Natural Awakenings Philadelphia February 2017

H E A L T H Y

FREE

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Valentines SACRED Sustainably FOREVER PASSAGE Stylish Home How to Keep a Marriage Sweet

Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey

Relax Into Nurturing Furnishings

February 2017 | Philadelphia, PA Edition | NAPhilly.com natural awakenings

February 2017

1

2

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

contents 8

9

5 7 8 9 10 11 12 14 19

10

20 22 25 27 30 31

newsbriefs eventspotlight healthbriefs ecotip globalbriefs bookreview business spotlight greenliving practitioner interview fitbody wisewords naturalpet calendar resourceguide classifieds

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 215-902-9137 or email Publisher@NAPhilly.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@NAPhilly.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Publisher@NAPhilly.com or visit NAPhilly.com for more information.

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 704-657-3886. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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

14 SUSTAINABLY

STYLISH HOME

14

Relax into Nurturing Furnishings

by April Thompson

16 SACRED PASSAGE Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey

by Linda Sechrist

20 FIT FOR LIFE

How to Stay Healthy, Flexible and Strong

by Aimee Hughes

16 22 TRANSFORMING

THE WAY WOMEN RELATE TO MEN

20

An Interview with Alison Armstrong

by April Thompson

25 HEART-TO-HEART WITH A HORSE

Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal

by Sandra Murphy

25

NAPhilly.com natural awakenings

February 2017

3

letterfrompublisher

W

contact us Publisher Kimberly Murray Editor Martin Miron National Editors S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Calendar Sara Peterson Mary Grace Zeller Design & Production Stephen Blancett C. Michele Rose Sales & Marketing Kimberly Murray Multi-Market Advertising Pat McGroder: 704-657-3886 Franchise Sales 239-530-1377

Natural Awakenings – Philly 1515 Market St., Ste. 1200-533 Philadelphia, PA 19102 Phone: 215-902-9137 Fax: 215-402-3423 Publisher@NAPhilly.com NAPhilly.com ©2017 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

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

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

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

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NAPhilly.com.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soybased ink.

4

Philadelphia, PA

hen I hear one of my favorite love songs on the radio or watch a favorite movie from the past, I become nostalgic. It never seems to fail; either I get misty-eyed or, depending on my reflection, go into an “ugly cry,” as Oprah would call it. A few years ago, a dear friend and I decided that we would get together once a month and do something we both enjoy. I always look forward to us getting together giggling like schoolgirls, crushing on boys and catching up on each other’s lives.

During the winter months we retreat indoors, picking a movie, deciding on appetizers and drinks while taking turns hosting. I will never forget this particular time we watched a movie of her choice that has now turned out to be a FAV of mine: Beaches, a Bette Midler classic. I cried, she cried and yet it was a cathartic testament of friendship. I thought more about relationships as I prepared for our February issue, which features “Sacred Passage – Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey.”

Death is a subject that certainly needs no introduction, and although I didn’t have a comfortable feeling about approaching this topic, the good news is that the article is amazing. After Prince died, I read a piece that spoke about how fans may grieve/mourn as part of an intimate, subconscious association.

This speaks directly to the psyche of our modern culture; Sigmund Freud has a few theories on the subject. Truth is, I bravely challenged my fear and uncovered new revelations. In fact, it introduced me to a brand-new prospective on being mindful and living life more fully.

That said, my family and I decided to be a little creative and start video recording the elders of the family, and we call them “legacy videos”. They are short Q&A to mark important moments in life that will become a wonderful keepsake!

The first person to experience this was my mother when she joined us over the holidays, and she enjoyed it immensely. She told her story of her personal history and it was amazing. We decided to turn the challenging and often avoided thought of our own mortality into a loving experience.

Celebrate the love you feel for someone special, simply because we don’t know if the next time we see each other could be the last time. And when that time comes, I want to learn to accept that rite of passage as an opportunity to celebrate and reflect upon our shared memories. I hope you enjoy what this month’s editorial and businesses bring to you. We celebrate the romantic love of Valentine’s Day with a perceptive article on communicating as couples and how to improve on it.

If you have not found love, then what are you waiting for? Check out our national dating website, NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com. It can be a wonderful opportunity to explore a loving connection, and it’s free. Don’t forget to Eat (healthy), Pray and Love!

Kimberly Murray, Publisher NAPhilly.com

newsbriefs Annual Heart Ball Coming February 4 Downtown

T

he 2017 Philadelphia Heart Ball will take place from 6 to 11 p.m., February 4, at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. This fabulous evening of entertainment and hope brings community members, medical professionals and corporate leaders together to celebrate the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association. From a gourmet dinner to the silent and live auction, the black-tie event is an exciting night of glitz and glamour.

For years, the Heart Ball has helped to advance the lifesaving mission that has impacted the lives of thousands of men, women and children throughout the greater Philadelphia area.

Contributions support cardiovascular research, professional and community education, and advocacy efforts.

Admission is free. Location: 1201 Market St., Philadelphia.

For tickets, visit PhiladelphiaHeartBall.Heart.org.

Positively Priming the Mind Workshop

K

im Serafini, founder and CEO of MindPT, will be the keynote speaker at a Positively Priming the Mind Workshop from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., March 20, in King of Prussia.

Participants will learn more about the research and technology behind the accelerated learning tool called Kim Serafini Mind Power Technology (MindPT) that serves businesses, nonprofits, organizations and entrepreneurs in creating positive results by priming the mind to start each day on a positive note.

Serafini is a leading authority on positive priming and how to accelerate learning and change. This workshop is for coaches, practitioners, doctors, healers, educators, advocates, managers, trainers and others. Attendees will leave with real tools to navigate life more easily and beautifully.

“MindPT is a revolutionary new way to integrate new beliefs and cultivate the mindset and habits of happiness and success,” she says. “Traditional personal growth programs often fail to produce the desired results because they require time, effort and discipline, but MindPT is quick and effortless, based on the latest in neuroscience research and proven, positive psychology principles. It is shared in fun and engaging bite-sized lessons on a desktop computer or mobile app to create fast, enduring results.”

Cost is $49, including lunch. For location and tickets, visit PositivePrimingForSuccess.com. See ad, page 13. natural awakenings

February 2017

5

newsbriefs Toning for World Peace on Valentine’s Day

A

t noon on February 14, World Sound Healing Day, a global toning event to heal the earth, heal the earth’s waters and raise humanity’s consciousness, Jonathan Goldman, MA, an internationally known author, sound healer, Grammy-nominated recording artist, director of the Sound Healers Association and president of Spirit Music, Inc. in Boulder, Colorado, will lead a worldwide observation of the event online via WorldSoundHealingDay.org.

Proponents conclude that everything has a vibrational frequency, including our thoughts, as brain waves. Some frequencies are audible, some inaudible; some enhancing wellness and positivity, and some creating distress and misery. They believe that when people unite positive intentions for healing with audible sounds, the effect is measurable improvement, as documented by the late Dr. Masaru Emoto and other researchers.

For more information, visit TempleOfSacredSound.com.

News to share?

Email details to: Publisher@NAPhilly.com Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

Saturday Wellness Walk at Schuylkill

W

inter is a great time for an invigorating walk through the forest.

Participate in a Saturday Wellness Walk for adults at a moderate pace from 2 to 3 p.m., February 25, at the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education. There may be some uneven terrain.

The Schuylkill Center inspires meaningful connections between people and nature, using forests and fields as a living laboratory to foster appreciation, deepen understanding and encourage stewardship of the environment.

As a leader in the next generation of environmental education, the Schuylkill Center will create a world where all people play, learn, and grow with nature as part of their everyday lives.

Admission is free. Location: 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd., Philadelphia . For more information, visit SchuylkillCenter.org.

Wintergarden Is a Haven for Cold-Weather Fun

T

he Center City District and Greater Philadelphia Gardens have collaborated to create Wintergarden for the 2016-2017 winter season in the heart of the city at Dilworth Park.

Longwood Gardens, Morris Arboretum, the Arboretum at the Barnes Foundation and others will create day and evening programming.

Colorful lights accent trees on the park’s perimeter and a large hedge maze accents the southern lawn. Firewood-inspired sculpture and a covered walkway connect to the skating rink and café, where fire pits with seating and blankets beckon adults and children to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, cider or a glass of mulled wine.

The schedule of programs and events includes children’s story time, holiday wreath-making and craft demonstrations, winter plant workshops, special happy hours and other activities.

Other cold-winter cities have created successful outdoor celebrations such as the Winter Carnival, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Fete des Neiges, in Montreal.

For more information, visit Tinyurl.com/PhillyWintergarden.

6

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

eventspotlight Celebrate Heart Health Month with DivaGirl and Nutritiously Yours

F

ebruary is Heart Health Month, and the number one killer of women is heart attack. DivaGirl Philly is joining forces with Nutritiously Yours, LLC to educate women about how to take care of themselves physically, mentally and emotionally from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., February 26, at WeWork Northern Liberties. There will be a marketplace featuring local business owners, DJs and dance instructors.

Participants will get tips from a professional mental health therapist Maria Majet Reyes, MS, owner of DivaGirl Philly, on how to prevent stress and achieve a healthier mindset. They will receive a basic vital signs check from a registered nurse, and learn the signs and symptoms of a heart attack for women.

Registered Dietitian Dalina Soto, RD, of Nutritiously Yours, will explain how to eat healthier and gain information about preventative measures to prevent heart disease and diabetes. Cardiologist Dr. David O’Neil will impart tips on how to keep our heart healthy.

DivaGirl empowers women with workshops, seminars, fitness classes and conferences. Nutritiously Yours believes we don’t have to sacrifice the food you love to be healthy and will teach how to eat healthier and become healthier with one-on-one counseling.

This event is $20 to $25; free for DivaGirl Lifestyle members and Business Affiliate members. Location: 1010 N. Hancock St., Philadelphia. To register, visit Tinyurl.com/DivaGirlPhilly-Heart-Health. For more information, visit DivaGirl-Inc. com and NutritiouslyYoursllc.com.

Connect ~ Promote ~ Advance

Learn more at sbnphiladelphia.org natural awakenings

February 2017

7

healthbriefs

R

joannawnuk/Shutterstock.com

esearchers from the David Grant Medical Center, at Travis Air Force Base, in Fairfield, California, have found that oral doses of aloe vera can reduce fasting blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), which indicates the average glucose level over the previous three months, in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

Data from nine clinical studies that included 89 diabetes patients were analyzed. Findings suggest that patients with a fasting blood glucose level of more than 200 milligrams per deciliter experienced the greatest benefits from the aloe vera.

FamVeld/Shutterstock.com

Aloe Vera Juice Allays Diabetes

Infants Breathing Bad Air May Suffer as Teens

A

nticipating surgery can be stressful, and many patients suffer from preoperative anxiety, which can cause serious health complications such as hypertension, rapid pulse and sugar metabolism changes. Israeli researchers from the University of Haifa have found that complementary medicine, combined with standard use of anti-anxiety drugs prior to entering the operating room, can significantly reduce preoperative anxiety levels and improve outcomes.

Researchers divided 360 preoperative patients ages 17 and up into three groups: those receiving standard care for preoperative anxiety; those receiving standard care along with complementary therapy, featuring acupuncture, reflexology, individual guided imagery or a combination of the latter two; and those receiving standard care combined with generic guided imagery via a recording. Anxiety levels were measured preoperatively before and after the intervention on a scale of one to 10, with scores of four or more constituting intermediate or higher-level anxiety.

The study found that complementary therapy in combination with standard care produced a 60 percent reduction in anxiety, with the mean score dropping from 5.54 to 2.32. Combining standard care with reflexology and guided imagery provided the best relief, reducing anxiety by an average of 4.22 points. Patients receiving only standard care experienced a slight rise in their average anxiety level.

