Natural Awakenings New Haven & Middlesex CT AUGUST 2020

EE R F

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

HEALING WATERS Baths for Well-Being

SCRAPPY FINDING COOKING SELF AGAIN

Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

Transitioning from Caregiving

BACK TO SCHOOL

Education Outside the Box

August 2020 | New Haven-Middlesex | NaturalNewHaven.comAugust 2020

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letterfrompublisher

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Gratitude is the heart’s money. ~French proverb Brenda Tate Photography

NEW HAVEN/ MIDDLESEX EDITION

Happy August my dear readers! I hope you are all safe and

PUBLISHER Gail Heard well and enjoying these beautiful summer days. This is the EDITOR Ariana Rawls time of year when I spend as much time as I possibly can DESIGN & PRODUCTION Gail Heard outdoors. As I write this publisher’s letter, I am out on my CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ariana Rawls back deck, which faces the woods—my summertime

Nicole Miale Patricia Staino sanctuary. The 4 bird feeders on my deck attract a variety

SALES & MARKETING Melissa Pytlak of species such as goldfinches; red-bellied woodpeckers; DISTRIBUTOR Man In Motion, LLC catbirds; cardinals, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. Early mornings out here, WEBSITE Chik Shank particularly in the late spring, sound like the Amazon. This month, I look forward to

PO Box 525 North Branford, CT 06471 Ph: 203-988-1808 • Fax: 203-488-8523 .NaturalNewHaven.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/ FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist

ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope

FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2020 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. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

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

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Wishing you good health and peace in your heart during this last full month of summer!

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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

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the daytime buzzing and clicking noises of cicadas and the nocturnal pulsating rasp of katydids against the background of the cricket chorus. Evenings are a magical time here in New England—so alive with the sights and sounds that can only be seen and heard during the dog days of summer—the final Swan Song before the autumn chill.

Nature soothes, heals and brings us back to ourselves. A quote by Frank Lloyd Wright was spot on: “Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.”

We have all been challenged on many levels this year, as the Coronavirus respects no one. However, in spite of COVID’s intrusion into our lives, we can still enjoy some simple pleasures that will provide comfort, inspire and even uplift. I start every morning with a 30-minute meditation and end every evening with a long walk, serenaded by the symphony of katydids and crickets. At bedtime, before I retire, instead of watching TV or scrolling through social media posts, I read books. These routines that I have incorporated into my activities of daily living have been big contributors to my peace of mind and well-being—especially lately.

We have packed an abundance of great reads into our August issue. Our main feature: “Back to School 2020: Education Outside the Box,” shares some very innovative programs Connecticut schools are launching this fall in response to the current situation, that are progressive, engaging and safe for students.

Many of us have been or will eventually become family caregivers, a stressful role which can extend for a period of years. As caregivers, we tend to neglect our own needs and then, after our loved one passes away, we may experience a loss of purpose and many complex emotions that can be a hurdle to moving forward with our lives. “Transitioning from Caregiving: Finding Self Again After the Patient Passes,” shares the journey of emotions we may experience and offers guidance for healing, hope and personal growth.

Our August department articles offer tips to help rejuvenate your body and mind through healing water, mindful exercise and conscious eating. We have included 2 pages of yummy vegan recipes with ingredients that you can forage from your own garden.

We hope you enjoy exploring the content in this issue from cover to cover— all intended to boost your well-being during these tricky times.

Natural Awakenings is a family of nearly 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 12 BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2020

19

Education Outside the Box

16 TRANSITIONING FROM CAREGIVING

Finding Self Again After the Patient Passes

19 HOW AWE CAN

TRANSFORM OUR LIVES

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20 HEALING WATERS

Hot Baths Rejuvenate Body and Mind

22 STRONG AND HEALTHY

Five Ways to Strengthen Kids’ Immunity

23 MUSTAFA SANTIAGO ALI

on Healing America Through Social Justice

24 NO-WASTE

GARDEN EDIBLES

Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact Melissa Pytlak at 203-305-5531 or email PytlakMelissa@gmail.com.com. Deadline for ads: the 12th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Gail@naturalnewhaven.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalNewHaven.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

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27 MINDFUL WALKING Meditative Steps for Well-Being

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 10 health briefs 19 inspiration 20 healing ways 22 healthy kids 23 wise words

24 conscious

eating 27 fit body 28 calendar 28 classifieds 29 resource guide

August 2020

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news briefs

Therapy and Much More Offered at Woodbury Center

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olf Spirit Wellness and Counseling Center is not your typical mental health office.

We offer both traditional and alternative options to healing and utilize the mind-bodyspirit connection to allow their clients to find the best path to optimal health and well-being. Wolf Spirit offers mental health counseling, hypnosis, meditation, drumming, health and fitness coaching, and spiritual counseling.

In addition, the center works with an APRN for psychopharmacological intervention as needed.

Wolf Spirit practitioners offer an integrated approach to counseling, creating an individualized environment for each client to achieve optimal healing. The center specializes in PTSD, surviving narcissistic abuse, borderline and other cluster B personality disorders. In addition, they provide bariatric counseling, art therapy, therapeutic yoga and play therapy.

Located behind New Morning Market at in Woodbury, Connecticut, Wolf Spirit Wellness offers individual, couples, family and group counseling. They take most insurance plans, including Husky (Medicaid).

For more information, call 203-263-3175 or visit WolfSpiritWellness.org to see pictures of the new Zen Den. Location: 125 Main St. North, Suite 2B, Woodbury, CT. See ad on page 15.

CELC Middle School Announces 2020-2021 Educational Options

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ELC is accepting applications for 2020-21 academic year.

It announced three options families can choose to have their children safely educated at the center.

The middle school specialists offer small class sizes, personalized instruction and robust academics.

The on-site program will be held five days a week during regular CELC hours. The classrooms will be configured to ensure healthy spacing. There are limited spaces available for the on-site program; it will first come, first served for these spaces.

The on-site program and remote learning combination will include select specific day(s) and times when a family’s child is on-site in addition to remote learning. For those days when the child is not onsite, active participation in CELC’s learning community via our remote learning module will take place.

In the remote learning option, the child is an active participant in CELC’s learning environment, receiving a robust academic and social/emotional educational experience via an innovative remote learning module.

CELC is offering additional support services for parents who plan to keep children home for instruction rather than re-enter in-person settings. Private consultation for curriculum planning, scope and sequence, and other types of guidance and support are available.

August dates for CELC Middle School’s Virtual Open House are August 8, 22 and 29 from 10-11 a.m. Come and see how, as a small school with small classes, they have structured CELC’s program and facilities to ensure the safe and secure education

Thousands of Years of Food Wisdom in Twelve Months

The Institute of Sustainable Nutrition

Offering a One-Year Certification Program in Sustainable Health & Nutrition This Innovative School Integrates the Science of Nutrition with:

Practicing Sustainable Gardening Methods

Preparing Traditional Kitchen Medicine

Learning Kitchen Culinary Skills

Identifying Nutrient-rich Wild Plants

Embark on this life-altering journey and be part of the movement to change the paradigm of our food for future generations. Join our experienced staff one weekend a month as you use hands-on education to delve into and explore diverse aspects of how food and herbs enhance the health of your clients, friends, family, yourself and the environment.

Now accepting applications for 2020-2021 | Call 860-764-9070 today! | West Granby, CT | www.tiosn.com 6

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news briefs of students. Meet specialist middle school teachers and hear about the transformational middle school experience that CELC parents’ children receive. To register to attend the Open House, contact MandM@ctexperiential.org or call 203-433-4658.

Krakenimages.com/Bigstock.com

Pain During the Pandemic

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re you experiencing pain, which can add unnecessary stress to our already current stressful times? August is a good time to venture out for relief.

This month, Physical Therapy Services of Guilford in Branford is targeting the annoying “knots” we get in our backs and chest muscle pain (non-cardiac). These two symptoms can indicate rib cage dysfunction and are easily corrected.

The ability of the lungs to fully fill and empty is dependent upon rib cage mobility and function. This helps your immune system with most types of respiratory illnesses. Physical Therapy Services of Guilford is available by phone to discuss these symptoms or any other physical therapy concerns you may have.

~Frank Lloyd Wright

Women’s Philanthropy Offers In-person Evening Yoga

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For more information, call 203-433-4658, email MandM@CTExperiential.org or visit CTExperiential.org.

See ad on page 15.

Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.

Call 203-315-7727 to schedule your telephone screening and let them help you feel comfortable again. Location: Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, 500 East Main St., Ste. 310, Branford, CT. See ad on page 8.

6th Bi-Annual

oin the Jewish Federation of Greater New Haven’s Women’s Philanthropy for an outdoor and socially distanced evening of spiritually minded yoga on August 6. Take a break from Zoom and the confines of your home to ground yourself with other like-minded women.

The class will take place at the JCC Hahn-Shelling Playground and The Norman Hurwitz Terrace at the JCC of Greater New Haven. The class fee is $18 per person, or bring a friend with a two-for-$30 deal. Participants are asked to bring their own yoga mat. Space is limited. Registration is required.

There is an August 27 rain date in case of inclement weather on August 6.

For more information, visit JewishFederationofGreaterNewHa. regfox.com/Spirit-Mind-and-Body-Evening-Yoga.

Passport to Health & Wellness presented by the Holistic Community Professionals

Statewide Benefit * HoliStic expo

Sunday | August 23 | 10 am - 5pm

75+ Exhibitors and Speakers! iant!

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DoubleTree by Hilton 42 Century Drive, Bristol, CT 06010

FREE DRUM HEaling 4-5pm Speakers all day Free Raffles • Drumming gRanD PRiZE: A Hilton Overnight Stay for Two!

