The Brick Magazine | June 2018

BRICK

THE

JUNE 2018

MAGAZINE

ANN ARBOR

HOW TO BE SWEETLY UNREASONABLE BALANCE THE SIMPLE PLEASURES MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE

PLUS! 5 TIPS TO MAKE THE MOST OF OUTSIDE SUMMER TIME

Maria Sylvester FOLLOWING THE SPARKS OF CURIOSITY AND INSPIRATION

It’s going to be a new year, let’s create your new look

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BRICK MAGAZINE

JUNE 2018

Publisher • Sarah Whitsett Assistant to the publisher • Jillian Fraioli

Art Director • Jennifer Knutson

Copy Editor • Angelina Bielby

CONTENTS

Marketing Director • Steve DeBruler

Cover Photographer • Hilary Nichols of Hilary Nichols Photography

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Contributors >>

Bridget Baker

Sharon Lawlor

Kristen Domingue

Lisa Nogueira

Angela Harrison

Lisa Profera

Alycia Huston

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Randi Rubenstein Stephanie Saline Maria Sylvester

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Your Minimalist Lifestyle “Make-Under” Following the Sparks of Curiosity and Inspiration From Therapist to Life Coach with Maria Sylvester Summer Style The Latest in Trends The Simple Pleasures Make All the Difference Don’t Let the Bugs, Bug You! Woman On the Street How to Be Sweetly Unreasonable Balance 5 Tips to Make the Most of Outside Summer Time Gather Your Friends Together We’re Having a BBQ! Kids are More Alive Outside Head to the Woods for Renewal & Rejuvenation

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June 2018 | 7

YOUR MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE “Make-Under”

By Bridget Baker

8 | The Brick Magazine

L

ife changes. You may have experienced a breakup, a new baby, a marriage, a job loss. Something big has changed, and your current surroundings, wardrobe, and environment may not reflect who you are now. As you envision a new you, you may be thinking, “It’s time for a makeover!” Well, what about a different approach? How about a make-UNDER? Often when we try to improve our lives, we think we need to add more, but what if the key to making over our lives was in having less, in doing less? Start with the foundation of not only decluttering, but in finding the peace created by letting go of what doesn’t inspire you, gets in your way, or just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore.

Minimalism is not just about assessing your physical “stuff.” It’s a philosophy, a way of life, and a foundation for a more simple quality of life. Now, who doesn’t want that?

When you get all of those items that are cluttering your view out of your way, you can see what’s underneath and focus on what is truly important to you.

Here are some areas in your life that may be due for a make-under:

YOUR WARDROBE: Let’s start with your closet first. Pull everything out of your closet and onto your bed or chair — and I mean all of it. It may seem overwhelming to tackle your wardrobe all at once, but bear with me. You are cleaning the slate so that you can create. Clean the floor of your closet, the walls, etc. — whatever you need to do to feel like you have just moved in. Then, go through items one by one. Will you wear it? Does it fit? Does it fit in your lifestyle now? Make a pile for donations, and if it’s valuable enough, you can sell the item online. Be honest with yourself about how each piece fits into your life now, rather than into a life you once had, and let go of what doesn’t support you. I recommend hanging all of your clothes, so you don’t have to do any folding, except for pajamas, socks, workout clothes, underwear, etc….

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YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE: Are you using more steps and more products than you need to when you start or finish your day? It’s essential to buy fewer products that are better quality and simplify your routine. Is there a face wash that can double as a makeup remover, for example? Do you have to blow dry your hair every day? What products do you love, and what products do you “think” you should be using (that aren’t doing much for you)? Empty that makeup drawer and assess one item at a time. Then, be conscious about what you purchase. Do you need a new moisturizer when you still have half a bottle of the one you love in the cabinet?

YOUR DECOR: Did you decorate when you moved into your living space years ago, and now nothing seems to feel like you anymore?

Rather than thinking you have to change everything, start by paring down. What decor did you purchase because it was trendy at the time, but now feels played out and uninspiring? What knickknack is gathering dust rather than bringing you joy to have displayed in your home? Clean the slate. Take down everything that you don’t love. Experiment with bare walls for a while. Does the room need to be a different color? Do you need to have something in every corner or every wall? Give your space

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buying more storage bins or adding shelving units, it may be that much of what is in your garage doesn’t need to be there at all. Have a garage sale and give your items a new home to someone who would genuinely benefit from and use them. Pro tip: after the garage sale, donate what’s left, rather than hauling it back into your garage for some future sale. Let. It. Go.

and yourself some breathing room to create what is next by letting go of what you don’t love first. See what feels right to put in the space next, or enjoy less clutter in the room.

If you know that it’s time to move on from a job, a relationship, or a way of life that is causing you stress, it may be time to simplify. Focus on what’s important, and then piece by piece, strip away what is not essential. To have more time, do less. To have better relationships, eliminate distractions. To have a simpler life, why not try living with less?

bridget baker web presence sherpa | productivity hacker digital nomad | freelance blogger minimalist adventurer | speaker full-time rver

YOUR GARAGE: Cleaning out the garage can be a tough one for some people. Rather than being used to store cars, garages can often become warehouses for unfinished projects and discarded hobbies. Summer is the best time to clean out your garage and set up a place for everything. Rather than

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Photo credited to Anita Schade of Treasured Miracles Photography

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FOLLOWING THE SPARKS OF CURIOSITY AND INSPIRATION From Therapist to Life Coach with Maria Sylvester

by Kristen Domingue

Following Curiosity to Career I started my coaching practice the same way I’ve done just about everything in my life — taking one inspired step after the next. I navigate these steps never quite knowing exactly where they will lead, but confident that if I trust myself, honoring my heart, intuition and inner wisdom, I’ll land it right! And I must say, establishing my coaching practice and founding the Life Empowerment Coaching & Healing Arts Center here in Ann Arbor has been one of my best landings thus far.

Even as a very young child, I was fascinated by people.

Questions like, “Why was she loudly sighing?” “What made him laugh so hard?” “Why was my friend frowning?” constantly wandered through my mind. It was all a mystery to me, and I wanted to understand more. I sensed there was a lot going on behind a gesture, a comment, or an expression. If I could figure out what was happening, I believed I would feel safer in my world and be able to better navigate it.

In high school, I was introduced to the topics of personal development and psychology, and boom — clarity! I knew instantly I wanted to study psychology and really grasp what makes people behave the way they do. I was thrilled to learn there was a science behind psychological development. If I could study it, it would help me to meaningfully and powerfully connect with others.