8

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

Photographee.eu/Shutterstock.com

Reflexology and Imagery Relieve Preoperative Anxiety

A

study from the Karolinska Institute of Environmental Medicine, in Stockholm, analyzed data on air pollution exposure and lung function in the first and 15th years of life among 2,415 adolescents in Sweden. The researchers focused on nitrogen oxide in vehicle exhaust and particulate matter from road erosion, using road traffic, topography and weather conditions to classify pollution levels. They compared this data to the level of difficulty the teens experienced getting air through their peripheral airways, termed “resistance”.

The study found that breathing problems increased for teenagers each time their exposure as infants to such pollution increased by 10 micrograms per cubic meter, with the strongest association occurring in male subjects with asthma at age 16. The same increase was not present in relation to their exposure to traffic pollution as teenagers.

Lead author Erica S. Schultz, Ph.D., says, “An increasing number of studies demonstrate the importance of airway periphery for lung health. It’s concerning that the effect from the first year of life seems to be long-lasting, although we don’t yet know the full clinical implications.”

A Cool Way to ecotip Lose Weight Laundry List

C.R.Y.O. Philadelphia is located at 1700 Sansom St., Ste. 501, in Philadelphia. For more information, call 267-758-2391. See ad, page 10.

Cool Tips to Save Money and Energy Following eco-friendly laundry tips can save on energy, water usage and utility bills, making it good for both the planet and the bank account. The laundry results, too, may be better for some loads.

RealSimple.com advises that 90 percent of the energy consumed while running a wash load is used to heat the water, so the average household can eliminate as much as 350 pounds of carbon emissions and save about $40 annually by turning the knob to cold. It also notes that some proteinheavy stains, like perspiration and blood, can become more set into the fabric when washed in hot water, which can also shrink synthetic fibers.

For sweat stains, DIYNatural.com suggests combining two tablespoons of cream of tartar, a few drops of lemon essential oil and water to make a paste.

Mix and spread it on the stain, and then rub it in and let dry. Another pre-laundry option is to pour or spray a 3 percent solution of hydrogen peroxide onto the stain and then soak for about 30 minutes.

Mildly soiled laundry doesn’t necessarily need hot water for adequate cleaning, reports the Mother Nature Network. It advises pre-soaking heavily soiled laundry in cold water for about an hour, adding four tablespoons of baking soda to loosen dirt and grime.

“Responding quickly to stains always helps,” says Steve Boorstein, a Boulder, Colorado, clothing-care expert on his ClothingDoctor.com website. “For washable clothing, flush the stained area with cool water to remove any solid matter. Never rub the stain in order to avoid driving it deeper into the fabric.”

Conserve more energy as well as water by always assembling a full load of laundry. Appliance performance can also make an eco-difference. Energy Star estimates that water savings of between 40 and 75 percent can be achieved with front-loading machines instead of top-loaders. Line drying wins over a clothes dryer in terms of freshness, energy use and kindness to the environment.

Start with biodegradable and phosphate-free detergents made from plant- and vegetable-based ingredients.

Fight the relentless assault of toxins with the ONLY detoxification program that REMOVES them at the CELLULAR LEVEL.

• Weight Loss Resistance? • Anxious/Stressed?

• Chronic Fatigue?

• Brain Fog? The TCD program works at the cellular level with a proven “true binder” to safely remove environmental toxins, bio toxins and heavy metals. It is a highly effective and clinically proven natural way to detoxify the body. Other detox programs simply redistribute toxins, never truly removing them from the body, proving to be ineffective as well as harmful. Effective detoxification MUST begin at the cellular level!

Remember...fix the cell to get well!

Call our office today and get your life back!

1601 Walnut St, Ste 514 • Philadelphia

215-564-6680

Insighthealthwellness.com

natural awakenings

February 2017

9

Hekla/Shutterstock.com

C

ryo Sculpting, also known as cryolipolysis, is a non-invasive cooling of adipose tissue to induce lipolysis—the breaking down of fat cells—to reduce body fat without damage to other tissues. Cryo Sculpting is not meant to be a weight-loss tool, but an effective way to kill the fat cells in targeted parts of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The principle of cryolipolysis is the result of a groundbreaking discovery by Dr. Dieter Manstein and Dr. R. Rox Anderson of Harvard Medical School and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Their research was based on the idea that children that ate a lot of popsicles growing up got dimples because the cold fights off the fat cells in the cheeks. This is called popsicle panniculitis.

Their results were published in the journal, Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, and proved that subcutaneous fat cells are naturally more vulnerable to the effects of cold than surrounding tissue. These studies and several others confirmed that fat cells, when exposed to precisely controlled cooling for a sustained period of time, undergo a gradual reduction and cell death. This non-invasive cooling of adipose tissue induces lipolysis (the breaking down of fat cells) to reduce body fat without damaging surrounding organs or tissue.

In Cryo Sculpting, precisely controlled cooling is applied through the skin to the fat layer; cooling is maintained for a predetermined time period to damage the fat cells; fat cells begin a natural removal process that continues for several months; and the natural removal of fat cells over time results in gradual fat layer reduction from 22 to 26 percent. Treatable areas include abdominal love handles and thighs.

globalbriefs Richard Whitcombe/Shutterstock.com

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

Heave Ho

Abandoned and Lost Fishing Gear Pollutes the Seas Abandoned and lost fishing gear such as traps, crab pots and nets litter the ocean floor in coastal areas worldwide, continuing to attract, entrap and kill fish and other marine life. The Associated Press reports that global nonprofits, governments and companies are engaged in efforts to retrieve and recycle as many of the items as possible to protect the environment, save marine life and reduce hazards to marine navigation.

A 2009 United Nations report estimated there are 640,000 tons of discarded fishing nets deep below the ocean surface worldwide. Recommended solutions include degradable panels on traps that break down and allow trapped marine life to escape. International agreements prohibit dumping fishing equipment at sea; yet in England, small vessels can amass landfill charges of roughly $700 per year, giving them an incentive to ditch broken gear.

Pascal van Erp, a Dutch diver alarmed by the amount of equipment he’s encountered, founded the Ghost Fishing Foundation to tackle the issue. He says, “It’s found in all seas, oceans and inland waters at all depths, along the beach and under the sand. I don’t think the problem can be resolved completely, but we can keep it from getting worse by showing the problem to the public and the authorities.” Industry experts and scientists estimate that commercial fishermen annually lose about 10 percent of their traps due to bad weather.

NRG Stadium

Big Game Sustainability What a winning team… sustainability and football! NRG Stadium is home to the NFL’s Houston Texans and the host site of this year’s biggest game (Super Bowl 51), on Sunday, February 5. This beautiful, and relatively new, state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue was constructed with sustainability and environmental impact in mind. Built

by NRG, the leading integrated power company in the U.S., the stadium is one of four facilities nestled within the 350-acre NRG Park complex. The park offers numerous sustainable eco-friendly features, including nearly 600 solar panels, four solar panel canopies and an electric vehicle parking area featuring NRG EVgo charging stations. NRG Stadium also has integrated LED field and stadium lighting, making the facility more energy efficient. In fact, it is one of the first professional football venues to install LED field lighting.

The NRG company has received several awards for its industry leadership and nationwide “econrg” initiatives, which are fashioned and designed to meet the challenges of climate change, clean air and the protection of natural resources.

For more information, visit nrgpark.com/nrg-stadium or nrg.com.

10

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

bookreview Change Maker: How My Brother’s Death Woke Up My Life by Rebecca Austill-Clausen Bevan Young/Shutterstock.com

by Rebecca Antsis

Fungus Among Us Genetically Altered Mushrooms Approved for Consumption

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) is a new method of editing genomes of farm animals and food crops.

White button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) that have been genetically modified to delay the natural browning process are the first CRISPRedited organisms to receive approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Yinong Yang, a plant pathologist from Penn State University, crafted the modified mushrooms by targeting the family of genes responsible for the browning effect seen in produce when sliced and exposed to oxygen.

Yang was able to reduce the browning enzyme’s work by 30 percent and was granted approval from the USDA because no foreign or altered DNA was integrated into the mushroom genome. The department only assesses whether there’s a risk that the new modified variety of an organism could become a weed or “pest” to other plants.

The mushrooms may still be subject to Food and Drug Administration or Environmental Protection Agency regulations. The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine are in discussions about developing a new set of rules for the biotech industry in the next five to 10 years.

Source: Nature.com

T

here are two types of books in the New Age literary genre: those that speak down to you from high on the mountain, and those that make the journey with you.

Rebecca Austill-Clausen’s inspirational memoir, Change Maker: How My Brother’s Death Woke Up My Life, belongs firmly in the latter. Austill-Clausen takes readers with her through the series of unlikely events that catalyze her unexpected spiritual blossoming.

Originating from the tragic passing of her younger brother, Austill-Clausen’s grief catapults her onto a path of transformation. Over the course of less than a year, she goes from “Type Triple A” workaholic to profound seeker and spiritual adept, splitting her time between managing a thriving occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology practice and exploring her quickly evolving spiritual life, rich with fantastic meditations, visualizations and encounters with spirits, shamans and guides.

Within the body of the book, Austill-Clausen’s voice resonates as powerful yet inclusive, effervescent with joy at her discoveries while constantly understanding the need to ground. Although not shy to relay the pure wonder and majesty of her experiences, Austill-Clausen also does not disguise her doubts, nor does she pretend she does not harbor some reticence in sharing this new dimensionality to her life. “Multiple times a day, I questioned the reality of ...I did not even know what to call it… my spiritual enlightenment? At the same time, I had never felt more alive, more in control and more at peace with myself.”

The format of the book is organized month-to-month, inviting readers to travel alongside Austill-Clausen, step by step, and experience her wonder as it grows in this remarkable narrative of awakening.

At the close of each chapter is a one-to-two-page companion section entitled “Illumination.” These interludes engage readers with guided meditations and affirmations, encouraging us to explore and integrate the ideas contained within the previous chapter.

At the close of the book is a personally curated compendium of resources, should the reader choose to learn more about the subjects mentioned throughout Change Maker. It is quite special, as if we are being given access to AustillClausen’s personal bookcase, and a sampling of the hundreds of books that accompanied her year-long spiritual intensive.

Austill-Clausen has written a book that is a memoir of bereavement, a riveting tale of spiritual unfolding and something of a sampler Course in Miracles for those seeking an entry point into New Age topics.

Change Maker includes illustrations by Micki McAllister.

Rebecca Austill-Clausen is an author, reiki master and occupational therapist who has served over 100,000 clients. For more information, call 610-363-7446, email Becky@CompHealthWorks.com or visit RebeccaAustillClausen.com. See ad, page 2.

Rebecca Antsis is a Pennsylvania-based writer, multimedia performer and editorial associate for Natural Awakenings BuxMont. Connect at RebeccaAntsis@ gmail.com. natural awakenings

February 2017

11

businessspotlight

Supportive Stones Elemental Jewelry Encourages Positive Changes

by Deena Kloss

D

r. Hannah Hershoff, a Chinese physician and Harvard-trained research scientist, never believed a piece of jewelry could boost confidence and self-awareness or reduce stress until she started noticing positive feedback from a number of tests in which women were asked to try on Sara Yo jewelry. The jewelry pieces are made from a crystalline mineral formed over millions of years. The key element is kaolin, or China clay, a mineral sourced from a small village in Southeast China.

The shape, color and sheen of each stone is permanently forged after a long process involving water, wood and fire in a special kiln.

“The stones become shinier after contact with skin,” says Hershoff. “I am very familiar with the mineral, as my father used to be an administration manager of the mines. I remember my father collected a piece of precious buda, made from the mineral, to bring luck to our family,” Hershoff knows the history of the Chinese royal family that owned the mines thousands of years ago, but she had no prior knowledge of the healing properties.

“It was an accidental discovery,” she explains.

Hershoff also learned the stones make beautiful jewelry. She began making her own as gifts, and shares, “I was surprised to hear my jewelry had an immediate positive impact on my sister-in-law’s life. She told me that she was much calmer and happier since she started wearing her bracelet. Her ability to handle stress improved, and she even began to find stability in her then-rocky marriage.”

