptations to otherness that lacks our own thinking and imagination.

The soul protests, potentially causing us to become weakened and lose our power and resilience. Sometimes this learning comes later in life, after years of stepping in the same hole several times. We are then ready to listen to our soul voice. With so much information available today, many people, includ-

ing our youngsters, think they know everything. The great things cannot be taught or learned on a computer, they must be personally experienced with the Self. The ability to be alone with the Self and enjoy your own company is essential. Take yourself out to lunch, drive to a beautiful place to do yoga or write alone. Feel the difference. We all need ways to put things in to perspective. It is your own imperative to create a siesta or sadhana in your day, in whatever way works for you.

There is so much on this topic of self growth and improvement that it can seem like one more thing to add to our endless lists. A shift in purpose and awareness is needed to make the choice to slow to a rhythm where you “heal your mind to heal your life.”

The human spirit is sometimes held prisoner by overdoing and filling up every free moment. The art of self-reflection, contemplation and self-honoring can be called Self-ing. Tuning, charging and energizing the Self is our essential purpose and duty with every tradition following this principle.

As Brene Brown has shown in

her research, shame and lack of worth keeps us from risking and being vulnerable. Although we all suffer in this life, we are in need of connection to the spiritual . When one experiences this connection, there is a synchronicity of events and we feel flow.

Ideally, we must be responsible for our own personal truths in order to be the best imagined self for others. In her “A Collection of Souls - Journey to the Soul Family Tree” book, Leesa Sklover, PhD presents on the ways we create our soul family and soul world tree and foster authentic trust to understand intuition. It is about the ability to sense wonder, be open and wise about what you let into your heart, knowing disappointment is possible. You are then able to notice the beauty in the individuals you may meet for a moment or a lifetime and those you have a magical connection with. Synchronistic events of connection are how you build your soul tree with family, friends, colleagues, strangers, animals and the natural world of your choice. Symbols and experience become your reality.

You can live in reality and non-reality at

the same time because you know how to listen to your heart and soul.

We need to know solitude and our inner song, but we are never alone, not to our ancestors or the magic of the world, in the meditation class or elsewhere. As Ralph Waldo Emerson says in Self Reliance, “great man is he who in the midst of the crowd keeps with perfect sweetness the independence of solitude.” To know conscious awareness, mindfulness, presence and to hear your own soul sing in the company of others is the best gift we can give ourselves. The great Zen master Dogen said the path to awakening and liberation is not a line but a circle. We are here to pause and remember and recall our true Self and the ongoing oneness of our life on Earth.

Leesa Sklover, PhD, LPC, CRC, CMT, IKYTA practices in integrative health areas, counseling and Relationship/Wellness consulting/ coaching in Fairfield, Norwalk and Glastonbury. She can be reached at DrSklover@gmail.com, 203-313-2327 or LoveLifeProductions.net.

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Natural Iodine Supplementation A Must for Most Americans

W

e all need iodine, yet most of us don’t get enough of it through our diet. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that iodine deficiency in the developed world has increased fourfold in the past 40 years and now affects nearly three-quarters of all adults.

Numerous U.S. practicing physicians quoted widely in the media estimate that the incidence of hypothyroidism in our adult population may be between 30 and 70 percent.

Thus, we can’t efficiently produce the thyroid hormones that serve as chemical messengers triggering nearly every bodily function. The presence or absence of iodine affects our every cell.

Be Aware of Hypothyroidism Symptoms Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, is the most recognized and obvious indicator of low iodine intake because the thyroid gland contains more concentrated iodine than other organs.

Symptoms can range from extreme fatigue and weight gain to depression, carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood pressure, fibrocystic breasts and a variety of skin and hair problems.

Hypothyroidism can further cause infertility, joint pain, heart disease and stroke.

Low iodine levels also have been associated with breast and thyroid cancers. In children, insufficient iodine has been strongly linked with mental retardation, deafness, attention deficient and hyperactivity disorder and impaired growth, according to studies by Boston University, China’s Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and France’s National Academy of Medicine.

The answer is simple: Taking the right kind of iodine in the right dosage can rebalance thyroid function and restore health to the thyroid and the whole body.

Your Thyroid Needs Protection!

Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine Can Provide the Protection You Need

Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, WI-FI and microwave ovens.

Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings DETOXIFIED IODINE can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and restoring proper hormone production.

Iodine replacement has been reported to give relief from: • Depression • Fibromyalgia • Hyperthyroidism • Hypothyroidism

• Weight Gain • Low Energy • Radiation • Bacteria & Viruses

Don’t delay, order yours today!

Available only at: NAWebstore.com Or call: 888-822-0246 $20 for a 4-6 week supply SPECIAL SHIPPING - $5•up to 8 bottles

Wholesale pricing available to stores and practitioners

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Natural Awakenings Detoxifed Iodine is 100 percent natural, raw iodine in an ethyl alcohol solution. We thank all those that are benefiting from this product and enthusiastically telling us their great results.  Available only at NAWebstore.com  My wife, who suffered from extreme fatigue and other symptoms, saw a dramatic increase in energy after just a few days of taking the natural iodine drops. Now if she misses a day, she’ll end up falling asleep in the middle of the afternoon, like she used to do before taking the iodine. It works! ~ Aaron My doctor told me that I had a hypothyroid condition, prescribed medication and was happy with the follow-up test results, yet I noticed no positive effects on my overall wellbeing. Within two weeks of using the Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine, I had more energy, felt more awake and enjoyed clearer thinking and greater peace of mind. People even comment that I look younger. I am a fan! ~ Larry

Reasons Behind Iodine Deficiency Radiation: Almost everyone is routinely exposed to iodine-depleting radiation emitted by cell phones, Wi-Fi, microwave ovens and other electronic devices.

Iodized table salt: The human body cannot utilize the iodine added to this product.

Low-sodium diets: Failure to use healthy salts to fulfill sodium requirements, plus overuse of zero-nutrient table salt in foods, leads to iodine depletion.

Bromine: This toxic chemical overrides iodine’s abilities to nourish the thyroid, adrenal and other hormone-producing glands.

A known carcinogen, it is used as an anticaking ingredient found in almost all baked goods, unless the ingredients specifically cite unbromated flour.

Iodine-depleted soils: Due to poor farming techniques, iodine and other minerals in soil have declined, so most foods today are devoid of naturally occurring iodine.

Proper iodine supplementation with a high-quality product like Natural Awakenings Detoxified Iodine can prevent harm by protecting the thyroid and other endocrine glands and restoring proper hormone production.

calendarofevents

markyourcalendar

Magazine calendar events must be received by November 5th (for December 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.

Friday, November 1 Reiki Level 1 Workshop – 10am-4:30pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki Level 1 in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to use Reiki for self- healing and healing for others. Includes 4 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate $115 + $10 towards Materials. RSVP to 203852-1150. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, (enter private office downstairs in back), Norwalk.

