Natural Awakenings Charlotte - September 2023 Issue

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G | H E A LT H Y P L A N E T

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YOGA MONTH TRANSFORMATIONAL

TRAVEL

Spiritual Sites That Inspire Self-Improvement

Sol Harmony Fest Comes to Huntersville LIGHT POLLUTION

WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE CAN HELP

STEVEN COPE

On Looking Inward for Life's Answers

WELLNESS TRAVEL CHARLOTTE EDITION | AWAKENINGCHARLOTTE.COM | SEPTEMBER 2023 Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

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Tashi Kyil Buddhist Monks September 20, 2023 7-9pm

Monks from Labrang Tashi Kyil Monastery in India are touring the US to teach compassion, educate the public about the culture of Tibet & raise funds for their monastery. Join IMCCharlotte to learn chants & meditation from the Tibetan tradition, see a “Tashi Sholpa” dance and hear a Dharma talk. Handmade bowls, scarves, prayer flags, & jewelry will be available for purchase at 6:30pm with proceeds benefiting the monastery.

Insight Meditation Community of Charlotte

IMCCharlotte.org

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I-85

I-85 HWY 74

EAST GARRISON

ROBINWOOD

S NEW HOPE

DATE: Sept. 20 TIME: Doors open 6:30 PROGRAM: 7:00 – 9:00 pm LOCATION: Park Road Baptist Church, Milford Chapel, 3900 Park Road Charlotte, NC 28209 COST: Free Donations for monastery encouraged.

ARMSTRONG PARK DR

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ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S. New Hope Rd. Gastonia, NC 28054

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lnterfaith/lnterspiritual ministry of Rev. Kendall Heath

• Sunday Services • Women's Groups • Psychospiritual Healing • Intuitive Work • Spiritual Mentorship • Sacred Retreats lighthousespiritualcenter.com 704-658-7442 Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in

September 2023

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Contents 14 SCALAR ENERGY IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA

15

Locals Bask in the Wonder

15 SOL HARMONY

FEST IN HUNTERSVILLE

Return of Holistic, Healing Arts, Music and Movement Event

16 TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

Nine Destinations for Spiritual Enlightenment

24

22 UNDERSTANDING LIGHT POLLUTION

Environmental Concerns and Achievable Remedies

24 SAVOR THE

PRESENT MOMENT

28

How to Add Mindfulness to Mealtime

28 STEPHEN COPE on Finding Your Calling

DEPARTMENTS 9 news briefs 22 green living 12 health briefs 24 conscious eating 13 global briefs 28 wise words 14 business spotlight 32 resource guide 15 event spotlight 35 gaston county 17 local retreat natural guide profiles 35 classifieds

DIRECTORY

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Natural Awakenings is a network of natural lifestyle magazine publishers empowering local communities with knowledge, resources and connections to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Is The Mold In Your Home

Making Your Family Sick?

16 Our mold remediation and waterproofing services can keep your family breathing easy

22 ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 704-499-3327 or email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for ads: the 9th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Publisher@ AwakeningCharlotte.com. Deadline for editorial: the 9th of the month.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events on AwakeningCharlotte.com.

NATIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-206-2000. For franchising opportunities call 239-206-2000 or email Natural Awakenings@KnoWEwell.com.

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

CHARLOTTE EDITION

letter from publisher

My Piece of the Net

J

ust like last month—and like many months over the last seven years—an article in this month’s issue has me thinking. Sandra PUBLISHER Shannon McKenzie DESIGN & PRODUCTION Patrick Floresca Yeyati’s “Stephen Cope on Finding Your Calling” got my atAD DESIGN Helene Leininger tention with the title. I’ve been feeling for a while that I’m not fully EDITORIAL Jane Aylward realizing my calling. Part of the issue may be my understanding of Allison Gorman the term. Without realizing it, I’ve defined “calling” as “job,” and

Randy Kambic Martin Miron while I really like my job, I still suspect there’s more for me to do.

As Cope explains, in Vedic tradition, the god Indra cast a net over the universe, and at CONTACT US each vertex there’s a gem that represents an individual soul “whose job is to hold together P.O. Box 456 the net at that point.” All of us have a piece of the net to hold together. The implication to Cornelius, NC 28031 Ph: 704-499-3327 • Fax: 866-632-9118 me is that you do a better job holding your part of the net together by finding and living AwakeningCharlotte.com your calling.

Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com Cope suggests three questions to ask yourself when seeking your life’s purpose, and it’s Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com the last one that fascinates me: “What problems or difficulties are you facing in your life right now?” By investigating your difficulties, you may discover your dharma. I’ve noticed SUBSCRIPTIONS Free subscriptions are available for our that some of the difficulties that have popped up in my life over time are connected by digital issue by emailing a thread. They’re not the same difficulty, but one I’m experiencing now might be similar Publisher@AwakeningCharlotte.com in nature to one I experienced 20 years ago and again 10 years ago. Like many people, I prefer to avoid difficulties and move on instead. But I do wonder if having some curiosity NATIONAL TEAM and taking a deeper look would lead to some of the answers I’ve been seeking.

CEO Kimberly B. Whittle Food for thought during this back-to-school season.

National Editor Sandra Yeyati Wishing you success in holding your part of the net together this September, Editor Brooke Goode Copy Editor/Proofreader Melanie Rankin Layout Gabrielle W-Perillo National Advertising Lisa Doyle-Mitchell

Natural Awakenings appreciates the generosity of its distributors Natural Awakenings throughout the area. appreciates the generosity

CONTACT US

Natural Awakenings of its distributors Shannon Please consider supporting appreciates the generosity throughout the area. these major of its distributors distributors by shopping there and picking Please consider supporting throughout area. up the the magazine each month these major distributors from oneby of the racks.

Please consider supporting shopping there and picking Thank these major distributors byyou! up the magazine each month © 2023 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Natural Awakenings shopping there and picking Although some parts of this publication may be from one of the racks. the generosity up the magazine each month reproduced and reprinted, we require appreciates that prior Thank you! permission be obtained in writing. of its distributors from the one generosity of the racks.of its distributors Natural Awakenings appreciates Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed throughout the area.

Thank you! throughout the area. Pick up magazines monthly at: locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com

to find a location near you or if you would like copies Please consider supporting placed at your business. thesein major distributors by We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed the articles and advertisements, nor are we shopping there and picking responsible for the products and services advertised. up the Check with a healthcare professional regarding the magazine each month appropriate use of any treatment. from one of the racks.

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

Natural Awakenings is printed with soy-based ink.

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news briefs

Tibetan Buddhist Monks Event in Charlotte

I

nsight Meditation Community of Charlotte (IMCC) will host the Tashi Kyil Tibetan Buddhist Monks for an evening of chants, meditation and a Dharma talk at 7 p.m. on September 20, in the Milford Chapel at Park Road Baptist Church, in Charlotte. The event includes the sale of handmade items by Tibetan refugees, such as scarves, jewelry and prayer flags beginning a half-hour earlier.

The group, part of the Gelug sect led by His Holiness The Dali Lama, is touring the U.S. to teach and inform about compassion, Tibetan culture and to raise funds for their monastery and the many children they care for and educate.

Their monastery in Tibet was destroyed and was rebuilt in India in 1967 where they could freely practice.

For 13-plus years, IMCC has been hosting free meditations and Dharma talks for people of all faiths and beliefs. Meetings are held in person at Park Road Baptist Church every Wednesday evening and Tuesdays at lunch time on Zoom. IMCC provides retreats, classes, and the opportunity to study and practice mindfulness with the intention of integrating wisdom and manifesting compassion in all aspects of our lives. Insight Meditation is relevant in our current challenging times as a means for quieting the mind, trusting the heart and living with ease.

Immersive Retreat in Flat Rock Next Month

Z

en Within Academy and Golden Threads are partnering to host their second annual Thresholds...Walking Towards the Mountain Vision Quest Retreat from October 26 to 29 at Highland Lake Cove, in Flat Rock, North Carolina. The deeply immersive experience, designed to guide participants towards the next stages of their lives, offers a unique blend of ceremonial rites, spiritual teachings and wellness practices that have been a part of native cultures for thousands of years.

A series of transformative activities based on the five pillars of a vision quest will be experienced including The Calling, helping to explore inner self and motivations for this journey; The Severance, assisting in letting go of old narratives that no longer serve growth; The Threshold, a connection with nature through a threshold ceremony, silent contemplation and communication with Mother Earth during a six-hour vision quest; The Reincorporation, learning energy medicine and other healing tools; and The Giveaway, a culminating ceremony of giving, signifying readiness for a new beginning.