After graduating with a psychology degree from University of Michigan, I worked as a childcare counselor for several years at a group home for troubled adolescent girls. I then decided to pursue a Masters of Social Work degree. I realized that with this advanced degree, I could do psychotherapy and more intensely and purposefully help people.

As part of my training, I worked in the Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatric Unit at the University of Michigan Hospital. This internship morphed into a staff position.

I treasure, and still use to this day, all of the knowledge and experience I gained working psychodynamically with

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Photo credited to Hilary Nichols, of Hilary Nichols Photography

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extremely troubled teens and families. Understanding the deeper psychological underpinnings of human functioning allows me to be more compassionate, empathetic, and helpful in my work and personal relationships.

Though I loved working as an inpatient psychotherapist, I became frustrated by the challenges of mental health insurance standards dictating the length of stay. I believed it was crucial that a patient’s discharge be based on true emotional healing and readiness. Insurance dictates made this impossible. I left the hospital and started a private practice, where I was able to work with adolescents, adults and couples as long as necessary to achieve the healing and relief they desired. My practice thrived for 25 years until life challenges, and then life coaching, called me in a new direction!

time to sell your

home?

From Great Challenge, Great Change In addition to being a therapist, I’ve also spent my own time in therapy. Severe depression haunted me at various points in my life. Like my clients, hard work in therapy helped me alleviate and better cope with psychological symptoms, yet the job was far from complete. Feeling emotionally well did not necessarily mean I was living the life I longed for and dreamed of, a life I LOVED. A healthy mind does not always automatically create a sense of inner peace or joy. It was this realization that fueled and inspired my life coaching practice. I discovered that you can have all the insight in the world, but unless you take action on that insight, transformation doesn’t happen!

For me, this is the biggest distinction between therapy and coaching — therapy helps you understand your life.

Coaching helps you take action and transform it!

Sometimes it just hits you — that pivotal moment when you know something has to change. For me, the moment was a full-out panic attack, as I realized my life was far from what I wanted, far from what I would deem good enough: I was in a marriage that left me feeling straightjacketed.

You reach that moment and hear yourself shouting “No!” It is then that you can propel yourself to an expansive and powerful “Yes!” My “yes” to myself was a commitment to discover and live from the heart of what really mattered to me.

I let go of pieces of my life that were broken or unhealthy.

This was extremely difficult; it included ending my

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marriage. Upon deep reflection, I realized I had abandoned vital parts of myself in an attempt to maintain this attachment. By pushing aside or burying key aspects of myself, I paid a huge price: a loss of authenticity, personal power and energy.

Excessively compromising ourselves, or putting ourselves on a back shelf in an attempt to make a relationship work takes a tremendous amount of psychological energy. Once I recognized this was what I was doing in my marriage and stopped doing so, I was blown away by how much freed up energy I had for the other important aspects of my life!

My relationships with my daughter, friends, extended family, and colleagues flourished. Perhaps most importantly, my relationship with myself became the priority it needed to be! As I reclaimed and honored my abandoned passions, creativity, and whole-hearted spirit, I literally coached myself back home to myself.

I stepped into an even more purposeful, richly rewarding phase of parenting my daughter. We had many fun play-dates, travel adventures, and cozy nights at home.

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Photo credited to Anita Schade of Treasured Miracles Photography

I took piano lessons, picking up where I left off at age 11.

I gave myself permission to explore and enjoy hot yoga, encaustic wax painting, and kirtan chanting. I also had fabulous fun socializing with close friends with whom I previously had little contact. We explored art galleries, savored downtown nightlife, and discovered great music venues and places to dance.

Soon after that, I entered a year-long coaching program and became a certified life coach through the International Coach Academy. I was determined to gift others similar

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knowledge and self-empowerment tools I had discovered that helped me take deliberate, intentional, deeply gratifying action in my life.

Sharing the Wisdom Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been coaching for almost 12 years now, savoring the joy and privilege of helping many adolescents, adults, and couples courageously, confidently, and powerfully transform their lives! It is extraordinary to watch an individual evolve from being completely stuck to removing

and excited about what’s ahead. I’m determined to keep my dazzle on and my sparkle sparkling, and I want to help other women do the same!

When I finally had the courage to stand in my truth, honor my inner wisdom, trust myself, and therefore make the agonizing decision to leave my marriage, I came back to a more joyful, authentic self.

On Blending Work and Family I maintain the balance and blend between work and family through my commitment to working part-time, which I have done ever since my daughter Juliet was born 21 years ago. Having two full days when I’m not at my Life Coaching Center allows me both the time to address the more mundane aspects of daily existence with ease, and most importantly, gives me lots of leisure time to simply be, and enjoy my beloveds!

Three years ago, my life and heart broke wide open into beautiful technicolor when I married my husband, Steve. Being a newlywed again makes me giddy, as I was a single mom for 10 years. Steve and I live happily together in our tiny little bungalow atop a tiny little hill in Ann Arbor. My daughter pops in from college occasionally as icing on my cake. Life is good.

I cherish every moment, and live it as one big adventure that I trust is unfolding in some sort of perfect order.

Advice to Younger Me If I could go back in time a bit, and give advice to my younger self it would be this: Check in with yourself often.

Ask, “What is my heart longing for?” Trust the answer you hear. Courageously head in that direction!

barriers and obstacles, and using new skills or tools to move forward to a degree that they sometimes feel downright unstoppable.

Most recently, I’ve also grown my practice to include my Mid-Life Magnificence programs and workshops dedicated to celebrating, uplifting, and empowering women in midlife. My work focuses on helping women embrace their radiant, sexy, sensual feminine energy, power, and spirit.

My own life journey has opened me to the magnificence of this period of life, and I’ve never felt more alive, vibrant,

Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC LifeEmpowermentCoaching.com Complimentary First Session | 734.717.7532

Kristen M. Domingue is a copywriter and content marketing consultant in the New York City area.

When she’s not delivering on client projects, you can find her cooking up something gluten-free or in an internet rabbit hole on entrepreneurship or astrology.