Saturday, November 2 Sound Healing with Crystal Cymbalogy – 5pm.

Cynthia and Rick help audiences experience their highest vibration by playing original compositions and using a combination of sounds including crystal bowls, drums, cymbals, voice, and more.

Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. RSVP to 203-969-4327.

Spiritual Psychic Fair – 12pm-5pm. Come and experience an uplifting reading with our gifted and caring psychic intuitives. Many types of reading available: mediumship, tarot cards, angel cards, palmistry, pendulum, soul mandala drawings, pranic healing. Sessions approximately 25mins. Walk-ins welcome. $30 and up. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich. 914-909-0914.

Yoga & Pranayama – 9:30am-10:30am. Yoga and Pranayam with Wendy, Deb, and Alok. Open to all.

Move with the breath, open your heart, release stress.

All levels welcome! Free! Hindu Cultural Center, 96 Chapel Street, Stratford.

Acro Yoga – 3pm-5pm. With Jay Karlinski and Erica Arce. In this workshop you will explore the world of Acro Yoga, a combination of playful land

challenging yoga postures, mixed with elements of safe, easy to learn, acrobatics. Build strength, trust, confidence, and community. Discover new ways to move through the air. $45. Yoga for Everybody, 26 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Sticks & Stones Farm Hoop Through the Holidays – 4:30-6:30. Make time to hula hoop as a form of fitness and fun! Includes hoop stretching, trick demonstration, hoop play, healthy snack. $25.

201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown. RSVP to Nancy 203-994-7643.

Sticks & Stones Farm Community Drum Circle.

7-9pm. Fun family evening of playing drums in the Stone Barn w/ Mark Zarillo. Beginners, dancing, and hooping welcomed. Bring drums or hoops. $15 (Seniors & Kids under 12, $5.) Cash only. RSVP 203-270-8820. 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown

Sunday, November 3 Awaken Wellness Fair, Tarrytown, NY – 10am5pm. Come to the exciting event that offers cuttingedge ways to keep yourself well–in Body, Mind and Spirit! The BIGGEST Wellness Expo Outside of NYC! $15 at door, $10 online by 10/30/13.

Double Tree Hotel, 455 South Broadway, Tarrytown NY. 914-422-1784.

Awaken Wellness Fair

Body-Mind-Spirit Expo Sunday November 3 10am to 5pm Tarrytown Doubletree Hotel, 455 South Broadway Speakers, Healers, Vendors and Readers Over 100 exhibitors, 1000 guests! www.AwakenFair.com • 914-422-1784

it possible for anyone to become a hooper. Hoops provided! $45 if paid by 10/30/13, $55 thereafter.

Yoga for Everybody, 26 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield.

204-254-9642.

Thursday, November 7 Sticks & Stones Sushi Workshop & Dinner – 6:30-8:30 Sushi. Form and function United. Art & Work. Hands on. Learn Eat Smile. In-joy. Vegetarian. All Ages. Limited to12 people, RSVP by Nov 4th to reserve a place. $45. 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown. 203-270-8820.

Friday, November 8 Family Weekend Meditation Retreat – through 11/10/13. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Wednesday, November 6

Saturday, November 9

Hula Hoop Series – 7pm-8pm. with Rachel Mazzarelli. Leave your inhibitions at home and come have some old school fun hula hooping! When done without self-judgment, hooping is a wonderful creative outlet. Whether you have 5 minutes a day or several hours a week to practice, the benefits are endless. Hooping is a great way to get fit, relieve stress in the mind & body, and have fun moving in unique and different ways! Adult sized hoops make

Cooking with Heart and Soul – 11am-1pm.

Come learn how to make food choices and prepare food that elevate your spiritual energy, improve your physical well-being and help to protect Mother Earth by a certified holistic health and nutrition coach. Food samples and recipes included.

Pre-registration appreciated by 11/6/13. Please contact Vivian at albertsonchurch@gmail.com.

Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

What if, instead of just resigning yourself to suffering, grasping for bandaids, or trying to escape your suffering . . .

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You discovered you could heal your inner wounds fully and to the root?

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Judith Barr, LPC, LMhC ... hEaLiNG tO thE rOOt 30 Years Experience • Depth Psychotherapist • Spiritual Midwife Professional Training/Supervision • Speaker PO Box 603, Brookfield, CT 06804 • 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr@PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

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November 2013

53

Sunday, November 10

Thursday, November 14

Tuesday, November 19

CHANTSFORMATIONS – A Chant & Meditation Experience – 9am-9:45am. With Andrea Rudolph (Jewish Interfaith Minister). A chant & meditation experience with ancient Hebrew, Interfaith and spiritual wisdom. Religions, cultures and spiritual traditions from around the globe draw upon the power of music, meditation and chant to connect to the Divine as well as a deeper state of peace, joy and unity. Join us as we gather to contemplate and nurture the Spirit within through the practice of chant & meditation. No prior Hebrew knowledge required. ALL FAITHS WELCOME! Suggested donation: $10. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. 203-257-1009.

Sticks & Stones Farm UKULELE CLUB – 6:308:30. Come Strum and Have FUN with other lovers of the Ukulele. Uncle Zak “the Uke Guy” will facilitate. Come prepared to have fun jamming, singing and making music as we share knowledge and learn. Uke not necessary, just let us know when you RSVP. Donation. 201 Huntingtown Road Newtown. 203-270-8820.

Grand Opening, UB’s Naturopathic Medicine Clinic – 4-7pm. Open to the Public. University of Bridgeport’s Clinics, 8th floor at 60 Lafayette St, Bridgeport. For more information, visit: Bridgeport.Edu/DonateND.

Sticks & Stones Farm SACRED SOUND BATH – 2-4pm. Vibrational Attunement & Energy Activation with Awakened Voice, Singing Bowls & Harp. A grace-energy infusion of sacred song, chanting, & toning. Release resistance & raise vibration with an individual “SoulSong” attunement. $45 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP Akasha Belliveau, annebelliveau@gmail.com.

Sound Healing in the Saltana Salt Cave – 5pm.

With David Kennet. Join us for profound healing.

Soul sounding is a sound voyage, a journey within.

With Tibetan bowls and voice. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. RSVP to 203-969-4327.

Tuesday, November 12 Parenting Your Anxious Child – 7pm -8:30pm.

With Jennifer Smith, LMFT, child and family psychologist. Got a little worrier at home? This presentation will focus on ways to help decrease your child’s anxiety. FREE.The Offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Suite#4, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848.

Power & Grace – 7pm-9pm. With Devarshi Steven Hartman and Megha Nancy Buttenheim. In this workshop, Megha and Devarshi bring in both the divine feminine and masculine. Devarshi offers the rigorous solar part of the practice, with variations on sun salutations and creative partner yoga, while Megha offers lively dancing yoga, as well as the gentler, more internal, lunar side of the practice. $40 if paid by 10/31, $50 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 26 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-2549642.