Retreat leaders are Lea Motlow, a respected Vision Quest Guide, experienced in walking the Medicine Path and her connection to the Apu mountains of Peru and expertise in leading healing circles and rites of passage programs; Katie Sutton, co-founder of Zen Within Academy, a Vibrational Healer and intuitive guide with extensive knowledge in energy medicine from attending the Boulder Psychic Institute, and her innovative 12th Dimensional Healing techniques; and Josh Vogt, a co-founder of the Zen Within Academy, Shamanic Practitioner and musician, integrating his knowledge of Andean Q’eros shamanic healing practices with his passion for music.

Cost: options start at $880 including lodging, eight meals and all retreat programming.

For more information or to register, email Katie@ZenWithinAcademy.com or visit ZenWithinAcademy.com. See CRG, page 33.

Free admission, donations appreciated. Location: 3900 Park Rd. For more information, email AlwaysKindness@gmail.com or visit IMCCharlotte.org. See ad, page 2.

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news briefs

Advanced medicine

Meet New Physician at WellcomeMD

24/7 physician access | personalized wellness plans | preventative health care

(980) 294-4937 | www.WellcomeMD.com 8035 Providence Road, Suite 315 150 Fairview Road, Suite 325 Charlotte, NC 28277 Mooresville, NC 28117 B:8.125" T:7.875" S:7.125" Advertisement

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BBDO New York Sandy Hook Promise P00016941-2 Full Pg. 4/C 8.125" x 10.75" 7.875" x 10.5" 7.125" x 10"

Agency Job Number: DSGN-P00016941

Cradle Job Number: None

Proof #: 1 Path: Macintosh HD:Users:maria.barrios:Library:CloudStorage:GoogleDrive-maria.barrios@ egplusww.com:Shared drives:eg+ NY Print Stu..._Internal:2023-Year:P00016941-2_Sandy_Hook_Promise_ People:P00016941-2_Mechanicals:P00016941-2_Sandy_Hook_Promise_People_V1.indd Operators: Maria Barrios / Maria Barrios

Peach Offers Unique Transformational Energy Exchange Technique

J

essica Peach, owner of British Massage and Wellness, in Charlotte, North Carolina, a massage therapist of 21 years and an advanced energy practitioner, provides a highly unique modality. The Medical Reiki Master attests she is the sole Transformational Energy Exchange Technique (TEET) practitioner in the U.S. TEET’s principles are that it puts people in touch with their spirit guides which aid them in unblocking and releasing any issues they may be dealing with, whether manifesting physically, emotionally, spiritually or in any combination.

Peach also finds reiki a highly valuable tool in balancing clients’ chakras and energy. “Especially in these stressful times, we all need that spiritual guidance to assist us on our journey,” says the native of London, England, who is highly intuitive with a natural healing touch and a love to help us feel better physically and emotionally.

One may opt to end a massage with reiki or book reiki or TEET as individual appointments, the benefits of which are increased relaxation, release of stress and relief from pain.

Location: 2210 Coronation Blvd., Ste. C. For more information or to make an appointment, call or text 704-572-1310, email info@BritishMassage.com or visit BritishMassage.com.

See ad, page 14.

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Filename: P00016941-2_Sandy_Hook_Promise_People_V1.indd CLIENT: PRODUCT: JOB#: SPACE: BLEED: TRIM: SAFETY:

Location: 150 Fairview Rd., Ste. 325. For more information or to RSVP for the event (requested), visit WellcomeMD.com/events.

See ad, page 10.

B:10.75"

Don’t wait for the next “Never again.” Learn the signs at SandyHookPromise.org

ellcomeMD, in Mooresville, North Carolina, will host a free open house event for the public to meet their newest physician Dr. Emmanuel Quaye from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on September 21. Trained as a Dr. Emmanuel Quaye doctor of internal medicine at Emory University, in Atlanta, and certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine, a specialty that has been a focus for the past decade, Quaye will share with attendees his approach to preventative medicine and his expertise in functional and primary care.

The practice attests that their physicians see half the number of patients that most concierge physicians do which means that they always have time for everyone, and that people can secure a doctor that has the time and tools to provide personalized care to help them achieve optimal health.

With a focus on providing preventative care, WellcomeMD offers same-day appointments, outstanding 90-minute annual physical exams, a “waitless” waiting room, no-rush appointments with their physicians and a health and fitness coach. Members have 24-hour, seven-day access to their physicians, including their cell phone numbers.

T:10.5" S:10"

“Never again.” — Sandy Hook Elementary School, December 14, 2012. Hazard Community College, January 15, 2013. Chicago State University, January 16, 2013. University of Central Florida, March 18, 2013. Santa Monica College, June 7, 2013. North Panola High School, August 23, 2013. Sparks Middle School, October 21, 2013. Arapahoe High School, December 13, 2013. Purdue University, January 21, 2014. South Carolina State University, January 24, 2014. Los Angeles Valley College, January 25, 2014.

Reynolds High School, June 10, 2014. Marysville Pilchuck High School, October 24, 2014. Umpqua Community College, October 1, 2015. Independence High School, February 12, 2016. UCLA Los Angeles, June 1, 2016. Townville Elementary School, September 28, 2016. Scullen Middle School, January 27, 2017. North Park Elementary School, April 10, 2017. North Lake College, May 4, 2017.

Rancho Tehama Elementary School, November 14, 2017. Aztec High School, December 7, 2017. Marshall County High School, January 23, 2018. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, February 14, 2018.

Central Michigan University, March 2, 2018. Great Mills High School, March 20, 2018. Santa Fe High School, May 18, 2018. University of North Carolina at Charlotte, April 30, 2019. STEM School Highlands Ranch, May 7, 2019. Saugus High School, November 14, 2019.

Pleasantville High School, November 15, 2019. Searles Elementary School, November 23, 2019. Sarah J. Anderson Elementary, November 26, 2019. Bellaire High School, January 14, 2020. Texas A&M University, February 3, 2020. Oxford High School, November 30, 2021. Bridgewater College, February 1, 2022. Robb Elementary School, May 24, 2022. Roxborough High School, September 27, 2022. Rudsdale High School, September 28, 2022. McLain High School for Science and Technology, September 30, 2022.

Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, October 24, 2022. Jones High School, November 12, 2022. Benito Juarez High School, December 16, 2022. The Covenant School, March 27, 2023.

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Sucralose May Damage DNA Fuss Sergey/ShutterStock.com

Sucralose is an artificial sweetener 600 times sweeter than table sugar.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its use in baked goods, beverages, chewing gum, gelatins and frozen dairy desserts. A recent study conducted by scientists at the University of North Carolina found that ingesting sucralose may cause the formation of a genotoxic chemical called sucralose-6-acetate. Genotoxicity refers to the breaking up of DNA, resulting in damage that could potentially contribute to health problems. Researchers also found trace amounts of this dangerous chemical in sucralose itself, even before it was consumed and metabolized.

The study included eight projects that exposed human blood cells to sucralose-6-acetate, which researchers found induces the expression of genes associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and cancer. Exposure to certain concentrations of sucralose-6-acetate and sucralose also appeared to impair the gut lining, and sucralose6-acetate inhibited certain enzymes, which could interfere with the body’s ability to metabolize medications.

Impacts of Radio Frequency Radiation The introduction of 5G mobile phones and infrastructure has given rise to concerns about their safety, as more than 1 million new antennas will be required in the U.S. Currently, the Federal Communications Commission and International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection consider only the thermal effects (tissue heating) from electromagnetic frequency (EMF) exposure as potentially harmful.

A group of researchers led by Ariel University, in Israel, evaluated the non-thermal effects of exposure to EMF radiation on biological systems and human populations by reviewing in vitro [outside a living organism] and in vivo [inside a living organism] studies, as well as clinical studies on electromagnetic hypersensitivity and the epidemiological evidence for cancer due to the action of mobile-based radiation exposure. Although data derived from these studies was inconsistent, the researchers found supporting evidence that this radiation may contribute to cancer, endocrinological, neurological and other adverse health consequences. The researchers call for a more targeted, interdisciplinary research effort by national governments to ensure public health.

Rise in Children With Autism Maryna_Auramchuk/ShutterStock.com

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released updated statistics on the rate of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which has been on the rise. The data is based on reviews of developmental evaluations and records from medical and educational service providers.

One in 36 children was diagnosed with autism by age 8 in 2020, or about 2.8 percent of children, up from one in 44 children in 2018 and one in 150 children in 2000, when the CDC first began tracking ASD prevalence in this country. Autism was also 3.8 times as prevalent among boys as girls, and for the first time the prevalence was slightly lower among white children compared to other racial and ethnic groups, which is a reversal of racial and ethnic differences observed in the past. However, Black children with ASD remain more likely than white children with ASD to have a co-occurring intellectual disability.