June 2018 | 17

SUMMER STYLE: The Latest in Trends

by Angela Harrison

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I

t’s time for summer trends, y’all! This season is packed with a lot of fun garments and accessories; summer is a great time to bring the color and camp. You’ll be seeing this season’s Pantone color trend report in all walks of fashion life, be it prints, shoes, handbags, jewelry, etc. I keep my wardrobe pretty neutral, and incorporate trend colors I like with a layering piece or fun accessory. You don’t need to stock up on trendy clothing items, since the chances of them being around next summer, in the same way, are slim. So, I’m breaking down all things color, clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry to give a visual of what’s on trend for this summer, and it’s up to you to make it your own!

Pick and choose things that feel like a natural addition to your wardrobe and accessory collection.

COLORS Colors for this season, based on the Pantone Spring 2018 Color Report, feature dusty bold hues of purple and lime green, punchy pastels, and warm neutrals. These colors were first showcased this past winter in the Spring/ Summer ’18 fashion shows, and now are trickling into department store finds and home accessories. Almost anything sold in a retail store will be influenced by this color report.

Once you spot the colors, you’ll be noticing them everywhere!

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CLOTHES

SHOES Popular shoe styles emerging from this summer’s trends are the mule loafer, mule espadrille, and strappy slide. The mule loafer is an updated style from the ‘80s and ‘90s, now shown with a pointed toe and in a print or textured fabric like jacquard or suede. This style of shoe is perfect with released-hem jeans, sundresses, or black pants for work. Mule espadrilles are a fun update on classic flat espadrille sandals and slip-ons.

Styles this summer will feature embellishments like 3-D sequin flowers or pearls. Another nod in the direction of our “relaxed holiday” summer theme. A strappy sandal is always a must for summer, and there are so many comfortable options. Wide double straps with a block heel look great with any outfit and won’t compromise comfort.

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Some key trends that have been around for a couple seasons now are big bell sleeves and off-the-shoulder necklines. These retro-inspired styles are a major summer design element for linen peasant tops, cabana striped sundresses, and even formal sheath dresses.

Another element getting a lot of use is ruffles.

This summer, we’ll be seeing ruffles trimming flirty wrap dresses, ruffles lining an off-theshoulder neckline, and ruffles finishing off hems of fitted skirts. Embroidered mesh overlays are being spotted on summer cocktail and eveningwear, while wrap dresses in gingham prints are making their way to casual glam nights. The pieces this summer are light and airy: wide leg floral print pants, relaxed rompers, flowing maxi dresses, and billowing blouses with boyfriend jean shorts.

“Relaxed holiday” is the feel, as if you were on an island vacation all summer long.

cross-body bags with patches and embellishments (made popular by Gucci this past season), and of course the boom of the backpack.

Almost everyone makes a backpack style in their handbag collection for summer, and if you’re on the fence about this trend, try a convertible backpack that can be worn in multiple styles!

HANDBAGS AND ACCESSORIES Handbags are shrinking!

A trend from last season that’s garnered momentum is the minibag. These are any style of satchel or top handle bag, shrunken to a third of their normal size. Minibags are super cute for summer, being charming and tiny, but not very practical when it comes to carrying anything larger than a lipstick. Other great styles of bags for summer are belt bags (formally known as the “fanny pack”), chain

Jewelry this season is on fire — so much color and texture. Earrings have really dominated the accessory scene in the past year.

Anything bold and creative goes —massive tassels, geometric metals, abstract florals — they all make the perfect finishing touch to any causal or dressed-up look.

Summer is only here for a few short months, but these trends won’t be leaving anytime soon. Play with your wardrobe, add new color, try something different, and make these trends your own this summer!

Angie Harrison received a BS degree in fashion merchandising from Western Michigan University, and after merchandising for a large retailer, went on to start Angela Harrison Style; a personal, print, and film wardrobe styling service. Her experience has led her to build a loyal client list of people from all backgrounds and professions. Angie has also worked in wardrobe on local and national tv commercials and has started a visual merchandising branch of AHStyle, providing styling and merchandising expertise to Michigan retailers.

June 2018 | 21

THE SIMPLE PLEASURES MAKE ALL THE

Difference

by Alycia M. Huston; Leadership Accelerator

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June 2018 | 23

T

here was a time where you couldn’t even pay me to come inside of the house.

I was born in the ‘70s and playing outside was absolutely the norm.

From playing tag, to hide-and-seek, to climbing up trees and throwing little tree fruits at the cars passing by (of course, our parents did not know that part). I learned how to light campfires, tell ghost stories,

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appreciate bugs, and so much more. I even remember co-founding a clubhouse where we received weekly dues; those dues allowed us to ride our bikes to the local candy shop or get ice cream during the hot summers. I didn’t realize how all of this was contributing to shaping every beautiful piece of who I was growing into. I was actually learning what it meant to cultivate relationships and genuinely engage.

As I look at our children in today’s society, it saddens me a bit to see the pull towards videogames and TV. So many of our children are missing out on the creativity that is derived from playing outside and creating new connections.

There were times when others were visiting our community and we never hesitated to invite them into our fold to participate in that day’s shenanigans.

Playing outside is non-negotiable in our home. We intentionally create an environment conducive to outside activity. We encourage our children to invite their friends over for backyard swimming parties, basketball, volleyball, or badminton. We feel strongly about the communication and connection created when we’re out of the house.

I know for a fact my time spent outdoors shaped so much of who I

am today. I love a good ol’ backyard barbecue with friends, we have so much fun. We laugh, dance, and just truly enjoy ourselves. In this age of technology, we have lost so much of the human connection.

We have gotten so used to being busy that we’ve become a society of disconnected people. The outdoors provide us with a beautiful space for connection. Whether alone and quiet, reconnecting to everything within you, or spending time with friends, the gift of the outdoors is to be enjoyed. Especially now that spring has sprung — there are gorgeous blooms to enjoy, trees that are boasting beautiful leaves, and so much more.

If you’re looking for ways to create an inviting environment in your yard, patio, or simple outdoor space, there are many options. Sometimes we believe that it has to be elaborate, when that’s not the case at all. You can find yourself a couple of chairs, small table, and many other knickknacks for your space at local thrift stores. I’ve made some amazing

finds myself when going into various stores. Many times, people have taken great care of their items and simply donate due to a remodel or desiring a change to their current space. So, often beautiful pieces get donated to local thrift stores.

I can guarantee you, spending time outside and enjoying all of the beautiful benefits of nature will contribute to your life in ways you never thought possible. It gives your brain the opportunity to rest and allow for new thoughts to present themselves with ease.