Friday, November 15 Natural Awakenings Community Connections– 6pm-8pm. iFloat Hoistic Happy Hour. Social networking event sponsored by Natural Awakenings magazine. 163 Main St., Westport. 203-885-4674.

Feldenkrais- CFR Introductory movement class– 7pm-8pm. Free introductory class with west coast Feldenkrais-CFR teacher Carol Lessinger. Learn to move, breath and think with greater ease and joy as Carol guides the class in safe, easy movements that can reduce pain, help with injury recovery, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Email RT4res@gmail to register and get location. Free.

Ridgefield.203-403-3338.

Sunday, November 17 Transforming the Wounded Self with Rev. Mary Yankee – 1pm-3:30pm. Do patterns of behavior create disturbance for you? Are you challenged by people and events in your life? Learn to heal old wounds and traumas to realize your own potential.

Discover the secret of clearing unacknowledged encumbrances in order to create joy and prosperity for yourself. All are welcome. $25. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

Joyful Warmth: An Ayurveda Workshop – 1:30pm-4pm.With Kathy Jamison. Living Well and Staying Warm in Winter: Daily Routines for Health and Happiness. Diet, yoga practice, and even color choices can boost your immune system and support your mood during the cold dark months of winter.

Explore the sensible wisdom Ayurveda offers to keep us feeling our best in body, mind, and spirit.

Handouts will include a winter grocery list and simple yoga practice. Please bring: a notebook and pencil, and a yoga mat for a short practice. Suggested Reading: Any intro book on Ayurveda. $35 if paid by 11/10, $45 thereafter. Yoga for Everybody, 26 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Nutritional IV – 7-8.30 pm. How to boost your immune system a fast, safe, and natural way. Neil Raff, MD of Mt Kisco Advanced Medicine will speak and answer all your questions. Move2wellness, 470 Main St Ridgefield. RSVP 203-403-2522 or Info@Move2Wellness.com.

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7:30pm 8:30pm. We invite you to join us at our monthly Healing Energy Service. We offer a guided meditation in our peaceful sanctuary followed by an opportunity to sit in a healing chair and receive ‘hands-on shoulders’ healing if you choose to.

You may sit in the healing chair for yourself or for others. All are welcome. $0. Albertson Memorial Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.914-909-0914.

Thursday, November 21 Reiki Refresher for all levels – 7:30pm-9:45pm.

With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master. Reiki Practitioners only. Group class. Techniques taught that will help raise one’s reiki vibration, deepen your Reiki. Please bring Reiki Certificates from in person classes. Includes re-attunement. $38 + $8 material fee. Held at Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk (enter through downstairs in the back). Must RSVP to 203-852-1150.

Friday, November 29 Sound Healing with Crystal Cymbalogy – 8pm.

Cynthia and Rick help audiences experience their highest vibration by playing original compositions and using a combination of sounds including crystal

Healing White Light, LLC

Westport Therapeutic, LLC 37 Franklin Street, Suite 103 Westport, CT 06880

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203-655-7444 • 1950 Post Road, Darien, CT Fairfield County Edition

Wednesday, November 20

Joy Carbino Licensed Massage Therapist CT Lic# 7406 NCBTMB Certified Certified Holistic Health Coach Reiiki Master/Teacher

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54

Facebook Marketing Made Easy – 6-7:30pm.

Presented by Rob Young, Social Results Today. Six Simple Tips to increase your Fan Base and get that Social MoJo working for you.

Move2wellness 470 Main St Ridgefield. RSVP Rob@SocialResultsToday.com

natural awakenings

203-470-1226 joy@healingwhitelight.com www.healingwhitelight.com

By Appointment Only

bowls, drums, cymbals, voice, and more. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield. RSVP to 203969-4327.

Saturday, November 30 Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 9am-5pm. With Gigi Benanti, Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 2nd Degree in the Western style from an experienced Reiki Master. Learn how to send distance Reiki healing, Deepen your use of Reiki for others & yourself.

Receive 2 powerful energy connections. Receive 2 manuals and certificate. $215. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, (enter private office downstairs in back), Norwalk. RSVP to 203-852-1150.

Tuesday, December 3 The Struggling Learner – 7pm-8:30pm. With Michele Isenberg, Learning Specialist and Founder/ CEO of Wise Learning. Reading, writing, testtaking, socialskills –does your child struggle with any or all of these? Come for this “hands-on” interactive workshop and walk away with a variety of functional strategies to help your child succeed in school and beyond. , For parents with students of all ages (including college). Bring a friend and you both receive coupons for discounted services at Wise Learning. FREE. The offices of Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, 898 Ethan Allen Hwy, Suite#4, Ridgefield. 203-438-4848.

And the day came, when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. ~Anais Nin

Experience a Himalayan Salt Cave …Now Here in Ridgefield Experience

Saltana C ve

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

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

A HOLIDAY EVENT THAT CHANGES LIVES A EVENT LIVES 11th Annual Nov. 22-24, 2013 A HOLIDAY HOLIDAY EVENT THAT THAT CHANGES CHANGES LIVES A HOLIDAY EVENT THAT CHANGES LIVES Matrix Conference 11th Annual Nov. 22-24, 2013 11th Annual Nov. 22-24, 2013 &Nov. Banquet Center2013 11th Annual 22-24, Matrix Conference Matrix Conference Exit 1, I-84, Danbury & Banquet Center

Matrix Conference & Banquet Center www.annsplace.org Exit 1 , I 84, Center Danbury & Banquet Exit 1, I-84, Danbury 203-790-6568 Exit 1, I-84, Danbury www.annsplace.org www.annsplace.org 203-790-6568 www.annsplace.org 203-790-6568 203-790-6568