FREE aDMiSSiOn Donations Accepted * All door donations to benefit:

Hartford Hospital's Integrative Medicine Angie’s Spa and CT Children’s Medical Center.

For more information please contact: Vendors apply at: yourholisticevents.com Shirley R. Bloethe at 860-989-0033 FB - Passport to Health and Wellness Expo Email: yourholisticevents@gmail.com

Holistic Community Professionals

www.HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org August 2020

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Final Journey Expands Availability to Help Pet Families

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inal Journey is increasing the number of veterinarian/ technician teams to four in order to offer more appointment times. They are available for appointments seven days a week.

In addition, they now offer their services to all of Fairfield and New Haven counties, and further into Middlesex, Hartford and Litchfield Counties (outer areas include Old Saybrook, Haddam, Middletown, Weathersfield, Bristol, Bethlehem and New Milford areas).

Holistic Moms Network Presents Boosting Your Immune System Workshop

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n August 18 at 8 p.m., the New Haven County chapter of Holistic Moms Network will virtually host an interactive presentation on boosting our immune systems with Dr. Loren Hager at part of the chapter’s monthly meeting. The virtual event will take place on a Zoom video conference call. (see below for registration contact information).

All pet owners want their pet’s last moments to be as comfortable as possible and as stress free for themselves and their pet as the situation can be. Final Journey LLC provides a humane, dignified and compassionate service for people and their animal companions at a time of transition.

Dr. Hager will focus on ways to boost our immune system, what can detract from how it operates optimally and much more. In this presentation, she will go over some ways to keep our immune system strong on a daily basis.

Dr. Hager (HagerHealth.com) is a chiropractic physician and applied clinical nutritionist, Reiki master, 500-hour certified vinyasa yoga teacher, and 200-hour certified Kundalini yoga teacher.

The virtual meeting will take place through Zoom. Register in advance for the Zoom call by visiting the event page at Facebook. com/HMNNewHaven or email TDavisca@aol.com to be added to the chapter’s Evite distribution list. Download the free Zoom app to your computer, tablet or phone before the event at Zoom.us.

The mission of Holistic Moms Network, a nonprofit support and discussion network, is to connect parents who are interested in holistic health and green living. It welcomes people wherever they are on their own holistic path in an environment that does not judge. The monthly meetings, open to the public, are the third Tuesday of each month. Children are welcome (quiet area set up in back of the meeting room with a babysitter); the YMCA also has a free child watch room for those attending our meeting.

For more information, call 203-645-5570 or visit FinalJourneyllc.com. Final Journey also has a memorial page on Facebook page under finalJourneyllc. See ad on page 17.

For more information, visit HolisticMoms.org or Facebook.com/ HMNNewHaven. To RSVP for the event, email TDavisca@aol.com or visit the Events page on Facebook.com/HMNNewHaven.

2 IMPORTANT QUESTIONS

TO ASK WHEN SEEKING A PHYSICAL THERAPIST 1. Will my PT work ONLY with me during my treatment?

ABSOLUTELY! At Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, we are one of the few remaining practices that spend 40 minutes, one-on-one, with YOU and ONLY YOU.

2. Will I ONLY be doing exercises during my treatment?

No. Your physical therapist will be using hands-on techniques to relieve your pain and will provide you with exercises to do at home.

Physical Therapy Services of Guilford • 500 East Main Street • Branford

203-315 7727

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PhysicalTherapyGuilford.com

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I only ask to be free.

The butterflies are free. ~Charles Dickens

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news briefs

Holistic Community Professionals HCP

Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve. Visit our Site: HolisticCommunityProfessionals.org

Coaching & Workshops Torin Lee TL Coaching /Zen Events MyPathForward.net 860-861-9038 torin@zenevents.net TorinLee.com

Grief / Loss / Counseling /Workshops Debbie Pausig, LMFT, CT Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Certified Thanatologist (CT) Death, Dying, Bereavement, Grief, Loss: Counseling, Workshops, Facilitator Training 203-985-8246 Debbiepausigmft.com

Wellness Center The Red Barn in Durham Janice Juliano, MSW, LCSW Holistic Psychotherapist Coordinator MassageTherapy Nutrition / Yoga / Reiki / Sound Healing Professional Photography / Art Classes 860-559-6151 352 Main St, Durham TheRedBarninDurham.com

DNA Designed Nutrition

EFT Tapping /Hypnosis Therese Baumgart Emotion Code Emotional Freedom Technique Hypnosis & Past Lives Clear Stress, Lose weight, Release pain, Stop smoking Free 15 minute strategy session In-person, Skype, Phone 203-710-7438 HypnosisandEFTct.com

Earleen Wright NEW way to use DNA for health!

DNA Designed Nutrition Take charge of your health through your own DNA! Earleen.UforiaScience.com 203-215-3222 EarleenWright@comcast.net

Intuitive Counselor & Healer Gayle Franceschetti, MEd, CHt Hypnotherapy, Meditations Reiki/Energy sessions, Essential Oils Group Past Life Regression Individual Past Life Regression Workshops, Spiritual Power Journeys, Private mentoring & counseling Return2love3@gmail.com Return2Love.com 203-265-2927

Salt Therapy (Halotherapy) Soulshine Salt Cavern 352 Main Street, Durham 860-478-0510 Open Wednesday-Sunday Email: Connect@SoulshineSaltCavern.com SoulShineSaltCavern.com

We Welcome You!

To Join the Holistic Community Professionals

CONTACT: Shirley Bloethe: 860-989-0033

ShirleyBloethe.com

August 2020

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health briefs

The more a couple shares affectionate hugs, kisses and cuddles, the more satisfied they are in the marriage, a new study from the State University of New York at Binghamton shows. It tested 184 heterosexual couples on the effects of non-sexual intimate touching like holding hands or cuddling while watching TV rather than actions intended to lead to sex. The more affection the couples routinely experienced, the more they felt satisfied with their partners’ touch, even if they had “avoidant attachment styles” and ordinarily were more reserved with physical displays of affection. “Interestingly, there’s some evidence that holding your partner’s hand while you’re arguing de-escalates the argument and makes it more productive,” says lead author Samantha Wagner.

Tatjana Baibakova/Shutterstock.com

Hug a Mate for a Happy Relationship

Eat More Fiber for a Longer Life Eating the right kind of fiber lowers the risk of death from multiple causes, reports a new study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Researchers from the University of Toronto followed more than 92,924 Japanese people 45 to 74 years old for nearly 20 years and found men that ate higher levels of dietary fiber had a 23 percent reduced risk of death compared to those that ate the least dietary fiber; the figure was 18 percent for women. The more dietary fiber people ate, the less likely they were to die from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases and injuries; it also protected against cancer mortality in men, but not women. Fiber from fruits, beans and vegetables, but not from cereals, was linked to lower mortality.

Children and young adults diagnosed with celiac disease have been found with elevated blood levels of toxic chemicals found in pesticides, nonstick cookware and fire retardants, reports a new study from the New York University Grossman School of Medicine published in Environmental Research.

Researchers analyzed levels of toxic chemicals in the blood of 30 children and young adults ages 3 to 21 after being diagnosed with celiac disease. They compared those results to those of 60 other young people of similar age, sex and race.

Girls with higher than normal exposure to pesticides known as dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes were at least eight times more likely to have celiac disease. If they had elevated levels of perfluoroalkyls (nonstick chemicals found in products like Teflon), they were five to nine times more likely to have the disease. Boys were twice as likely to receive a celiac diagnosis if they had elevated blood levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (fire-retardant chemicals).

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Avoid Toxic Chemicals to Prevent Celiac Disease

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Who is Danny/Shutterstock.com

Increase Focus by Reducing Saturated Fat

Dirt Can Help Heal Wounds Dirt has specific healing properties for wounds, new research from the University of British Columbia has found.

The study published in Blood Advances reported that the presence of soil in wounds helps activate a blood protein known as coagulation factor XII that kicks off a rapid chain reaction helping trigger the formation of a plug, sealing the wound and limiting blood loss. “Excessive bleeding is responsible for up to 40 percent of mortality in trauma patients. In extreme cases and in remote areas without access to health care and wound-sealing products like sponges and sealants, sterilized soil could potentially be used to stem deadly bleeding following injuries,” says senior author Dr. Christian Kastrup. The study was done with sterilized dirt; unsterilized dirt poses a risk of infection.

Eating a meal heavy in saturated fat can hinder the ability to concentrate, even five hours later, a new study from the Ohio State University College of Medicine shows. Researchers tested 51 women on computer games that measured attention spans and response times, and then fed them a 930-calorie meal that mimicked the fare of fastfood restaurants. For half the subjects, their meal was cooked in saturated fat, and for the others it was cooked with sunflower oil that is high in unsaturated fat. Five hours later, the women that ate the saturated fat meal had erratic and slower response times on the 10-minute concentration tests and they were less able to maintain their attention.

Maintain your youth

with Homeopathic HGH Transdermal Gel Maximum Strength Somatropin Unique and affordable alternative designed to support your pituitary gland!

Usage may

Andrey Eremin/Shutterstock.com

Eat Spuds for Muscle Protein The potato, a perennial favorite deemed nutritionally lackluster, can be a source of high-quality protein that helps to maintain muscle, reports the journal Nutrients. Researchers from Canada’s McMaster University, in Ontario, gave young, healthy women either a placebo or a pudding made with potato protein isolate that doubled the amount of protein the women typically consumed daily. The study found that the potato protein increased the rate at which the women’s muscles produced new protein. “This study provides evidence that the quality of proteins from plants can support muscle,” says Sara Oikawa, lead author of the study.