You won’t be disappointed when you integrate the outdoors into your life.

Alycia Huston is a consultant for high-powered and accomplished entrepreneurs and corporate executives.

Helping to build a business, make key decisions for your company, lead from “within and of ” your people, and helping you to take pride in your accomplishments.

LeaDHERship Adventures, LLC. Alycia@alyciahuston.com. 619.490.8058

June 2018 | 25

DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET THE BUGS

Bug You!

by Lisa Profera MD

S

ummer is here! It is time to guard yourself and your loved ones from insect bites and the diseases they may cause. One nice thing about Michigan winter is that we get a reprieve from biting insects; but now, the bugs are back. Bug bites are not only annoying and itchy, but they can sometimes cause serious diseases or allergic reactions.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) website is a good resource for information on local concerns regarding biting/stinging insects. There is also excellent information on what to expect when travelling to other areas in the US and around the world (www.cdc. gov/travel). Their basic information on prevention of bug bites, especially as it relates to Zika-infected mosquitoes and Lyme disease from deer ticks, is worth the read. Most of these recommendations are familiar to you.

Avoid the outdoors at dawn and dusk (peak mosquito times), wear protective clothing such as long pants and sleeves, avoid areas with high grass (where ticks 26 | The Brick Magazine

like to be) or standing water (where mosquitoes lay eggs), and sleep with the windows either closed or screened. If sleeping outdoors, use a mosquito net.

In most cases of insect-borne illness, it is not the insect itself that causes the disease; it is a result of microbes that the bugs carry. They are injected into your system during the bite. Experiencing itchy bug bites, painful stings, or removing a tick from your skin is an uncomfortable nuisance. Sometimes these punctures can allow surface bacteria to enter the skin and cause an infection known as cellulitis (usually caused by staph or strep bacteria). Scratching the bite can further alter the integrity of our skin’s protective barrier from the outside world, resulting in a secondary infection. These types of infections can be quite serious, and challenging to treat as in the case of MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus).

Stings from bees or other hymenoptera (wasps, hornets, fire ants, etc.) can cause local reactions and can become secondarily infected. A sting can be life-threatening for those with a serious allergy (anaphylaxis).

Getting Lyme disease can wreak havoc on your health.

Infected ticks can transmit the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria to humans. The initial tick bite and early symptoms (fever, rash, headache, malaise) can sometimes be missed. Prolonged infection can result in chronic disease affecting the joints, the heart, and the nervous system. For more information on Lyme disease, check the CDC website (https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/). For a complete list of all tick-borne diseases, including the new “Lyme variants,” check https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/ diseases/index.html.

The Zika virus is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito. Its worst effects occur in a developing fetus, causing serious brain malformations.

Pregnant women or women planning a pregnancy should avoid travel to areas where Zika is known to be endemic.

Texas and Florida are considered risk areas as well as the US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. Many cases of travel-acquired Zika virus infection have been reported in Michigan residents in 2017. Zika can also be transmitted though sexual contact. For the latest updates, check https://www.cdc.gov/zika/

June 2018 | 27

Traveling to warmer climates can expose you to other mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and malaria (all reported in the US travelers).

Illness caused by West Nile Virus and other arboviruses also occur in the US (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/ outdoor/mosquito-borne/other.html).

What about bug spray? This can be a confusing topic.

There is no bug repellant that is 100% effective. The CDC recommends using an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registered insect repellent. These include synthetic chemicals such as DEET (N,N-Diethyl-metatoluamide), Picaridin, IR 3535, 2-undecanone or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Although DEET is a popular choice, it is a known neurotoxin (classified as Category 3 “slightly toxic” by the EPA). Applications of high concentrations of DEET are not considered safe for children. Combining DEET with the popular sunscreen ingredient oxybenzone can result in increased skin absorption of DEET and penetration into the blood steam and nervous system.

Although Picaridin is not considered toxic to humans, up to 60% of this chemical is absorbed through our skin when applied. It is toxic to fish but not birds. The active chemical in Picardin was designed to mimic the naturally-occurring

28 | The Brick Magazine

terpene, piperene, found in black pepper. IR 3535 (ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate) is a synthetic substance that is considered “functionally identical” to beta-alanine, an amino acid. Although topical use of IR 3535 is considered safe, there have been reports of parasthesia in people who have taken high doses of beta-alanine. 2-undecanone is a synthetic ketone. The natural version of this compound is found in soybean oil, rue, clove, ginger, and a few fruits.

Once again, the synthetic version it is considered safe by the EPA. Last but not least, the EPA recommends Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus as an equally effective alternative to DEET and the above-mentioned chemicals. Only brands that are registered with the EPA such as “Repel” and “Off Botanicals” are promoted on their website. Unfortunately, the Lemon Eucalyptus oil found in these brands is a synthetic copy of 1 chemical isolate, not a pure, wholeplant-based essential oil. We know that whole oils work better than their isolated constituents. Some essential oils are produced by plants specifically to repel pests and serve as their natural defense. Geraniums are a popular window box plant not only because they are pretty, but because they discourage bugs from entering the home.

The best combination of bug-repelling whole-plantbased essential oils is TerraShield® by doTERRA. It is a proprietary blend of Lemon Eucalyptus oil plus arborvitae, nootka, ylang ylang, cedarwood, catnip, and litsea fruit oils. The tamanu oil in this formulation helps bind the other components so that they work better together, and the vanilla bean absolute ensures long-lasting efficacy. Used in a base of fractionated coconut oil, the components of TerraShield® stay on the skin longer (3-6 hours), so re-applications are not needed as often as they are with other brands of “Natural” or “Organic” bug repellants (these have water or alcohol as their first ingredient, so they evaporate quickly from the skin). TerraShield® repels all kinds of biting insects including mosquitoes, ticks, nosee-ums, bees, and wasps.

Although not formally researched by the EPA, essential oils have been used for centuries for pest control. Much research is being done, as we need to find safer, better measures for reducing the impact of mosquito larvae and other pests. There is a recently-published research article on the repellent and larvicidal effects of eucalytpus oil on Aedes mosquito species (J Med Entomology, May 2017).

Compared with its main biochemical constituent, 1-8 cineole, in its isolated form, the whole-plant oil was more effective. This once again illustrates the superior efficacy of the whole plant (major and minor components) vs. an isolate; also known as the “Entourage Effect”.