❆ Festival Kick-off Party: Fri., Nov. 22* ❆❆Festival Days: Sat., Nov. 23 10:ooam - 8:00pm Festival Kick-off Party: Fri., Nov. 22* Sun., Nov. 24 10:ooam - 5:00pm ❆&Festival Kick-off Party: Fri., Nov. 22* Festival Kick-off Days: Sat.,Party: Nov.Kids 23 10:ooam ❆❆ Festival Fri., Nov. *-- 8:00pm under) Adults $10; (12 & 22 ❆Admission: Festival Days: Sat., Nov. 23 10:ooam 8:00pm &seniors Sun., Nov. - 5:00pm (65+)24 $5;10:ooam Kids 23 under 5 Free ❆&Festival Days: Sat., Nov. 10:ooam 8:00pm & Sun., Nov. 24 10:ooam 5:00pm Admission: Adults $10; Kids (12 & under) ❆ Win a Jewelry Shopping Spree &Admission: Sun., Nov.Adults 24Designs 10:ooamKids - 5:00pm under) (12 5& Free & seniors (65+) $5; $10; Kids under under) Admission: Adults Kids (12 5& Free & seniors (65+) $5;$10; Kids under ❆❆Live Entertainment on the hour a Jewelry Designs Shopping Spree &Win seniors (65+) $5; Kids under 5 Free a Jewelry ❆❆ AWin wonderland of Designs over 100Shopping decorated Spree trees ❆ Live Entertainment on the hour ❆❆you Wincan a Jewelry Shopping Spree win via Designs Raffle Live Entertainment on the hour A wonderland of over 100 hour decorated trees Live Entertainment on Marketplace the ❆❆❆ Corner of & over The ❆Quilter’s A wonderland you can win via Raffle100 decorated trees Ayou wonderland of over can win via Raffle ❆❆❆Children’s Tea Parties * 100 decorated trees Quilter’s Corner & The Marketplace can win via Raffle you Quilter’s Corner & The*Marketplace ❆❆ Artists Challenge & Robotics Children’sCorner Tea Parties * Marketplace ❆❆ Quilter’s & The ❆Competition Children’s Tea Parties* ❆ Children’s Artists Challenge * & Robotics Tea Parties * with ❆❆❆Trivia Among Trees Ian Starker Artiststhe Challenge * & Robotics Competition ❆ofCompetition Artists & Robotics DJ Trivia Sat.,Challenge Nov. 23:* 5:30 - 7:00pm ❆ Competition Trivia Among the Trees with Ian Starker ❆*Reserve Trivia Among Trees Starker now Sat., @the www.annsplace.org of DJ Trivia Nov. 23:with 5:30Ian - 7:00pm ❆ Trivia the Nov. Trees23: with Starker of DJ Among Trivia Sat., 5:30Ian - 7:00pm DJ Trivia 23: 5:30 - 7:00pm *of Reserve nowSat., @ Nov. www.annsplace.org *Reserve now @ www.annsplace.org A Weekend of Events *Reserve now @ www.annsplace.org to Benefit A Weekend of Events A Weekend to of Benefit Events A Weekend of to Events Benefit to Benefit

eNaturalAwakenings.com

November 2013

55

Coming Next Month

AWAKENING

HUMANITY Revolutionize Your World

with the December issue of Natural Awakenings

ongoingevents sunday

monday

Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Sticks & Stones Farm Hatha Para YOGA – 6:307:30pm. With Aga Chapska. Gentle flow, candle lit in the Stone Barn. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat, water bottle and wear comfy clothes. $15 drop in/$100 for 10 classes. 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown. RSVP: 203-270-8820.

Yoga & Pranayama – 9:30am. Yoga and Pranayama with Wendy, Deb and Alok. Move with the breath, open heart, release stress. Free and open to all. Hindu Cultural Center, 96 Chapel St, Stratford.

203-375-9898.

Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Charles Sikorski, RYT. Weekly. Charles encourages one to find one’s true self: physically, mentally and spiritually. $13/class, discount with 5+ weeks. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-414-6790.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10:00am.

Dharmma talk. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-2443130.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7:00pm.

Dharmma talk. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Interfaith Service Gathering – 10-11am. A community to celebrate life, hope, healing, love and Spirit. Followed by a community hour from 11am-12pm. My Little Light Children’s Program is available during the service. Free. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Reiki Volunteers – 10am-12pm. Pledge time to volunteer Sundays at various homes for the elderly and nursing homes in Fairfield and Southbury. Receive credits towards Reiki training. Reiki Overtones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

Celebration Service – 10:30am-12pm. With Rev. Shawn Moninger. Inspiring message supports one’s spiritual unfoldment. Great music by award winning singers. Childcare provided. Fellowship hour after the service. All are welcome. Love offering. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

Albertson Church Service – 11am-12:15pm. 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.

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

203-885-4674 56

Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings

Transformation and Healing – 7:30-8:15pm. Rev. Ed O’Malley uses a Shamanic Illumination Process which removes heavy energies from luminous energy fields, returning the body and soul to its initial state of wellness. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. 203-268-1272.

Guided Meditation at Sabita Holistic Center –7:30-8:30pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free.

Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport.

203-254-2633.

Monday Meditation for Everyone – 7:30-9pm.

This is Meditation Guided imagery for relaxation and stress reduction. It also helps you move forward on your Spiritual path. No experience necessary. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203570-3868.

Sticks & Stones Farm Improv Games – 7:30-9pm.

1st and 3rd Mondays. Come have fun and play in the style of “whose line is it anyway.” Spontaneous games, improvised scenes, silly characters. No experience necessary. Free popcorn. $10. Facilitator: Leah Joy Pearson. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown.

RSVP: 203-270-8820.

When you rise in the morning, give thanks for the light, for your life, for your strength. Give thanks for your food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason to give thanks, the fault lies in yourself. ~Tecumseh

tuesday TLC Monthly Networking Breakfast – 8:30am.

1st Tuesday. A relaxed, supportive community of healthy living professionals. Grab a friend, biz cards and join for a fun morning of connecting. Free. TLC Center, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-853-4852.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 12:30pm.

Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding.

203-244-3130.

Gentle Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Perfect for beginners and people with physical difficulties such as back pain and knee pain. $10. Fairfield County Integrative Family Medicine and Healing Therapies, 2 Corporate Dr, Trumbull. Registration required: 203-445-9060.

BodySmart – 6:15-7:30pm. Semi-private sessions for 2-4 participants. Complete core/body conditioning exercises and stretching utilizing a 9’ floor to ceiling X-Pole. $45/class-discount with 6+ classes (pre-reg required). BodySmart, 115 Main St, Unit 11, Monroe. Call Lisa for details, additional schedule information and to register: 203-209-7359.

Yoga in the Saltana Salt Cave – 7pm. An Ancient Healing Practice. Surrounded by healing Himalayan salt. $25. Saltana Cave, 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield.

203-969-4327.

Reiki Shares – 7:30-10pm. 1st and 3rd Tuesdays.

Gigi Benanti Usui/Karuna Reiki Master/Teacher.

For Reiki practitioners only. Exchange ongoing since 1996. Instructions included. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. Preregister: 203-852-1150.

wednesday Guided Meditation – 1-1:45pm. Give yourself the gift of meditation at Sabita Holistic Center. Internationally known Dr. Levy has worked for over the past 35 years in stress reduction, deep relaxation and meditation. Free. Sabita Holistic Center, 3519 Post Rd, Southport. 203-254-2633.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 7:00pm.

Dharmma talk. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Albertson Church Healing Service – 7-8pm. 3rd Wednesday. Guided meditation, receive healing energy from church-sanctioned healers and the gift of saging. All are welcome. Free. Albertson Church of Spiritualism, 293 Sound Beach Ave, Old Greenwich.

