DAVID HAMILTON

David Hamilton on Kindness in the

Pandemic Age wise words

by Sandra Yeyati D avid Hamilton has authored 10 books, including The Little Book of Kindness, How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body and The Five Side Effects of Kindness. He holds a doctorate in organic chemistry and spent four years in the pharmaceutical industry developing drugs for treating cardiovascular disease and cancer. During clinical research trials, he noticed that a significant number of people experienced health improvements while on fake, or placebo, drugs. This inspired a career change more than 20 years ago, when he became a writer and public speaker teaching people how to understand and harness the mindbody connection to improve health.

Have you noticed an increase in kindness during the current pandemic emergency?

I think so. In the past, you said things like, “Hello, how are you?” as a greeting. But now, when people say it, they really mean it. There’s a sense of genuine compassion that I think is coming out in everyone on a scale that I’ve never seen before. We’re feeling empathy for people that are suffering, but also feeling empathy for each other, because we realize that everyone is in a similar place.

How do you explain this upsurge in kindness during social distancing and isolation?

We are genetically wired for kindness. The genes that produce the kindness hormone are some of the oldest in the human genome, like 500 million years old. So, our natural state is to care, to be kind and compassionate. But in life, we get caught up in everyday stresses and worries—financially, work-wise and in relationships—that often obscure that natural tendency to care. When a lot of that stuff is taken away, people’s natural sense of kindness and compassion come to the surface.

Do you see an opportunity for a shift in collective consciousness?

Absolutely. We’ve been called to unify, to recognize that we are part of the same human family. There’s a global outpouring of compassion. We’re transforming, becoming more aware of our own kindness and the needs of other people.

On another level, I saw a meme that said, “It feels like the universe has sent us home to our rooms to think about what we’ve done.” There’s research that correlates an increase in viruses and parasites over the last couple of years to a loss in biodiversity due to human action, like knocking down rain forests and human-induced climate change. Species extinctions are 1,000 to 10,000 times greater today than they’ve ever been in recorded history, except for 65 million years ago when an

asteroid crashed into the Earth and wiped out the dinosaurs. Parasites, viruses and bacteria have nowhere else to go, so they’re jumping species, from bats to humans, for example. We’re being called spiritually not only to be more compassionate and kind to each other, but also to recognize the damage we’re doing to the planet and to be more respectful of nature, the environment and animals.

What are the positive physical effects of kindness?

Physiologically speaking, kindness is the opposite of stress. Where feeling stressed can increase blood pressure, tense the nervous system and suppress the immune system, feelings induced by kindness reduce blood pressure, calm the nervous system and elevate the immune system.

Are certain acts of kindness better than others?

It doesn’t matter what you do. What matters most is that you do it because you mean it; you genuinely have a sense of empathy and want to help someone. All of the physiolog- ical benefits of kindness come because the feelings induced by kindness generate what I call kindness hormones, the most import- ant one being oxytocin, which is a female reproductive hormone that also plays a big role in cardiovascular health.

Can a small act of kindness really make a difference in the world?

Absolutely. It’s been charted scientifically that if you do something kind for some- body, that person will be kind or kinder to five other people over the next day or two because of how you made them feel. Those five people will be kind or kinder to five further people, which turns into 25 people, and each of those 25 will be kind to five people, which takes it to 125 people’s lives that can be changed and affected in small and large ways three social steps away from you simply because of one tiny little thing you did.