As always, when making a choice for you and your family, I encourage you to do your own research and read labels carefully. As I use essential oils in my medical practice, I am happy to guide you. Contact me at drprofera@gmail.com or go to my website https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/ drprofera for more information.

For a fun outdoor party idea, simply spray TerraShield on decorative ribbons to keep the bugs away! Use common “scents” defense and don’t let the bugs bug you!

Lisa Profera MD Owner and Founder of PROJUVU MD Aesthetics and Lifestyle Medicine Please note that the information in this article has been designed to help educate the reader regarding the subject matter covered.

This information is provided with the understanding that the author and any other entity referenced here are not liable for the misconception or misuse of the information provided. It is not provided to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness, or injured condition of the body. The provider of this information shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity concerning any loss, damage, or injury caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by this information. The information presented is in no way intended as a substitute for medical counseling or care. Anyone suffering from any disease, illness, or injury should consult a qualified healthcare professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. June 2018 | 29

WOMAN ON THE STREET

HOW TO BE SWEETLY UNREASONABLE

by Stephanie Saline

Photo by Eye for Ebony

30 | The Brick Magazine

June 2018 | 31

I

n a recent moment of exasperation, my spouse — let’s call him the Philosopher — asked me for something. Side bar: my partner in life really is a philosopher. He teaches at a small liberal arts college in Upstate New York. Anyway, he asked if we could play what the philosopher Wilifrid Sellars calls “the game of giving and asking for reasons.”

At first, I scoffed. It sounded like a game for nerds. But a few days later, and to my surprise, I began to give my reasons.

The game goes something like this: Player One says something.

Player Two says, “Why’s that?”

Player One gives a reason to back up their desire, argument, or position.

And so on, with each player taking turns until the round is over.

Pro tip: when you live with a professional philosopher, the round is never over. The game is always in play.

As a game, and if you don’t take it too seriously, it’s kind of fun. But after playing it for a few weeks, I’ve come to realize a few things.

My reasons often don’t make sense and aren’t rational. And in a world that holds generally-accepted and commonly-practiced rules like “You Must Make Sense At All Times and Being Reasonable Is Good,” I’m okay with that.

Photo by Stodio Reasons

32 | The Brick Magazine

For example, one of the ways I know what to do is by sitting quietly, and allowing myself to become still and listen. In these spaces, Life tells me what’s up and what’s mine to do.

I’ve trained myself to notice those instructions, sometimes even writing them down, and then I do my best to follow through.

enlivening. Like a seltzer. Or running through a sprinkler.

Some of the best things in my life have sprung from a lack of reasonableness, and an unfounded trust in my own knowing.

My choice, at twenty, to move to Asia. My courtship and marriage to the Philosopher.

My decision to work for myself.

Side bar: I’m on a plane right now, flying from Detroit back home to Buffalo. I just peeked through the seats of the row in front of me, to catch the headline of an article in an in-flight magazine: “Reasons To Smile.”

Do we really need a reason to smile?

How about we let our brains go limp for a moment, and allow the muscle of our joy to lift the corners of our lips?

Photo by George Raluca

For example, last week I got the memo: Hop on a plane and go support your business partner. One of my partners, who happens to be the founder of this magazine, was scheduled to give a talk at Cultivate Coffee And Tap House in Ypsilanti.

Her talk was about how entrepreneurs see things that haven’t yet come into being, and need to be around other people who can see their visions and dreams. So, given the topic, my reason was: how could I not show up?

Back in the Land of Reasons, the trip made no sense. I’d need to get a plane ticket, get up at the crack of dawn, rearrange my schedule, and all told be in Ypsi for less than 24 hours.

But I had this “knowing.” And I’ve learned that my knowing is immune to reasons. Reasons are things I make up after the fact, to justify what I want to do. Knowings are bread crumbs or clues, guiding me from one place to the next.

Follow them, I’ve learned, and trust the world’s greatest scavenger hunt.

I’m not saying that one must be unreasonable at all times.

That would be madness.

But on a personal level, I find that a sprinkle of unreasonableness every now and again to be rather

I guess what I’m saying is that somewhere along the way, I picked up the idea that it’s not okay to do things simply because I want to. Or because it feels good. Or because I have an imaginary friend I call Life who sends me instructions, one page at a time. Somewhere along the way, I picked up the idea that I needed to have reasons and be “reasonable.”

Now, as your faithful correspondent, I report back to you from the front lines: When approached as a game, giving and asking for reasons is marvelous fun.

As a lever for relationship, it is a mighty fulcrum. You get to witness the inner gears of your beloved turning. You get to generate and trade reasons, like baseball cards. You get to taste all the different reasons there are for things, like eating half of a box of chocolates where each piece has a different filling. And so on.

But at the end of the day, may we allow ourselves to be incorrigibly and unapologetically unreasonable.

A teacher and advertising writer based in Buffalo, Stephanie Saline spent one decade on adventures in Japan, Seattle, and Montana, and another decade building a popular copywriting business.

She now leads writing workshops where women become the hero in the story of their own lives.

“We live in a world where we are all heroes now – and that’s a great thing.” Find out more about her work at www.stellaorange.com.

June 2018 | 33

Balance

by Sharon Lawlor

34 | The Brick Magazine

H

ave you ever felt that your life or the world around you is going too fast and wished you could find a pause button? Perhaps you need a little reprieve to get yourself sorted, to recalibrate, and clear the mental chaos to finally be able to focus? Perhaps you need the time to catch your breath or gain a new perspective, because life has you too boxed-in and feeling uncomfortable?

Maybe you are experiencing growing pains — the discomfort of the skin of the “old” you, and no room to expand into your full potential?

What if life could be filled with more ease? No more push-and-pull tug-ofwar with your mind, body, emotions, and spirit. A life where you know who you are and where you are going, filled with clarity and feel a sense of peace, joy, wonderment, and awe, and a sense of hope for the world.

Being able to connect to yourself, build stronger relationships, and show up in this world rooted in who you are, grounded to feel safe, and be able to see the beauty and love all around you, and not focused on fear.

It is definitely possible, and it starts within. Our external world is a reflection of what is going on in our inner world. When we start with ourselves, the change ripples outward, touching others and changing everything around us. I feel it is the best gift we can possibly give to the world — a “journey home” to ourselves.

June 2018 | 35

This sacred path of self-discovery is a journey for heroes. When we say “yes” to ourselves, everything changes!