Hershoff then presented her bracelets to six women aged 16 to 64 and interviewed them after one to two months of wearing the jewelry. “I was so surprised to learn that all six women reported they felt much better when they wore their bracelets,” she notes. As a

12

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

physician and scientist, she felt a need to find scientific evidence to explain the results, which prompted her to study kaolin to learn about its chemical composition. “I don’t know if any compounds from the mineral or from other components of the bracelet have caused a direct effect,” says Hershoff. “I could not find any scientific evidence to give either a positive or negative answer.”

With 25 years of experience in medical practice and research, Henshoff has gained extensive knowledge in medical science, and also developed in-depth understanding of how positive thinking relates to the acceleration of the physical healing process. “I don’t exclude the possibility that the amazing effects on the women tested might come from their spiritual connections with the jewelry,” she says. “When people think positively, their bodies and mood react correspondently.”

Next, Hershoff gifted or sold her bracelets to a wider range of women that reported they gained confidence, improved their self-image, sensed more connections to loved ones and experienced a reduction in anxiety. A year later, Hershoff and her husband, Randy, started Sara Yo Healing Fashions and named their kaolin-comprised pieces Sara Yo stones. She had switched careers from medical doctor to business owner and jewelry designer.

Today, the company makes more than 400 exclusive jewelry designs by Hershoff. The company also provides a complementary weekly five element healing program based on Taoist philosophy. Hershoff says, “I am so glad I have made this career change decision, as each day I learn more about how Sara Yo helps women physically and emotionally. I am so fortunate to do something I am extremely passionate about, rather than something I feel I have to do.”

For more information, visit MySpiritJewel.com/sara-yo.

I delight in simple things

A FREE Gift for Natural Awakenings Readers Prime Your Mind to

Feel Good, Live Simply, Laugh More…

Get your MindPT video session entitled “NATURAL AWAKENINGS” as our FREE GIFT. BECOME: MORE Energetic, Creative & Productive, LESS Stressed, Healthier ACHIEVE: Greater Performance, Higher Sales, Improved Relationships

MindPT is a Simple & Easy-To-Use app available to use on your phone or PC.

Your FREE Gift Natural Awakenings’ tagline is ‘feel good, live simply, laugh more’. Each month we bring you news and information to help you achieve those goals.

NOW, we have a MindPT video session entitled “NATURAL AWAKENINGS” to help reinforce the mindset of our motto and we are pleased to OFFER IT TO YOU FOR FREE as part of our ongoing commitment to inspire, educate and help make a positive difference in your life.

Download your MindPT Session Now! And…It’s YOURS TO KEEP. Along with a SPECIAL BONUS!

Simply RELAX & WATCH a series of scientifically selected images and positive statements with sound or music.

On your phone: 1. Download the MindPT APP 2. Register 3. Enter this referral code: NAKM3 4. View your FREE Session & BONUS, over & over

Watch for as little as 3 minutes a day & produce sustained effects for 6-8 hours.

On your computer: 1. Enter this URL into your browser

MindPT is based on current scientific research in positive psychology and neuroscience.

Quickly shift your brain from a ‘negative’, ‘neutral’, or ‘stressed’ state to a POSITIVE state.

2. Go To Page 3. Register 4. View your FREE Session & BONUS, over & over

MindPT.com/NATURALAWAKENINGSFreeGift?source=4530

natural awakenings

February 2017

13

Signs of Progress

Sustainably Stylish Home Relax into Nurturing Furnishings

by April Thompson

W

e all relish a cozy nest, whether that means lightfilled views, the embrace of form-fitting sofas and chairs or plush rugs that snuggle bare feet. A beautiful, comfortable home that reflects our personal style and embodies our values can be achieved by learning the origin of furnishings and investing in sustainably made pieces that will stand the test of time, say experts.

“Furnishing a home ethically

doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or style,” says JD Doliner, a business consultant in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Doliner’s home is graced with 18thand 19th-century antiques, organic cotton mattresses, comfy custom-made chairs from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood and handmade wool rugs certified child-labor-free by GoodWeave. “They give me peace of mind as a humanitarian and environmentalist,” she says.

Toxic Furnishings Alert

T

oday’s mass-produced furniture may contain hidden chemicals such as formaldehyde-based adhesives, flame retardants and other volatile organic compounds (VOC) linked to serious health issues. Researchers from the Natural Resources Defense Council found 45 toxic chemicals in indoor dust, 10 of which were present in at least 90 percent of households sampled. “These chemicals enter the air as materials in the furnishings break down,” explains healthy home expert Lisa Beres. “Because we spend an average of 90 percent of our lives indoors, the exposure to harmful chemicals is troubling.”

Beres advises shoppers to be wary of synthetic fabrics, which not only consume nonrenewable resources like petroleum, but may also contain toxic dyes, heavy metals or chemicals like Teflon. Foam and other fillings in mattresses, sofas and chairs are often a hidden source of off-gassing VOCs. The Sustainable Furnishing Council’s seal of approval and member list at SustainableFurnishings.org are a good place to start to find companies committed to offering healthier alternatives that include transparency and responsibility in their manufacturing practices.

14

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

melis/Shutterstock.com

greenliving

Debbie Hindman, marketing director for Associates III Interior Design, in Denver, is working with increasingly knowledgeable clients like Doliner asking for sustainably sourced products. Manufacturers, in turn, are upping transparency about product origins, realizing it can provide a competitive edge, she notes.

“We look at the story behind a product and make sure that it aligns with both our company’s and clients’ values,” says Hindman, a co-author of Sustainable Residential Interiors. “We ask questions like, ‘Are workers paid a fair wage? Was the product made with local materials? What is the story behind the company’s founding?’”

The Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) coalition of manufacturers, retailers and designers partners with businesses and informs consumers to increase environmentally responsible choices in the marketplace. Its 400 members commit to sustainability and transparency in their business practices and submit an annual action plan showing such efforts. Headquartered in Edenton, North Carolina, the council strives to minimize industry carbon emissions and remove unsustainable materials and harmful chemical ingredients from residential and commercial furnishings.

“The residential furnishings industry frequently takes raw materials from one continent, processes and manufactures on another to be consumed on yet another, leaving a huge environmental footprint,” says Susan Inglis, the council’s executive director. As the third largest consumer of wood, these manufacturers bear significant responsibility for preserving the world’s forest ecosystems and fighting deforestation, reports Inglis.

Savvy Shoppers

To make informed decisions, furniture shoppers need to ask how, where, from what and by whom a potential purchase is made. Lisa Beres, a healthy home expert and former interior designer in Newport Coast, California, and author of Just Green It! advises not taking product claims at face value. Ask if the product has earned a certification like the Global Organic Textile Standard for fabrics or GreenGuard, which verifies low levels of chemical emissions.

Not all natural products are sustainably produced; cotton, for example, is one of the most heavily sprayed crops. Look for certified organic cotton as a responsible textile choice. Beres also suggests renewable fiber sources like bamboo or hemp. “Natural latex is a sound alternative to foam fillers, offering good support and dust mite resistance,” says Beres.

Specific animal-based products like down feathers used in bedding can provoke allergies and be produced inhumanely, Beres cautions. Products certified to the Responsible Down Standard, which protects the wellbeing and welfare of geese tapped for their manufacture, offer a humane choice for fluffy down comforters.

Look for well-crafted furniture made from locally sourced, reclaimed or FSC-certified wood instead of particleboard, which usually contains formaldehyde and may be made from unsustainably harvested wood.

Sustainable furnishings are both better for the planet and can make a home distinctive. Natural pieces like a countertop made from reclaimed, rough-hewn wood provide a unique beauty that mass-manufactured pieces can’t match and also showcase the material’s natural form and feeling.

Her firm promotes durable, timeless pieces over trendy furnishings that a client might discard in a few years.

When it’s time to retire a piece of furniture, find a new home for it, whether by donating to a charity or reselling through a consignment store.

While cutting corners on home furnishing choices can be tempting, especially when shopping on a budget, remember that today’s quality pieces may become tomorrow’s cherished heirlooms.

“Some will spend money on the latest gadget, but hesitate to invest in a great piece of furniture or a quality mattress they’ll spend much of their life sitting or sleeping on,” says Beres. “It’s not a splurge; you’re investing in your health and protecting Earth’s precious resources. It all comes full circle.”

Turning a Home or Business into a Practical Sanctuary S tephanie Lee Jackson, a designer at Practical Sanctuary, practices Spaces that Heal: sustainable interior design that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. “When you feel comfortable, safe and inspired in your space, your body is in the optimal environment to heal. Your nervous system is affected by your environment, whether you are consciously aware of it or not.

A chaotic, stress-inducing environment can drain you, making ordinary tasks more difficult and hampering your productivity and well-being over time,” says Jackson. “When your environment supports, nurtures and inspires you in subtle ways, there can be a

cascading positive effect of well-being which influences your physical, emotional and financial health.”

Jackson has been practicing as a healer since 1999, an artist since 1989 and an interior designer since 2012. Practical Sanctuary works with homeowners and businesses to create spaces tailored to their specific temperament. Jackson notes, “Often, just a few tweaks can have a dramatic effect.”

Location: 2312 N. Hancock St., Philadelphia. For more information, call 267-7025594, email Stephanie@ PracticalSanctuary.com or visit PracticalSanctuary.com.

See ad, page 5.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com. natural awakenings

February 2017

15

PASSAGE Conscious Dying as a Transformative Healing Journey

by Linda Sechrist

W

hen properly viewed, the thresholds of all of life’s transitional moments can be both emotionally and spiritually rewarding.

Whether it involves marriage or birth, job loss or illness, gleaning insight from the experience can yield fresh perspective on how to live life more fully today, if we remain mindful and lovingly attentive through the process.

Like birth, death is a transition we can wisely prepare for. In recent years, compassionate individuals and grassroots movements have emerged to help us conduct ourselves, heal and grow from losing a loved one or face our own passing. An increasing number of initiatives support a new model in palliative care that treats death not as a failure, but an expected aspect of 16

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

the human experience. Each in its own way advocates for a grace-filled passage supported by dignified, caring and compassionate practices.

Profound Shift

The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, Colorado, aims to restore death and dying to its natural place in the sacred circle of life. Its end-of-life literacy curriculum and certificate training programs are helping to create a new, wisdombased culture of healing teachers and end-of-life doulas that serve among the frontline caregivers and companions providing the comfort people want and need most. Founded by Tarron Estes, a healing artist, poet, Caritas coach and transformational learning educator, the institute is grounded in love, spiritual

styleuneed.de/Shutterstock.com

SACRED

openness, compassion and a universal field of consciousness.

“Training is open to nurses, physicians, clinicians, caregivers, family members, healthcare teams and anyone else interested in exploring what it means to die consciously,” says Estes.

It attends to the provider’s inner awakening and helps them strengthen their ability to give spiritual, emotional, physical and practical care to anyone, helping to relieve pain, regardless of diagnosis.

“Rather than curative care, it’s all about seeking to increase precious, meaningful moments, a sense of spiritual sanctity, beauty, interconnectedness and appreciation of life for the families and patients they serve. An end-of-life doula at bedside assures that families and loved ones can focus on what is most important,” explains Estes, who believes that our true nature lives within us as an unblemished jewel.

Helping individuals become comfortable talking about death is the work of Dr. Karen Wyatt, of Dillon, Colorado, founder of the End of Life University, an online interview series with end-of-life care experts. She provides a trustworthy loving environment in monthly death cafés. The author of What Really Matters: 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of Dying expands the conversation through related articles and podcasts at eolUniversity.com.

Death cafés benefit from Wyatt’s experience as a hospice doctor. “There is never an agenda. Of the 10 to 12 people that generally join in, one is always a new caller, recently awakened to the idea of conscious dying or their own mortality. They’re seeking information and someone to talk to because family and friends aren’t interested.

Some already embracing their mortality wish to explore their thoughts with others. Some callers join just to listen,” advises Wyatt.