• Improve Bone and Joint Health • Improve Sleep • Increase Muscle and Reduce Fat Contact Shirley R. Bloethe

860-989-0033 or www.PassItOnLLC.com KCC_bc_final_vendor2.pdf

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Back-to-School 2020 Education Outside the Box

by Ariana Rawls Fine

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o say we are living in unprecedented times is an understatement. Parents who expected to be sending their children to school in the fall are facing dilemmas in terms of both school safety and restrictions. The reasons run the gamut from apprehension about virus transmission to distance learning not working well to concerns about masking children all day to the frequent use of harsher cleaning supplies to sanitize schools.

Due to this, the number of parents investigating homeschooling as an option is growing exponentially every day and more guidelines are being released by school districts as the new school year approaches. The good news is that Connecticut is a great state for homeschooling families, whether it was a planned choice or something being considered now simply because of the current situation.

It is important to remember that homeschooling is flexible by nature; parents or guardians can adapt homeschooling to better fit their individual children’s learning styles, attention spans, interests, family traveling needs, parental work constraints, religious traditions and other aspects. There are also helpful options for supplemental education.

dren (and parents) time to phase out of traditional schooling’s way of thinking and routines. It is generally recommended that parents deschool one month for every year of traditional schooling.

It allows children pressure-free time to pursue their own interests, for parents to observe how they learn and for taking family trips that can lay the foundation for a vibrant, engaging homeschool life for the whole family.

“If you are coming out of the school system, be gentle. Start slowly, have a period of deschooling, ease into studies,” says Diane Connors, a founder of the Connecticut Homeschool Network (CHN). With the current urgent interest in homeschooling, the top concern she is observing is about time management.

“People need to realize it doesn’t take six hours a day to homeschool. A key thing to keep in mind when planning your homeschool lifestyle is that there are supposed to be 180 days of schooling out of 365 days. We as homeschoolers have seven days a week to choose from, so 180 days really comes to 15 days a month,” says Connors. “We can have consistent ongoing learning that allows for family time, parents that work, extra activities outside the home and more.”

Start by “Deschooling”

Withdrawal Logistics Once the decision has been made to homeschool, the first logistical step is to withdraw the student from conventional school.

Connecticut General Statute 10-184 (find out more legal informa-

One of the first pieces of advice a veteran homeschooler will give those contemplating homeschooling is to start out with “deschooling”. In the homeschooling world, the term refers to giving chil12

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It is important to remember that homeschooling is flexible by nature; parents or guardians can adapt homeschooling to better fit their individual children’s learning styles, attention spans, interests, family traveling needs, parental work constraints, religious traditions and other aspects. tion at CTHomeschoolNetwork.org/Home-Schooling/Link-Legal) covers what subjects the child’s guardian is supposed to cover.

Other than that, Connecticut homeschoolers benefit from freedom from government oversight to find the best learning fit for each child.

If the student is already registered in a public school system, a letter of withdrawal must be sent to the local school district’s

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superintendent, according to CHN. It is highly recommended that the letter is sent as certified mail with a return receipt requested so that there is a signed receipt for the parents/guardians’ records. The child is subject to truancy laws until they are officially withdrawn. A school district may ask for a Notice of Intent to be signed; however, this is not a statutory requirement but rather a suggested procedure, explains Connors. The majority of parents withdrawing their children do not file the Notice of Intent nor do they submit an annual portfolio of student work for review; these are suggested practices but are not requirements (the link above includes reasons). If a child is transferring from another district, they need to be withdrawn from that district but do not need to file with the new school district. If a child has never been enrolled in a school district, no withdrawal paperwork is required.

Curriculum Veteran homeschoolers advise not buying an expensive curriculum right away. Get a feel for how each child learns best. They may be a grade ahead in one subject and challenged in another, making a set-grade curriculum an inadequate investment. The deschooling process grants adults the time to figure out a child’s interests as well as figuring out how each child best learns.

Out, About, and Beyond Four Walls

wo local nature-education programs—Two Coyotes Wilderness School and Common Ground—offer homeschooling parents weekly options for outdoor science enrichment. For those who decide to send their children to school, parents can work with their school district to apply for approval for their children to attend both programs’ science and nature education program one day a week.

Two Coyotes Wilderness School With locations in Granby, Killingworth and Newtown, Two Coyotes Wilderness School (TwoCoyotes.org) offers a 35-week program and seasonal trimester wilderness-based mentoring options for 5- to 12-year olds from homeschool and traditional school backgrounds. They also have a Firekeeper program for teenagers and Coyote Pups classes for smaller children and their caregivers. All programs are held outside, except in inclement weather.

Students are immersed in plant and animal identification, scouting techniques, playing nature games, stewardship of the land, and much more. While younger students focus on forest mysteries, games and crafts, older students learn more advanced survival techniques. Each program varies based on the age of the group and the instructor’s specialty. Students are encouraged to develop qualities such as leadership, team building, emotional intelligence, resilience, confidence, expression, service and integrity.

“We are a low-risk environment for COVID. We have adapted activities to be less ‘on top of each other’ and we wipe down the little amount of gear that kids may be sharing,” says Stephanie Niles, Two Coyotes’ program director.

Common Ground For the Common Ground environmental education center in New Haven, its year-long NatureYear group sizes will be modified based upon Connecticut’s final group guidelines. As of July, there were more than 200 kids interested in the program, which usually serves 140 students. The science learning and outdoor play program is almost entirely conducted outside with students, says Rebecca Holcombe, Common Ground’s executive director. A key component of the program is giving children time for unstructured, independent exploration and play in nature.

The weekly Family Nature Club Class offers environmental enrichment to families of children from 5- to 12-years-old while the Seedlings class focuses on the younger children. In addition, they offer the Kids Unplugged! after-school program from 3:15 to 5:30 p.m., several days a week (homeschoolers are welcome). Some activities are mixed-age groups and others are divided by age.

Common Ground will publish a weekly email starting in September to support the community with lesson suggestions, videos, outdoor activities, suggested hikes of the week and more.

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Connecticut Experiential Learning Center (CELC)

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ELC (CTExperiential.org) in Branford, Connecticut, is a small program, by design, with a 1:6 teacher-tostudent ratio that focuses on project-based learning and includes different teaching artists instructing in the classroom and remotely from places such as Guatemala.

They are planning to have in-person classes in the fall as well as options for virtual learning, says co-founder Melinda Alcosser.

There are still spots available for their weekly, in-person summer program. CELC is hiring additional faculty to offer more parents the CELC schooling experience for this coming school year. In their new design for Fall 2020, students who do not feel comfortable coming in person or who live farther away can learn remotely with those in the classroom or participate in a hybrid in-person/online alternative. Other options include homeschool Monday classes where students sign up for a trimester. Although masks will be required indoors, CELC provides opportunities to get students outside, where activities will not necessarily require masks.

CELC also will offer support for parents looking for middle school curriculum guidance. They are looking to hold online Zoom workshops about content, curriculum ideas and more in addition to private consultations with parents.

Disclaimer for all programs: Availability, class size, set up and more for all these programs are subject to change and contingent on guidelines published by the State of Connecticut. See ad on facing page.

By taking the time to observe, challenge and offer various learning opportunities to children before deciding on a curriculum, parents/guardians can find a collection of learning resources that fits each child.

Additionally, free or low-cost field trips can be incorporated based on subject lessons or a child’s interests. Many museums, centers, art studios and businesses have been open to creating classes. Common Ground (New Haven), Sticks and Stones Farm (Newtown), Mystic Seaport (Mystic), The Connecticut Historical Society (Hartford), Connecticut Science Center (Hartford), Old Sturbridge Village (Sturbridge, MA) and The Connecticut Audubon Society have held homeschool days or courses. Some are open to teaching classes to homeschool groups organized by parents. These excursions and classes have been an integral part of many homeschooling families’ school year. During this unusual time, check in with these places as they may have restrictions on 14

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Veteran homeschoolers advise not buying an expensive curriculum right away. Get a feel for how each child learns best. They may be a grade ahead in one subject and challenged in another, making a set-grade curriculum an inadequate investment. how and what they are able to offer for Fall 2020.

Costs The annual cost of homeschooling can vary greatly based on curriculum choices, memberships, learning and crafting materials and even travel. Once a curriculum has been chosen, check state and even regional/national homeschooling groups’ used-curriculum marketplaces first. CHN, for instance, has a marketplace group on Facebook where used resources are being sold by other parents. Vendors also will offer discounts on new curriculum.

Although borrowing materials from the library is a bit different now due to COVID-19-related safety measures, it is possible. The local library and the state book borrowing system are invaluable resources for homeschooling families as they offer free resources and books to supplement any curriculum. Audiobooks and DVDs can be beneficial for challenged readers or for more audiovisual learners. And audiobooks are great for learning while traveling in the car.

There are many ways to engage students in learning. Here are some of the possibilities: n Purchasing a box curriculum with all materials included n Buying a curriculum guide and then purchasing books and other resources separately n Doing unit studies to dig deep on specific topics of interest, which can incorporate math, English, science, social studies and other skill-building components into the learning n Subscribing to online education resources—such as Time4Learning, Education.com, Khan Academy and others—in order to pick and choose workbook, game or online worksheet assignments according to each student’s level (and even attention span on a specific day) n Taking online video classes on a variety of subjects through sites such as Outschool.com or VarsityTutors.com n Joining a local homeschool co-op or group where parents collaborate on the structure, time commitment, topics and more “The first thing you need to do as a parent is to change your mindset about what it is to learn. What does that look like for you? We set ourselves up for parental failure when we judge ourselves against the school model. That is not what homeschooling is about. Learning can happen any time,” explains Connors.