The CDC partially attributes these patterns to improved screening, awareness and access to services. They highlight the importance of accessible and equitable ASD diagnostic treatment and services for children of different backgrounds and call for more research to comprehend the emergence of diagnostic differences across states.

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health briefs

global briefs

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Global Warming May Threaten Heart Health

As temperatures rise due to global warming, scientists are worried about how extreme heat may impact heart health. Research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology warns that air temperatures as low as 93° F may lead to a steady increase in heart rate under humid conditions. This increase, referred to as cardiovascular heart strain, can occur even before a person’s internal temperature starts to rise.

The study involved healthy participants engaging in light physical activity inside an environmental chamber.

As the chamber got hotter, participants’ heart rates increased and then plateaued. However, when the chamber continued to heat up, heart rates began to rise again and continued to rise even after the experiment. This rapidly increased heart rate indicates cardiovascular strain.

A related study published in Physiological Reports reported that even at rest, heat can affect the heart. Researchers found that at 50 percent humidity, the heart rate of participants at rest was, on average, 64 percent higher at 122° F than at 82° F. These findings are concerning, as extreme heat events are becoming more common around the world and could be lethal for vulnerable and older populations.

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business spotlight

Bask in the Wonder of Scalar Energy

by Martin Miron

S

calar Health Enlower, the cell is less able hancement Center, to defend itself (cancer a project of the cells range from 10 to 20 nonprofit Free Spirit Humillivolts.) “The scalar manitarian Church, helps energy of the Energy people heal themselves so Enhancement System they may live longer, hap(EESystem), in a two-hour pier, and more productive session, raises the charge lives. Co-manager Sonny of every cell in the body Leslie and Sonny Carl Carl says, “We believe that to 70 to 90 millivolts. our greatest accomplishment so far is that This gives them the energy to help protect the majority of our new clients are referrals themselves and to heal and regenerate. The from current clients and the glowing relonger the cells can maintain that voltage, ports and high praise we have earned from the more energy it has to heal itself and to our client base to their friends, relatives regenerate healthy tissue,” states Sonny. and circles of associates.”

The energy helps to strengthen and Scalar energy does three things quickly. heal DNA, which can be mutated by the It increases cell permeability so that they environment and other factors. passes can flush toxins out and into the bloodimproper signals to our cells. “Our system stream. This is important because the fewer strengthens the DNA and helps to return it toxins the body must spend energy dealing to its ‘divine blueprint’”, says Sonny. Once with, the more energy it has to protect and the DNA has been healed and strengthheal itself. ened, it starts sending clean, accurate Every cell has mitochondria, or energy signals to the cells, and that directs them in center. A healthy cell holds a charge of 70 the rebuilding and regeneration processes to 90 millivolts. When that charge gets required to heal. The system starts there and

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goes deeper, but these three processes are at the center of how the system energy helps our bodies to heal themselves.”

Co-manager Leslie Carl is a certified lymphologist, has training in reiki, Breath of Love, Body Electronics and Cranial Sacral Method, and has studied herbal use and food as medicine. She was trained in electronic medicine by Dr. James Solomon and Ed Skilling (a pioneer in the electronic medicine field).

They provide the same EESystem being used and promoted by Jason Shurka and Tony Robbins, healing frequency hybrid energy room, distance healing contracts, complimentary quantum resonance magnetic body analyzer reports, and frequency healing medallions and pendants.

Scalar Health Enhancement Center offers complimentary body scans to help clients see and understand what is going on in their bodies, are always available to answer questions, and coach and help educate clients on how they can live healthier lives.

They will have a booth at the Sol Harmony Fest from September 22 through 24, at 9940 Hambright Road, in Huntersville, doing body scans for a small fee. Sonny Carl will also give a class, “What is Energy and Frequency Healing and How does it Work?”

Scalar Health Enhancement Center is located at 6175 Pagemont Rd., in Kannapolis.

For more information, call 704-490-5483 or visit ScalarHealthEnhancement.com. See ad, page 2.

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event spotlight

Sol Harmony Fest in Huntersville RETURN OF HOLISTIC, HEALING ARTS, MUSIC AND MOVEMENT EVENT

“Sol Harmony Fest was created to support and connect the various holistic communities.”

K

at and David Harmon of Sol Harmony LLC and their team at the Sacred Sol Collective nonprofit organization will present the third annual Sol Harmony Fest beginning at 11 a.m. on September 22 and continuing through 7 p.m. on September 24 at the Bright Haven Farm and Green Manor Farm, in Huntersville, North Carolina.

With many area vendors,

practitioners and entertainers, the three-day, family-friendly, holistic, healing arts, music and movement event will feature more than 60 separate classes, lectures and workshops along with many other health and wellness activities and amenities.

Attendees will be able to experience acro yoga, kintsugi, qigong, sound and energy healing, tapping,

chakra dance, yoga nidra and feminine movement; a Healer Village including reiki, massage, reflexology, gut health support, life coaching and more; along with dance parties, drum and song circles. There will also be a kids’ area offering yoga and mindfulness classes; food trucks, tea, fresh juice, and coffee vendors with vegan and vegetarian options; local arts and craft displays; and live musical acts including Charlotte’s very own Of Good Nature taking the main stage at 7:30 p.m. on September 23.

“Sol Harmony Fest was created to support and connect the various holistic communities,” says Kat Harmon. “We truly believe that there are unlimited ways to heal, grow and transform; which is why we offer such a variety of holistic services at our event.

“We are extremely grateful and excited to welcome back everyone who joined us last year and look forward to seeing many new faces and having more amazing experiences to share.”

Admission prices range from $99-$322 with single-, two-day and weekend passes and camping options, including glamping, which is new this year. Children 12 and under free. Location: 9940 Hambright Rd. For more information or to register, email Co-Creators@SolHarmonyFest.com or visit SolHarmonyFest.com.

See ad, page 5.

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15

TRAVELING WITH PURPOSE

NINE DESTINATIONS FOR SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Mount Shasta This Northern California treasure is believed to be a powerful spiritual vortex that has long captured the imagination of spiritual seekers. By some accounts, Mount Shasta is reputed to 16

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Maddy M/ShutterStock.com

Sedona, Arizona Surrounded by red rock canyons, whimsical forests and waterfalls, Sedona’s natural beauty inspires spiritual reflection. It is also part of one of the most powerful energy vortexes in the world and a New Age Mecca for those seeking transcendence through energy healing, yoga, sound baths and a host of other spiritual offerings.

Edwin Verin/ShutterStock.com

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hroughout history, humans have embarked on pilgrimages in pursuit of wealth, good fortune, divine intervention, spiritual enlightenment and other blessings. These journeys could be considered the earliest manifestations of one type of adventure travel, while today some of these would be defined as spiritual tourism.

The notion of “spirit” refers to both our conscious and subconscious minds. A spiritual practice, then, is any activity that enables us to step away from the noisy parade of life and explore our emotions, where any concept of the human spirit resides. This spiritual self-care includes any ritual or practice that helps connect us with our most authentic higher self.

Travel can be an amazing way to explore metaphysical interests with new people, sites and scenes, in order to invigorate the senses, stimulate the imagination, refresh the mental framework and invite new ideas and personal insights. Some places qualify for spiritual travel by virtue of their natural beauty, or due to some historical, mythological or religious significance. For a trip that fosters mind-body-spirit self-care with a generous portion of adventure, check out these sacred sites.

be the Earth’s root chakra, in keeping with the belief that, like the human body, planet Earth possesses chakra energy centers.

This majestic mountain, which is associated with healing, transformation and spiritual awakening, is a stunning backdrop for the many spiritual retreats and workshops offered locally that include meditation, energy healing, yoga, sound therapy and other restorative modalities.

Spiritual guide Andrew Oser, who has led Mount Shasta retreats for decades, says, “I can help you allow Mount Shasta’s transforming energies into the core of your very being, and by utilizing my direction to harness the mountain’s heightened vibration, you will feel it almost magically dissolve all of your fears.”

From venturing to the bright turquoise waters at Havasu Falls nearby to visiting the Chapel of the Holy Cross, there are many activities in Sedona for those wishing to connect more deeply to nature and themselves.

Bali, Indonesia Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Bali is a captivating destination with a serene, spiritual ambiance. Nestled amidst lush greenery and terraced rice fields, the town of Ubud, in the uplands of Bali, enjoys

DavideAngelini/ShutterStock.com

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by Kiki Powers

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international recognition for its spiritual offerings and welcoming vibe for those seeking inner peace and self-discovery.

Holistic healing options in Bali include energy therapies, sound healing and traditional Balinese massage. Yoga enthusiasts will be delighted with the varied class options, immersive programs and specialized workshops. Along with wellness spas offering rejuvenating treatments that harmonize the body, mind and spirit, Bali offers beautiful meditation areas for quiet contemplation.