Because death in the West has become a commercialized, medical event with funeral home packages the norm, Wyatt recommends the National Home Funeral Alliance to those interested in a deeper understanding of options and resources for a gentler model. The nonprofit, grassroots movement and its members, such as Sacred Crossings, in Los Angeles, seek to restore the lost

Exploring the Mystery

For more than 40 years, philosopher, psychologist and physician Raymond Moody’s life work has been acknowledging the mysteries and validating the unexplainable events at the end of life. His seminal bestseller Life After Life appeared in 1975. Lisa Smartt’s mentorship by Moody led them to co-found FinalWordsProject.org. She’s also authored Words at the Threshold, a study of the nonsensical, metaphorical and paradoxical language and visions of the dying.

Moody and Smartt agree that by better understanding the unique language patterns related to end of life we can share more deeply and build bridges with our beloveds throughout the dying process. “When we do so, we offer greater support to the dying and ameliorate our own experience of loss as they cross the threshold,” remarks Smartt. Like William Peters, founder of the Shared Crossings Project, in Santa Barbara, California, they caution that compassionate etiquette during events at death is important.

“Assume that levels of awareness exist in the dying so that our energy and presence are felt and our voices heard,” advises Moody. “Respect your words and actions, regardless of the person’s state of consciousness. Be a compassionate listener and validate their vision. Don’t pretend to intellectualize or explain anything.”

Sarit Wuttisan/Shutterstock.com

art and healing ritual of a home funeral by preserving the rights of families to provide home after-death care.

Supporting and educating interested families is the mission of Sacred Crossings founder Rev. Olivia Rosemarie Bareham. The certified death midwife and home funeral guide draws from her experiences as an auxiliary nurse and hospice volunteer to assist families with end-of-life planning, death midwifery and arrangements for an at-home vigil and funeral, as well as cremation and burial choices.

“We also offer sacred singing to help ease a loved one’s transition. Music by a bedside soloist or choir before, during and after death can be deeply relaxing and comforting, and even provide pain relief,” advises Bareham.

We rediscover that in order to die well, we must live well. Dying gracefully is the result of a mindful, day-to-day journey—a culmination of informed choices, honest discussions and deference to the hallowed fragility of nature’s life-death cycles. ~William Rosa

Dianne Gray, president and executive director of the Elisabeth Kübler-Ross Foundation, also owns Hospice and Healthcare Communications. “The dying often wish to leave here surrounded by peace and harmony. They choose to let go of contentiousness and often wish family members would do the same, which is facilitated by mapping out Advance Directives according to the final wishes of the patient,” says Gray.

Questions she frequently addresses in public talks and Death Over Dinner party conversations include: the necessity of finishing unfinished business; bringing closure to unresolved relationship issues; finding words to express our compassion; soothing the sense of impending loss; and managing to take only love with us to the other side, yet leave enough of it behind to help loved ones through their grieving process. She cautions that no matter how well we plan for death, things don’t always go as planned.

“Sometimes no matter how many advance care conversations have taken place, discord can dismantle the best laid plans. It requires the tough work of compassionate communications. Friends and families need to remember that this is the patient’s end-of-life experience, not theirs. It is possible to find peace in the midst of conflict, understanding that the one leaving overwhelmingly wishes for a peaceful passing, including peace within the family.”

The Death Over Dinner initiative, founded by Michael Hebb in 2013, has been hosted by groups in more than 20 countries to help people engage in conversations on “how we want to die”—the most vital and costly discussion Americans aren’t having (DeathOverDinner.org/stories).

Practical Plans

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and its 360 Degrees of Financial Literacy program offer a free downloadable national Guide to Financial Decisions: Implementing an End-ofLife Plan at Tinyurl.com/EssentialPlanNeeds. It includes basic descriptions of issues that arise as we age beyond retirement and details the critical documents needed for the individual, dependents, property, assets, estate planning, wills and trusts. It also addresses issues related to advance, treatment and do-not-resuscitate directives, insurance, types of funerals and costs, and Social Security, Medicare and veterans’ benefits. Guidelines suggest consulting with a certified public accountant or personal financial planning specialist.

The latest innovation is the blessing of a living funeral, a celebration of life while the honoree is present to hear the eulogies, praises and farewells before they depart.

AgingWithDignity.org provides a downloadable Five Wishes document, a popular advance directive, or living will that covers personal, spiritual, medical and legal aspects. It’s easy to use and can serve as a family guide to prompt conversations about personal care preferences in the event of serious illness.

New York Times journalist Mark Leibovich wrote about how Massachusetts Senator Edward Kennedy chose to spend his final weeks in pursuit of a “good ending.” As death approached,

natural awakenings

February 2017

17

As many as 80 percent of us say we want to die at home.

Writing Our Legacy

~CNN

by Linda Sechrist

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

18

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

I

n their books Caring for the Dying and Having the Last Say, authors Henry FerskoWeiss and Alan Gelb, respectively, advocate reviewing our life and writing a short narrative to explore its value as we approach our final act of Earth’s play.

Processing experiences from the past and what they mean at this juncture presents us an opportunity to achieve greater clarity and integrate them in a positive way in our life story. According to Fersko-Weiss, it has the power to reduce depression, increase life satisfaction, promote acceptance of self and enhance integrity of spirit, no matter what phase of life we are in.

The harvesting of life experiences should reflect our true humanity—flaws and all—and what we’ve learned through mistakes and failures, as well as triumphs. Conveying a compelling mythic family story, values we’ve lived by and our embrace of meaningful relationships will help the people we know understand that, for all its difficulties and complexities, life is worth living.

Our narrative, whether recorded as an essay or scripted video, becomes an act of praise for the gift of the life we’ve led, imperfect as it may have been. It can also serve as a potential keepsake that passes along life lessons and values from one generation to another.

Gelb suggests that summing up what’s most important to us in 500 to 1,000 words can be an experience to savor and enjoy at a reflective time in life, an opportunity to capture our legacy and even serve as our own eulogy.

When we want a loved one no longer here to feel near to us and hear them one last time, it’s a way for them to literally have the last say, he adds.

Have a nice day Photo/Shutterstock.com

Kennedy told friends that he wanted to take stock of his life and enjoy the gift of his remaining days with the people he loved most. As a result, he continued enjoying his morning ritual of reading newspapers while drinking coffee, playing with his dogs, watching James Bond movies with his wife and holding family dinners and sing-alongs near nightly. He reveled in his bedside view of Nantucket Sound, sailed when he could and ate lots of his favorite ice cream. His mantra was, “Every day is a gift.”

“As our time winds down, we all seek comfort in simple pleasures—companionship, everyday routines, the taste of good food, the warmth of sunlight on our faces,” remarks Boston’s Dr. Atul Gawande in Being Mortal. “If we strive in our final months for independence, companionship, mindful attention, dignity, wisdom, joy, love and freedom from pain, we have the power to make those days less miserable, confusing and frightening.”

In these many ways, we can manage to gently embrace and tenderly navigate life’s final transition with grace and love.

practitionerinterview Reminiscing to Breath & Beat Natasha Goldstein-Levitas Moves Seniors Toward Center

by Martin Miron

N

and I’ll ask, “What can we shake off atasha Goldstein-Levitas is a today?” And they’ll answer me, “Our Philadelphia-based dance/moveproblems, our worries, our arthritis!” ment therapist with more than 16 years of experience working with older You are a reiki practitioner, too. How adults across various cultures and sociodo you bring touch, breath and mindeconomic backgrounds. She facilitates fulness into your work? groups at several area senior centers, I’ve been practicing reiki for over 10 residential case and outpatient-based years. I use those skills—touch and programs that are specifically tailored to attunement—every day. Just touching the needs of high-functioning seniors, as someone on the shoulder in the right well as those suffering from degenerative Natasha Goldstein-Levitas (left) with client way when they are agitated can make conditions such as dementia. Goldsteinshifts happen.

I also incorporate breathing exercises throughLevitas has presented at conferences hosted by the Delaware out the session.

It helps to ground and center us, particularly Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and her research those that are cognitively impaired.

And we do mindfulness article, “Dance/Movement Therapy and Sensory Stimulation: A practice using sensory items.

We use scented moisturizers Holistic Approach to Dementia Care”, was recently published and focus on how it feels on our hands and how it smells. We in the American Journal of Dance Therapy. focus just on those sensations for a moment.

You’ve been working with seniors in several different capacities. How did you start your work with older adults?

During my master’s degree training in dance therapy, you choose a population to work with. I chose older adults and I’ve just kept choosing them. It’s become part of my heart.

What happens in a typical session?

I start by putting on music from the 1940s and ‘50s. The session is very organic, and it’s about connecting with the people in whatever way they can. If they can make eye contact or tap their toes, that’s where they are. I ask questions that will elicit memories, like, “Who is singing this song?” and they begin to reminisce and come alive. There’s a lot of improvisation and playfulness, and through the movement and the laughter we are helping them to discharge loss, physical pain and anxiety. I always use the Sam Cooke song “Shake”,

NA Fun Fact:

Natural Awakenings is published in 95+ U.S. markets.

How have things changed in the senior living community since you started 16 years ago?

Things are definitely changing. When I started, there were very few, if any, groups like the ones I am facilitating. Now, there is more receptivity to holistic treatments and a recognition of how these simple, low-cost practices can have a measurable impact on seniors’ quality of life. I find that people are most receptive when they’ve experienced it themselves. When they come to sit in on my sessions they can see the difference in people when they come in compared to how they are when they leave—they are lighter and less agitated. There’s such an urgent need for more of these programs for this quickly growing population, and it’s exciting to see the culture of eldercare becoming more inclusive of these modalities.

For more information, visit NatashaGoldstein.com.

To advertise with us call: 215-902-9137 natural awakenings

February 2017

19

Nejron Photo/Shutterstock.com

fitbody

FIT FOR LIFE How to Stay Healthy, Flexible and Strong

by Aimee Hughes

W

Aila Images/Shutterstock.com

“

hen thinking about the best forms of exercise as we enter midlife and beyond, we should first clarify some myths and preconceptions,” says Michael Spitzer, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, biochemist, fitness expert and author of Fitness at 40, 50, 60 and Beyond. “In our society, there’s a mindset that once we pass our 40th year, it’s all downhill from there.

Our metabolism slows and we gain weight, lose mobility and flexibility, deal with more aches and pains, experience shortness of breath and the list goes on.”

According to Spitzer, this all can happen, but it’s more of a self-fulfilling prophecy than destiny. “Research with older people at both rehabilitation and nursing centers tells us that the human body wasn’t designed to begin a major decline in function until age 70, barring major illness or accidents along the way.

Most of individual decline is due to lifestyle choices, not nature’s plan.”

20

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

Spitzer teaches his clients that weight training is essential for every age group. “After age 30, most people lose between 0.5 to 1 percent of lean muscle fiber per year, which directly affects the basal metabolic rate. Much like a car engine, the more lean muscle mass we have, the more energy our ‘engine’ uses, even when idling. If not prevented, by age 50, for example, we may have lost as much as 20 percent of the lean muscle fiber we had when we were 30.”

He also recommends regular cardiovascular exercise. “Do a good round of cardio inside your target heart rate zone for 30 minutes at least three times a week. It’s vital for lung and heart health, the primary benefit of cardio exercise as opposed to just burning calories.”

“For those in their 40s, I recommend high-intensity interval training such as burst training, along with a mind-body practice like power yoga or budokon,” says Nelson Pahl, of Northfield,

Minnesota, managing editor of Longevity Times. “Vinyasa yoga, tai chi and cycling are ideal during our 50s, while hatha yoga, tai chi, or qigong and hiking work well in our 60s.”

“Most of my clients are 70 and up,” notes Gwyneth Jones, an active aging specialist at the Carriage Club, in Kansas City, Missouri, who also trains physical therapists, rehabilitation specialists and movement educators. “They enjoy mixing up their daily exercise routines and look forward to the support and encouragement of their classmates. Discussions include lighthearted wordplay and questions about anatomy and physiology.”

Pahl urges everyone at every age, “Consume only whole foods, always.”

He rarely drinks alcohol and begins every day with yoga and qigong.