Workspace Education

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orkspace Education (WorkspaceEducation.org) is a co-learning community comprised of families, educators and experts united to create the best personalized pathways for their children. In addition to a network of member families, community training and events and team-based competitions, it offers educational guidance to families with resources and trainings, tutors and specialists, workshops on curricula development, and an on-staff “dream director.” The Bethel location serves as both a virtual hub and interdependent co-learning space. Workspace Education utilizes a membership pricing model.

The center is tentatively planning on opening two days a week in the fall, enforcing social distancing and requiring masks inside the building. With a coronavirus spike predicted for mid-fall, they are prepared to go online fully if necessary.

Workspace Education is launching Workspace in the Sky, an online co-learning community in the cloud, to enable students to connect, collaborate and learn. The highly interactive site will offer online events and classes, a member comment feed, pathway mentoring, an educator portal, a co-creation studio, parental support and more.

In addition to enabling parents beyond the Connecticut area to utilize Workspace Education, Workspace in the Sky will be less expensive because it doesn’t require the on-site experience or its overhead. It will include three platforms: one for parents to organize and cocreate; another for 7-to 13-year-olds to cocreate, learn, participate in clubs and more; and the third to house portfolios.

Check the website for more detailed information in mid-August.

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Many homeschooling resources can be found through the Connecticut Homeschool Network (CHN), a local homeschooling support organization for parents with up-to-date information.

Visit CTHomeschoolNetwork.org for more information. The organization’s CT Parents Seeking Homeschool Info group on Facebook offers prospective homeschooling families more specific information from other parents.

Ariana Fine is an experienced homeschooling parent and contributor to Natural Awakenings. She resides in Stratford.

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Transitioning from Caregiving Finding Self Again After the Patient Passes

by Patricia Staino

“T

here are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter spoke these sage words, and never have they been truer.

With the growing number of people afflicted with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in the world, increasingly family members are called to take on the sacred (and onerous) responsibility of providing daily care to a loved one suffering through a long illness.

Every caregiver’s story is different: Some accept these responsibilities out of love, others out of obligation. Some express grief, others anger, many a deep loneliness. They often operate on autopilot, juggling work, home, children, and patient care. And no matter how many people are in the household, caregiving often feels like a lonely journey on a never-ending road.

But it does end. Eventually, the loved one transitions to the next stage of being, leaving behind this world and the failing body they inhabited.

The caregiver is left behind to grieve, of course, but also to “get back to normal.” In truth, they start over. Just as their loved one has transitioned, the caregiver transitions as well, to their next Self. Before that transformation, however, they face complex emotions that can feel like barriers to a prosperous transition.

Grief

No family caregiver truly is prepared for their loved one’s passing, no matter how much time they’ve had to prepare. For a caregiver, 16

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thinking about the inevitable death of the loved one they care for somehow feels like a betrayal—as if they are wishing the patient out of their life.

So, when the loved one does pass, the family caregiver often feels intense grief at the loss. After all, the caregiver spent more time with the patient than other family members, and much of that time was quite intimate—bathing and dressing them, feeding and soothing them.

Acknowledging this sense of loss—by telling a friend, pastor, counselor, or other family member—can start the process of grieving (and healing) almost immediately. Simply saying, “It’s so odd to look over at their chair and see it empty,” can prompt a conversation that will culminate in sharing stories about your loved one, transforming a sad thought into a pleasant memory.

Relief

Alongside the grief, relief surges almost immediately when the family caregiver loses their loved one. They’ve watched the patient grow sicker and sicker, perhaps forgetting who they are and growing increasingly frustrated with a world they can no longer navigate. The most crushing emotion of all comes in watching a loved one feel pain, sadness, and fear.

It’s not surprising, then, that caregivers breathe a sigh of relief when their patient breathes their final breath. Their loved one is safe and healed, and that’s a tremendous burden lifted from their shoulders. Yet, many caregivers feel further guilt about their relief.

“The feelings are not mutually exclusive,” says Barbara Slaine,

end-of-life doula, Reiki master, and founder of Liphe Balance Center and ConsciousDyingMatters.com. “It’s like walking with life and death at the same time. When loved ones die and there are ambivalent feelings, that’s when the guilt sets in. You love them, but you see the end and part of you is relieved. At the same time, you can love and cherish that person. When the person dies, we rip into ourselves and feel guilty for having those feelings, when, in fact, it’s totally normal.”

Guilt/Remorse

It’s so easy for a family caregiver to fall victim to guilt and remorse after they lose their loved one. Even the most compassionate, selfless caregivers is apt to find themselves laboring under “shoulda, coulda, woulda” questions that only lead to more pain and sorrow. They hold themselves responsible for the loss, when, in truth, there was nothing they could have done to prevent the death.

After their family member dies, loving caregivers may run through every decision they made, every interaction they had with the patient, and wonder what they could have done differently. They may be riddled with self-blame that can consume them if not put into perspective.

Confusion

Often, they manage grief and relief while figuring out how to “move on.” But how can a family caregiver pick up after their loved one has passed?

First and foremost, they must turn their care and healing ministrations toward themselves. Most have neglected self-care for the duration of their loved one’s illness, and the only way to reclaim their core Self is to begin tending to their own needs for a while.

“Often with chronic disease, the patient’s identity becomes their illness, and they lose themselves in it,” says Marlon Simpkins, chaplain at Regional Hospice in Danbury. “I think the same thing happens with family caregivers. Their identity becomes so much about taking care of their patient, that when that role no longer exists, they are in crisis. Not only are you grieving the loss of your loved one, but you also are having a kind of identity crisis.”

No matter what “before” meant to family caregiver, the act

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of caring changes the person taking care. Just as their loved one transitioned from this world, the caregiver must transition as well. Grief itself is a transitive process, and part of the caregiver’s grieving should include reconnecting with Self, although they may not remember who they were.

Euphoria

The opportunity to reconnect with who they once were, however, does lead to feelings of hope and excitement, which may seem out of place when discussing loss and grief.

One of the most confusing symptoms of grief in family caregivers, according to those who study the process, is “euphoria.”

Often, they have sacrificed quite a bit of their life to care for their loved one—giving up travel, work opportunities, limiting socializing and hobbies. It’s no wonder then that many caregivers exhibit signs of depression. When a family member’s illness is prolonged, as happens with dementia and Alzheimer’s in particular, the caregiver may begin to feel despondent, as if there is no joy left in life, and there never will be again.

When the family member’s death is imminent, the caregiver unexpectedly experiences flashes of euphoria—hope and excitement about what might be in the future. These brief moments of joy are short-lived, however, because guilt quickly overshadows them.

“It’s really okay to feel relief and take that big exhale; let yourself feel the space of it, for now, having this time to yourself,” says Katherine Silvan, spiritual counselor, Reiki practitioner, interfaith minister and inspirational speaker based in Fairfield County.

This may be the emotion hardest to handle, yet the one the caregiver needs to embrace in order to move on to the next stage of their life. Silvan recommends joining a bereavement group to help deal with these complex emotions: “You’ll hear how other people are taking care of themselves, traveling, moving on, meeting new people, and it gives you permission to do that. We have this strange idea that as a grieving person, we’re supposed to be in mourning all the time, depriving ourselves of all joy. That’s not something anyone who’s loved us would want for us.”

Transitioning from Grief to Hope

Successfully transitioning beyond the role of caregiver isn’t easy, and it’s not quick. There’s no easy answer or magic formula. But

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hospice workers and grief counselors recommend finding a support system. A bereavement group, spiritual counselor, church organization, or a great group of girlfriends can all lend a listening ear, strong shoulders, and warm words, as needed.

Don’t rush the process and be willing to feel all the feelings.

Accept that you will feel guilt, relief, sadness, loneliness and hope, sometimes all in one day. While most hospice organizations offer 14 months of bereavement counseling to patients’ family members, there is no time limit on grief. Years after your family member has passed, it’s okay to be sad on their birthday or to lay low on the anniversary of their death.

“For caregivers, one of the most helpful tools is engaging with their spiritual resources, and that’s very broad,” says Simpkins.

“A lot of people relate spirituality to religion, and that can be the case for some people, but it means whatever rituals, activities, and relationships breathe life into you. If you’re an artist, for example, but you’ve been caregiving for six months and haven’t had time to sketch and paint, it’s important to re-connect with that, because it’s part of the core of who you are.”

Family caregivers will find themselves again after their loved one passes, but only if they feel the mix of emotions, accept that those feelings are valid and normal, and acknowledge that today is a new day with new possibilities.

Patricia Staino is the managing editor of Natural Awakenings’ Fairfield County edition.

• Exploring Other Realms • Transcending Physical Health Mindful Steps for Caregiver Self-Healing n Pause, take a breath, and try not to judge yourself. n Understand grief comes in waves and encompasses a myriad of feelings. Feel them, acknowledge them and remind yourself where they are coming from.

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n Remember your loved one—especially the stories that make you laugh. n Think about what you did for your loved one, and how you took care of them in a way no one else could. n Be grateful for the gift you gave them, as well as the gifts you received from the time you spent with them. n Build yourself back up. Try to remember what used to make you happy. What small step could you take today to get closer to that happiness again? n Each day, do at least one thing that makes you feel better. n Ask for help when you need it, then keep moving forward.

inspiration Pindyurin Vasily/Shutterstock.com

Susane Grasso REIKI MASTER

How Awe Can Transform Our Lives

W

by Jonah Paquette

hat do you feel when you gaze up at the night sky, listen to a soul-stirring piece of music or witness an act of great courage or inspiration? What happens in your body, and what emotions arise, when you come face-toface with these sorts of moments? This feeling—often complete with goosebumps and a shiver down the spine—is known as awe. And as it turns out, this underappreciated and often misunderstood emotion just might hold the key to a happy, meaningful and healthy life.