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Machu Picchu, Peru

Spirituality runs deep in the Peruvian culture, from the ancient temples of the Incas to the living history of shamanism in the Amazon jungle. Machu Picchu has long been a revered site, and historically the place for worshipping the sun, the main Inca deity. Seekers can explore Machu Picchu on their own or participate in guided spiritual meditations—either way, it is a beautiful destination for a mind-bodyspirit getaway.

For those seeking a deep mystical experience, Peru Sacred Tours provides a safe haven for spiritual advancement with the individualized attention and guidance of indigenous practitioners, including the herbalist shamans of the rainforest, Q’ero Inca priests of Cuzco or Moche San Pedro shamans of Chiclayo.

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Egypt

Egypt is considered a land of majesty and mystery, attracting treasure hunters, his-

tory buffs and adventure seekers, as well as those searching for spiritual transformation. This world-renowned destination has a long history of spirituality, with a colorful tapestry of beliefs and practices.

The ancient Egyptians were convinced of the existence of a spiritual plane, while also maintaining deep reverence for the natural world, and these concepts continue to inform contemporary Egyptian culture and spirituality.

In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for spiritual tours in Egypt, particularly for meditation workshops in iconic places like the Great Pyramid of Giza, Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai and Nile River. One of the more well-known tour guides is Freddy Silva, a leading researcher of ancient civilizations, sacred sites and their interaction with consciousness, as well as the bestselling author of The Divine Blueprint.

Varanasi, India Varanasi may be the world’s oldest city, settled more than 4,000 years ago. Located on the banks of the Ganges River, it is regarded as the spiritual heart of India, with a tradition of Hindu mythology, as well as Buddhism. Religious, humanist and secular visitors frequent the evening aarti ceremony, when sadhus [sages] show their devotion by raising flaming lamps amid the aroma of incense.

If this strikes a chord, renowned author and spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey is offering a 14-day pilgrimage to the artistic, historical and spiritual soul of North India in November. He is the founder and director of the Institute for Sacred Activism, an international organization that inspires people to take up the challenge of our contemporary global crises by becoming effective, practical agents of institutional and systemic change.

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local retreat profiles

Discover your I Am Self with Evoke Divinity

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everend William Nichols is a minister with the Alliance of Divine Love Inc., a healing organization based on love and light. All healing methods emanate from and are based on love. As a certified drug abuse counselor, quantum healing specialist through past life regression using Dolores Cannon’s Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), member of the American Kambo association, and as a Kriya Yoga Practitioner, William has led numerous transformational retreats and coaching sessions.

Evoke Divinity heals with various methods utilizing mother nature’s greatest gift: sacred plant medicine.

Weeklong loving healing retreats in the Great Smoky Mountains and the Bahamas, weekend mini-retreats, in-home ceremonies and counseling that include Hapé ceremonies, emotional release breath work journeys, rebirth medicine ceremonies, and quantum healing through past life regressions provides participants significant shifts.

With extremely powerful and transformative medicine, participants have experiences compared to Nirvana, or Samadhi. A total paradigm shift in reality is experienced, removing the vail of the false persona: the ego, and being reborn into your higher, I am self.

For more information, visit EvokeDivinity.com, email EvokeDivinity@gmail.com or call William Nichols at 803-554-1831 or Amanda Rae at 262-853-6006.

September 2023

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Kyoto, Japan

Imbued with the rich heritage and history of Zen Buddhism, this enchanting city is an ideal destination for seekers to explore close to 2,000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, as well as the iconic Golden Pavilion, where centuries of devotion and wisdom have been housed. Many of these sites also provide inspiring settings for quiet contemplation, meditation and discussions of The Buddha’s teachings.

The traditional tea ceremony offered at numerous venues around the city is a

refreshing, meditative practice that cultivates a sense of tranquility and connection to the present moment. Kyoto is also home to exquisite Japanese gardens that illustrate the profound relationship between nature and spirituality in this gentle culture.

Italy As there are many sacred sites in Italy, a guided experience or well-planned itinerary may help facilitate an immersive spiritual journey. This is a labor of love for Phil Cousineau, author of more

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Author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, Cousineau has stated, “To shine the light of your own natural curiosity into the world of another traveler can reveal wonders—to remember the mysteries you forgot at home. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul.”

In partnership with Sacred Earth Journeys, Cousineau has prepared a guided tour in November entitled The Sweet Life of Mythic Italy, which will explore sacred locations in Rome, Perugia, Assisi, Montepulciano, Florence, Verona and Venice. To learn more, visit Tinyurl.com/SweetLifeTour.

Stonehenge, England Every year, more than a million people make the spiritual voyage to Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England. Archaeologists are still seeking a plausible explanation as to how the stones weighing multiple tons were transported to the site. This ancient masterpiece of prehistoric engineering remains shrouded in mystery to this day.

There is further spiritual charm in myths around the purpose of Stonehenge. People ask, “Was it intended as a funeral monument, an astronomical observatory, a tool to predict the seasons or a sanctuary where the sun was worshipped?” Stonehenge is believed to be an epicenter of Earth energy with as many as 14 ley lines converging on the site—powerful channels of energy associated with places of ancient and primordial significance.

It is plain to see that when we are ready to invest in our spiritual well-being in a fun, mind-expanding way, many mindbody-spirit travel options abound.

Kiki Powers is a health writer, blogger and national speaker specializing in plant-based nutrition and healthy green living. Learn more at RawKiki.com.

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local retreat profiles

Rev. Kendall Heath

Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister, Spiritual Counselor, Intuitive Medium. Owner, Light House Spiritual Center

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everend Kendall Heath opened Light House Spiritual Center in Mooresville in 2017. Post pandemic, Light House is now a psychospiritual ministry that stretches virtually across the country through integral/intuitive healing and spiritual mentorship phone appointments, online programs, regional in-person groups (including a regular Interspiritual Fellowship Service at Soul Wellness in Mooresville on 2nd and 4th Sundays and a monthly women’s group), and national/international sacred pilgrimages and soul-ventures.

Kendall’s retreats focus on transformative spiritual sites, sacred earth portals, and spiritually dense cultures around the world, and the deeper opportunities available when we travel outside of our comfort zone in search of personal transformation, connection, and the resurrection and reclamation of our own inner wisdom. Her passion for soul-venturing harkens back to her 20’s as a magazine Travel Columnist in Charleston, SC. Kendall will take a group to Thailand in 2024 and to Bali in 2025. Other opportunities in the works: various locations in Indo-Asia, Africa, Polynesia, and South America. Her retreats focus on experiential, sustainable and wellness tourism, 4–5-star accommodations/amenities, and coastal and mountainous areas.

Email info@lighthousespiritualcenter.com.

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In 2024, Ebba will lead two sacred journeys to Egypt and one to France; Egypt focuses on discovering the Atlantean ancient path of Initiation, deepening one's connection to the divine, and awakening the true star within. The South of France experience encompasses the ancient mysteries of Mary Magdalene, the Black Madonna, the Mystic Cathars, and the Knights Templar.

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Phil Cousineau, author of The Art of Pilgrimage: The Seeker’s Guide to Making Travel Sacred, specializes in creating meaningful travel experiences and leading tours to sacred sites. “All pilgrimages are a search for meaning and purpose, which is why I prepare groups on how to travel deliberately, ways to experience it and how to integrate the experiences into daily life so they are not forgotten,” he says.

Cousineau recommends getting off the bus, putting away the video recorder and simply walking into the landscape.

“Remind yourself why you traveled to there,” he says. “Take the deepest, most probing question in your life with you.

Chronicle your answer for two to five minutes daily. At the site, look for one detail that represents your entire visit that day and take a photo. Use active imagination to open your heart, rather than waiting for something to happen. Don’t compare your travels. When you are comparing where you are with where you’ve been, there’s no meaning—it becomes just one more purposeless tour.”

To share the experience with traveling companions, Cousineau says, “I begin mornings over breakfast with a long conversation that includes any stories about where we’re visiting. We’re reminding ourselves that we’re forming a small community by traveling together and studying the same stories so that we can continue our long conversation over dinner. This is where the meaning starts to form and deepen.”

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green living

Understanding Light Pollution

ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND ACHIEVABLE REMEDIES

by Sheryl DeVore

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the world. The organization offers five dark-sky designations based on stringent outdoor lighting standards and relies on the help of community stakeholders, such as Moore, who serves as a volunteer dark-sky preservation advocate. At Medicine Rock, she helps host sky-parties for people to enjoy the celestial show and learn about the negative impacts of light pollution.