“Also, be sure to stay well hydrated,” adds Jones. “This will keep your joints healthy, skin clear and moist, digestion more efficient and detoxification of organ systems more effective. Add fresh lemon if you like.”

Physical fitness is only one aspect of aging gracefully. Spiritual growth lifts and lightens any mental and emotional load, while supporting physical well-being.

Spitzer also recommends, “Reading,

learning to play a musical instrument, crafting activities, computer strategy games or doing other activities that require concentration or new problemsolving skills; all help the mind stay tuned up and sharp.” It’s always healthy to break out of normal routines and comfort zones, venture into new worlds, volunteer and do what makes our heart soar.

Jones advises, “Choose activities that feel good, refreshing, include people you enjoy, and are done in pleasant environments. Don’t forget to revel in sunshine or a good book on a rainy day. Listen to music, play music, sing and dance every day.”

Maturity brings benefits we can embrace with delight when we bring loving attention and happy novelty to life.

Aimee Hughes, a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO, is a doctor of naturopathy and consultant for the Yandara Yoga Institute. Connect at ChezAimee@gmail.com.

Aging Can be Prolonged with Proper Conditioning

T

ema Esberg is a personal trainer, health coach and founder of Potentia Personal Training, in northwest Philadelphia. She specializes in training people 40 and older in funcTema Esberg tional health, fitness and wellness utilizing a combination of fitness modalities, and tailors every program to suit each client’s needs.

Typically, a program may include a focus on cardiovascular endurance, strength, balance and flexibility; all of which contribute to feeling and looking great for a lifetime.

Studies show that strength training helps facilitate weight loss and can help decrease incidence of diabetes, heart disease and other health issues. Esberg has been working as a personal trainer in Philadelphia for the past four years. Her clients, men and women from 30 to 94, attest to feeling stronger, healthier, more functional and mobile, as well as happier and more confident because of their commitment to working out each week.

Esberg trains clients in her studio in Chestnut Hill, and also in clients’ homes in the Mt. Airy, Chestnut Hill, Lafayette Hill, Wyndmoor and Flourtown neighborhoods. Esberg explains that working out needs to be convenient to our lifestyle to make it a lasting habit, and if it is most convenient to workout at home, she is happy to meet clients there and even brings the exercise equipment with her.

”As we get older, we all need to be proactive in making sure we live healthy, functional lives.,” says Esberg.

“Medicine can help us live longer, but are we doing our part to live healthy, happier more fulfilling lives?”

Find The Perfect Partner on NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

Access many thousands of health-conscious, eco-minded, spiritual singles now and manifest an extraordinary, enlightened relationship!

Try it for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

*Offer good for new memberships Tuesday, Feb. 14 through Monday, Feb. 20, 2017

For appointments, call 215-435-2215.

For more information, email Esberg at PotentiaPersonalTraining@gmail.com or visit PotentiaPersonalTraining.com. See ad in Community Resource Directory. natural awakenings

February 2017

21

wisewords

Transforming the Way Women Relate to Men An Interview with Alison Armstrong

by April Thompson

F

or 25 years, relationship expert Alison Armstrong has worked to evolve society by changing the way women relate to men. Her yearning to understand the opposite sex was born from personal challenges, including a failed marriage in her 20s. She began studying men on her own, at the age of 30, beginning with the question, “What if men are responding to women?” What started out as a personal inquiry has become a lifelong pursuit and she’s shared her findings with millions of men and women worldwide.

Armstrong, co-founder and CEO of PAX Programs, addresses gender differences, sexuality and relationships. She has written three books, including The Queen’s Code, and speaks to interpersonal insights through workshops, webinars and teleclasses, including free recordings and articles at UnderstandMen.com.

Armstrong and her second husband have been happily married for 23 years and now live in Colorado.

Which core differences between men and women cause everyday misunderstandings?

The biggest source of mischief is denying that differences exist at all. Both men and women tend to assume that each is a version of the other, which creates significant misunderstandings. We interact 22

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

with our partners by doing or saying what works for us. When that doesn’t get the response we’re expecting, we usually draw incorrect conclusions and act in counterproductive ways.

For example, men and women relate to feelings differently.

Women often make life decisions based on their feelings about something or someone. To men, who tend to rely on facts and set aside feelings, this approach can seem irrational, and relating to women as irrational has predictably bad outcomes.

Where does a couple best start to heal the communication divide?

The most powerful thing men and women can do is to address misunderstandings with openness and curiosity rather than assuming we know why our partner did or said something. We should ask ourselves, “What if there’s a good reason for that?” Don’t assume that what’s true for her is also true for him, and vice versa.

Once a couple chooses to give each other the benefit of the doubt, a few simple changes can further open up communication. Saying “I need” instead of “I want” will make a huge difference. Because being “needy” is considered unattractive, women avoid this word, not realizing that it connects with a man’s instinct to provide.

When asking for something, it’s important to say what it would

provide us. For him, there needs to be a reward equal to or greater than the energy he’ll have to expend. Years ago, I described to my husband in colorful detail the experience of falling into the toilet in the middle of the night; he took it upon himself to make sure that never again happens to the women he loves.

What’s the secret to navigating partners’ differing needs and drives for physical intimacy?

The secret is to stop leaving our sex lives to the whims of biology, or making decisions based on whether we “feel like it.” Waiting for a time when both partners feel like it, the kids are at Grandma’s and we’re not too tired leads to sex happening too rarely. Delicious sexual partnerships begin when we decide to stop waiting and instead work on creating the circumstances that put us in the mood.

One example is learning to offer “dessert”. Using the desire for food as a metaphor for the desire for sex, we’re often trying to eat together when only one partner is hungry. But dessert sounds delicious anytime; examples might be massage or kissing or other physical activities. Find out what reliably perks up a partner’s interest and put that on the menu.

How can a woman satisfy a man’s desire to provide without sacrificing her independence?

American culture tells women that being low-maintenance matters most.

Yet, when we allow our partners to fulfill our needs, it can help us unlock our own greatness, as well as theirs. Men are driven to provide for their loved ones and denying them such opportunities takes away their life’s pursuit, which can be emasculating.

By asking for what we need, women create opportunities for partnership, satisfaction and fulfillment for both partners. When we allow the men in our life to contribute to us and learn to receive graciously, we discover that it doesn’t diminish our power.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson, of Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Why Men and Women are Speaking Two Different Languages

by Danielle Adinolfi

R

elationships are a vital part of our existence, and no one is perfect or without fault, so people need to see their partners for the well-rounded person that they are, rather than focusing on their shortcomings. Recognizing all aspects of each other puts both on equal ground, and that is when they can start working on making their relationship the best it can be.

One partner may complain that the other person doesn’t understand them, saying, “He hears me ask him to do the same thing 10 times, and then claims I never said it!” or, “She talks constantly about what she’s feeling and I can’t get a minute to breath!” This dynamic is all too familiar for many couples, and does not seem to get better over time. In fact, the majority of my work as a couples therapist surrounds the topic of communication. The task of a couples therapist becomes that of a translator, hearing and interpreting what each person says for their partner.

Our genetic differences set us on different paths before birth, with men having difficulty with attention, whereas women are able to efficiently multitask. Men are also born with less verbal fluency and emotional understanding then women.

This is compounded over time when boys are socialized to be tough and girls learn to empathize with others.

This stark difference in how we understand and experience emotions puts us on different playing fields, and this difference is quite obvious in relationships.

As adults, women feel their emotions on a multitude of levels; first acknowledging its presence, second trying to understand where it comes from and third, communicating it. Men typically don’t share this ability, instead having difficulty with their emotions and burying them below the surface, due to a lack of understanding.

In order to get start speaking the same language, women can try two this two-step technique that will help them communicate (i.e. speak menglish) with their partner.

Start by remembering that men have a limited focus and wait until we have their complete attention to speak. Next, give that partner some time to think about how he wants to answer us. Emotions are complex, and working through them can take time, especially for someone that is not as well-versed or high in emotional IQ.

GROW Your Business Secure this special placement!

Foradmore information about advertising Contact us for andinformation. how you more

can participate in Natural Awakenings of Philadelphia, call

215-902-9137

Danielle Adinolfi, MFT, is a couples therapist/relationship expert in practice for seven years, practicing at 100 S. Broad St., Ste. 1304, in Philadelphia. For more information, call 215-995-0176, email DanielleAdinolfi@philadelphiamft. com or visit philadelphiamft.com.

natural awakenings

February 2017

23

Tur� Your Passion Into a Business

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine Our publishers ranked us among the highest in franchise satisfaction for our Training, Support, Core Values and Integrity!*

As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary.

You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training

Natural Awakenings publishes in over 85 markets across the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic (listed below).

Contact us about acquiring an existing publication FOR SALE highlighted in RED or starting a magazine in an open territory.

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

Huntsville, AL Gulf Coast AL/MS Phoenix, AZ* Tucson, AZ East Bay Area, CA San Diego, CA Boulder/Ft. Collins, CO Denver, CO Fairfield County/ HousatonicValley, CT Hartford, CT New Haven/ Middlesex, CT Washington, DC Daytona/Volusia/ Flagler, FL NW FL Emerald Coast Ft. Lauderdale, FL Jacksonville/ St. Augustine, FL Melbourne/Vero, FL Miami & the Florida Keys Naples/Ft. Myers, FL North Central FL Orlando, FL Palm Beach, FL Peace River, FL Sarasota, FL Tampa/St. Pete., FL Treasure Coast, FL* Atlanta, GA Hawaiian Islands Chicago, IL Chicago Western Suburbs, IL* Indianapolis, IN Baton Rouge, LA Lafayette, LA New Orleans, LA Boston, MA Worcester, MA Ann Arbor, MI East Michigan Wayne County, MI* Western MI Minneapolis/ St. Paul, MN* Charlotte, NC Raleigh/Durham/ Chapel Hill, NC

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

Bergen/Passaic, NJ* Central, NJ Hudson County, NJ Mercer County, NJ Monmouth/ Ocean, NJ North Central NJ South NJ Santa Fe/Abq., NM* Las Vegas, NV Albany, NY* Buffalo, NY* Central NY* Long Island, NY Hudson Valley W., NY Manhattan, NY* Westchester/ Putnam Co’s., NY Central OH Cincinnati, OH Toledo, OH Oklahoma City, OK Portland, OR Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA Chester/Delaware Counties, PA Harrisburg/York, PA Lancaster/Berks, PA Lehigh Valley, PA* Northeast, PA Philadelphia, PA Rhode Island Charleston, SC Columbia, SC Greenville, SC* Chattanooga, TN* Austin, TX* Dallas, TX Houston, TX North, TX San Antonio, TX* South Houston/ Galveston, TX Richmond, VA Seattle, WA Madison, WI* Milwaukee, WI Puerto Rico Dominican Republic

* Existing magazines for sale

For more information, visit our website NaturalAwakeningsFranchise.com or call 239-530-1377

24

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

*Natural Awakenings recently received the prestigious FBR50 Franchise Satisfaction Award from Franchise Business Review.

Osetrik/Shutterstock.com

naturalpet

HEART-TO-HEART WITH A HORSE Their Gentle Empathy Helps Us Heal

by Sandra Murphy

P

hysical therapists have long used horses to help patients improve balance or strengthen core muscles. Now they’re helping to teach empathy.

Given a horse’s significant size, sometimes distracting surroundings and the need for safety, humans need to learn the animal’s non-verbal cues, and to regulate their own. Close interaction without riding is proving to be helpful for those dealing with addictions, trauma and grief, and for employees to improve their communication and teamwork skills.

Kelly Wendorf and Scott Strachan, co-founders of Equus, in Santa Fe, work with both individuals and organizations. Strachan emphasizes, “This isn’t magic. Horses reflect our feelings back to us. If we’re nervous, the horse will be more skittish.”

“We’ve had executives arrive with cell phones firmly in hand and leave holding soggy tissues instead,” comments Wendorf. “For them, it was unexpectedly emotional.”