203-637-4615.

Journaling with Spirit – 7-8pm. By Rev. Shawn Moninger. Journaling is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get in touch with the highest voice within ourselves. First-time attendees receive a new journal. Love offering. Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

Afro Flow Yoga Series – 7-8:15pm. With Pilin Anice. A fusion of Kundalini,Vinyasa Flow Yoga and African Diaspora dances with live drumming and chanting. Creator Leslie Salmon Jones will guide natural movements to destress mind and body.

Open to all dance/yoga levels. $15/class (if paid by October 2). Yoga for Everybody, 27 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

Monthly Relaxation Class – 7:30-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday. Reduce stress with Hypnosis by Clinical Hypnotist, Meg Tocantins. Space is limited. $90.

Stamford Healthcare Associates, 1425 Bedford St, 1G, Stamford. Register by texting: 917-292-8115.

Journey Within: Do You Feel Stuck? – 7-9pm.

1st Wednesday. Need support trying to begin something new? Support, intuitive insight, wisdom.

Facilitator: Cindy Miller, intuitive. $20. Newtown Congregational Church, 14 West St, Newtown. Call: 203-426-9448.

Holistic Moms Network Fairfield County, CT Chapter – 7:30pm. 2nd Wednesday. On November 13, Munzeea will discuss Prenatal, labor, and postpartum nutrition and body care. Held at Associates in Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care, 156 East Avenue, Norwalk.

thursday Thursday Morning Meditation for Moms – 9:3011am. Come and unwind with a Guided Meditative Journey geared to release stress and a healthful more positive understanding of self. $20. Soul Focus, 145 Grassy Plain St, Bethel. 203-570-3868.

Tea & Meditation – 9:30am. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-244-3130.

Monthly Tapping Group – 10-11:30am. Last Thursday. EFT together for stress reduction, conflict resolution, abundance, whatever the group dictates.

Free. Darien. Reservation required: 203-202-4174.

Detox With Dr. Dave – 6pm. Join for a discussion on the importance of cleanses, facts on nutrition and supplementation and support for weight loss.

No fee or registration. Osteopathic Wellness Center, 158 Danbury Rd, Ste #6, Ridgefield. 203-438-9915.

Reiki Healing/Exchange – 7-9pm. 1st Thursday.

By Gigi Benanti Reiki. All welcome. Love offering.

Unity Center for Practical Spirituality, 3 Main St, Norwalk. Gigi: 203-852-1150.

Circle of Life – 7:30-9:30pm. 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.

Location given with registration: 203-268-3262.

friday A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am.

Meets bi-weekly in Westport. Facilitator: Henry Grayson, PhD. Free. To reserve seat and for dates/ location: 203-454-1745.

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

Sticks & Stones Farm Friday Night Yoga Club – 6:30-7:45pm. With Anne O’ Regan, RYT. Come and de-stress from the busy week. Everyone welcome. $12. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-270-8820.

TLC Tarot Fun & Fabulous Tarot Friday – 7-9pm. Have fun with Beth with this self-help tool for novices to longtime tarot friends to explore the Tarot or develop a deeper relationship with your cards. $40. TLC Center Norwalk, 152 East Ave, Norwalk. 203-856-9566.

Discussion with Spirit – 7:30pm. Bring questions, receive channeled information to help understand who you are, why you’ve come to the earth plane and empower yourself with messages from Spirit and loved ones. $35. Private residence, Monroe.

Information/RSVP: 203-268-3262.

saturday Angelic Reiki Meditation with Essential Oils – 8-9am. Receive short, hands-on Angelic Reiki, experience powerful techniques to reduce stress and relax. $10. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave (in the back, downstairs), Norwalk. Pre-register: 203-852-1150.

Sticks & Stones Farm Energizing Vinyasa – 8-9:15am. With Aga Chapska. Beginners welcome. Bring a mat, water bottle and wear comfy clothes. Held in the Stone Barn. $15 drop in/$100 for 10 classes. 201 Huntingtown Road, Newtown.

RSVP to Annie 203-270-8820.

Sticks & Stones Farm Saturday Morning Children’s Yoga – 8-9:15am. With Anne O’Regan, RYT. Children aged 4-10 enjoy a playful yogic experience.

Held inside the Stone Barn. $6. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-270-8820.

Mahasati or Insight Meditation – 10:00am.

Dharmma talk. If first time on Saturday or Sunday, arrive 5-10 minutes before start of class. Redding Center for Meditation, West Redding. 203-2443130.

Sticks & Stones Farm Saturday Morning Flow with Ease – 10-11:15am. With Anne O’Regan, RYT. $12. 201 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. RSVP: 203-270-8820.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 11am-1pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki Practitioners. Register for a free Reiki session. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

The Universal Reiki Plan – 1:30-4:30pm. 3rd Saturday. Reiki practitioners only. Workshop and Reiki Share. Free. Love offerings appreciated. Bloodroot Vegetarian Restaurant, 85 Ferris St, Bridgeport.

Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

Reiki Session – 5-6pm. Offering free Reiki sessions during classes. Students participate as part of class syllabus. 1st reserved. ReikiOvertones, 95 Harris St, Fairfield. Reservations, Jim or Jeannette: 203-254-3958.

Kirtan with the Bindu Band – 7-9pm. Come join The Bindu Band on their vibrational journey back to the heart. Bring some snacks and beverages to share. Love offerings accepted. ARC Sacred Center, 458 Monroe Tpk, Monroe. Register: 203-268-1272.

Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. 3rd Saturday. Bring music printed out in your key and Kenneth Gartman will accompany on the piano. Comedians, poets and writers welcomed as well. $10. Unity Center, 3 Main St (above the Ford dealership), Norwalk.

203-855-7922.

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Phenomenal Monthly Circulation Growth Since 1994.