Although we might think of awe as a rare experience, awe-inspiring moments are all around us. We don’t have to climb to the summit of Mount Everest or stand atop the Eiffel Tower to reap the many benefits of awe. Instead, we can learn to notice the changing colors of the leaves, truly see the joy in a child’s eyes or allow ourselves to be uplifted by the kindness of a stranger.

When we do, it not only feels good in the moment—it actually can change life in lasting and profound ways. In fact, cuttingedge research has shown that awe holds many benefits, ranging from improved mental health, stronger immune systems, increased compassion, strengthened social bonds and much more. In short, the moments that make us go, “Wow!” can be the very moments that lastingly change our lives for the better.

Here are some ways we can find more awe in our daily life:

Seek out nature: Connect to the natural world, even by just visiting a local park, and notice the beauty all around.

Appreciate the good: Slow down and appreciate the small stuff—the aroma of morning coffee, time with loved ones, having a roof over our heads or even just the breath.

Look for inspiration: The current challenges around the world have also shown some of the best of humanity. Spend time learning about the people making a difference and experience a sense of awe through their courage.

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Expand the mind: Learning about

mind-expanding topics like astronomy, the human brain or anything else that captures the imagination can be a great way to harness a feeling of awe.

Foster connection: The next time we’re with the people we love, take a moment to appreciate how awe-inspiring it is to have the capacity to love and forge bonds the way that we do.

Jonah Paquette is a psychologist, author and international speaker specializing in the science of happiness and well-being. His newest book, Awestruck, explores how moments of awe and wonder can transform our lives. For more information, visit JonahPaquette.com.

Equality is the soul of liberty; there is, in fact, no liberty without it. ~Frances Wright

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ANSONIA NATURE CENTER

HEALING WATERS Hot Baths Rejuvenate Body and Mind

D

by Marlaina Donato

own to our very cells, water is the foundation of life. In the ancient Greco-Roman world, bathing in hot mineral springs and cool saltwater was a common ritual for better health, and spaces dedicated to baths were considered sacred. Stepping into a warm tub harkens back to the safety of the womb while offering abundant health benefits. Opting for a bath instead of a shower can not only help minimize headaches, insomnia, menstrual cramps, depression and chronic pain, but soothe a burnt-out nervous system. It can also enliven stagnant blood and lymphatic fluids, enabling metabolic waste to be carried out of the body through perspiration.

“Hydrotherapy is used in many natural health systems for a wide variety of ailments from inflammation to nervous system dysfunction and skin conditions.

Whether you have access to a bathtub or not, there are many ways you can apply these traditional practices to your own self-care routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, herbalist and founder of the Herbal Academy, in Bedford, Massachusetts.

Whether we step into a full-body tub or a foot basin, water is a balm for the modern spirit bogged down by information overload and world events. “Taking time away in the sanctuary of warm water allows us to slip into a different state of mind and to release the energetic armor we

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defend ourselves with, as well as recuperate and heal internally,” says Kiva Rose Hardin, herbalist and co-editor of Plant Healer magazine, in New Mexico.

Insulin Sensitivity, Pain and Depression A good bath can lower chronic systemic inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. It can also impact how the body uses insulin.

A 2018 study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology shows that immersion in hot water counters low-grade inflammation and increases glucose metabolism in individuals unable to exercise.

Hot baths relax muscles by promoting blood circulation through the tissues and prompting the nervous system into a calming parasympathetic mode. Cold-water soaks—preferably in the morning—provide perks that include boosting immunity and increasing depression-zapping endorphins such as dopamine.

A Handful of Nature The skin is our largest organ, and what we put into the bath affects us from the outside-in. Bentonite clay for detoxing and Dead Sea salts for pain are great choices. Studies going back to the 1990s show significant, lasting effects of Dead

Sea salts on those with osteoarthritis of the knee, as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortifying the bath with Epsom salts, evaporated sea salt or Himalayan pink salt is highly beneficial. “Himalayan salt has 84 valuable trace minerals, including potassium, magnesium and sodium. It draws out toxins, cleanses the skin and helps cleanse the body energetically,” says Hellen Yuan, founder of the bath product company Hellen, in Brooklyn.

Adding bundles of fresh or dried herbs or snipping them into sachets can strengthen immune response and provide a welcome antidote to work-related stress. “Aromatic herbs and essential oils are inhaled through our olfactory system and make a beeline to our brains, signaling that it’s time to relax or feel energized,” says Adelmann, who emphasizes practical common sense.

“Although flowers and leaves floating in the tub make for lovely social media posts, most household plumbing cannot handle big, bulky plant material. The simplest way to add herbs to a bath is by making a super-concentrated tea.” Hardin concurs, recommending fresh or dried lavender, flowering goldenrod tops, holy basil leaves (tulsi, Ocimum tenuiflorum) or calendula blossoms.

Sacred Waters Baths are good medicine for both genders. “Men carry so much stress in their bodies and typically hold in a lot of tension. A good bath brew eases the muscles and replenishes the mind and soul,” says Yuan.

Bathing can be the ultimate sacred offering to the body.

From her wood-fired outdoor tub at the edge of a starlit mesa, Hardin advises, “Efforts need not be expensive or time-consuming. Just focused intent will inherently return a sufficient degree of sensuality, magic and beauty to the bath.”

Marlaina Donato is the author of Multidimensional Aromatherapy.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Essential Oils and Safety Tips Nataliia Melnychuk/Shutterstock.com

From Hellen Yuan: Foot baths are a

great alternative to a full-body bath because of the 72,000-plus nerve endings in our feet and the six acupuncture meridian points.

From Marlene Adelmann:

Essential oils should always be properly diluted and dispersed in oil, thick aloe vera leaf gel, Castile soap or a dispersing agent such as Solubol. Water, alcohol and hydrosol are not safe carriers, as they do not disperse the essential oils.

For aromatherapy bath salts, dilute essential oils in a small amount of oil before stirring into the salt. For nut allergies, avoid almond oil.

Nourishing Additions Add Zing to Bath Waters Organic apple cider vinegar: 1 cup to a bath to balance skin pH levels, combat yeast infections and soothe sunburn

Himalayan salt: ½ cup to bath water for acne, eczema and psoriasis

Dead Sea salts or sea salt: ½ cup to bath water for psoria-

sis and arthritis pain

Chamomile flowers or organic, dried rose petals:

1 extra-strong cup to bath water for relaxation and better sleep or use herbs gathered in a muslin bag or sock and steep in the bath

Ginger: ½ cup shredded fresh ginger or 1 teaspoon ginger

powder to bath water for increasing the body’s chi, boosting immunity and relieving pain. Follow-up with a shower to rinse off perspiration (contraindicated in the presence of high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of heart disease)

Epsom salts: ½ cup added to the bath to fortify magnesium and boost serotonin, which can increase energy and stamina, decrease irritability and adrenaline, lower blood pressure, increase concentration and improve sleeping habits

Essential oils: 5 to 7 drops mixed well into bath salts—lavender (for nervous system support), eucalyptus or tea tree (congestion, colds, flu), geranium (adrenal and reproductive hormonal support), pine or fir needle (adrenal and nervous system support) Marlene Adelmann’s Go-to Bath Recipes: Herbal Bath De-Stress Tea ¼ cup lemon balm leaves ¼ cup chamomile flowers ¼ cup peppermint leaves ¼ cup rose petals

Combine herbs together in a 2-quart jar. Pour 2 quarts boiling water over herbs and let steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea and discard or compost herbs. Pour tea into bath and enjoy.

Herbal Bath Salts

2 cups Epsom salt 1 cup sea salt ½ cup baking soda 2 Tbsp carrier oil 20 drops lavender essential oil Put salts and baking soda in a bowl and combine thoroughly.

Combine essential oil with carrier oil in a small bowl. Add essential oil mixture to salt mixture. Store in a glass jar for 6 to 12 months. Use 1 to 2 cups per bath.

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3

COVID-19 pandemic has many of us reaching for virus-zapping bleach disinfectants, but Gilbert advises not to overuse them. Once the viral threat is past, it’s wise to go back immediately to natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda. A 2015 study in Occupational & Environmental Medicine of more than 9,000 children ages 6 to 12 in Spain, Holland and Finland found the incidence of infections such as flu, tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis and pneumonia was more prevalent in homes where bleach was used.

Strong and Healthy 4

Get them outside around dirt:

Five Ways to Strengthen Kids’ Immunity

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by Ronica O’Hara

ith American children increasingly afflicted with asthma and allergies, it’s critical to help them build up their natural immunity.

Microbial ecologist Jack Gilbert, Ph.D., of the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, co-founder of the crowdsourced American Gut Project, advises, “Furry pets, the outdoors, dirt in the backyard, forests—life!”

As the co-author of Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System, Gilbert is part of an emerging scientific consensus called the “hygiene hypothesis”, which posits that excessive sterility—being overzealous in protecting our children from germs and other microbes—can dampen the ability of their bodies to fight off allergens and infections. “As a species, we have evolved in a world full of microbes, and our immune systems have developed to cope with that,” he says. “The immune system needs to be used and trained by exposure to the world around it.” From birth onward, here are some proven strategies that strengthen kids’ immune systems.