For addicts caught up in a debilitating cycle, “Equine therapy gets the brain firing in a new direction,” says Constance Scharff, Ph.D., director of addiction research at Cliffside Malibu, in California. “Patients may say they’re fine when they’re not, but you can’t lie to a horse. They have boundaries; if you’re angry, a horse won’t tolerate your behavior and will walk away.”

Scharff notes, “Equine therapy is complementary to psychotherapy medicine, and one tool we use in approaching addiction. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be the underlying issue, so we can address it, to understand why the person became an addict.”

Wendorf relates the story of an 18-year-old client facing body image issues. “Five horses approached her and

touched her with their noses on her arms and legs. Where they touched was where she had been cutting herself to try to relieve her emotional pain.”

“People feel a powerful connection when they let down their defenses and a horse responds,” says Sheryl Jordan, equestrian director at Salamander Resort & Spa, in Middleburg, Virginia. “Our Equi-Spective life lessons program brings self-awareness and the power to better control emotions. During the session, they may hug, pet and cry on the horse, but they leave the corral smiling.”

The program teamed up with the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) serving bereaved military families.

Kelly Griffith, a surviving sister of U.S. Marine Corps Major Samuel Griffith, points to the power of equine therapy in a video at Tinyurl.com/Equi-SpectiveVideo.

Susan Wight, a former professional steeplechase rider and ambassador for TAPS in Leesburg, Virginia, says, “My husband was my riding coach. When he passed away, I was numb when facing decisions, but at the session, it felt like one of the horses was the one to choose. The initial flood of emotions and memories from being around horses again wasn’t pretty, but empathy is a specific language, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Horses are a huge part of my life.”

At Ranch Hand Rescue Counseling Center & Animal Sanctuary, in South Argyle, Texas, founder Bob Williams considers animal therapy a ministry.

“We rescue abused and neglected farm animals, including horses that come into play when patients are not responding to usual therapies,” he says. “It’s important for damaged people to learn to live in the light, and our partnering with the special needs animals helps put them on the emotional path to health.”

The rescue’s mission is to provide hope, healing and a sense of security for children and adults that have suffered severe trauma such as abuse, domestic violence and witnessing violent death (Tinyurl.com/RanchHandRescueVideo).

Riding Beyond’s four-session program, in Ashland, Oregon, is free to women recovering from the rigors of breast cancer treatment. Expenses are covered by donations from the community. German research published in the journal Psycho-Oncology reported that 82 percent of participating breast cancer patients studied displayed symptoms of PTSD following diagnosis.

“They often don’t want to touch or be touched, and have trouble with friendships and intimate relationships; issues that can cripple a woman’s life,” says Trish Broersma, founding director and a certified therapeutic riding professional at Riding Beyond (Tinyurl.com/RidingBeyondVideo). “The medical team that saved their lives doesn’t treat these issues.”

The first client, unfamiliar with horses, met Mystic, who touched her on the site of the former tumor. She says, “Even weeks later, when I brought her image to mind when stressed, sad or even happy, it brought feelings of contentment, peace and well-being.”

Horses have been serving humans in many ways for centuries. Equine therapy shows they have even more to give if we are open to receive.

Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@mindspring.com. natural awakenings

February 2017

25

“TV•Ears saved our marriage!”

New Special Offer!

TM

The Doctor Recommended TV•EARS® headset has helped millions of people hear television dialog clearly while eliminating concerns about loud volume or the need to buy expensive hearing aids. Put on your TV•Ears headset and turn it up as loud as you want while others listen to the television at a comfortable volume. You can even put the TV on mute and listen through the headset only. Others in the room won’t hear a thing, but we guarantee you will. Imagine watching television with your family again without fighting over the TV volume me or listening in private while a loved one sleeps or reads. As thousands of our customers have said, “TV•Ears has

Adjustable Foam Tips

changed our lives!”

Voice Clarifying Circuitry ® The TV•Ears headset contains proprietary Voice Clarifying Circuitry that automatically adjusts the audio curve to increase the clarity of television dialog while decreasing the volume of background sounds such as music and sound effects.

The words seem to jump out of the audio track, Transmitter/Charger making even whispers and accents understandable.

Pat and Shirley Boone Happily married over 60 years!

“I can watch TV as loud as I want without disturbing my wife. The dialog is clear and it’s good to hear my favorite shows again!”

— Pat Boone, Singer/Songwriter

120dB Volume

Adjustable Tone

Fast, Safe and Simple. TV•Ears transmitters use Speed of Light Infrared Technology™ (SoLIT) to send the television’s audio to the headset. Unlike slower Bluetooth or Radio Frequency, SoLIT does not need to be paired or adjusted, is completely safe with pacemakers, and will not interfere with your telephone.

Twice the Power with 120 decibels. The TV•Ears headsets are classified as “Assistive Listening Devices” for hearing-impaired individuals. This special designation permits the TV•Ears headset to have twice the maximum volume compared to all other wireless headsets.

Voice Clarifying TV•Ears Headset

“My wife and I have used the TV•Ears headset almost daily for many years and find them an invaluable help in our enjoyment of television. We would not be without them. As a retired Otologist, I heartily recommend them to people with or without hearing loss.”

— Robert Forbes, M.D., California

TV Ears Original™......$129.95 Special Offer

Now $59.95 +s&h For fastest service, call toll-free between 6am and 6pm PST Monday through Friday.

1-800-379-7832 or visit

www.tvears.com Please mention Promotion Code 35757

30-day risk free trial

Over 2 million satisfied users since 1998 TV dialog is clear and understandable 26

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

Works better than hearing aids

Voice Clarifying Products

TV Ears is a trademark of TV Ears, Inc. © 2017 TV Ears, Inc. All Rights Reserved

calendarofevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at NAPhilly.com or email Publisher@NAPhilly.com for more information.

Philadelphia Restaurant Week – Thru Feb 3.

Participating restaurants will offer three-course dinners for $35 per person. In addition, many participating restaurants will also offer a three-course lunch for $20. Info: CenterCityPhila.org.

Talks and Tours: The Struggle for Freedom – 1-4pm. Hear stories of courageous and clever actions taken by freedom-seeking men and women historic homes Cedar Grove, Belmont Mansion, and Strawberry Mansion. Tickets required. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy.

215-236-4465. PhilaMuseum.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Tai Chi for Adults – 1:30pm. With Darrel Bryant, instructor. A healthy and stress relieving break in the middle of your day. Oak Lane Library, 6614 North 12th St, Philadelphia. 215-685-2848.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3

Wine Tasting – 6-10pm. Stop in to sample wines from our basic tasting selection for just $5 or wines from our premium tasting selection for just $10.

Premium tasters also have the option of sampling our new Rebel Seed Hard Ciders. Pinot Boutique, 227 Market St, Philadelphia. 215-627-9463.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Bird Seed Sale – 9am-4:30pm. Save on birdseed, seed mixes, and suet in quantities from 4-50 lb bags. Members receive 20 percent off birdseed and nonmembers receive 10 percent off birdseed.

Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia. 215-482-7300.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Chair Yoga – 2pm. Ground your mind and body with chair yoga. Chair yoga is a twist on traditional yoga making practicing yoga accessible to those who cannot stand or move easily. All ages. Fumo Family Library, 2437 S Broad St, Philadelphia.

215-685-1758.

Monday Poets – 6:30pm. Listen to Janice A Low and Dr Herman Beavers’s works. Copies of the featured poets’ books may be available for cash purchase after the reading. At program’s end, if time permits, there may be a short open-mic session.

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia. 215-567-4341.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Yoga for All Levels – 7pm. Join for an hour of stretching, bending and relaxation with Dusica.

Bring your yoga mat and wear comfy clothing.

Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cotton Ave, Philadelphia. 215-685-0522.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Saturday Sketch – 10am-noon. Drop in and draw from Rodin’s masterpieces. Materials provided.

Free after admission. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. 215-2364465. PhilaMuseum.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1

Camp-in – 6:30pm. Give your group or family an unforgettable overnight adventure – a sleepover camp at the Franklin Institute science museum.

Pack your sleeping bags and prepare for an evening jam-packed with live science shows, hands-on workshops, stargazing in the rooftop observatory, and time to explore all eleven permanent exhibits.

222 N 20th St, Philadelphia. 215-448-1200. Register: fi.edu/event.

picked specifically to complement four chocolates.

Not only will your senses be stimulated but you will also learn how to create your own perfect dessert pairings. Pinot Boutique, 227 Market St, Philadelphia. 215-627-9463.

winter, get yourself moving to be healthier all over.

Bartram’s Garden, 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia. 215-729-5281. Register: BartramsGarden.org.

Fire and Ice Yin-Yasa – 6-8pm. With Justine Bacon.

In the vinyasa (yang) portion of class, the intense blasts of spastic sound will challenge your balance of mind and body in some moments. During the yin portion, feel the coolness of release in your body, mind and spirit from sweet melodious harmonies.

Experience the benefits of a completely balanced practice. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Philadelphia. 267-519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

Owl Prowl – 6-8pm. Meet rehabilitated owls from our wildlife clinic and learn about some of the physical and behavioral characteristics that make owls such exceptional hunters. After that, we’ll grab our flashlights and take a walk, searching for these elusive birds. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia. 215-482-7300.

Date Night –7-9pm. Join The Clay Studio, where instructors guide attendees through four-handed throwing by candlelight. Enjoy light fare, chocolate, champagne, wine and mood music while celebrating Valentine’s Day for a night to remember. Wear or bring clothes to change into that you don’t mind getting dirty. 137 North 2nd St, Philadelphia. Preregistration required: 215-925-3453.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Night Skies in the Observatory – 6-9pm. Look at celestial objects in the night sky including stars, planets and nebulae using telescopes in Bloom Observatory or at Ben’s Starlight Lounge on the 5th floor rooftop observation deck, featuring a cash bar. Build your own experience from any combination of planetarium shows, a live presentation on astronomy or space science, hands-on astronomy activities and continuous telescopic observing all evening (weather permitting). The Franklin Institute, 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia. 215-448-1200.

Register: fi.edu/event.

From Bacteria to Bach and Back – 7:30pm. Daniel C Dennett is the author of books that explore the intersection of human consciousness and evolutionary biology, including Consciousness Explained, Darwin’s Dangerous Idea, and Intuition Pumps and Other Tools for Thinking. Building on ideas from computer science and biology, From Bacteria to Bach and Back posits bold stances upon how we came to have conscious minds. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia. 215-5674341. Register: FreeLibrary.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

AcroYoga Workshop – 6-8pm. AcroYoga will give you an amazing feeling of accomplishment and confidence. Come alone or with a friend. No experience is necessary, and a good time is guaranteed. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Philadelphia. 267519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

HealthQuest – 10am-noon & 1-3pm. The journey to healthy living for mind, body and spirit. This

Love, Wine, Chocolate – 7pm. Included in your love tour is a guided tasting of five different wines

natural awakenings

February 2017

27

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

have a chance to test ride an Indego bike (helmet provided). Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia. 215-686-5322.

Couple’s Partner Yoga Workshop – 1-4pm. In this three-hour partner’s yoga workshop Brittany and her fiance, Nick, will guide participants through partner yoga postures that are fun, restorative and challenging. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Philadelphia. 267-519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

Sun and Moon Flow – 6-8pm. Cultivate the energy of the sun and the moon through this two- hour practice that balances the energy of the feminine and masculine, yin and yang, movement and stillness. Caitlin will guide participants through one hour of vigorous vinyasa flow that is heat building, energetic and strong, followed by one hour of slow, cooling, deep and restful yin yoga. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Phildelphia. 267-519-0767.

Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 French Comfort Skills – 6pm. Join instructor Betty Kaplan as she walks participants through the knife skills and technique required for these hearty dishes.