Now with 3.8 Million Monthly Readers in: • Birmingham, AL • Huntsville, AL • Mobile/Baldwin, AL* • Little Rock/Hot Spg., AR* • Phoenix, AZ • Tucson, AZ • East Bay Area, CA • Los Angeles, CA* • San Diego, CA • Denver/Boulder, CO • Fairfield County, CT • Hartford, CT • New Haven/Middlesex, CT • Washington, DC • Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL • NW FL Emerald Coast • Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Jacksonville/St. Aug., FL • Melbourne/Vero, FL • Miami & Florida Keys* • Naples/Ft. Myers, FL • North Central FL* • Orlando, FL • Palm Beach, FL • Peace River, FL • Sarasota, FL • Tampa/St. Pete., FL • FL’s Treasure Coast • Atlanta, GA* • Chicago No. Shore, IL • Indianapolis, IN • Lafayette, LA • New Orleans, LA • Baltimore, MD* • Boston, MA • Western, MA • Ann Arbor, MI • East Michigan • Grand Rapids, MI • Wayne County, MI • Minneapolis, MN • Asheville, NC* • Charlotte, NC • Triangle, NC • Central, NJ • Hudson County, NJ • Mercer County, NJ • Monmouth/Ocean, NJ • North NJ • North Central NJ • South NJ* • Santa Fe/Abq., NM • Las Vegas, NV • Albany, NY • Central NY • Long Island, NY • Manhattan, NY • Rockland/Orange, NY • Westchester/Putnam Co’s., NY • Central OH • Cincinnati, OH • Toledo, OH • Oklahoma City, OK • Portland, OR* • Bucks/Montgomery Co’s., PA • Harrisburg/York, PA • Lancaster, PA • Lehigh Valley, PA • Pocono, PA/Warren Co., NJ • Rhode Island • Charleston, SC • Columbia, SC • Grand Strand, SC* • Greenville, SC* • Chattanooga, TN • Knoxville, TN • Memphis, TN • Nashville, TN* • Austin, TX* • Dallas, TX • Dallas/FW Metro N • Houston, TX* • San Antonio, TX • Richmond, VA • VA’s Blue Ridge • Seattle, WA • Madison, WI* • Milwaukee, WI • Puerto Rico *Existing magazines for sale

58

Fairfield County Edition

TURN YOUR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine!

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

Magazine deadline: 12th of month prior to publication. Email copy to NicoleM@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com. for rent 1st month & one month security to move in. Newly refurbished, paint and carpeted office spaces from 1100 to 4800sf available. Great for Prof. office space, Medical, Counselling, Nutritionist, Chiropractor, Dental, Insurance, Real Estate,Telemarketing, Technology, Accountant, Lawyer, etc. 1st floor. Immediate occupancy. Good parking. Call Donna Anderson for info: 203-6098075. Located at 85 Old Long Ridge Road, 3 miles west of Exit 34 Merritt Parkway. Next to Giovanni’s /LaRocco’s Country Market. Easy ride to and from the Merritt.

Part-time rental space for Holistic health practitioner. Weekday/weekends available. $175 month. Newtown. 203-270-1119.

Rental space available in beautifully renovated holistic arts center. Perfect for holistic health practitioner, arts therapist. Supportive & Healing Environment.

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Space Available in small Wellness Center 2-3 days/week in Bethel location in time slots of 4-hr minimum. Open area perfect for Yoga, Pilates, Offices for Reiki, Massage, Counseling and Readings, etc. 203-570-3868.

FOR SALE Wooded 6 acre prime building lot in gated lake community Woods at Duck Harbor in Equinunk, PA, near NY state border and Honesdale, PA. Lot borders protected PA game land, gorgeous mountain views in fall and winter, walk to lake. Low taxes and maintenance fees. If interested, call 914-763-0464.

help wanted Distributors Wanted for monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings. Just a few hours/month. 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.

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

ACUPUNCTURE Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, LAc

Fairfield, Wilton, Bethel 203-259-1660 • CTAcupuncture.com 25 year full time practice Ingri treatments help alleviate Pain, Depression, Neck & Back, Anxiety, Headaches, Stress, Allergies, Asthma, Arthritis, Digestive, Menstrual, Infertility, and Smoking & Weight Loss Issues. See ad page 8.

Jody Eisemann, LAc

Offices in Norwalk and Fairfield 203-216-2548 • AcupunctureHealingCT.com High-quality acupuncture at the most affordable prices in Fairfield County. 20+ years experience, specializing in treating all kinds of pain and general health issues.

See ad page 30.

ALLERGIES BioSET Allergy Elimination Program

Dr. Mark Joachim Advanced Certified Practitioner 156 East Avenue, Norwalk 203-838-1555 • AllergyEliminationNorwalk.com BioSET can eliminate all food and environmental allergies related to behavioral issues, asthma, eczema, headaches, fibromyalgia, sinus conditions, gastric disorders and chronic health conditions. Safe for all ages, without drugs, shots or side effects! See ad page 19.

ASTROLOGICAL LIFE COACH Joy Yascone, MA

3rd generation Intuitive/Astrological Life Coach/MA Holistic Health • 914-341-2070 Joy@JoysPantry.com • AstrologicalLifeCoach.com As an astrological life coach and gifted intuitive I provide accurate guidance with precise timing. I utilize my intuitive, gift and your astrological chart to coach you to success in love, marriage, career, finance & health. These coaching sessions are transformative and priceless. Please call for monthly specials. Sessions available by phone or Skype.

BREAST THERMOGRAPHY ALBA THERMAL IMAGING LLC

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

invasive, FDA registered.

Thermography can detect breast disease at its earliest stages and monitor and assess pain in any part of the body.

Safe, painless, non-

COLONICS COLONICS

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

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Ready to start feeling healthier? Take your first step with this gentle cleansing p r o c e d u r e . Wa t c h o u r colonic and detoxification videos on our new video website located at WholeBodyMed.com. Call for Free CD on detoxification. See ad page 2.

EDUCATION

SOPHIA NATURAL HEALTH CENTER 31 Old Rt. 7, Brookfield CT 203-740-9300 SophiaNaturalHealth.com

As the hormone experts, we specialize in women’s health, natural hormone balancing, breast cancer prevention and thermography utilizing the highest definition camera in the area with interpretations from MD specialists in the field.

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 49.

ENERGY HEALING

X TO RAYS.COM

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

Certified DITI thermographer.

Conveniently located throughout Fairfield. See ad page 8.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN LIVE WELL CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Meri Rosco, DC 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-994-4541 • LiveWellChiropracticCare.com Dr. Rosco practices evidencebased medicine. She relieves pain, tension and improves mobility in joints and muscles with various gentle techniques. She provides her patients with extensive nutritional and fitness advice.

The Light of Happiness Reiki and Wellness

Deborah Arconti, LPN, RMT, IARP Reiki Master/Teacher Advance Practice IET™ Danbury, CT • 203.470.0635 TheLightOfHappiness.com Specializing in Reiki and IET™ sessions for mind, body and spirit connections. IET™ “Integrated Energy Therapy” uses angelic connections for soothing results.

Teaching all levels of small Usui Reiki classes, experienced in training healthcare professionals.

Fitness Camillo Health & Fitness

Gary Camillo 85 Mona Terr, Fairfield 203-259-9906 • CamilloHealthAndFitness.com Get motivated! Get moving! Feel better!

We’ll help you discover the food, exercise and lifestyle choices that best support you. Train with us, and finally reach your goals! See ad page 13.

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Fitness

Hypnosis

KOKO FITCLUB

88 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield • 203-894-5055 619 Post Rd East, Westport • 203-557-3994 We offer sensible weight loss and fitness regimens which incorporate exercise and nutrition programs customized to your body and goals. We call it Smartraining. It is fun, fast, and so effective, it’s patented! See ad page 8.