1

Start off right with natural birth and breastfeeding: One

in three babies in the U.S. is born by

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caesarean section, and about half the time it’s optional rather than necessary—perhaps because parents don’t understand that babies born in this manner have been shown to have altered immune development, reduced gut microbiome diversity and a higher risk of developing allergies, atopy and asthma in the short term, with a longterm risk of obesity, according to a study published in The Lancet. Likewise, breastfeeding protects against the likelihood of viruses, eye and urinary tract infections, inflammatory bowel disease, gastroenteritis, lymphoma, leukemia, and Type 1 and 2 diabetes, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics.

2

Feed them the right foods:

Provide lots of antioxidant-rich fruits, veggies and fiber—organic when possible—while avoiding processed foods. “The intestinal lining of the gastrointestinal tract serves as the body’s first line of defense against many pathogens.

Through certain strains of probiotics and prebiotics found in whole food, we can help landscape our child’s intestinal microbiome to create a positive effect on their innate and adaptive immune responses,” says Krystal Plonski, a Seattle naturopathic physician with a pediatric focus.

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Whether toddlers are making mud pies, older kids are growing gardens or teens are kicking up dust on the sports field, childrens’ immune systems thrive when they meet the microbial richness of dirt and the vitamin-D boost of the sunny outdoors. In a study in The New England Journal of Medicine that focused on two technology-free communities, Amish children that lived and worked at old-fashioned family dairy farms had a quarter and a fifth the rate of asthma and allergies, respectively, as Hutterite children that lived off-site from their community’s large industrialized farms. Georgetown University researchers report that sunlight, besides producing vitamin D, energizes infection-fighting T-cells in the skin that play a central role in human immunity.

5

Get them a pet: The dirt, germs

and fur that dogs and cats bring to a house may be just what young immune systems need. Finnish researchers following 397 babies found those that grew up in homes with pets were 44 percent less likely to develop an ear infection and 29 percent less likely to receive antibiotics than pet-free babies. Canadian researchers found that babies from families with pets—70 percent of which were dogs—showed higher levels of two types of microbes linked to lower risks of becoming allergic and obese. They theorize that exposure to dirt and bacteria early in life—for example, in a dog’s fur and on its paws—can create early immunity.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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Avoid cleaning toxins: The

healthy kids

wise words

Mustafa Santiago Ali on Healing America Through Social Justice

M

by Sandra Yeyati

ustafa Santiago Ali has dedicated his career to fighting for environmental justice, public health, resource equity and political empowerment to uplift the most vulnerable communities in America.

For 24 years, he served at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is currently vice president of environmental justice, climate and community revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation. He is a renowned public speaker and has appeared on MSNBC, CNN, VICE TV, Black Entertainment Television, Democracy Now! and other networks.

Does the Black Lives Matter movement feel different than other moments in our history?

Yes. This is a transformational moment. So many different types of folks are coming together in large numbers, not just in our country, but across the planet, saying that change has to happen and we have to eliminate systemic racism and discrimination.

They want the 21st century to look like the 21st century, and not something from the 1950s or the 1940s or even the 1960s.

How can we keep the momentum going?

By bringing all kinds of different folks together, building authentic coalitions that are rooted in change, harvesting the energy of this moment and making sure that the right types of legislation—whether at the federal, state, county or local level—are reflective of

what people are asking for. Then we focus on getting engaged in the civic process—voting.

Dr. King said, “I cannot pass legislation to make you love me, but I can pass legislation to stop you from lynching me.” When we fast forward that to today, we can pass legislation that addresses social ills, disparities and other egregious types of behaviors. We can also make sure that our organizations are representative of what America looks like—in our hiring practices and on our boards—and make sure that our philanthropic organizations are moving in the right direction where they are helping to fund and support folks who are doing this transformative work. It really is a holistic set of actions.

How do you remain hopeful in light of America’s turbulent history?

I see many artists and entertainers who are getting engaged in an effective way, and they have the ability to reach so many folks. Even more critical are the thousands upon thousands of incredible young leaders who are pushing, willing to put their bodies on the line, creating their own organizations and investing their time to make real change happen.

I see people at the local and state level changing laws that have been entrenched for decades. I see organizations that would not normally see themselves in these types of conversations or actions saying, “You are right. I apologize for not being here sooner,

but we’re going to do everything we can now to stand in solidarity with this change that’s happening.” My hope is anchored in the fact that people are already doing the work and we’re seeing fruits from the seeds that people planted sometimes hundreds of years ago, but definitely decades ago.

What kind of justice are you fighting for?

We’re fighting for housing, transportation, economic and public health justice, and of course, the environment.

Which vulnerable communities are you fighting for?

I fight for communities of color. I fight for lower-wealth white communities. I fight for indigenous brothers and sisters. And I fight for the planet. I know that disproportionately, these are the communities that are often unseen and unheard, and I know if we can give voice to those communities, then it will benefit everyone. Social justice gives us the opportunity to make America whole—to be stronger and better, as we become anchored in real justice. We have to be focused on moving our most vulnerable communities from surviving to thriving.

What is your contribution to the National Wildlife Federation?

I sat down with President Collin O’Mara to have real conversations about what a 21stcentury organization and their 6 million members would look like. I thought that if I could get 10 or 20 percent of those members to embrace environmental justice and to stand in solidarity with folks, then that could help the movement and make real change happen. The National Wildlife Federation board has just approved a full environmental justice analysis of all of its programs, policies, activities and budgeting decisions. No other organization in our country does that, and it sends a clear message to all the other organizations that are out there that these are the types of things you have to do to be a 21st-century organization.

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a freelance writer.

Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com.

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No-Waste Garden Edibles Ways to Maximize Your Garden’s Bounty

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by April Thompson

ost gardens are loaded with delicious, nutritious food that goes uneaten and overlooked, from edible greens like sweet potato leaves to flavorful flowers like tulips, marigolds and wisteria. Getting better acquainted with the edible parts of common backyard plants opens up a world of culinary possibilities.

With continued concerns around potential exposure to COVID-19, maximizing a garden’s bounty while minimizing trips to the grocery store is an added benefit.

“Food foraged from your backyard is fresher, tastier and cheaper than storebought food,” says Ellen Zachos, the Santa Fe author of Backyard Foraging: 65 Familiar Plants You Didn’t Know You Could Eat. “There is also the novelty factor. People don’t expect to be served a BBQ sauce made from crabapples or a curd made with flowering quince fruit. You simply can’t buy those flavors.”

Many plants and trees commonly thought of as being ornamental have edible parts. Hostas are a common one that Zachos loves to nibble on as much as the deer do.

“You can harvest at a couple stages: First, when spears are poking up and the leaves have not unfurled. A little later in the season, you can blanch them and put in a stir fry or quiche, or roast them as you would asparagus,” explains Zachos.

Roses are another multipurpose ornamental, with organically grown rose petals making aromatic additions to sweet or spicy

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treats. Leaving the roses to decay after the first frost rather than dead-heading them yields rose hips rich in vitamin C for teas and jams.

Tip-to-Root Eating

Several common vegetables are edible from leaf to root, including broccoli, beets, chard and radishes, says Josh Singer, a garden specialist with the U.S. Department of Parks and Recreation, in Washington, D.C., who teaches classes on “alternative edibles” from the garden. “One of my favorite recipes is a hummus made with chard stalks in place of chickpeas. It’s so creamy and delicious.”

Singer also cites borage, passionflower and squash flowers as favorite floral foods.

“Unfortunately, it does mean making a hard choice between having beautiful flowers in your garden and eating them,” he adds. “It can also mean the plant not producing fruit or vegetables, but you can hand-pollinate female flowers in the case of squash and just use the male flowers for cooking. They make delicious fritters.”

Marie Viljoen, author of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine cookbook, has one tip for daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva) that overagressively multiply: eat them. “Daylilies are nose-to-tail eating: their tender, cooked shoots are as melt-inyour-mouth as leeks, and their firm, underground tubers are delicious snacks, raw or cooked. I like to roast them with olive oil, like mini-home fries,” says the New York

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City forager, instructor and chef. “Their buds are juicy snacks and their open, fresh flowers are edible—and stunning in a salad—but so are the older, dried flowers, the so-called ‘golden needles’ that one can sometimes find in Chinese stores.” Viljoen cautions that a small percentage of people have a bad reaction to daylilies, and they should be eaten in moderation, especially when trying them for the first time.

Lindsay-Jean Hard, a food writer in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and author of Cooking with Scraps: Turn Your Peels, Cores, Rinds, and Stems into Delicious Meals, points out some common fruits with edible greens. Strawberry greens can be used to make a pesto or flavor water. Tomato leaves can flavor a tomato sauce (sparingly, as they pack a strong taste)—a tip found in Harold McGee’s On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen.

Carrot tops and celery leaves also make great pesto, says Tama Matsuoka Wong, a New Jersey forager, chef and author of Foraged Flavor: Finding Fabulous Ingredients in Your Backyard or Farmer’s Market. While pea shoots have gotten to be a trendy item on many menus, Wong says they have long been an off-menu item at Chinese restaurants. “You won’t find it on the menu, but Chinese people eat pea shoots instead of beans all winter long, often stir fried with sesame oil, garlic and bamboo shoots.”

Many scrappy cooks know to use garden produce that fails to ripen before the season ends or bolts too soon. Singer uses unripe tomatoes to make green tomato chili, muffins and bread, whereas Hard likes working with flowers from bolted herbs and greens, including arugula, basil, chives, chervil, kale, sage, rosemary and others. “I mainly use them as garnishes, but every year, I make a batch of chive blossom vinegar,” she says.

Leaving a plant like cilantro to bolt and flower not only feeds pollinators, but also provides free spices at the season’s end, says Singer. Simply let cilantro dry on the stalk, then gather the seed pods for home-harvested coriander seeds. Letting annuals go to seed (and saving the seeds) provides the start for next year’s food plot.