Stepping on the path of selfdiscovery is the fuel of my work in the world. The core of my work is to help create spaciousness within for one to pause, connect with their heart, listen to their own guidance, and feel a new sense of peace — and embodying this in their mind, body, heart, and soul. Can you feel the calm that is created when there is space instead of restriction? The energy flows so much more efficiently throughout our body when there is ease. This is what it means to be a TRANQUIL BEING: to consciously and intentionally lead our own life with an inner power that is strengthened when one is aligned and in their full magnificence.

Self-awareness is key to understanding oneself in order to know what makes you YOU. We must discern what it is that brings us joy and lights our hearts with each encounter, choice, and ultimately how we show up in life. Sometimes, though, one is not aware in this sense, and their life is not an accurate representation of who they truly are, nor do they even recognize who it is showing up in life for the external world to see. There is a misalignment happening. They may need to slow down to actually connect to themselves.

Once we start connecting and following our heart, things WILL change. Everything that isn’t in alignment is distilled. Energy moves more freely. There is more spaciousness within our being.

Our creativity enhances. Our joy, happiness, and our own unique 36 | The Brick Magazine

“We are all inter-connected living, breathing beings. When you heal within yourself, you heal everything around you as well.”

— Sharon Marie Lawlor

genius shines through. We are connected to the self. Connected to a higher power. We are alive! We are rooted in who we are. Our hearts lead the path. We have a knowing, trust, and faith that it will unfold in the perfect timing. When we are present from that place, we have an inner strength that radiates out. Some would call it true beauty.

When one needs an ally, I walk sideby-side with them on their journey when they want to tap into their own heart and soul for its innate wisdom and guidance. I help them find their stillness within to hear their unique voice and let this be their “One True North.” Listening, holding space, inquiry, movement, breath, meditation, creativity, journaling, medicine walks, guidance from nature, healing sounds, energy balancing, bodywork, infrared sauna — these are a few of the modalities in my tool bag that I use in my work with clients.

“When you touch one thing with deep awareness, you touch everything.”

— Lao Tzu

For others that are looking to destress, return to a state of balance, who need more relaxation and nurturing of the physical body, there is another way in which I can be an ally. In the bodywork I do with clients, I sense this “stuck-ness” within their tissues (or their words may show me too). I assist in releasing restrictions, stagnation, and bringing more ease to their being while stimulating more blood flow, lymph flow, and energy flow in their bodies and aiding in the relaxation of their nervous system.

Even when working on this physical level, one can notice a difference in their outside world. Think about it — if one is exhausted, not feeling peace within their bodies, doesn’t it make sense that other functions in their life are affected too?

I hope you have a better sense of the work I do in this world. I am here for you on your path. Whether it is relating to the physical self, or needing support with the other realms on the mental, emotional, or spiritual levels. Namaste.

Sharon Marie helps clients create spaciousness within for them to pause, connect to their heart, and feel a new sense of peace. She brings so much compassion and understanding to her clients as she holds space for them on their journey.

Her suite is the perfect space holder for her work, providing a safe and sacred container for her clients to fully relax. Sharon’s eclectic mix of modalities include healing massage and bodywork, infrared sauna, medicine walks in nature, the natural rhythms and elements in nature, the wisdom of the seasons, and creativity for healing.

Sharon Marie, Founder and Creative Director at Tranquil Being. Contact her through email connect@tranquilbeing.com or call 734-761-8753. She’s located at Tranquil Being, 320 Miller Ave, Suite 185, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 June 2018 | 37

5 TIPS

to Make the Most of Outside Summer Time

by Ginny Yurich

O

utside provides multi-faceted physical, social, mental, emotional, relational, and developmental benefits. In our busy world with all sorts of development-enhancing activities available for kids, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s often easy to forget that the one of the cheapest and easiest ways to help our children grow 38 | The Brick Magazine

is simply to let them be outside. At 1000 Hours Outside, we are intentional about scheduling outside time into our week just as we would schedule in other activities. In a typical summer week, we try and schedule at least three extended days of outside play and then aim to get the family outside for some shorter chunks on the remaining

days when the weather cooperates. An extended day of play in our book is around four to six hours long. Most kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities these days are much shorter, so four hours often seems excessive, yet there are immediate and noticeable changes to child behavior as well as attention span after just one long chunk of time outside.

One of the questions we get asked most often is how are we able to spend these extended time outside with our kids. Many have commented that they just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make it that long. Spending large chunks of time outside is not the only way to get in nature time, but those long summer days provide considerable movement and memories, and June 2018 | 39

when the weather is warm there is no better time to plan these long days. So, we wanted to offer a few tips to help you make the most of your outside experience.

1

Start with a hike.

When you are in the middle of a hike, you are totally and completely stuck in nature. There’s no getting around it. You simply have to finish — which is why this is our top tip. Kids love to forge forward. Even toddlers understand the concept of staying on the path. Build some summer memories around a hike or two in your area. There are many options. We like to search for short hikes using our city recreation websites and by using Google Maps.

Consider taking a hike before playground time or before hitting the beach. You will find that the minutes fly by. If you choose a hike along a river or has some changes of scenery, it will better capture your family’s attention and will help lengthen your time outside.

40 | The Brick Magazine

2

Be child-directed.

Kids are notoriously slow. They are soaking life in.

Follow their lead. If they want to try and capture butterflies, don’t rush it. If they want to spend an hour throwing stones in a river or building a wall out of sticks, let it be. If they want to lay on the ground and watch the ants work, don’t push them to move on. There is so much stimulation for children these days, we forget that they will become entranced with nature when given time and space.

3

Pack extra food, water, and clothing.

Nothing will end your outing quicker than running out of these three things. I always pack what I think is enough and then leave just one extra water bottle and one extra box of some sort of snack in the car. I keep a full outfit for each child (including socks and underwear) in the car at all times, and an extra pair of cheap flip flops.

4

Consider the season.

I recently read on Rain or Shine Mamma that one major deterrent to time outside is discomfort — and this is a legitimate concern. So, plan accordingly. Save hiking for cooler days or in the mornings or evenings. If it’s going to be a hot and humid outside, head to a place that has a water option. Avoid marshy areas when the bugs are at their worst. Wear rain boots when it’s raining. The shade of a tree can drop the temperature you feel a good ten degrees, which is substantial in the warm summer months. We are constantly adjusting our activities to fit the weather, because complaining children gets old really quickly.