Attendees will leave with the expertise to impress loved ones using easily accessible ingredients to make a truly endearing meal. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia. 215-6865322. Register: FreeLibrary.org.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Weavers Way Environment Committee Meeting – 7:30-9pm. The Weavers Way Environment Committee has a long legacy of shaping environmental practice within the co-op community, organizing recycling events long before the city offered curbside pick-up. Newcomers join in on the meeting. Weavers Way, 555 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia. 215-843-2350 or Environment@WeaversWay.Coop.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Help with Managing Peripheral Neuropathy – Noon-1:30pm. Join for this program discussion on the prevention and management of the peripheral neuropathy, and also the importance of self-care with chronic neuropathy. Adelson Conference Room Medical Office Building, 1100 Walnut St, 3rd Fl, Philadelphia. 1-800-533-3669. Hospitals.

Jefferson.edu.

Tai Chi for Adults – 1:30pm. With Darrel Bryant, instructor. A healthy and stress relieving break in the middle of your day. Tai Oak Lane Library, 6614 North 12th St, Philadelphia. 215-685-2848.

Coding with Robots – 6:30-9pm. This workshop will start with a robotics lightning talk by passionate educator Pramod Abichandani, who holds a PhD in Robotics. Then, learn how to think like an engineer to solve problems step-by-step. Next, participants’ team up for a Shapes Challenge where they will code their own robot commands to guide a LocoXtreme robot to travel the path of various shapes. Then, take home long-exposure photos of the shapes their robots have created. The Franklin Institute, 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia. 215-448-1200. Register: fi.edu/event.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Shake Your Asana – 9-11pm. Join Brittany Policastro and DJ Nate Spross of Yoga Music Project for a substance free, after hours, yoga dance party that will knock your socks off. The first hour will be a dynamic, creative and fun flow, followed by a kickin’ free flow dance party, complete with an extra long, juicy savasana. Attendees will leave on a high that required zero chemicals. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Philadelphia. 267-519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

boots are recommended. No experience necessary – gloves, tools, instruction, and snacks provided.

Bring your own water bottle. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia. 215-482-7300.

Yoga for Everyone – 1pm. Increase strength, flexibility and balance with a smile. Learn poses you can do almost anywhere with just your own body. All experience and skill levels encouraged. 200 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia. 215-685-1754.

Philadelphia Mummers Mardi Gras Parade – 11am-2pm. Numerous performances from the prominent string bands parading down Main Street.

Parade route starts at Shurs Lane at 11am. Attendees are encouraged to visit participating restaurants, which will serve as String Band Clubhouses for the afternoon, after the parade. Manayunk. Manayunk.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Philadelphia Jazz Project – 7pm. Matthew Stewart is a Wilmington, Delaware-based trumpeter. A student of legendary trumpeter Donald Byrd, Stewart works with Sonic Liberation Front and the Wilmington Creative Music Collective. He performed with the Philadelphia Jazz Project’s (PJP) Another Holiday For Skins ensemble and participated in Lush Life: Philadelphia Celebrates Billy Strayhorn as part of the OutBeat Jazz festival. He also served as music director for PJP’s Ted Curson tribute ensemble, Quicksand. Matthew Stewart has also toured the world with the band Streetlight Manifesto. Free admission. Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St, Philadelphia. 215-686-5316.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Create a Spice Blend – 6pm. Math in everyday life is an important theme in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Using the mathematical concept of ratios, explore ways to maximize flavor using spices and spice blends. Come ready to put your taste buds and culinary minds to the test. Participants will leave with their own spice blend to use at home. Fishtown Community Library, 1217 E Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia. 215-685-9990.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18

Health Heart and Stroke Awareness – 2pm.

Reduce your risk of heart disease by making smart choices, based on the American Heart Association Life’s Simple 7. Falls Library, 3501 Midvale Ave, Philadelphia. EastFallsVillage.org.

Restoration Workday – 10am-noon. Get some fresh air and exercise while maintaining the beauty and biodiversity of our forest. Be a steward of the land by helping remove invasive plants, plant native species, and clean up trails. Long pants and sturdy

Winter Indego Street Skills – 6pm. This 90-minute class will give participants the knowledge to start bicycling safely in Philadelphia. Learn everything one needs to know to have fun and be safe. No bike needed. At the end of the class, participants will

28

Philadelphia, PA

NAPhilly.com

Thyroid Dysfunction Seminar – 6:30-7:30pm. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 27 million suffer from a thyroid condition and 50% are undiagnosed. Come to this seminar to learn more about this topic. Hotel Sofitel Philadelphia, 120 S 17th St. 215-564-6680.

History and Future of Regional Trail System – 7:30-9pm. One of the region’s great environmental stories is the explosive growth of the Circuit, the 750-mile trail network that connects the city to its nine surrounding counties, with long-distance links to the Poconos, DC and the Susquehanna River.

Speaker Bob Thomas, a founder and principal of Campbell Thomas & Co, has been advocating for, plus planning and designing, trails for 40 years, while writing many of its groundbreaking studies. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia. 215-482-7300.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The Jungle Book Performance – 11am. Especially created for families with children ranging from preschool through fifth grade, this is a completely original ballet production. Talented local artists have brought to life The Jungle Book. Enjoy this sensory-friendly performance with adjusted lighting and sound. Prince Theater, 1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia. 215-893-1999.

Posture Clinic: Forearm Stand –1-3pm. Let’s take a dive into the preparation and benefits of this dynamic posture. Learn the foundation, technique and alignment of pincha mayurasana so you can practice it safely and with more ease and comfort.

Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Phildelphia.

267-519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

Wellness Walk – 2-3pm. Winter is a great time for an invigorating walk through our forest. Come out for a walk led at a moderate pace; be prepared for uneven terrain. Schuylkill Center, 8480 Hagy’s Mill Rd, Philadelphia. 215-482-7300.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Immersion into the Basics – 3-5pm. For beginners who would like to learn the fundamentals of yoga before stepping into the classroom environment. For experienced yogis who want to reset their practice and get back to the basics. Join Rachel Dobkin as she leads a two-hour immersion into the basics of a vinyasa yoga practice. Learn to find your breath and alignment, while becoming comfortable with some of the more frequently called poses. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Phildelphia. 267-519-0767.

Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime – 7:30pm. Broadway Philadelphia proudly presents the acclaimed National Theatre production

of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the NightTime, directed by two-time Tony Award winner Marianne Elliott (War Horse) and adapted Tony and Olivier Award winner Simon Stephens. Academy of Music, 240 Broad St, Philadelphia. 215-8931999. KimmelCenter.org.

plan ahead

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines for submissions at NAPhilly.com or email Publisher@NAPhilly.com for more information.

Pay What You Wish – 5-8:45pm. Explore the Philadelphia Art Museum. Donation recommended.

2600 Benjamin Franklin Pkwy. Info: PhilaMuseum. org/Visit.

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 Yin Yoga with Reiki Healing – 6-8pm. The subtle energy of yin yoga and the healing power of reiki is a wonderful combination of therapeutic work for the benefit of your physical, mental and emotional health. The room will be warm, but not heated. Priya Hot Yoga, 1828 Callowhill St, Philadelphia. 267519-0767. Register: PriyaHotYoga.com.

University City Group Run – 6pm. Whether you are training for a race, working on getting back into shape, or just looking for a few people to help knock a few miles out, our group runs are a fun and laid back way to spend an hour of your weekday evening. Philadelphia Runner, 3621 Walnut St. Info: 215-662-5100.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 Philadelphia Flower Show – Mar 11-19. Holland: Flowering the World, will showcase the extraordinary plants, creativity and talent of this region’s top horticulturists and designers along with award winning landscape and floral designers from the Netherlands. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th & Arch St. Register/info: 215-988-8800.

TheFlowerShow.com.

Garden Workshop: Fruit Tree Grafting – 10am1pm. With POP and Greg Rothman of Cummins Nursery. Learn the art and science of fruit tree grafting and bring home your own apple or pear tree.

They’ll cover the basics of fruit tree grafting and then lead participants in hands-on grafting of their own trees. Bring home your own tree or donate one to POP to plant in a community orchard in the city.

The Franklin Institute, 222 N 20th St, Philadelphia.

Register: 215-448-1200. fi.edu/event.

Schuylkill River Cleanup – 4-6pm. Join United

by Blue for the 2017 kickoff cleanup at Bartram’s Garden. They’ll be teaming up with Philadelphia Water and Philadelphia Parks and Recreation to tackle the trash on the banks of the Schuylkill River. United By Blue will provide all of the cleanup supplies. Pre-cleanup snacks will be available during check-in, courtesy of Cliff Bar. Wear closed toe shoes and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. 5400 Lindbergh Blvd.

UnitedByBlue.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 25 Namas Day – 8am-6pm. Philadelphia comes together once more in celebration of yoga and wellness. The eighth annual Namas Day Yoga Festival returns to the WHYY building on Independence Mall. This all-day event offers a full schedule of yoga programming, a wellness marketplace, food trucks, and new this year – The Wellness Walk. 150 N Sixth St. Register/info: PhillyAreaYoga.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 Fitness and Wellness Retreat – Apr 28-30. Enjoy strength training, guided walk/run, hiking, yoga, and a guided moonlight meditation – all in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you are an experienced athlete or a novice, this is an opportunity to power your own potential, and feel the joy and pride of working on your health and wellness. Himalayan Institute Retreat Center, Honesdale. Register/info: 570-253-5551. HimalayanInstitute.org.

Fiber Craft Group – 6-7:30pm. Fiber artists are invited to bring their latest project and enjoy an evening of crafting and conversation with fellow artists.

All skill levels welcome. Cobbs Creek Library, 5800 Cobbs Creek Pkwy, Philadelphia. 215-685-1973.

sunday Manayunk Group Run – 9am. Whether you are training for a race, working on getting back into shape, or just looking for a few people to help knock a few miles out, our group runs are a fun and laid back way to spend an hour of your weekend running. Philadelphia Runner, 4358 Main St. Info: 267-336-7409.

monday Fitness at the Library – 5:30pm. Exercise to our wonderful collection of fitness instruction DVDs. For adults and teens. Space may be limited. Frankford Library, 4634 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia. Register/ info: 215-685-1473. FreeLibrary.org.

Abington Jefferson Health Hatha Yoga – 5:306:30pm. Certified hatha yoga instructor focuses on breathing techniques, proper body alignment, and postures to improve flexibility, balance, and coordination. Blocks, straps, blankets, chairs, and bolsters are used to assist students of all fitness levels. Wear comfortable, loose fitting-clothing, and bring a yoga mat if you have one. 1200 Old York Rd. Register/ info: 215-481-6888. AbingtonHealth.org.

wednesday November Project – 6:25am. Free workout at Art Museum Rocky Steps. Spring Garden St, Philadelphia. Info: November-Project.com/Philadelphia-PA. Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours – 1011:15am. Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 124-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. Info: 215-545-8007.

Bereavement Support Group – Thru Mar 15.

2-3:30pm & 6-7:30pm. Participants will have the opportunity to support one another and learn more about the different topics within the grieving process. Methodist Hospital, 2301 South Broad St, Conference Rm 1, Philadelphia. Info: Hospital.

Jefferson.edu.

thursday Center City Group Run – 6pm. Whether you are training for a race, working on getting back into shape, or just looking for a few people to help knock a few miles out, our group runs are a fun and laid back way to spend an hour of your weekday evening. Philadelphia Runner, 1601 Sanson St. Info: 215-972-8333.

friday November Project – 6:25am. Free workout at various locations (see Facebook/Twitter). Info: November-Project.com/Philadelphia-PA. Gorgas Park Farmers’ Market – 2-7pm. Ridge Ave & Acorn St, Philadelphia. 215-733-9599. Info: FarmToCity.org.

saturday Farmers’ Market at Liberty Lands – 9am-1pm.

J & J Farm brings organic fruits and vegetables, eggs and homemade jam to Liberty Lands Park, 900 block of N 3rd St, Philadelphia. TheFoodTrust.org.

Chestnut Hill Farmers’ Market – 9am-3pm. Yearround market. Featuring local food and products: seasonal produce, herbs, mushrooms and honey plus plants and flowers. Winston Rd between Germantown Ave & Mermaid Ln, Philadelphia. 215-7339599. Info: FarmToCity.org.