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Before sea turtle-friendly lighting

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Charlotte Edition

Photo by David Godfrey

Photo by David Godfrey

t Montana’s Medicine Rock State Park, visitors have a rare opportunity to look up at the night sky and see an awe-inspiring display of planets and constellations, as well as the Milky Way, our spiral-shaped galaxy that contains about 100 billion stars, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. It is a magnificent sight, but those of us that live in or near cities with artificial lights beaming out of buildings and cascading over parking lots and highways may never get the pleasure.

“Because of light pollution, up to 80 percent of people living in North America are unable to see the Milky Way where they live,” says Sabre Moore, executive director of the Carter County Museum, in Ekalaka, Montana. “Medicine Rock State Park is designated as an International Dark Sky Sanctuary, and the Carter County Museum has committed to safeguarding it in perpetuity.”

The park’s sanctuary certification was issued by the nonprofit International DarkSky Association, based in Tucson, Arizona, with a grassroots network throughout

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Threats Posed by Artificial Lighting The skies around cities are hundreds, if not thousands, of times brighter than they were 200 years ago, according to 2017 research published in Science Advances.

In addition to robbing us of the Earth’s nocturnal skyscape, outdoor illumination negatively affects many plants and animals, including humans. Humanmade lighting threatens approximately 30 percent of nocturnal vertebrates and 60 percent of nocturnal invertebrates, and it “is increasingly suspected of affecting human health,” writes scientist Christopher Kyba, lead author of the report.

The mechanisms by which these life forms are affected vary. For example, when birds migrate, they fly into buildings that are lit up at night. Scientists estimate that at least 100 million bird deaths in the United States annually are related to light pollution. “Bobcats and bats rely on the cover of darkness for their survival and are also being affected,” says Moore, adding that artificial light interrupts human circadian rhythms, thereby affecting our REM [rapid eye movement] sleep, which is vital for our well-being. The flight patterns of nightactive insects are disrupted by outdoor lighting, which partially explains their declining numbers worldwide.

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A Simple Switch Saves Turtles

Tips to Address Light Pollution

It is possible to reduce these negative impacts, as the Sea Turtle Conservancy has proven. By getting people to modify the positioning and types of lights used in buildings along Florida and Texas beaches, the nonprofit has been able to rescue loggerheads, leatherbacks and green sea turtles from the brink of extinction.

Female turtles have evolved to instinctively lay their eggs on the beach, allowing the hatchlings to emerge at night and head toward the light of the horizon into sea. Humans, however, have interrupted this natural course with artificial light emanating from the windows of high-rise condominiums, garden spotlights and outdoor lamps.

“When hatchlings erupt out of their nests in the middle of the night, the bright horizon today is in the direction of the land. They go the wrong way into roads, parking lots, swimming pools or dunes, where they are run over by cars or subject to predation,” explains David Godfrey, executive director of the conservancy.

Researchers have discovered that lights with longer wavelengths that are amber, orange and red in color do not disturb the turtles, as opposed to outdoor fixtures that emanate shorter-wavelength blue and white light. According to Godfrey, the good news for these sea creatures is, “LED can be programmed to emit the specific wavelength you want.”

The conservancy works with coastal counties, beachfront property owners and others to switch to turtle-friendly lighting, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation often provides grants to pay the retrofitting costs. As a result, Godfrey reports, there has been increased nesting in areas with changed lighting and greater survivorship by the hatchlings.

“We are saving tens of thousands of hatchlings every season, and homeowners are seeing a reduction in their utility bills.

People love it. They’ve found the longer wavelengths are more pleasing to the eyes,” Godfrey asserts. “Since we know that light pollution affects various other forms of wildlife and humans, the managed use of lighting at night is something that everyone should pay attention to.”

n Avoid blue-light fixtures. n Turn off unnecessary lights in the evening. n Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors. n Close curtains and blinds at night to stop indoor lights from beaming to the outdoors. n Visit Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky, an exhibit at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History,

in Washington, D.C. (NaturalHistory.si.edu/exhibits/lights-out). n Get involved at GlobeAtNight.org, a citizen-scientist group that monitors light pollution. n Support dark-sky designated areas (Tinyurl.com/DarkSkyPlace).

Sheryl DeVore is a frequent contributor to national and regional publications and has authored six books on science, health and nature. Learn more at SherylDeVore.wordpress.com.

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conscious eating

Savor the Present Moment HOW TO ADD MINDFULNESS TO MEALTIME

by Veronica Hinke

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Recipes That Enrich Mindful Eating

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here is a sharp difference between grabbing a fast-food burger at the drive-through and paying full attention to a home-prepared meal.

For many of us, busy schedules and harried lifestyles get in the way of a more introspective dining experience. Mindful eating—the practice of slowing down, appreciating the present moment and becoming consciously aware of the ingredients, flavors, aromas and textures that we consume—can be a worthwhile meditative endeavor.

“If we’re mindful of what we eat, when we eat and how we eat, we are supporting the vibrancy of what our bodies are so capable of,” says Dr. Carrie Demers, medical director at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. “Studies show that when people stop to sit down and

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chew their food carefully, they not only eat less, but they actually get more enjoyment out of their meal. Food tastes better when we are actually present with it.”

“When we slow down, we become more aware,” says Shawngela Pierce of Seek Within You, who leads spiritual retreats in Sedona, Arizona. “Sometimes people eat out of habit, but when we become more mindful, we start to notice patterns that, once understood, can help us harness a whole new way of eating and living.”

Mindfulness can begin before we even sit at the dining room table, “when we aren’t distracted by watching television or something else, and we take the time to think deeply about what we are preparing,” Pierce says, adding that calm focus can even help us when shopping for ingredients at the farmers market or grocery store.

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The Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute, in Aguada, Puerto Rico, offers a mindful eating class that invites diners to practice with a bowl of Ann Wigmore’s Energy Soup—a recipe by the institute’s founder containing an array of vegetables, legumes and grains. “It’s fulfilling, nutritious and cleansing, all in one,” says Executive Director Carolyn Marin. “Key in what makes this a mindful eating meal is that while it is pulsed in a blender, it is not a liquid, and it requires chewing. Also, it is served at room temperature, which helps with mindful eating and proper digestion.”

While soft music plays in the background, students of the mindful eating class are instructed to slowly pick up their spoons, place a serving of soup in their mouths, set their spoons down and unhurriedly chew 30 times. “They look out at the ocean, breathing carefully, eating consciously and slowly, taking their time and getting their body out of fightor-flight mode and into healing mode. It can be very emotional,” Marin explains.

“Mindful eating also aids in digestion because the person is chewing the food fully and allowing it to spend more time in the mouth, where digestion begins. Many of our guests have experienced noticeable improvement with acid reflux, stomach aches and nausea.”

Four Aspects of Mindful Eating Marc Demers, head chef at The Himalayan Institute, says there are four aspects of mindful eating—right food, right

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time, right quantity and right attitude or environment—each of which can be individualized and honed to deepen awareness and improve health. Here are his recommendations.

RIGHT FOOD: Eat fresh, whole foods that are easy to digest and give energy. We need mindfulness to notice which foods support us and which cause indigestion, mucus or fatigue.

RIGHT TIME: Our bodies naturally digest better in the daytime and when we feel hunger. Stop eating at least three hours prior to bedtime. We need mindfulness to notice the difference in digestion between eating ice cream at 3 p.m. and at 11 p.m.

RIGHT QUANTITY: Eat just the right amount of food—enough to feel satisfied and fuel the day’s activities, but not so much that we feel lethargic or sleepy. Mindfulness helps us notice our hunger and fullness, as well as how we feel after we eat.

RIGHT ATTITUDE OR ENVIRONMENT: Sit down in a peaceful place, ideally with people we like, rather than eating while driving, working or walking. Don’t eat when stressed or angry. If we are upset, it is better to take a moment to mindfully breathe and calm the nervous system before eating. The goal is to welcome the food with gratitude and openness.

Take It Slow and Steady For those struggling to commit to mindful eating, Pierce says, “Start practicing mindful eating with the food that you enjoy the most.

Don’t try to do it all at once. Just try one meal each week as a start. Make it a priority.

Set a reminder if it helps. Have fun with it.

Make it a playful practice. Say, ‘Today is going to be my mindful eating day.’ That opens the gateway to something that will become an integral part of your spiritual life.”

Veronica Hinke is a food historian and author of The Last Night on the Titanic: Unsinkable Drinking, Dining and Style and Titanic: The Official Cookbook. Learn more at FoodStringer.com.

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GREEK ORZO AND CHICKPEA SALAD

8 oz orzo 1 19-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 2 cups cooked) 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved 1 large English cucumber, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 bunch green onions, chopped 1 cup chopped basil 7 oz feta, cut into ½-inch cubes FOR THE DRESSING: ¼ cup red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp honey 1 tsp dried oregano ½ cup olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Cook the orzo according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.