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At the Table Online Classes–Sharon is offering Zoom cooking classes for kids, Zoom plant-based cooking classes, virtual summer cooking camps for children, and family and group online Zoom cooking parties. Info: Call Sharon at 803-238-5876 or visit AtTheTablellc.com. Canvases With Candace Virtual Art School–We are providing art “at-home” kits. Our kits include online instruction with live teaching and interaction. Enrolling students daily hoping to connect to the home school population and collaborate with their learning styles and structures. Join on Facebook at Facebook.com/canvaseswithcandace, or Candace at 718-924-1752 or CanvasesWithCandace@ gmail.com. Chiropractic Wellness Center–Our office is open. We are scheduling appointments a little differently to maintain patient flow and comfort. We are taking extra precautions to sanitize common areas, minimize wait time, and reduce the number of people in the office simultaneously. Call 803-771-9990 or email Doc@DrShellyJones.com to schedule an appointment. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic–We are open and spacing appointments consciously. We are sanitizing our office and waiting areas throughout the day and wearing personal protective gear. Call 803-376- 6293 to schedule an appointment. Elite Personal Training Online Coaching–We are offering classes on Zoom. Get in shape and destress while being home in this strange time that we’re all in together. Call for opening date at 803-749-4279 or visit ElitePersonalTrainingStudio.com. Rooted Community Virtual Yoga Classes–Studio is open. Info: Call Anne Miller at 803-730-3976.

Whole Truth Health and Nutrition Online

Coaching–Get healthy with a 7-Day Detox, with approved dinner guide with recipes, or take advantage of the Spring Coaching Specials while being stuck at home. Visit WholeTruthHealth.org to subscribe.

SATURDAYS JUNE 6, 13, 20 & 27

Murraywood Health Foods 20% off Satur

days–10am-6pm. 20% off all grocery items, excluding local honey. Murraywood Shopping Center, 7001 St Andrews Rd, Columbia. Info: 803-732-3847.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 Drive-In Movie Night Melvin Park–Come out and enjoy a night out at the movies in your own vehicle. Melvin Park, 370 Eptings Camp Rd, Chapin. Info/ cost/times: 803-345-8113, icrc.net.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20 Drive-In Movie Night Saluda Shoals–Come out and enjoy a night out at the movies in your own vehicle. Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd, Columbia. Info/cost/times: 803-772-1228, icrc.net. ICRC Indoor Yard Sale–7-11am. Clean out the garage, attic, kids’ rooms and closets, and bring those hidden treasures to Seven Oaks Park to sell. Make sure to drop by and check out all of the great bargains. Anyone interested in participating as a vendor should call or stop by the park for participation details. Vendor setup will be the day before (Friday, June 19) between 4 and 7pm. Admission is free to buyers. Seven Oaks Park, 200 Leisure Ln, Columbia. Info: 803-772-1228, icrc.net.

SUNDAY & MONDAY, JUNE 21 & 22 Reiki I Online Class–Sun, 11am-3pm; Mon, 12:30-3:30pm. Instructed by Joy Lee Connor, reiki master. Learn the principles of practitioner-level reiki, with advanced interpretations of the reiki healing symbols and absentia healing protocol. Info/ preregistration/cost: Call Connor at 803-447-6499.

planahead

SATURDAY, JULY 25 Wild Summer's Night Auction and Feast–7-10pm. The South Carolina Wildlife Federation will auction off some great items, such as beautiful works of art; jewelry; guided birding and wildlife-watching trips; hunting and fishing excursions, both in South Carolina and other amazing places; guided river and kayak tours; hunting and fishing equipment; and much more. Great food, music, an open bar, live and silent auctions, prize drawings, games and more. Seawell’s Catering, 1125 Rosewood Dr, Columbia. Info/tickets: Contact Shannon Keenan at 803-256- 0670 or Shannon@scwf.org. Visit scwf.org.

events sunday ongoing

Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Every 2nd Sunday. Spiritual Director Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. A Course in Miracles–Original Edition–4:30- 6pm. Every Sunday. This session will be via telephone in June. We read together and discuss questions, insights and experiences. Donations are accepted. Call to schedule introductory sessions with Joy Lee Connor. Info: 803-447-6499.

tuesday Healthy at Home Facebook Live–7pm. Every Tuesday. Please join Ms Tracy for her Healthy at Home segment live on Facebook. Info/cost: Call Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or email OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com. wednesday