Rittenhouse Farmers’ Market – 9am-3pm. Yearround market. Local food and products: seasonal produce, herbs, mushrooms and honey plus local wine. 18th St & Walnut St, Philadelphia. 215-7339599. Info: FarmToCity.org.

Taste of Philadelphia: Market Tours – 1011:15am. Learn the story behind cheese steaks, hoagies, pretzels and other Philly food favorites, and the 124-year history of the vibrant Reading Terminal Market where they’re sold during this 75-minute, food-writer-led walking tour. Info: 215-545-8007.

natural awakenings

February 2017

29

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAPhilly.com to request our media kit.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE

NATALIE BLISS, PHD. SH, RMT

INSIGHT HEALTH & WELLNESS

Reiki Master Teacher Natalie Bliss is an independent educator and consultant. Following a lifetime as a professional musician and teacher, she was ordained in nonsectarian Spiritual Healing (PhD. SH). Her healing ministry incorporates reiki and therapeutic sound for relief of stress and its manifestations. See ad, page 5.

Dr. Dunlap, a former Navy SEAL, chiropractor, physical therapist and certified functional medicine practitioner, has more than 20 years of experience in health and wellness.

State-of-the-art FM program focusing on reversal and elimination of Type 2 diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, as well as True Cellular Detox program addressing hormonal dysfunction, weight-loss resistance, fatigue and brain fog. Our focus is on an efficient and effective approach to your health needs. Your wellness goals are with InSight. See ad, page 9.

Stress Management Consulting Classes • Workshops • Private Sessions Philadelphia • 267-251-6052 ReikiSoundBliss.com

SAGE INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CENTER Wendy Romig, MS, CNS, LDN 538 Carpenter Ln, Philadelphia 215-839-3950 • SageIntegrativeHealth.com

Sage Integrative Health Center offers a customized, natural approach to helping people overcome illness using a blend of nutritional counseling, herbal remedies and wellness coaching.

Visit our on-site herb shop. See ad, page 6.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL CHESTNUT HILL CAT CLINIC 8220 Germantown Ave Philadelphia • 215-247-9560 ChestnutHillCatClinic.com

Dr. Rick Dunlap, DC, PT, CFMP 1601 Walnut St, Ste 514 Philadelphia • 215-564-6680 InsightHealthWellness.com

LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE FARM TO CITY

Weekly Outdoor Farmers’ Markets Philadelphia • 215-733-9599 Info@FarmToCity.org • FarmToCity.org Farm to City connects urban residents with food from local farmers through 15 producer-only farmers’ markets, many CSA farms and its Winter Harvest Buying Club. Visit our website for seasonal schedule and opening days.

Support our advertisers.

For every $100 spent in locally owned business, $68 returns to the community. source: the350project.net

NAPhilly.com

116 White Horse Pike, Haddon Heights, NJ Serving Philadelphia, PA 844-646-7382 • Sevalife.net The Sevalife whole health approach enables you to take small steps that lead to massive change in hormone imbalances, unexplained weight gain and even stress reduction. It does not include restrictive diets and extreme exercise plans. One on one attention is at the cornerstone of our care. Our goal is to empower you to take control of your health and wellness and importantly, your happiness. See ad, page 21.

NATURAL ORGANIC MARKET ESSENE MARKET

In the heart of historic Fabric Row 719 S 4th St, Philadelphia 215-922-1146 • EsseneMarket.com Philadelphia’s premier natural foods market, Essene specializes in organic, local, veganfriendly selections. Our café’s hot bar features ready-made Korean, vegetarian and gluten-free entrees. Our fresh juice bar is renowned for invigorating smoothies and enlivening elixirs. Be sure to try freshly baked treats prepared in our own vegan bakery. From hard-to-find items to everyday staples, we’re your neighborhood market for healthconscious living. See ad, page 10.

NATUROPATH EARTHLY ESSENCE

Become the Master of Your Own Healing©. Dr. Jacquilen Fostor Tomas Ali, ND, is a Naturopathic Physician, Certified Nutritional Counselor (CNC) and Master Herbalist (MH). Also, as a Certified BodyTalk Practitioner, Dr. Ali focuses on and addresses the causes of health challenges, not just symptoms. This focus provides a well-balanced approach to health and healing.

Make your community a little GREENER…

Philadelphia, PA

DR. SUSAN STUKES, DDS, CHHC

Dr. Jacquilen Fostor Tomas Ali 3901 Main St, Bldg B, Ste 201, Philadelphia 215-360-4110 • DrAliND.com

We are a full-service veterinary hospital, dedicated to the gentle compassionate care of felines. We specialize in preventative health care and provide exceptional surgical and dental services. See ad, page 27.

30

NATURAL HEALTH

ORGANIC PRODUCTS ORGANIC MATTRESS COMPANY 1075 Main St, Hellertown 484-851-3636.

TheOrganicMattressStore.com

The Organic Mattress Company has been around since 2004. Don’t be fooled by misleading advertising. We are here to answer any of your questions.

PERSONAL TRAINING POTENTIA PERSONAL TRAINING, LLC Tema Esberg 9507 Wheelpump Ln, Philadelphia 215-435-2215 • PotentiaPersonalTraining.com

Potentia can help you “Power your Potential” for fitness, health and wellness with a variety of services.

We offer in-home personal training, lifestyle and behavioral coaching to identify and achieve your wellness goals and mindfulness workshops to quiet the mind, decrease stress/anxiety and improve energy and productivity.

PSYCHOLOGIST JOANNE PERILSTEIN, PHD 1518 Walnut St, Ste 1202 Philadelphia • 215-772-0900 MyPhiladelphiaTherapist.com

Licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience. Your needs and comfort determine the structure of your treatment. If you can’t solve problems with stress, anxiety or depression, I will need to listen to your story and together we will create a plan. I use a straight-forward, common sense approach seasoned with empathy and humor. See ad, page 7.

SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NETWORK 2401 Walnut St, Ste 206, Philadelphia 215-922-7400, ext 104 sbnPhiladelphia.org

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) of Greater Philadelphia is a nonprofit membership organization striving to build a just, green and thriving local economy. See ad, page 7.

WELLNESS CENTER AMAZING WELLNESS CENTER

Dr. Donna Skerry 7017 Calvert St, Philadelphia 215-624-8824 • TheHealthyYou.com An all-in-one holistic specialist, Dr. Skerry will address the source of your physical pain with deep muscle therapy, weight or fatigue with whole food nutrition and barricades that stop you from succeeding with unique emotional work. Gluten-free pizza baked on-premise is also available (order before Fri). See ad, page 7.

NATALIE BLISS, PHD. SH, RMT

Stress Management Consulting Classes • Workshops • Private Sessions Philadelphia • 267-251-6052 ReikiSoundBliss.com

SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATIONS PRACTICAL SANCTUARY, SPACES THAT HEAL 2312 N Hancock St Philadelphia, PA 19133 267-702-5594 PracticalSanctuary.com

Interior design business specializing in sustainable decorating and custom interior mural design. We work with business owners to create spaces that attract their ideal clients, and with home owners to manifest their unique creative vision. See ad, page 5.

Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $20 for the first 20 words and $1 for each additional word. To place an ad, email Publisher@NAPhilly.com.

OPPORTUNITIES ADVERTISE HERE – Are you: hiring, renting property/office space, selling products, offering services, or in need of volunteers? Advertise your personal/business needs in Natural Awakenings classified ad section. To place an ad, email Publisher@NAPhilly.com.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS PHILADELPHIA NOW HIRING – Seeking part-time commissionbased salespeople for Natural Awakenings Philadelphia. Send your resumé or contact information to: Publisher@NAPhilly.com.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS PHILADELPHIA NOW HIRING – Seeking part-time assistant/appointment setter. This position is home-based. Must have great communication skills, be a self-starter, meet deadlines and multi-task. Send your resumé or contact information to: Publisher@NAPhilly.com.

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 239530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsmag.com/ MyMagazine.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Reiki Master Teacher Natalie Bliss is an independent educator and consultant. Following a lifetime as a professional musician and teacher, she was ordained in nonsectarian Spiritual Healing (PhD. SH). Her healing ministry incorporates reiki and therapeutic sound for relief of stress and its manifestations. See ad, page 5.

classifieds

Sacred Pilgrimage to Egypt with Rae Chandran T

his magical retreat offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Egypt with a custom guided program led by internationally renowned channeler and author Rae Chandran that combines nature, history, adventure and spiritual experiences in some of the most magnificent spots in the world.

March 31 – April 9, 2017

10 days / 9 nights • Cost: $3,800 - $4,200 (airfare not included)

Spiritual Retreat in Israel – July 2017 Meditations, Initiations and Channelings

To register for the Egypt or Israel tour or for more information, call Susan Deflavis Winters at 239-340-1036 or email Panguswf@gmail.com For more information about Rae Chandran, visit RaeChandran.com natural awakenings

February 2017

31

A V OYA G E TO W E L L - B E I NG

MARCH 11 - 18, 2017

Join our 14th annual Holistic Holiday at Sea cruise for 7 nights on the luxurious MSC Divina, one of the most ecologically-friendly and elegant cruise liners on the seas. Bask in gracious Italian hospitality and service all while enjoying inspiring lectures and vegan natural foods prepared by our own chefs. Departing from Miami, FL and sailing to lush Ocho Rios, Jamaica; historic Georgetown, Cayman Islands; sunny Cozumel, Mexico; & the paradise of Nassau, Bahamas. Learn more about the classes, cuisine and itinerary at holisticholidayatsea.com.

Chosen by National Geographic Traveler as

ONE OF THE 1 00 BEST WORLDWIDE VACATIONS TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE

FEATURING WORLD-RENOWNED CHEFS, TEACHERS & HEALERS Co-author of The China Study and author of Whole: Rethinking the Science of Nutrition; featured in the film Forks Over Knives

T. COLIN CAMPBELL, PH.D.

Physician, author, & internationally-recognized speaker on nutrition; founded NutritionFacts.org; spoke at Congress, on Dr. Oz, & the Colbert Report

MICHAEL GREGER, M.D. Creator of the popular vegan food blogs HealthyHappyLife.com and FindingVegan.com; author of two best-selling cookbooks

Best-selling author of Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease; starred in the film Forks Over Knives; featured on CNN’s special The Last Heart Attack

CALDWELL ESSELSTYN, JR. M.D.

KATHY PATALSKY

FOOD OPTIONS FOR EVERYONE - VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, OIL-FREE AND SHIP’S MENU SWIM, SNORKEL AND KAYAK IN THE CRYSTAL WATERS OF THE CARIBBEAN AWARD-WINNING ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY SHIP DAILY YOGA, MEDITATION, PILATES, QI GONG, DO-IN, RUNNING, FITNESS & BODY BUILDING CLASSES 45 TEACHERS • 145 LECTURES & WORKSHOPS 11 COOKING & BOOTCAMP CLASSES CEU & CME CREDITS AVAILABLE DANCING, SOCIALS & SINGLES EVENT VEGAN PIZZA & ICE CREAM PARTIES CANCER SUPPORT GROUP & RECOVERY PANEL PRIVATE CONSULTATIONS & TREATMENTS AVAILABLE

Founder of the Physicians Commitee for Responsible Medicine; author of Food for Life & Power Foods for the Brain; active health advocate

NEAL BARNARD, M.D. Emmy Award-winning author of seven bestselling cookbooks; host of the television show Christina Cooks; health educator for 25+ years

CHRISTINA PIRELLO

LEARN MORE holisticholidayatsea.com info@holisticholidayatsea.com 1-800-496-0989 (Toll Free US) 1-828-749-9537 Holistic Holiday at Sea holisticholidayatsea.com/blog

BOOK TODAY Lorraine Travel bookings@holisticholidayatsea.com

1-877-844-7977 (Toll Free US) 1-305-443-0542 Option 1 for program information Option 2 for travel agent All reservations for our holistic group must be made through Lorraine Travel