Meanwhile, make the dressing by whisking together the red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey and oregano until honey is dissolved.

Slowly whisk in olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Photo by Vincci Tsui

YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS (6 CUPS)

In a large bowl, mix together cooked orzo and remaining salad ingredients.

Add in dressing and toss to coat.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Dietician and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Vincci Tsui.

HEARTY QUINOA SALAD YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS (6 CUPS)

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Photo by Himalayan Institute

The Next Step in Spiritual Communities!

⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil 7 Tbsp scallions, sliced thin 1 cup quinoa 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen 1¾ cups kale, stems removed, finely chopped 1¾ cups cheese of choice, crumbled or diced small (use tofu or tempeh for vegan option) ⅓ cup pesto (dairy or vegan) ⅓ cup sunflower seeds ⅓ cup dried tomatoes, chopped Wash and drain the quinoa three times.

Cook according to package instructions.

Sauté the scallions for 2 to 3 minutes. If using tofu or tempeh, lightly brown it in the skillet.

Let cool. If using frozen corn, cook in water for 3 minutes.

Combine all of the ingredients, and mix well. Use within 3 days.

Blanch the kale (spinach or other leafy greens work also). Press out extra water.

Photo courtesy of The Himalayan Institute; recipe by Head Chef Marc Demers.

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Photo by Carolyn Marin

This recipe by Vincci Tsui, a dietician and intuitive eating counselor in Calgary, Canada, can inspire mindfulness because it requires chopping, dicing and cubing ingredients, which can be methodical and meditative activities. In terms of eating the salad, the numerous flavors and textures provide ample opportunity to engage the senses and be present with the food.

Stop germs before you get sick

Photo by Carolyn Marin

Photo by Vincci Tsui

Photo by Himalayan Institute

Nature’s Germ Killer

ANN WIGMORE’S ENERGY SOUP This soup has several properties that facilitate mindful eating.

It is served at room temperature, loaded with diverse ingredients and pulsed, rather than liquified, allowing for purposeful chewing, attentive tasting and proper digestion. The liquid base includes cabbage rejuvelac, a fermented, bubbly probiotic resembling unsalted sauerkraut juice that restores electrolytes, B vitamins and gut balance.

YIELD: 2 TO 4 SERVINGS ½ cup cabbage rejuvelac (recipe below) 1 cup non-starchy vegetables such as zucchini, yellow squash, radishes, beets, carrots, celery or cucumbers, chopped 1 cup non-bitter, leafy greens or herbs, chopped 1 Tbsp seaweed 1 Tbsp lentil or pea sprouts 6 cups sunflower microgreens 2 cups buckwheat microgreens 1 Tbsp grated ginger 1 cup papaya, chopped 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges FOR THE CABBAGE REJUVELAC: 6 cups red or green cabbage, chopped 3½ cups filtered or spring water To make the rejuvelac, use a blender to purée the water and cabbage. Pour the mixture into a glass jar, cover and store in a room that is 74°F or warmer for 3 days. Open and close the lid of the jar once each day to release air.

To make the soup, use a blender to combine the rejuvelac, vegetables, seaweed and sprouts, pulsing so as to not over-blend, and slowly add the micro greens. Pour into bowls and add ginger, papaya and lime juice. Serve at room temperature.

Can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.

Recipe and photo courtesy of the Ann Wigmore Natural Health Institute.

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wise words

Stephen Cope ON FINDING YOUR CALLING

by Sandra Yeyati

Why is it important to find our calling?

In classical yoga, there’s a view that everybody has a vocation. The earliest myth that supports this dates back several thousand years to the Vedic tradition in India and involves the god Indra, who is said to have cast a vast net over the entire universe. At each vertex of this net there’s a gem, and that gem is an individual soul whose job is to hold together the net at that point.

This introduces the view that each of us has a responsibility to contribute our gifts in such a way that we hold together our little piece of the net. If we don’t, the net starts to unravel. Dharma is Sanskrit 28

Charlotte Edition

photo courtesy of Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health

S

pecializing in the relationship between Eastern contemplative traditions and Western psychology, Stephen Cope has been a scholar-inresidence for more than three decades at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, the largest residential yoga center in North America. He also founded the Kripalu Institute for Extraordinary Living, a global network of scientists that researches the effects and mechanisms of yoga-based practices. Cope is a classically trained pianist, dancer and psychotherapist, as well as the bestselling author of Yoga and the Quest for the True Self, The Wisdom of Yoga and The Great Work of Your Life. His latest book is The Dharma in Difficult Times: Finding Your Calling in Times of Loss, Change, Struggle and Doubt.

for sacred vocation or sacred duty, which comes from the root dhri, “to hold together.”

It’s this fascinating notion that we have a responsibility to our own idiosyncratic genius, which sustains not only us by providing a fulfilling life, but also the whole world by taking care of our corner of the world.

How can we find our life’s purpose?

The practice of yoga and meditation is about increasing our connection with the subtle, internal world. Thoreau called it the distant drummer. While our culture constantly draws us out and distracts us, Eastern contemplative traditions invite us to quiet our monkey mind and listen inside to that still, small voice that is attuned to our deepest needs and to the way the world works. It’s that awake, or enlightened, part of the mind that can connect you to your true calling.

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There are three questions that people can ask themselves.

First: What lights you up? This is an energetic experience in our bodies when we come close to the occupation or endeavors that are important to our soul. Get familiar on a day-to-day basis with what lights you up, then slowly move toward those things and integrate them into your life.

Second: What duties do you feel called to? I don’t mean those onerous things that are imposed on us by our culture. I mean a duty that if you don’t do it in this lifetime, you’ll feel a profound sense of regret and self-betrayal.

Third: What problems or difficulties are you facing in your life right now? Difficulties can point you to something that might be your dharma. Marion Woodman, a good friend and feminist who was diagnosed with bone cancer in her mid-60s, decided to close her psychoanalytic practice and devote the rest of her life to being in relationship with the cancer, investigating it as her calling. Very often, somebody’s calling is something really difficult they’re experiencing, like an unhappy marriage or dissatisfaction in career, and their dharma is to investigate what this means for their life.

How do we follow the still, small voice when it feels like we’re stepping off the cliff?

Robert Frost stepped off a series of smaller curbs that added up to a cliff. He was concerned, as we all are, about security, making

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money and keeping his family safe, so he became a teacher. But there was a point at which he had to give up teaching and follow this deep voice that said, “Poetry is your calling.” He was 38 when he made the final decision to let go of other sources of income, and when he did that, his poetry came alive.

What advice do you have for fulfilling our life’s work?

In the Bhagavad Gita [Hindu scripture], there are four pillars of dharma. The first is discernment—finding your calling in this lifetime. The second—the doctrine of unified action—is to bring everything you’ve got to whatever you decide is your calling.

The third is to let go of the outcome, also known as relinquishing the fruit. The ancient yogis discovered that if you’re grasping for a particular outcome, it takes you out of the moment and into some future fantasized moment. By letting go, you empower yourself to be more present to the possibilities of the moment. The fourth pillar is to turn the whole process over to God or to something bigger than just yourself. My friends who don’t believe in a higher power or god understand that concept of dedication to the planet, to humanity or to all beings.

If a metal does this to your skin...

Imagine what it will do implanted inside of your body?

Are you hopeful about the future?

Very hopeful. The contemplative traditions discovered that human beings who were jivanmukta, or soul-awake, were special versions of human beings in that they had capacities of compassion, loving kindness, joy, generosity and selflessness.

Those qualities, which are developed in the practice of yoga and meditation, add to the common good. I’m hopeful that as we become everything we can be, we will have the capacity to solve some of the huge problems that we have. As reckless as we are these days with our world, human beings have very often risen to the challenge of complex dilemmas and resolved them. As we come together, we start manifesting unified action. The power of human beings working together for the common good is almost limitless.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings.

Find Inspiration, Comfort and Closure with Kelle • International Psychic Medium with 18 years experience • Award Winning Author • Psychic Investigator on missing persons cases Book A Reading Today 17026 Ashton Oaks Dr, Charlotte 28278 | 978-420-8213 | PsychicMedium@verizon.net

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YOGA ON VACATION Simple Poses and Tips for Travelers

MEDICAL TOURISM Navigating the Risks and Rewards

HELPING KIDS COPE Guiding Children Through Trauma and Anxiety

CALENDAR Check out the latest events at AwakeningCharlotte.com/calendar

DOG PARENTING How to Shape Behavior and Strengthen Our Bond

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community resource guide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com to request our media kit.