5

park or a hand of Euchre in the backyard? Even scheduling in some family exercise time can be helpful. We recently found a school track about a half mile from our house.

We’ve resolved to head there on the nights when the weather is nice so we can all get in some extra steps. The older kids ride their no-pedal bikes and my husband and I walk and push the baby in the stroller.

We hope you can use these tips in a way that will immerse your families in nature while building lasting memories through the short summer months.

Ginny Yurich is a local Michigan mother of five.

Through her blog 1000 Hours Outside, she is challenging parents around the world to consider matching outside time with the amount of times kids spend in front of screens. In America, that is currently around 1200 hours a year.

Take your inside activities outside.

Life is busy. Whenever possible, take your indoor activities outdoors. Can you sit outside to eat your summertime dinner? Could you put your child’s summertime review work on a clipboard and send him outside? How about a game of Candy Land at a nearby

Visit us at www.1000hoursoutside.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook. com/1000hoursoutside/, or email us at 1000hoursoutside@gmail.com #1000hoursoutside

June 2018 | 41

Gather Your Friends Together,

WE’RE HAVING A BBQ!

by Lisa Nogueira

M

y favorite part of summer — besides the sunshine, the beach, swimming pools, and the attitude of leisure — is getting my friends together and having a backyard grill-out.

With these recipes and a few tips, you can throw one together quickly and easily without compromising on flavor or health.

peppers, and eggplant are great options. Even people who don’t normally eat a lot of vegetables can’t seem to resist them when they’re grilled.

A good grill-out needs a few things: a killer dip, a signature mocktail/cocktail, a crowd-pleasing side dish, good music and friends . . . and the rest you leave to the grill!

You can even grill your salad! We love a grilled Greek salad. Simply cut a head of romaine lettuce in half and sprinkle the cut side with avocado or olive oil. Place the lettuce cut-side down and grill for a few minutes until the edges just begin to char a bit. Top it with feta, kalamata olives, tomato, extra virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

When we grill out, I love to have a platter of mixed grilled vegetables for everyone to dig into. Not only does it make a healthy addition to the spread, it provides such a beautiful array of colors! Summer squash, asparagus, zucchini, red onion, tomatoes,

For dessert, I like to keep it simple with a big bowl full of mixed berries. If you are feeling ambitious, you chill a can of coconut milk overnight, strain out the liquid, and whip up the solid cream portion with a splash of vanilla in a chilled metal bowl until it peaks.

42 | The Brick Magazine

Layered Greek Hummus Dip Ingredients: Plain Hummus – 2 cups Cucumber, diced – ½ cup Red pepper, finely diced – ¼ cup Kalamata olives, chopped – 1/3 cup Mint, finely chopped – 2 tsp Basil, finely chopped – 2 tsp Feta cheese, crumbled – 1/3 cup Extra virgin olive oil Fresh lemon (for juice) Zaatar (a Middle Eastern spice mixture) – optional For the dippers: Cut-up raw vegetables of choice Pita, tortillas (brown rice, almond or coconut) Olive oil Directions: If you are making your hummus from scratch, do that first. Then add the hummus to the bottom of a 11x7 serving dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly into the first layer. Sprinkle the cucumber, red pepper, basil, mint, feta, and olives over the hummus. Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, and an optional pinch or two of zaatar.

For the dippers, I recommend breaking up whole grain pita or brown rice tortilla into chip-sized pieces. Coat lightly with olive or avocado oil and a sprinkle of sea salt and bake them at 350° for about 5-10 minutes until crispy. For a grain free version, use a coconut or almond flour wrap.

Note: The hummus makes all the difference in this dip. If you use a store-bought brand, choose a rich and creamy one. I particularly love what the mint brings to this dish. It delivers an unexpected “wow” factor and adds a bit of summertime freshness. The measurements below are rough estimates for a 7x11 serving dish, but of course feel free to add or subtract based on your personal preferences. I sometimes use tomatoes in this (usually in place of the red pepper), though I find that sometimes juicy tomatoes can make the dip a bit watery after a while.

June 2018 | 43

This salad is a favorite of my family and has won over even the pickiest of eaters. The creamy avocado and the sweetness of the mango balanced with the dressing make the perfect blend of summer flavors.

Mango and Avocado Salad Ingredients: 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar 1 TBSP lime juice 2 TBSP extra-virgin olive oil 2 mangos, cubed 2 avocados, cubed ¼ red onion, sliced thinly ¼ cup cilantro, minced Salt and freshly ground black pepper

44 | The Brick Magazine

Directions: Add mangoes, avocadoes, red onion, and cilantro to a large mixing bowl. Either whisk the vinegar, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper together, or — even easier — add them to a jar with a lid and shake to combine. Dress the salad with the oil and vinegar mixture, and gently stir the salad around a bit. Serve immediately.

The grilled portion: Pick your protein. Beef, chicken, fish, tempeh — we all have our favorites, and these dishes will go with practically anything.

This mock/cocktail supports gut health and is so delicious that you may not even want it spiked. It has a small kick with the jalapeño, which is optional.

Mango Mint Kombucha Margarita Ingredients: 1 cup frozen mango 2 TBSP mint ½ cup water Juice of 1 lime 2 TBSP raw honey Pinch of sea salt 1 cup ice 2/3 cup ginger or plain kombucha 1-2 inch slice of jalapeño (no seeds) Directions: In a blender, blend water herbs, lime, jalapeño, and sweetener. Add frozen mango and blend until smooth. Blend in the ice until it becomes slushy. Add the kombucha and blend until it is mixed, but not long enough to lose carbonation. Fill up the margarita glasses, garnish with mint and a slice of lime, and serve. Cheers!

For a spirited alternative, add a shot of your favorite tequila.

Lisa Nogueira is a certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach as well as a Licensed Massage Therapist who is dedicated to helping clients live their best lives through health and lifestyle coaching and a unique selection of bodywork modalities.

She hosts group programs online and in person to help clients make their self-care a priority, clean up their eating and live healthier, happier lives. Her no-guilt approach to health is taking small steps for creating a lifestyle, leaving room for the sweeter things in life, and simplifying health and wellness into an approachable and fun adventure.