April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at AprilWrites.com.

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conscious eating

photo by Penny De Los Santos

Flower-ful Feasts

Daylily Salad This strikingly beautiful salad marries the sweet crunch of pea pods with crisp orange daylily petals and creamy cheese. Eat the flowers in moderation.

6 daylily flowers (Hemerocallis fulva) 2 cups snap peas or fresh garden peas in pods 2 Tbsp soft goat cheese (can substitute vegan cheese or leave out for a vegan version) 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar 2 field garlic flower heads, separated

Kale Stem Hummus Yields: 6-8 servings 1 cup dried chickpeas 1 tsp baking soda Stems from 1 bunch kale 3 garlic cloves, minced ⅔ cup tahini 1 tsp fine-grain sea salt ⅔ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice Ice water Extra-virgin olive oil for serving The night before making the hummus, put the chickpeas in a large bowl, cover them with at least twice their volume of water and leave to soak overnight at room temperature.

The next day, drain and rinse the chickpeas. Put them, along with the baking soda, in a medium-size pot over high heat.

Stir constantly for about 3 minutes.

Add 6 to 8 cups water until the chickpeas are covered by a few inches, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pot and simmer until the chickpeas are very tender—45 to 60 minutes—checking on them occasionally to skim off any foam on the surface.

Skim off any chickpea skins that float up as well, but there’s no need to try to remove the skins if they don’t come off. They were softened by the baking soda and will blend smoothly into the hummus.

Meanwhile, fill another medium-size pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the kale stems and cook until they are very tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Drain them.

Blend the kale stems, garlic and tahini in a food processor, scraping down the sides as necessary until well blended.

Once the chickpeas are cooked, drain them, add them to the kale stem mixture in the food processor along with the salt and lemon juice, and process until smooth.

Add 2 tablespoons of ice water and process until the hummus is very smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes. Add up to 2 additional tablespoons, one at a time, and process again as necessary.

To serve, spoon into a shallow bowl and drizzle with olive oil.

With a sharp knife, slit some of the flowers down the middle. (Remove the anthers and the pistil if following traditional Chinese preparation.) Top and tail the peapods if they have strings.

Split half of them down the middle to expose the peas.

Arrange the peas and flowers on a plate.

If using cheese, crumble and scatter across the salad. At this point, the salad can be covered and chilled to make it ahead of time.

To serve, drizzle first the sesame oil, then the soy and balsamic vinegar, across the top. Finish with the field garlic flowers.

Serve within 10 minutes.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Forage, Harvest, Feast: A Wild-Inspired Cuisine by Marie Viljoen, (Chelsea Green Publishing).

Note: The hummus can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. After thawing frozen hummus, we might need to adjust the seasoning—taste and add salt and lemon juice as necessary. Also, try this hummus with other scraps like Swiss chard stalks or cauliflower cores. Follow the same cooking method as outlined, boiling until very tender, 15 to 30 minutes.

Recipe courtesy of Cooking with Scraps, by Lindsay-Jean Hard.

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

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Daylily and Zucchini Curry with Sweet Potato Shoots This comforting vegan curry sings with the flavors of summer’s vegetables, herbs and garden scraps.

Yields: 2 servings

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2 Tbsp avocado oil 3 Tbsp microplaned or very finely chopped fresh ginger 2 heads green garlic and cloves, separated 3 mature garlic cloves, crushed fine 1 can coconut milk 2-3 Tbsp fish sauce (or soy) 2 Tbsp lime juice 1 Tbsp thinly sliced fresh turmeric rhizome ½ cup chopped green garlic leaves 1½ cups cubed butternut squash 2 lb baby zucchini or older ones cut into chunks 8 dry daylily flowers 4 fresh daylily flowers (Hemerocallis fulva), anthers and pistil removed 8 daylily buds 1 makrut (Thai lime) leaf, sliced thinly 1 tsp chile flakes or a large fresh chile, chopped 2 cups loosely packed tender sweet potato shoots 4-6 sprigs Thai basil In a wide skillet that can accommodate the zucchini in a single layer, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and all the garlic.

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Cook for a couple of minutes, stirring so it doesn’t stick. Add the coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, fresh turmeric, green garlic leaves and dry daylily flowers. Increase the heat to high. When the liquid boils add the butternut and enough water to bring the liquid just over the vegetables. Cook covered, at a simmer, for 10 minutes.

Remove the lid and add the zucchini, the rest of the daylilies, the lime leaf and the chile.

Cover and cook for another 10 minutes.

Remove the lid, increase the heat and cook at a gentle boil for 10 to 15 more minutes.

The sauce will reduce and concentrate in flavor. Taste for seasoning and add a little more fish sauce or lime if necessary.

Stir in the Thai basil and the tender sweet potato shoots and cook until they have wilted into the sauce, about 4 minutes.

Serve in shallow bowls.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Marie Viljoen.

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fit body

Mindful Walking

Meditative Steps for Well-Being

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by Marlaina Donato

he health benefits of walking, such as stress reduction, improved joint mobility, lower blood pressure and increased oxygen, are well known, but walking or hiking with a meditative focus offers some other unexpected perks.

Mindful walking that fosters focus on each step can combat depression, anxiety and unhealthy food cravings by boosting neurotransmitters. Studies from the University of Exeter, in England, reveal that chocolate cravings and consumption are reduced after just a 15-minute walk, and a German study found overweight people that walked briskly for 15 minutes had less desire for sugary snacks.

A 2016 study in Complementary Therapies in Medicine found that meditative walking for 30 minutes three times a week reduced arterial stiffness and the stress hormone cortisol in a 12-week period. Individuals with Type 2 diabetes also had healthier blood sugar levels. Further, the group that employed mindful walking exhibited significant improvement compared to the control group that engaged in regular, non-meditative walking.

Mindful Me-Time Like seated meditation, meditative walking fosters mind-body awareness that can nourish the spirit. “Some of the world’s greatest artists, like Johann Sebastian Bach and William Blake, were well aware of this, and spent much time on long walks exploring their inner worlds,” says Reino Gevers, of Majorca, Spain. The author of Deep Walking for Body, Mind and Soul, he sees walking meditation as an invitation to tap into the bigger matrix of life. “Deep walking, also pilgrimage walking, is spending time alone in nature to walk off the things that are weighing

heavy on your shoulders. These could be hurtful and traumatic events like the loss of a family member, divorce or financial loss. While practicing mindful walking, there is a reconnection to the natural rhythm of life.”

Meditative walking calms the amygdala, the portion of the brain that can become hyper-reactive from trauma and keep us in the loop of anxiety. Introduced to meditative walking by a spiritual teacher, Carolyn Sinclair, in Houston, found deep healing from depression after a devastating divorce. “Even though I knew tai chi, qigong and sitting meditation, I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow, couldn’t sleep and wasn’t eating,” says Sinclair, who relinquished all medications after six months of taking mindful steps. Today, she blogs at Walking-Meditation.com and attributes her capacity to feel joy and her improved emotional resilience to the practice. “We cannot stay in sitting meditation all day long, and life will always throw us a curve ball,” she says. “Walking meditation allows us to be in the world, but not attached to the chaos and drama. This form of meditation helps train the mind to reside in the present moment during our everyday activities.”

Resetting Body and Soul Going for a mindful walk can cultivate sensory nuance, especially to changing angles of sunlight and the dance of turning seasons. Psychologist Hugh O’Donovan, in Cork, Ireland, the author of Mindful Walking: Walk Your Way to Mental and Physical Well-Being, says, “The body is a powerful instrument of connection. It appears too simple, but this is a necessary aspect of mindful walking for the beginner right through to the more experienced practitioner. It is in this slowing down that you begin to notice.” In 2015, he traversed the entire length of his native country and was reminded, he says, that “In this mindful walking space, the world can come alive at every sensory level. You can see the colors, the textures, the contrasts, the shade, the magic.”

Gevers concurs, “There is a major difference in just walking for exercise and deep walking. When you do mindful walking, you open your senses to the world around you. What do you smell, hear and feel?”

Buddha Steps Mindful walking begins with communing with each step, heel-totoe, on Mother Earth. “The beauty of walking meditation is that once it becomes a habit, we can bring it everywhere, naturally,” emphasizes Sinclair.

O’Donovan, whose mantra is, “Show up, slow down and notice”, inspires us all when he says, “You might think, ‘I’ve seen grass a million times; I know grass,’ but this limits the possibility to know in a deeper way. Grass is not just grass when you walk mindfully.”

Marlaina Donato is a composer and body-mind-spirit author.

Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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calendar of events SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 T h e H a p p i n e s s To o l k i t P re s e n t e d b y Katie Cavenagh – 11am-5pm. Enjoy short lessons/talks, group sharing and brainstorming, individual reflection, personalized solutions, guided meditations, and powerful healing. $149. Location: The Red Barn, 352 Main St, Durham. Email: K a t i e @ F e e l Yo u r L i g h t . c o m . R e g i s t e r a t : Facebook.com/events/610048819625495.

MONDAY, AUGUST 3 Full Moon Meditation w/Gayle Franceschetti – 6:30pm-8:30pm. Align w/new energies of this Super Full Moon. Opportunities for letting go of the old and allowing spiritual energies to reach human hearts and minds. $25. For questions please call 203-631-7803 or Return2love3@gmail.com.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 8 Young Living Essential Oils – 10am-11:30am.

Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford.

203-631-7803 or Return2Love3@gmail.com.