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ACUPUNCTURE 3NERGY WELLNESS

Camilo Sanchez, L.Ac, MAOM 704-542-8088 3nergyWellness.com 35 years’ experience in acupuncture, Chinese medicine, integrative health, bioenergy therapies. Expertise correcting root cause of chronic pain, digestive disorders, stress, women’s health and chronic issues. Offering authentic Tai Chi, Qigong and Taoist Yoga classes.

ALZHEIMER'S RECODE PROTOCOL THE ALZHEIMER’S ALTERNATIVE

EndCognitiveDecline.com Robyn@EndCognitiveDecline.com 908-407-1000

APOTHECA

9 Charlotte Area Stores Apotheca.org Shop trusted and tested cannabis, kratom and mushroom products in a welcoming environment. Edibles, flower, drinks, powders and other natural goods, and friendly, educated staff. Use AWAKE20 for 20% off one purchase online or instore. See ad, page 6.

CHRONIC & DIFFICULT CASES HAAS WELLNESS CENTER

3315 Springbank Ln, Ste 102 704-837-2420 HaasWellnessCenters.com

Specializing in chronic and difficult cases and holistic and wellness care. We identify and treat the root cause of your health issues. Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad, page 4.

Certified ReCODE Health Coach based in Charlotte executing Dr. D a l e B r e d e s e n ’s p r o t o c o l nationwide based on groundbreaking 30+ years of research. Studies in 2022 and 2023 have proven success. Schedule call/Zoom today. See ad, page 13.

COLONICS HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

BODYWORK BRITISH MASSAGE

2210 Coronation Blvd, Ste C 704-572-1310 BritishMassage.com Originally from London, Jessica is highly intuitive, has a natural healing touch and loves to help people feel better physically and emotionally. Medical Reiki Master and offers Reiki classes.

Book massage/reiki today. See ad, page 14.

Our principle service is Colon Hydrotherapy, but we also offer a wide variety of other services. We o ff e r b o t h t r a d i t i o n a l a n d alternative therapies to assist clients in achieving optimal health, wellness and balance.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

BRAIN/MENTAL HEALTH DOC BROWN BUSH INTEGRATIVE THERAPY

19109 W Catawba Ave, Ste 200, Cornelius 704-491-2216 • DocBrownBush.com Customized natural solutions for healing mental health issues, unhealthy behaviors, and brain health problems. Treats ADHD, eating disorders, trauma, stress, anxiety and TBI with counseling, nervous system/stress rewiring, brain balancing and functional medicine/naturopathy. See ad, page 4.

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Charlotte Edition

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRX.com

NC’s most experienced and trusted compounding pharmacy. Women’s and men’s hormone health, sexual and functional/ integrative medicine. Expert pharmacists work with healthcare providers statewide to customize medication therapy to the patient. Call to find a provider today. See ad, page 19.

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CONCIERGE MEDICINE WELLCOMEMD

8035 Providence Rd, Ste 315, Charlotte 152 Fairview Rd, Ste 325, Mooresville 980-294-4937 · WellcomeMD.com

Experience concierge medicine that is more personal and effective. Comprehensive and proactive approach, limited number of patients, unhurried 30-minute consultations for a personal relationship with your physician. Schedule free tour today. See ad, page 10.

DENTISTRY GENTRY DENTAL

5950 Fairview Rd, Ste 16 704-554-1007 GentryDentalCharlotte.com Providing the highest quality biological/holistic dental care with compassion and understanding.

Modern, spa-like office, state-ofthe-art equipment and individualized care and attention. In-office dental savings plan. Call today to schedule appointment. See ad, back cover.

KEMPTER DENTISTRY

3111 Springbank Ln, Ste F1 1000 Copperfield Blvd, Ste 160, Concord 704-782-0797 KempterDentistry.com Biologically minded family dental office offering 3D digital dentistry, preventative dentistry, safe mercury removal and sleep apnea screenings. In a relaxed and caring environment, all patients are given devoted time. Call the office today to request a new patient consultation. See ad, page 11.

DIRECT PRIMARY CARE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com

Affordable convenient direct primary care from a personalized holistic perspective. Thorough and efficient care with nutrition as the foundation. We want to get and keep you healthy. Schedule a new patient consult today. See ad, page 9.

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RATLIFF INTEGRATIVE FAMILY MEDICINE

104-D Waxhaw Professional Park Waxhaw · 704-443-8530 DrMelissaRatliff.com

One of few integrative practices offering direct primary care. Dr. Ratliff is dedicated to longer appointments and developing patient relationships at affordable monthly membership rates.

Contact us to schedule free meetand-greet. See ad, page 6.

FOOTCARE A HUNTERS’ ADVENTURE

Marian Sanders, CNA, MA 360-908-8536 Healing4MerryHearts@gmail.com Healing4MerryHearts.org Providing in-home foot soak, massage, and nail clipping with all natural products for elderly, disabled and homebound. Raising spirits, providing comfort, and giving peace of mind. Schedule today, receive 20% new client discount.

ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING MOLD REMEDIATION, HOME WATER CONTROL

Sedona Waterproofing Solutions 704-960-7906 SedonaWaterproofing.com

Address moisture issues in your home resulting in healthier indoor air and increased energy efficiency. Basements, crawlspace, drainage and foundation issues.

Call today for a free inspection and quotation. $250 discount with code NACLT. See ad, page 7.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BENTON INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE & THE SKIN CENTER

16415 Northcross Dr, Ste B, Huntersville 514 N NC -16 Bus, Denver 704-775-6029 • BentonIntegrative.com The Carolina's only Integrative practice offering membership based Direct Primary Care and Functional Medicine wellness programs. Wellness programs are individualized to the patient and address the root cause of illness.

See ad, page 9.

RECYCLED COMPOST & MULCH

140 Valleydale Rd • 980-314-3880 17131 Lancaster Hwy • 980-314-3845 MeckMulchMadness.com Supports a 360˚ from your yard to our facility and back again.

Mecklenburg County upcycles your yard waste to create highquality STA approved compost and beautiful mulch at a very affordable price. See ad, page 25.

WELLCOMEMD

8035 Providence Rd, Ste 325, Charlotte 152 Fairview Rd, Ste 325, Mooresville 980-294-4937 • WellcomeMD.com 30-plus years in public and private settings, Dr. Klein uses a functional medicine approach to develop personalized plans that helps patients get healthy and stay healthy. Schedule free tour today.

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SUSTAINABLE INTERIOR DESIGN

Claudia Josephine Design 860-796-3415 ClaudiaJosephineDesign.com

Proving that sustainable, ecofriendly design can still be stylish, Claudia creates classic, functional, and beautiful interiors. Certified Green Accredited Professional.

Specializing in new residential construction and full-service interior design.

GARDENING THE PATIO FARMER

Charlotte, NC • ThePatioFarmer.com ThePatioFarmer@gmail.com @thepatiofarmer on IG and FB Confidently grow food at home with Consultations, Installation and Maintenance Plans. Also, check out Plant Club for in-depth gardening know-how. Contact us today and start enjoying food from your own plants.

ENERGY HEALING MANIFEST THE REALITY YOU DESERVE

True Star Coaching™ 980-213-7777 • TrueStarCoaching.com Ebba helps connect you with your higher self to manifest the reality you deserve. Private and group coaching, quantum mechanics (QM) therapy (only practitioner in the U.S.), private meditation, sacred journeys and retreats. See retreat profile, page 19.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS CARE PRIMARY HEALTH-CARE

OF CHARLOTTE, P.A. 508 Beatties Ford Rd 704-347-1172

Serving Charlotte area for 35 years with continuous low-cost holistic health care for uninsured and under insured. Physicals, first aid, testing. Certified by NC Board of Medical Examiners and NC Board of Nursing. By appointment only.

HYPERBARIC THERAPY NIRVANA HYPERBARIC INSTITUTE

146 Medical Park Rd, Ste 110 Mooresville • 704-471-4100 NirvanaHBO.com

Dedicated to healing, forwarding the science of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and providing patients a tranquil place to heal. Highly effective in treating many conditions, some covered by insurance. See ad, page 30.

INTEGRATIVE HEALER KATIE SUTTON

Intuitive Channel, Guided Meditation Coach 828-246-3335 ZenWithinAcademy.com Katie synthesizes a unique blend of healing modalities with selfactivation techniques–from sound and vibrational therapy, to intuitive channeling, to guided meditation– in order to deliver healings tailored to each person's needs.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE STANLEY SPECIALTY PHARMACY

3120 Latrobe Dr, Ste 200 704-370-6612 StanleyRX.com

NC’s most experienced and trusted compounding pharmacy specializing in integrative and root-cause medicine for men and women. Expert pharmacist team works with healthcare providers and patients to prepare custom medications. Call to schedule consult today. See ad, page 19.