Debtors Anonymous–6-7pm. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Every Wednesday. Debtors Anonymous offers hope for people whose use of unsecured debt causes problems and suffering. Find relief by working the DA recovery program based on the 12-step principles. Cost: Free. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com. friday A Talk on A Course in Miracles–6:30pm. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Every 2nd Friday. Facilitator Gina Gibson continues a series of monthly talks. Q&A to follow. Free and open to the public; donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info: RevCandace@JubileeCircle.com, JubileeCircle.com. saturday Writing as a Spiritual Practice–10am-12:30pm. Visit the website or email to see if this is temporarily offered online. Every 2nd Saturday. Minister Candace Chellew-Hodge, published author and songwriter, leads workshop to help participants use creative writing as a way to grow their spiritual practice. Bring pen and paper or laptop for writing exercises. Free, but donations are accepted. Jubilee! Circle, 6729 Two Notch Rd, Columbia. Info/register: 803-569-6385, RevCandace@JubileeCircle. com, JubileeCircle.com.

Columbia Resilience Integrated Health Commu

nity Clinic–10am-2pm. Every 1st Saturday beginning June 6. CranioSacral Therapy, energy-based modalities, self-care techniques, and a simple meal are offered by trauma-trained practitioners for the relief of chronic stress and post-trauma care. Suggested donation: $15/session. First-come, first-served. Only six participants permitted in clinic at any one time according to new COVID-19 guidelines. Call for waiting times. St Mark United Methodist Church, 3200 Lyles St, Columbia. Info/ appointment: Call Pamila Lorentz at 803-749-1576. Health on Digital Radio–1pm. Every Saturday. Health, Hope and Healing digital radio broadcast. WDRB media on iHeart Radio or TuneIn app. Info/cost: Call Ms Tracy at 833-678-7229 or email OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, call 803-233-3693 or email ColaPublisher@NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

ACUPUNCTURE THE ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC William D. Skelton, DAc 620 Sims Ave, Columbia 803-256-1000 • SCAcupuncture.com Bill Skelton is dedicated to helping people live happier, healthier, active lives with safe, gentle and effective techniques. He has 38 years’ experience and trained in the Republic of China. Call to schedule an appointment. See ad, page 6.

AROMATHERAPY GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15-A, Columbia Trenholm Plaza, in Forest Acres 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com Improve your level of stress, depression and mood with natural products from a locally owned family business. Our knowledgeable staff will guide you using aromatherapy for pain, anxiety, energy enhancement and more. We carry several brands of essential oils, including doTERRA. See ads, page 3 and back page. CHIROPRACTIC CHIROPRACTIC WELLNESS CENTER INC Dr. Shelly Jones, DC 5209 Forest Dr, Ste C, Columbia 803-771-9990 • DrShellyJones.com Webster Technique certified, Dr. Jones provides family chiropractic care, health information and wellness resources to support the body’s natural ability to heal, allowing one to feel better and enjoy living a more active lifestyle! Call to schedule your appointment or discuss bringing our onsite chiropractic care and health-education services to your business, school or athletic team.

DOWDY RUDOLPH CHIROPRACTIC LLC Dr. Dowdy Rudolph, DC 1444 Barnwell St, Columbia 803-376-6293 • DowdyRudolphChiro.com Dr. Gerald Rudolph, DC, focuses on finding the root cause of your problems and not just treating your pain. He utilizes digital X-rays to help diagnose problems, spinal adjustments to stimulate proper movement of spinal and extremity joints, active therapeutic movement exercises to correct movement disorders, and spinal decompression to help relieve numbness and tingling down your arms and legs. Dowdy Rudolph Chiropractic also offers a state-of-the-art full-body lounge hydromassage table that can help you feel more rejuvenated and relaxed. See ad, page 22.

FLEX CHIROPRACTIC Dr. Angela Larson Dr. Felicia Danio 1811 Bull St, Columbia 803-252-0108 • FlexChiros.com With more than 22 years of experience in the chiropractic i n d u s t r y, o u r t e a m i s knowledgeable, experienced and courteous. Combining a passion for healing and alleviating pain with two decades of good oldfashioned know-how, we give you the customized chiropractic treatment you truly deserve. Our vast list of services includes: decompression; Pro Adjuster; pregnancy care; newborns, infants and toddler care; massage therapy; ultrasound; Kinesiology taping; and cold laser. Call today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Larson or Dr. Danio. Let our team help you achieve a happy, healthy life through chiropractic care!