HEALING CENTER Psychotherapist, Interfaith Minister ARC Sacred Center, Monroe 203-268-1272 • ARCSacredCenter.org

Chris is a licensed psychotherapist and inter-spiritual teacher offering psycho-spiritual therapy and sacred ceremonies such as baby blessings, weddings, interfaith gatherings and healing workshops. See ad page 16.

Forza5 Holistic Fitness and Healing Center 1047 Danbury Rd, Wilton 203-247-4175

Fast, effective methods for weight, stress, fear, pain, smoking, etc. Certified Hypnotherapist, Thought Field Therapy™, Time Line Therapy™, NLP and Complementary Medical Hypnosis, since 1989. See ad page 21.

STAMFORD INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Michael E. Doyle, MD Conventional & Alternative Medicine 22 5th St, Suite 201, Stamford 203-324-4747 • GoToDrDoyle.com

Specializing in Natural and Alternative approaches to restoring health. Focusing on underlying causes of illness. Hypothyroidism, hormonal imbalances, nutrition and much more. See ad page 10.

Maryann Barrett, RN

Wilton, Newtown offices 203-788-7119 EarthBodySpiritConnections.com A graduate of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and Registered Nurse, Maryann is able to combine traditional medicine with an alternative practice to treat a multitude of health issues.

Maryann has a natural sensitivity and intuitive ability that enables her to connect on an energetic level to her clients.

INTEGRATIVE OPTOMETRY Eyecare Associates, PC

Drs. Randy Schulman, Steve Carr, Narvan Bakhtiari, Carl Gruning, and C. Lee Mellinger Locations: 6515 Main St, Trumbull • 203-268-8852 139 Main St, Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd, Southport • 203-255-4005 CTEyeCareAssociates.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses, and vision therapy.

See ad page 48.

Worden Wellness Center

Forza5 is a center that focuses on bringing the fitness and healing worlds together. A beautiful, fully equipped gym offers personal training or group classes. A meditation and yoga room offers tranquil space where we connect our minds and spirits through meditation, reiki, and intuitive readings.

SOUND - A Center for

Music, Creative Arts & Mindfulness 31 Hawleyville Rd, Newtown 203-270-1119 • SoundCenterArts.com

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

HOLISTIC DENTIST MARK A. BREINER, DDS, FIAOMT

5520 Park Ave, Ste 301, Ffld Town Line Merritt Pkwy, Exit 47 203-371-0300 • WholeBodyDentistry.com Dr. Mark A. Breiner is a pioneer and recognized authority in the field of holistic dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he is a sought after speaker and lecturer. His popular consumer book, Whole-Body Dentistry, has been sold world-wide. See ad page 2.

Fairfield County Edition

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

INTEGRATIVE HealTH

Rev. Christine Guerrera, LMFT

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MIND BODY TRANSFORMATION HYPNOSIS

Integrative Medicine Physician

41 Kenosia Avenue, Danbury Thomas Worden, DC 203-244-8801 DocWorden@WordenWellnessCenter.com WordenWellnessCenter.com At Worden Wellness Center we use an integrated approach of chiropractic, acupuncture and nutrition to incorporate therapeutic lifestyle changes to help you reach your optimum health. Dr. Worden has been practicing in Danbury for 25 years. See ad page 25.

Integrative Medicine Physician RIVERSIDE OB/GYN

Russell Turk, MD Karen Zino, MD 1200 East Putnam Ave, Riverside 203-637-3337 Riverside Obstetrics & Gynecology is a full-service medical practice incorporating traditional and holistic approaches to women’s health. The practice includes two OB/GYN’s and a naturopathic physician. See ad page 15.

natural awakenings

Massage & Bodywork Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Shoprite Plaza, 143 Federal Rd Brookfield • 203-775-2244 Facebook.com/HandStoneBrookfield Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spas provide professional spa experiences at affordable prices with same day walk-in convenience.

With prices starting at just $49.95 for a 50 minute introductory massage, Hand and Stone’s prices are lower than a typical day spa and lifestyle programs are available which provide even further discounts and benefits. See ad page 11.

iFloat

163 Main St, Westport 203-226-7378 • iFloatSpa.net Experience this superior form of body/mind relaxation as you float effortlessly in warm water with high concentrations of Epsom salt. Relieve stress, chronic pain and more. See ad page 30.

Massage & Bodywork JOY CARBINO

Licensed Massage Therapist Holistic Nutrition Consultant & Reiki 203-470-1226 • HealingWhiteLight.com Joy combines her intuitive ability and her expertise in massage therapy to enhance the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Holistic health & nutrition programs also offered. See ad page 54.

Laura Carlson, LMT

Redding/Monroe/Easton 203-885-7353 (SELF) Facebook.com/LauraCarlsonMassageLLC You deserve to be nurtured and time to be still, to breathe and to restore balance. Relaxing and nourishing massage will encourage positive changes in your mind and body. Individual sessions and massage parties available.

Robin Ordan, LMT, LCSW, CICMI Licensed Massage Therapist & Reiki Practitioner Old Greenwich/Stamford 203-5610-8535 • RobinOrdanLMT.com

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Marina Yanover, ND, LAc 1300 Post Road East, Westport 203-255-5005 • BigAppleHealth.com

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

Northeast Natural Medicine, LLC Shawn M. Carney, ND 33 Main St. Suite 15 Newtown 1-800-723-2962 • NortheastNatMed.com

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

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

Center of Excellence in Generative Medicine University of Bridgeport

115 Broad St, Bridgeport 203-366-0526 • GenerativeMedicine.org

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 47.

Under the direction of Dr. Peter D’Adamo, a leader in naturopathic medicine, we blend time-honored healing techniques with stateof-the-art diagnostics to provide highly individualized patent care. Personalized nutrition, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, and infrared sauna offered. See ad page 5.

Zak Walker, LMT

WHOLE-BODY MEDICINE, LLC

Wellness Institute One Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-443-6679 • ZaxWeb@gmail.com I combine elements of Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage, Acupressure, and Myofascial Release, according to the goals and preferences of each client. I’m here to help you feel your best!

Naturopathic Physician Debra Gibson, ND

100 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield 203-431-4443 Natural family healthcare using nutrition and biochemistry; herbal, homeopathic, and energetic medicine; lifestyle transformation and detoxification, to promote well-being of body, mind and spirit. See ad page 47.

Adam Breiner, ND, Director Elena Sokolova, MD, ND David Brady, ND, CCN, DACBN Fairfield/Trumbull town line 203-371-8258 • WholeBodyMed.com Using state-of-the-art science combined with centuries-old healing modalities, our caring naturopathic doctors correct underlying imbalances and address issues which may interfere with the body’s ability to heal itself.