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Open House with CELC Middle School – 10am11am. (August 8, 22 & 29). Come and see how as a small school with small classes, we have structured our program and facilities to ensure the safe and secure education of our students. Meet our specialist middle school teachers and hear about the transformational middle school experience that our parents tell us their children receive. Small class sizes, personalized instruction, robust academics.

Accepting applications now for 2020-21 academic year. Registration: Call 203-433-4658 or email mandm@ctexperiential.org. We will reach out to you with information as to how to join once we receive your request.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 Young Living Essential Oils – 6:30pm-8pm. Help align your mind, body, spirit. Learn to take control of your health with therapeutic grade oils. Free class. 36 Cheshire Rd, Wallingford. 203-631-7803 or Return2Love3@gmail.com. Return2Love.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 Circle of Women – 7pm-9pm. Join in sacred space (temporarily on Zoom) to discover & strengthen your authentic self, listen and speak from the heart.

Practice self-care and global compassion in these unprecedented times. Stay connected to self, spirit, others and earth rhythms. $25. Call Susan to reserve space/get coordinates. 203-645-1230.

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ALS SUPPORT THE ALS ASSOCIATION CONNECTICUT CHAPTER – Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through research & advocacy while empowering people w/Lou Gehrig’s Disease and their families to live fuller lives w/compassionate care & support. 4 Oxford Road, Unit D4. Milford. 203-874-5050. WebCT.alsa.org.

COUNSELING IS A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS – where the transitions, challenges and traumas of life are viewed as a gateway into a more authentic life. With guidance to reframe their personal stories, my clients are empowered to free themselves from ineffective patterns and make significant personal growth. Call, text or email now for free consultation: 203-731-7755, healingbear11@gmail.com or Returntothefire.com.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED BOOKS RECOGNIZE AND HEAL YOURSELF THROUGH THE POWER OF SPIRIT – The human being is an energy field of the Spirit— The right way of life to stay healthy and spiritually active. Gabriele-Publishing-House.com. Toll free: 844-576-0937.

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED – For monthly deliveries of Natural Awakenings and other local publications. Perfect for a retired person or stay at home mom looking to earn some extra income and connect with their local community. Honesty and dependability are the most important characteristics of our distributors. Thomas@ManInMotionLLC.com.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES START A CAREER YOU CAN BE PASSIONATE ABOUT – Publish your own Natural Awakenings magazine. Home based business complete with comprehensive training and support system. New franchises are available or purchase a magazine that is currently publishing. Call 239-530-1377 or apply now at: NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise.

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ongoingevents

friday Sunset Savasana: Flowing with Mother Nature – 7:30pm. An all levels flow yoga class with the beautiful backdrop of the sun setting behind farms and vineyards. Please RSVP 2 hours prior to class. $15. Cash or Venmo accepted.

Please RSVP a minimum of two hours before class time. Small and limited class sizes for ease and safety. Bring your own mat. All classes are outdoors only. Bathroom not available. Good Vibes Yoga Studio, 4 Cooke Rd, Wallingford. 203-824-1929.

GoodVibesYogaStudioCT@gmail.com.

saturday Sunset Savasana: Flowing with Mother Nature – 7:30pm. An all levels flow yoga class with the beautiful backdrop of the sun setting behind farms and vineyards. Please RSVP 2 hours prior to class. $15. Cash or Venmo accepted.

Please RSVP a minimum of two hours before class time. Small and limited class sizes for ease and safety. Bring your own mat. All classes are outdoors only. Bathroom not available. Good Vibes Yoga Studio, 4 Cooke Rd, Wallingford. 203-824-1929.

GoodVibesYogaStudioCT@gmail.com.

GREEN HOUSES FOR SALE NOW HOUSES FOR SALE NOW! – Unique, friendly, cohousing community. New energy-efficient, green homes in a neighborhood with an organic farm. RockyCorner.org: Where conservation and community come together!

MEDICAL/INTUITIVE HYPNOTIST HYPNOSIS THERAPY CENTER – There is a meaning behind every ailment and condition people have. It’s your body speaking to you. If you are tired of being sick and are ready to help yourself heal, then consider having a Discovery Session so you can learn the cause and ‘cure.’ Madison. 203-245-6927.

community resource guide APPLIED KINESIOLOGY KC CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS Kevin Healy, DC 17 Woodland Road, Madison, CT 203-245-9317 KevinHealy@sbcglobal.net DrHealMe.com

Applied Kinesiology i s a n e u r o logical evaluation to find and treat dysfunction. Different because it addresses causes instead of chasing pains, Dr. Healy tests if a therapy alleviates dysfunction, finding immediate answers as to which provides the most improvement.

Chiropractic, craniosacral, myofascial and acupressure are among the therapies Dr. Healy uses. Generally, no single cure exists as disease and dysfunction typically involve multiple areas of the body. The goal of any therapy—physical, chemical, or emotional—is to improve function; a combination of therapies typically yields the best results. See ad on page 11.

EDUCATION CONNECTICUT EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING CENTER (CELC) MIDDLE SCHOOL 28 School Street, Branford, CT 203-433-4658 mandm@CTExperiential.org http://CTEXperiential.org

CT Experiential Learning Center (CELC) Middle School provides experientially-based education with a personalized approach to learning, designed to empower young people to thrive. Our students come from a variety of towns throughout Connecticut, from families looking for a program that engages and deepens learning, where their children can flourish during these important and impactful 5th - 8th grade years. See ad on page 15.

THE GRADUATE INSTITUTE (TGI)

Accredited, Non-profit Graduate School offering holistic programs in contemporary & emerging fields 171 Amity Road, Bethany, CT 203-874-4252 Learn.edu

PET EUTHANASIA SERVICE FINAL JOURNEY, LLC Kristen Klie, D.V.M. 203-645-5570 FinalJourneyLLC.com

Final Journey, LLC is an in-home euthanasia service for your animal companion that brings comfort and peace during a sensitive and challenging time.

See ad on page 17.

PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES OF GUILFORD 500 East Main Street, Suite 310, Branford, CT 203-315-7727 (Phone) 203-315-7757 (Fax) PhysicalTherapyGuilford.com

At Physical Therapy Services of Guilford, we specialize in manual therapy using hands-on techniques to help the body’s natural healing process. We also incorporate traditional programs and modalities to maximize health. 40-minute sessions are conducted one-on-one in private treatment rooms. See ad on page 8.

REIKI SUSANE GRASSO, RMT Distance Reiki Available 203-500-6950

Stress is the plague of the 21st century and the cause of physical and emotional woes. Because of this, my sessions combine my ability to see auras with Reiki, Theta Healing, acupressure and Sound Vibrational Healing to provide deep relaxation and balance. “Tension out! Wellness in” is more than a phrase. For my clients it is a statement of fact. Distance Reiki sessions available. See ad on page 19.

SALT HEALING THERAPY WELLNESS CENTER REVIVE SALT THERAPY

374 New Haven Avenue Milford, CT 203-283-5968 Hello@ReviveSaltTherapy.com ReviveSaltTherapy.com Gail Perrella, M.S. is a Holistic Nutritionist, creator and founder of Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower our clients to create the health they deserve. Services offered include halotherapy, nutrition, detox, massage, reiki, salty (halotherapy) yoga, guided meditation, mindset coaching and wellness workshops. We also have a wellness retail shop where we offer professional supplements and high quality salt products. For more information visit ReviveSaltTherapy.com.

SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury, CT 203-586-1172 NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

SHAMANIC ENERGY HEALING EAGLE FLIGHT HEALING, LLC Hamden, CT 203-535-8849 Info@EagleFlightHealing.com EagleFlightHealing.com

Eagle Flight Healing provides transformative energy work using shamanic methods, the guidance of a client’s higher consciousness and unseen guides. Clients experience a new perspective of self in addition to feeling more vitality, happiness and joy.

The Graduate Institute offers holistic master’s degrees and certificate programs for adult learners. Programs include Integrative Health and Healing, Ecotherapy and Cultural Sustainability, Writing and Oral Tradition, Organizational Leadership, and more. Programs are just one weekend a month.

See ad on page 15.

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community resource guide SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION CERTIFICATION PROGRAM THE INSTITUTE OF SUSTAINABLE NUTRITION

113 Simsbury Road, West Granby, CT 860-764-9070 Joan@TIOSN.com TIOSN.com We offer a unique certification program blending the science of nutrition with the hands-on components of sustainable gardening practices. We use food and herbs to make kitchen medicine, teach basic culinary skills, and practice foraging for and using nutrient-rich wild food. Now enrolling.

See ad on page 6.

WHOLE BODY WELLNESS CBD MASSAGE ELM CITY WELLNESS 774 Orange Street New Haven, CT 203-691-7653 ElmCityWellness.com

Elm City Wellness is an independent, woman-owned wellness center with a focus on community healing. Services include a variety of skilled massage, CBD massage, community and private acupuncture, Reiki, craniosacral therapy and organic skin care, including signature, microderm and high frequency facials. Skilled therapists specifically tailor each and every session. Our wellness store features local products, candles, wellness supplies and books, smudge kits and a large range of third-party tested, pharmaceutical grade CBD products. See back cover ad.

YOGA & AYURVEDA BALANCE BY MELISSA

Melissa Pytlak Yoga Instructor Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor 203-305-5531 SeekLifeBalance@gmail.com BalanceByMelissa.com Melissa invites you to come home to yourself and awaken the healer within. Offering private and group instruction in yoga and Ayurveda, Melissa guides you to connect with your True Self and to trust that you already possess all the wisdom you need to heal yourself in order to return to your innate state of harmony and health. Melissa enjoys teaching group classes but particularly loves the magic that unfolds in helping people one on one. If you need a little guidance on your path of wellness, please reach out for a free 10-minute consultation.

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