COLLABORATIVE LAW LAW OFFICE OF SHANNON K. BURNETT 109 N Main St, Blythewood 803-786-1758 • ShannonBurnettlaw.com Shannon.skblaw@gmail.com Shannon Burnett helps families through legal issues that normally tend to tear families apart. She works in a collaborative fashion with other trained professionals to minimize the damage done to your family; it is her goal for your family to achieve a successful outcome and healthy resolution. COLON HEALTH SPRING RAIN HYDROTHERAPY Linda Salyer 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste H, Columbia 803-361-2620 • LSalyer@ymail.com All disease begins in the colon. Constipation; slow, sluggish bowel; gas and bloating? A colonic will help to rid you of these problems. Colonics promote good digestion, help speed metabolism, help lower cholesterol, and help relieve joint pain. Linda Salyer is IACN certified and a retired nurse. Saturday appointments available with an additional small convenience fee. See ad, page 22.

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CRANIOSACRAL CHI ENERGY BALANCE Pamila Lorentz, MSW, RN, LMBT 1544 Highway 6, Gaston 803-749-1576 ChiEnergyBalance.com Pamila is a former hospice and home-health nurse who now provides CranioSacral Therapy (CST), energy balancing, and sound vibrational healing techniques at her clinic in Gaston and in in-home settings. CST and sound healing are "light touch" therapies that are offered while the client is fully dressed and resting on a massage table or chair. CST has a profound positive effect in facilitating relief of conditions related to chronic stress, physical and emotional trauma, and neuromuscular and nervous system impairment. Group sessions for sound and vibrational healing are limited to three participants due to COVID-19 guidelines. Individual home sessions are offered with restrictions. Remote energy healing sessions are scheduled according to the client’s need. Schedule appointments online at ChiEnergyBalance.com or text to 803-749-1576.

DISTANCE HEALING JOY LEE CONNOR, LMT (SC#1229) Touch for Health Instructor and Consultant Reiki Master, A Course In Miracles Teacher Chopra Instructor, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda 803-447-6499 • JoyLeeConnor@BellSouth.net Joy is committed to being the "Light of the World" during this time of need, offering miracles (shifts in perception). When we see differently, our mind, emotions and even our body can shift, change and HEAL. While Joy has practiced as a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Columbia area for many years, she has also worked with friends and clients around the globe doing healing work. By phone, FaceTime, email, Joy offers healing sessions and consultations from 20 minutes to two hours.

ECO-RICH SKIN CARE PRODUCTS JUST WANNA MELT LLC Misty Rawls • 803-331-0063 Info@JustWannaMelt.com JustWannaMelt.com A green skin care company that creates high-quality, non-GMO, all-natural products that are gentle to the skin and safer for the environment. Our brands include ingredients such as organic oils, butters, flowers, herbs, botanicals, local grains, beeswax and honey. Find our products at such stores as Garner’s Natural Life, Four Oaks Farm,

Wingard’s Nursery, Whole Foods and more. For a complete list of retail locations, visit our website.

HEALTH FOOD STORE

MURRAYWOOD HEALTH FOODS Richard Beale, Owner • 803-732-3847 7001 St. Andrews Rd, Irmo In Murraywood Shopping Centre Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Locally owned and proudly serving Irmo and the Midlands area for more than 25 years, Murraywood Health Foods is a health and specialty food store featuring the very best natural product brands, vitamins and minerals, herbs and homeopathic remedies. The store also carries natural and organic gluten-free foods and health and beauty products. Call today for more information or to schedule a special appointment. See ad, page 31. HEALTH & FITNESS THE FITNESS FACTOR LLC Certified Holistic Health Coach Jermika Kennedy 803-804-8027 Are you a woman age 30 to 65 suffering from Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and tired of the painful menstrual cycles? Getting into shape may help. Ready to get fit? Contact Jermika (registered nurse, certified personal trainer for women, and certified holistic health coach). Her services include mobile personal training sessions and personal health coaching sessions with recipes and discussion topics. Call today!

HEALTH & WELLNESS ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC. 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aqua-chi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 8.