For further inspiration follow her on Instagram @ https://www.instagram.com/lisa_nogueira/ Join her free Facebook community for support, recipes and small step ideas for change https://www.facebook.com/groups/lisanogueirawellness/?ref=bookmarks

June 2018 | 45

KIDS ARE MORE ALIVE OUTSIDE

by Randi Rubenstein

T

his spring, we went on a family ski vacation in Colorado, where the days were sunny, the snow was fluffy, and the smell of marijuana was plentiful.

Oh Colorado — why have you made being the parent of a teenager even harder? And more importantly, why didn’t you pass this law thirty years ago? I’m sort of just kidding.

In our regular life, my family lives in the concrete jungle of Houston Texas.

Houston earned the title of the fattest

46 | The Brick Magazine

city in America title a few years back.

Impressive, right?

No, Houston doesn’t have a multimillion dollar ad campaign (that I know of) attracting the couch potatoes of the world. It can be difficult to be active in a fresh-air sort of way in H-town.

being outdoors. I love fresh air and sunshine. I crave it. My husband loves sports like surfing and snowboarding rather than working out or going to a gym. I dream of sunny “un-buggy” California days where we could eat every meal al fresco and basically live life outside surrounded by dogs, kids, and a sense of freedom.

The weather is hot, humid, and mosquito-ey much of the year. Let’s just say it’s not exactly a paradise situation for those of us who enjoy

The freezing-cold buildings leave me with a constant feeling of damp discomfort during the excruciating summer months. The minute I enter

somewhere more beautiful and more conducive to an active outdoor lifestyle. I know that kids thrive outside — exploring in nature, playing with friends, using their imaginations.

Kids are more alive outside. As a result, our family spends a good amount of time heading out of town and hitting scenic spots where we can unplug and, well, breathe deeply.

But as my twelve-year-old son, Cory, said recently on a short scenic hike while visiting Colorado, “I would love to live here and get to explore all the time, but I’d want my friends from Houston to be here with me.”

a sixty-seven degree air-conditioned building, the hair on my legs begins to grow back from the goose bumps.

Okay, I’m exaggerating a little. I had the hair lasered off my legs years ago (if you haven’t jumped on the depilatory train, what the heck are you waiting for?!)

Being outdoors and exploring natural beauty is my family’s happy place. However, I find that it’s the people in your everyday environment that create the most memorable moments in your life. My family lives in a big city inhabited by a warm, friendly, and colorful group of interesting humans.

Alright, enough about hair removal.

And complaining about Houston weather. And admitting to having a major case of geography envy.

The truth is, we do wish we lived

Someone recently told me that Houston is the most ethnicallydiverse city in the world. I don’t even know how to fact-check that, but it sounds way more brag-worthy than

the fat thing, so I’m just going with that for now. As Cory said, “It would be great to combine Colorado with the friends we love back home”.

We adore the people that live in our concrete jungle. I live in Houston. I love to be outside. I walk my dogs during the heat of the summer. I commit to the sweat and showering more than once a day. It’s part of the deal, and I smell good most of the time.

And if you are lucky enough to get both beautiful outdoor scenery shared with a beautiful community of friends and family, well then, you, my friend, have truly hit the jackpot in my book.

Randi helps parents, particularly ones with a strong-willed kiddo, learn tools to raise confident, kind, and self-motivated kids by improving the conversations in your family.

As the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the Mastermind Parenting podcast, and author of The Parent Gap, Randi helps parents keep cool and replace old patterns. Randi’s parenting motto is: “When our thoughts grow, the convos in our home low.” To learn more, go to www.randirubenstein.com June 2018 | 47

HEAD TO THE WOODS FOR

RENEWAL & REJUVENATION

by Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC

Photo by Paul Van Bloem

48 | The Brick Magazine

The clutter in your mind falls away, revealing the light and sparkle of meaningful truths.

Photo by Wenni Zhou

H

ead to the woods — or at least head outside — if you want to experience yourself in new ways!

The great outdoors is filled with special energies. Nature has the power to quickly renew heart and spirit. This renewal can happen with ease and without involving complex plans or activities. It can be as simple as a walk in the neighborhood, resting on a log in the woods, or enjoying tea while sitting in your backyard garden. Bare feet touching the ground furthers this glorious experience of rejuvenation!

I love the sense of peace and purity I experience amid the vibrant wildness of nature. In nature, we enjoy stillness and quiet as a respite from to the noise, frenzy, and overstimulation of days when we are plugged in, wired, and rushing about. The outdoors invites you inside — inside yourself. Once inside, you can reflect, ponder, daydream, or find that sweet

spot of stillness and quiet. This invitation inside, when outside, is always available to you, and worth accepting whenever possible. For when surrounded by nature, one is surrounded by mystery and awe.

And these states of mystery and awe often lead one to contemplation, growth, and to feelings of expansiveness and joy!

Even a small amount of time spent in nature can awaken you to aspects of yourself that might otherwise take days for you to notice and comprehend. Why is this? I believe it is because in nature, you reconnect with your true nature. Without the distractions of your crazy, harried life, you walk, breath in the air, smell the flowers, watch little earth creatures, and experience your brain relaxing to the natural rhythms of life.

These natural rhythms then harken you back to your own personally rejuvenating cycles. You are reminded of your exquisite essence, your flow, and of what really matters to you.

Nature is uncomplicated and this, I believe, is what helps us unwind and reset. Your mental and physical health is enhanced as you spend time outside in the quiet of nature.

The immune system is switched into a much more restful mode when you are outside.

When you are more restful, you feel more content and safe.

Every inch of your body, down to the simplest of cells, experiences the benefits. You are deeply refreshed.

The sun infuses your body with vitamin D, the fresh air fills your lungs with nourishment, and your bones strengthen as you move and stretch.

Perhaps best of all, your mood lifts as you savor the invigorating, intoxicating joy of feeling your life force rise amid the surrounding life force of the beautiful natural world.

So, ready to head to the woods?

Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC is a certified Life Coach in Ann Arbor, MI who loves empowering adolescents, adults, and couples to live from the HEART of what really matters to them so that they can bring their fully expressed, vibrant selves into the world. She has a special gift for helping women reclaim their feminine power, and embrace their radiant, sensual, sexy spirits. Their lives transform.

They soar into their mid-life magnificence!

LifeEmpowermentCoaching.com Complimentary First Session 734.717.7532

June 2018 | 49

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Maria Sylvester, MSW, CPC Life Empowerment Coaching, LLC 1785 W. Stadium, Suite 104 • Ann Arbor, Mi 48103 50 | The734-717-7532 Brick Magazine

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