Treatment protocols or therapies include: Abdominal Manual Therapy, Acupuncture, Allergy Desensitization, Chinese Medicine, Colonics and other Detoxification Protocols, Electro-Dermal Screening, Energy Medicine, FDA-cleared Phototherapy, Functional Medicine, Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Hormonal Balancing, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Metabolic Typing, Nutritional Assessment, RealTime EEG Neurofeedback, and other therapies. See ad page 2.

Naturopathic Physician Marvin P. Schweitzer, ND

Wellness Institute 1 Westport Ave, Norwalk 203-847-2788 • DrMarvinSchweitzer.com Family Health Care using all natural therapies for 25 years.

Acupuncture, Bio-Identical H o r m o n e s , H o m e o p a t h y, Chinese/Western Herbs, Allergy/ Toxin Testing, Oxygen Therapy, Meridian Stress Assessment, Nutrition/Enzyme Therapies. See ad page 51.

ORGANIC MATTRESSES & BEDDING Healthy Choice Mattress

270 Federal Road, Brookfield, CT • 203-739-0077 141 Post Road East, Westport, CT • 203-557-3900 HCmattress.com Healthy Choice Organic Mattress o ff e r s l u x u r y mattresses and bedding made from the highest quality natural materials. With four showrooms, including two in CT, Healthy Choice features locally made mattresses that are chemical and toxin free, biodegradable, comfortable and durable. See ad back cover.

The Clean Bedroom

79 West Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 203-292-9275 | 866-380-5892 TheCleanBedroom.com The Clean Bedroom is an organic and all-natural mattress and bedding resource with seven showrooms, including its new location in Greenwich. Through its showrooms and web site, eco-minded shoppers gain insight to create a healthier sleep environment. See ad page 3.

PHYSICAL THERAPY Physical Therapy of Southern CT

Linda Maude, PT 917 Bridgeport Ave, Shelton 203-926-6997 • PhysicalTherapySoCT.com Specializing in evaluation & treatment of musculoskeletal imbalance & injuries. Results achieved that traditional physical therapy may not. Therapeutic approaches such as manual therapy, cranialsacral, visceral manipulation and vestibular rehab. State of the art facility for strengthening & overall rehabilitation.

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REIKI

PSYCHOTHERAPY

EMBODY THE SACRED®

DENI WEBER, MA, LPC, D-CEP

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT 203-994-5045 EmbodyTheSacred.net

Holistic Psychotherapist Comprehensive Energy Psychology Fairfield County 203-544-6094 • DeniWeber.com Within a supportive, empathic relationship Deni guides individuals on their journey of self-discovery integrating psychology, Eastern medicine and spirituality to heal suffering from traumatic stress related to chronic illness, disabilities, abuse & PTSD.

Turn your deepest pain or trauma into your greatest strength.

Shamanic Reiki, Usui/Karuna® Reiki, Shamanic Healing and Bodywork. Offerings in Ridgefield, Danbury, and NY areas. See ad page 30.

GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com

JUDITH BARR, LPC, CCMHC Brookfield 203-775-5006 • JudithBarr.com PowerAbusedPowerHealed.com

Psychotherapy’s heart is soulwork. Wounded, you’ve split off part of yourSelf. Psychotherapy helps you reconnect, finally healing, becoming yourSelf, heartful, matured. No quick-fix, defend-against-feelings work.

Take time - do justice to yourSelf, mind, body, heart, soul. Journey safely with Judith. See ad page 53.

Maria C. Castillo, MSW, LCSW

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.

Reiki Medic

Suzanne Schultz RN, Reiki Master, CCH Monroe • 203-650-0325 ReikiMedic.com

TURNING POINT REIKI, LLC

JoAnn Duncan, MS, RMT Reiki Master Ridgefield • 203.438.3050 TurningPointReiki.com JoAnn uses intuition, experience and a deep spiritual connection in her Reiki, IET and Reconnective Healing sessions. Specializing in care for individuals with Cancer, Lyme disease and Back Pain. All Reiki levels taught.

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

VICTORIA SHAW, PhD, NCC

Intuitive Psychotherapist and Consultant Westport 203-254-3403 • VictoriaShawIntuitive.com I combine the best of traditional psychotherapy with intuitive guidance in my work with children, teens, and adults. My goal is to connect clients with their own inner source of strength, wisdom, and healing.

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Fairfield County Edition

Diana.BeautyCounter.com Diana.BeautyCounter@gmail.com 203-962-2591 A new skin care line that is luxurious, effective, and, most importantly, toxin-free. The U.S. bans only 11 toxic ingredients in all beauty, skin care and children’s products. Beautycounter is the 1st U.S.-based company to leave out more than 1,500 banned ingredients! All products are formulated without parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, PEGs, SLS, or Secrets. Call today to place an order; shipping is complimentary!

Samples upon request. If you would like to join the beauty movement, call me to find out about becoming a consultant yourself! See ad page 14.

Transformative Healing Beth Prins Leas

Transformative Healing • Tarot Offices in Norwalk & Ridgefield 203-856-9566 BethLeas.com • TLCTarot.com

See ad page 30.

Robin Ordan, LCSW

Robin has over 18 years of experience working with families and children.

Specializing in Divorce, Parent/Child Conflict, Grief, Attachment /Bonding, Child Development and Parenting. See ad page 24.

DIANA PISANO

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

238 Monroe Tpke. Suite 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.

SKIN & BEAUTY

REIKI & JIKIDEN REIKI ARTHUR S GERSTEIN, MANAGER, ACORN LLC

Practicing Reiki at 1 Danbury Rd, Wilton 855-245-3060 • info@ArtEnergyHealing.com ArtEnergyHealing.com Certified in several types of Reiki, Arthur also practices other energy modalities and techniques to help reduce pain as well as provide relaxation. His innovative on-site 25 minute workshop can help energize for a more productive day. His unique melding of colors and imagery with life force promotes light and well-being. He is also available for individual sessions.

natural awakenings

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels - greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 20 years intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Heart’s Desire Method Shiloh@theHDMethod.com theHDMethod.com

The Heart’s Desire Method – 7 Steps to making your dreams come true. Bring high definition focus on what you want in all areas – work, family, relationships and money. By energizing the healing power of the authentic self, you will lead a happier, more peaceful and fulfilling life.

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Inspired By Nature, Crafted By Artisans, Perfected By Healthy Choice!

Because Nature Makes The Best Stuff!

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

Also Available as an Adjustable Sleep Systems

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

Healthy Choice

Organic Mattresses The Premier Retailer of Organic Latex Mattresses in the Tri-Stae Area Brookfield, CT 270 Federal Road (203) 739-0077

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

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

www.HCmattress.com for money saving special offers.

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Fairfield County Edition

natural awakenings Look for the sheep at the front of our store.

Ridgewood, NJ 14 Wilsey Square (201) 857-3245