ORIGINAL ORIGINS HEALTH AND WELLNESS Tracy R. Jacox • 833-678-7229 OriginalOriginshw@gmail.com OriginalOriginshw.com Ms. Tracy has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. The mission of Original Origins Health and Wellness is to educate, equip and empower the community to adopt a predominately whole food, plantbased lifestyle, which will improve and optimize your quality of life, health and wellness while preventing, delaying, reversing or eliminating chronic illnesses. Original Origins can assist you with maximizing your health and wellness holistically! Our wide range of services include health coach partnering, comprehensive health evaluations, comprehensive cooking experiences, and a comprehensive kitchen evaluation. Your health is your wealth! See ad, page 32. HOLISTIC FOOT CARE

SWEET FEET FOOT CARE Mona Patterson/Master Pedicurist 9153 Two Notch Rd, Ste 11-C, Columbia 803-394-4421 • SweetFeetCare.com Columbia’s foot care service with a holistic approach. Here at Sweet Feet Foot Care, we focus on Preventive Care, Effective Pedicure Treatments and Cleanliness. With advanced knowledge and skills, we help correct disorders of the feet and lower limbs with pedicure treatments and orthotics. Services are ideal for Diabetics, Seniors and Knee- and Back-Pain Issues. Call today to learn more about our services.

HOLISTIC HEALING

CHAPIN HOLISTIC HERITAGE Apothecary and Wellness Center 211 E Boundary St, Chapin 803-941-7083 • ChapinHolisticHeritage.com Our center focuses on holistic health and spiritual awareness. We provide a wide array of services, including chiropractic care offered by Dr. Aleisha Taylor, Reiki sessions hosted by certified practitioners, herbalist consultations with Ashley Adams, tinctures, herbal medicines available for purchase and much more. Come see all of the different services the center has to offer for all of your health and wellness needs.

INTEGRATIVE & HOLISTIC MEDICINE EXPECT WELLNESS Dr. Rachel Hall 130 Suber Rd, Columbia 803-796-1702 • DrRachelHall.com ExpectWellness@sc.rr.com Find us on Facebook for great health tips. Integrative/Holistic medicine consults for anyone wanting to approach their health more naturally. Dr. Rachel Hall is board certified in both family medicine and integrative holistic medicine. Together we will focus on finding the root of the problem, not just treating symptoms. Call today for a consult if you are looking to achieve balance. In-house diagnostic labs and therapies. See ad, page 4.

SPIRITUAL ECKANKAR THE PATH OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM Contact Dee 803-749-2459 • ECK-SC.org Meetup.com/columbia-spiritual-seekers.com Eckankar has suspended ALL group events worldwide through May 31 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update this information as changes occur on our websites listed above and in this Natural Awakenings of Columbia listing. See ad, page 21. THERMOGRAPHY ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INC. 120 Kaminer Way Pkwy, Ste J, Columbia 803-798-8687 • AboutYourHealthSC.com Our main focus is health education and health-enhancing services. One-on-one nutritional counseling, Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, Reams pH testing, parasite programs, aquachi footbaths, far infrared sauna, weight-loss programs, and thermography. Hard-to-find natural, organic, whole food nutritional supplements, raw foods and natural household items. See ad, page 8.

VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS

GARNER’S NATURAL LIFE 4840 Forest Dr, Ste 15a, Columbia Trenholm Plaza 803-454-7700 • GarnersNaturalLife.com At Garner’s Natural Life, we offer the purest, most innovative highquality natural products. With more than 130 collective years of wellness experience! Allows us to encourage your healthy choices. See ads, page 3 and back page.

YOGA YOGA MAMA COLUMBIA Kyla Saphir Pre- and Postnatal Yoga Instructor 312-532-8885 YogaMamaColumbia.com Kyla is passionate about teaching women in her prenatal and postnatal yoga classes since she experienced the benefits when she was pregnant with her daughter. She is the founder of Yoga Mama Columbia, which supports expectant women and new moms through yoga around the Columbia area. The classes focus on using breathwork to relax, strengthening the body for labor and healing afterward, and building a community of new moms. Visit her website for more information on classes and upcoming workshops.

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