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INTEGRATIVE PEDIATRICIAN INFINITE HEALTH, PLLC

Sheila Kilbane, MD 2201 Park Rd, Ste B 704-626-6771 • SheilaKilbane.com

PSYCHIC PSYCHIC MEDIUM KELLE

978-420-8213 PsychicMedium@verizon.net PsychicMediumKelle.com

Dr. Kilbane is a board-certified integrative pediatrician who specializes in finding the root cause of illness including reflux, eczema, allergies, recurrent ear and sinus infections, asthma, constipation, abdominal pain and more.

Psychic medium +18 years, author and radio show host. Private readings, psychic investigator on missing person cases. Helps those at a crossroads, experiencing unresolved issues or dealing with loss. Call for appointment today.

See ad, page 29.

INTERFAITH MINISTER REV KENDALL HEATH

Interfaith/Interspiritual Minister Spiritual Counselor, Intuitive Medium 704-658-1442 LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

SCALAR ENERGY SCALAR FREQUENCY HEALING

704-920-0963 CS@ScalarFrequencyHealing.com ScalarFrequencyHealing.com

Scalar energy wellness and spiritual awareness aids. Simple, practical, inexpensive, and imprinted with targeted scalar frequencies to help the body repair itself or work with your consciousness. Free shipping. 15% discount with NAM522. See ad, page 2.

Offering Sunday fellowship 2 x a month, monthly women’s group and one-on-one services including integral soul healing, medium readings, and spiritual mentorship; also national/international sacred retreats. Schedule free 30-minute tea & talk today. See retreat profile, page 19.

ORGANIC SALON

SCALAR HEALTH ENHANCEMENT CENTER

704-920-0963 Members@ScalarHealthEnhancement.com ScalarHealthEnhancement.com

ORGANIC SALON LKN

427 E Mills Ave, Mooresville 704-883-6564 OrganicSalonLKN.com Harnessing nature's beauty with professional organic products while creatively designing the ideal hair routine and style to fit your life. Call today for a free consultation. See ad, page 13.

OZONE THERAPY PUREFICO MEDSPA & THERAPY

19401 Old Jetton Rd, Ste 100 Cornelius · 704-655-2719 Purefico.com

When you enter the Scalar Health Enhancement Center, you enter a healing zone where the 5th Dimension isn't just a theory, it is a functioning reality! Call for appointment today. See ad, page 2.

SOUND & VIBRATIONAL THERAPY SPIRIT AND SOUND

Barbara Griggs, LSH, CVSP, CVSC barb.griggs04@gmail.com 248-321-6098 SpiritandSound.net

Full line of noninvasive wellness/ beauty services including only local provider of cutting edge Eboo Ozone IV Therapy system. Treats autoimmune disorders, infections, viruses, chronic fatigue, Lyme disease and more. Call and mention Natural Awakenings discount. See ad, page 18.

Call today for free consultation. Discover avenues to overcome uncertainty and fear. As a licensed spiritual healer, intuitive, and Certified Vibrational Sound Practitioner/Coach, let's awaken the strength and commitment necessary to honor your journey.

SPIRITUAL CENTERS EVOKE DIVINITY

Retreats & In-Home Ceremonies 803-554-1831 • FB, IG EvokeDivinity.com Experience deep spiritual awakening with only ceremony of its kind on East Coast. Sacred plant medicine, emotional release breathwork, quantum healing administered by credentialed practitioners.

Retreats and In-home.

Addiction, PTSD, trauma, depression/anxiety, feeling stuck. See retreat profile, page 17.

HEARTLIGHT SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev David Hulse, Spiritual Guide 7300 Mallard Creek Rd 704-599-1180 HeartLightCharlotte.org

We are a spirit-guided, heartcentered Christ-conscious, loving family providing an empowering, universal, Christcentered message grounded in the teachings of metaphysics.

Meditation 10:30am. Sunday service 11am. Email Shine@HeartLightCharlotte.org.

See ad, page 26.

LIGHT HOUSE SPIRITUAL CENTER

Rev Kendall Heath, Interfaith Minister 704-658-1442 info@LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com LightHouseSpiritualCenter.com

2nd & 4th Sundays, Interfaith/ Interspiritual Fellowship Services 10am-11:30am at Soul Wellness, Mooresville. Heart-centered exploration of esoteric, mystical, wisdom teachings of many faiths/ spiritual philosophies. Services include teachings, dialogue, experiential group learning, and music.

See ad, page 5.

UNITY OF CHARLOTTE

3715 Rea Rd Sundays at noon UnityofCharlotte.org

We offer a vibrant, inclusive Sunday Celebration at noon, led by co-ministers Revs Lisa and Jim. Inspiring messages and upbeat music support your spiritual growth, well-being, and abundant living. Space shared with Wesley United Methodist Church.

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SUSTAINABILITY SUSTAIN CHARLOTTE

SustainCharlotte.org

gaston county natural guide

A nonprofit organization working to inspire choices that lead to healthy, equitable and vibrant communities across the Charlotte metro region for generations to come.

Become a member today.

Connecting Gaston County to leaders in natural health, wellness and green living.

To find out how you can be included in the Gaston County Natural Guide, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

TACHYON

ORGANIC MARKET & SUPPLEMENTS

TORCHBEARER TACHYON

20200 Zion Ave, Ste 11 Cornelius • 980-689-1803 TorchBearerTachyon.com

“Connect to Source” through a 45-minute meditation experience with tachyons. Experience spiritual alignment, clarity, and downloads that improve your mental and physical health. Read our reviews and book your experience today.

ORGANIC MARKETPLACE

1012 S New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-864-0605 OrganicMarketplaceNC.com 9am -7pm M/F, 9am-6pm Sat. Reliable community partner, local source for education, organic foods, personal care, products, supplements, aromatherapy, organic wine/beer and pet products. See ad, page 2.

VETERINARIAN WHOLE PET

VETERINARY HOSPITALS 4 NC Locations: 3 Charlotte; 1 Coast WholePetVets.com Full, comprehensive services-medicine, surgery, dental. Alternatives-acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, detox, ozone, homeopathic. Exotics. Fear Free certified (alleviate fear, anxiety and stress).

Delivering outstanding results in a positive, fun environment. See ad, page 21.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Gastonia • 704-271-9757 Matthews/Ballantyne • 704-243-8560 CWLI.net Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

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classifieds Fee for classifieds is a minimum charge of $40 for up to the first 20 words and $1 per word thereafter. To place a classified, email Ads@AwakeningCharlotte.com.

Deadline is the 9th of the month.

SPA HC WELLNESS CENTER & SPA

1308 E. Garrison Blvd, Gastonia 704-823-1577 HCWellnessCenterAndSpa.com

Offering traditional and alternative therapies seven days a week to help you achieve optimal health, wellness and balance. Colon hydrotherapy, massage, far-infrared sauna therapy, energizing foot spa and yoni or v-steam.

WEIGHT LOSS CAROLINAS WEIGHT LOSS INSTITUTE

Lidia Adkins, CFMP, DC, PKT 216 S. New Hope Rd, Gastonia 704-271-9757 • CWLI.net

Developer of the “40 Day Transformation” system, a physician designed and administered functional approach with programming tailored to the unique metabolism needs of each individual, to provide safe and sustained weight loss. Call for a free consultation.

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JOBS IV HYDRATION – new Belmont Wellness Center in Gaston County seeking practitioner.

Flexible schedules. Interested parties contact 803-230-3111 or email luke20063@yahoo.com.

PART TIME MAGAZINE Delivery – needed primarily for Mecklenburg County delivering Natural Awakenings magazine. Fuel-efficient/ Hybrid/EV vehicle preferred. Work 1-2 days per month, paid per stop. Must be available during business hours. Info: 704-499-3327.

FOR SALE FIRST AID KITS – Scouts fundraiser. Prices range $16 - $120. 704-778-6863.

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Providing High Quality Holistic Dental Care with Compassion Better Health Through a Holistic Approach

Our office is modern, comfortable and spa-like, so you’ll never feel like you’re at the dentist. Warm up with a cozy blanket, relax in our massage chairs and listen to your favorite music or watch our overhead TVs during your treatment.

Our friendly and compassionate team will take care of the rest!

Highly trained dental team who focus on whole health Non-toxic, biocompatible, comprehensive dentistry Trained in Ozone Therapy SMART Certified by IAOMT Patient Comfort Is Our Top Priority

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Covers 2 cleanings/dental exams per year All necessary checkup x-rays Discounts off other dental treatments and procedures Discounted annual fees for each additional family member

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Marilee Weaver, DMD “Neighborhood Favorite” by Nextdoor “Best Dentist in Charlotte” 2 years in a row

by Charlotte Magazine BOB Awards

5950 Fairview Rd #16, Charlotte, North Carolina 28210