natural awakenings magazine ~ june 2013

1natural awakenings June 2013

Life-Changing TravelVacation Volunteers

Grow, Pick, GrillMake the Most of Summer’s Bounty

Secrets of a Happy LifeSmiles Glow from the Inside Out

TheFatherhood FactorHow Raising Children Changes Men

never glossy – always greennever glossy – always green

June 2013 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com

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

feel good • live simply • laugh more FREE

2 West Michigan Edition NaturalWestMichigan.com


17 REFRAMING PERSONAL PRIORITIES Craig Hamilton Explores the Gender Gap in Spiritual Growth by Kim Childs

18 THE FATHERHOOD FACTOR How Raising Children Changes Men by Armin Brott

20 WALK THIS WAY Step Up to Barefoot Benefits by Randy Kambic

24 LIFE LIFT Being Happy from the Inside Out by Judith Fertig

26 DAD & DAUGHTER DATES Making the Most of Cherished Time Together by Clint Kelly

28 GROW, PICK, GRILL Making the Most of Summer’s Bounty by Claire O’Neil

34 DOG SPORTS People & Pets Play Well Together by Sandra Murphy

36 TRAVELING VOLUNTEERS Doing Good During Time Away by Avery Mack

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

5 newsbriefs

9 healthbriefs

12 globalbriefs

14 ecotip

15 healingways

17 wisewords

18 inspiration

20 fitbody

26 healthykids

28 consciouseating

34 naturalpet

36 greenliving

41 calendar

43 classifieds

44 naturaldirectory

9

contents

24

12

26

14

34

28

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What are the secrets of a happy life? That is the question Judith

Fertig explores in this month’s feature article, “Life Lift: Being Happy from the Inside Out,” on page 24. Who doesn’t want to feel happy all the time? Kyle and I feel continually blessed to be able to do what we love every day and to do it together. We thank all of our advertisers and our readers for making this publication possible. We love West Michigan and are honored to help in educating individuals, families and the larger community in ways to live healthy, happy and well. Being involved in this endeavor comprises true happiness for the two of us. In honor of Father’s Day this

month also shines a spotlight on Men’s Wellness. I especially resonated with Clint Kelly’s essay on “Dad & Daughter Dates: Making the Most of Cherished Time Together,” on page 26. Reading it bubbled up many great memories of my own childhood. I always loved playing games as a kid, and still do. Board games, card games, you name it, and my dad was my best challenger. When he taught me how to shuffle cards he wanted to make sure that I really knew the art of the shuffle, and I still remember the day he first handed me a complete set of UNO cards, three times the number in a normal deck. Maybe he hoped it would keep me occupied while he focused on his Sunday football games. Maybe it was because he sensed my potential. In any case, in this I learned to have the confidence of a champ. I remember that Dad and I spent many weekends playing games and watching sports together. As a former race care driver, he also loved taking me to the race track and it became another tradition that the two of us shared. While I didn’t become so much of a fan that I went on to go on my own and or even watch competitive racing on TV, but I still love stepping out to see a race or two with my dad. Being “our thing” is what makes it fun! Whether you are a father, husband, son or all of the above, there is someone you love counting on you to be the healthiest you can be. So, in honor of good men everywhere, we celebrate you all this month and give an inclusive shout out: Happy Father’s Day! We appreciate you.

To fun in the sun,

Amy and Kyle Hass, Publishers

PublishersKyle & Amy Hass

EditorsS. Alison Chabonais

Amanda MerrittLinda Sechrist

Design & ProductionInteractive Media Design

Scott Carvey

PrinterStafford Media Solutions

Natural Awakenings484 Sunmeadow Dr. SEGrand Rapids, MI 49508

Phone: 616-656-9232

[email protected]

© 2013 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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newsbriefsMoment of Peace Meditation Series

Restorative meditation gently guides students through specific

techniques. This contemplative practice encourages watching the mind and accepting what is, in order to free the mind of distractions, which cause emotional and physical

suffering. Through the direct experience of meditation, participants can gain a deeper understanding of the mind and how their own thoughts and feelings affect them. These workshops are a blend of restorative meditation, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness training. Also included is journaling (you may bring your own journaling material), small group discussion and Q&A. Thursdays, May 23 to June 13 from 8:30-9:45pm. Cost is only $75 for the entire series at Cascade Yoga Studio. Please register at www.cascadeyogastudio.com or call 616-464-1610. Claire Crowley (M.M., 500 ERYT), is the owner of Moment of Peace. She has been an inspired teacher and dedicated student of yoga and meditation since 2000. Currently, Crowley is teaching these spiritual practices at Grand Valley State University and Aquinas College. She also taught at Cascade Yoga Studio for 10 years and has committed her life to helping others experience the depth and richness of life through these practices.

Cascade Yoga Studio, 5060 Cascade SE in Grand Rapids. For more information visit www.cascadeyogastudio.com or call 616-464-1610. See ad page 16 & 21.

EcoTrek Fitness Welcomes 2 New Series Leaders

EcoTrek Fitness, the locally-owned West Michigan company offering unique group outdoor workouts

since 2006, is thrilled to welcome two new series leaders, Tammy Trepins and Jennephyr Meier. Tammy Trepins will be the South Kent County Series Leader with routes ranging from the southern side of Grand Rapids and into neighboring communities. Trepins

is passionate about both fitness and nutrition. She has been active her entire life and living a healthy and active lifestyle is a priority for both her and her family. Over the past 5 years Trepins has trained and competed in area triathlons, bodybuilding competitions, the Warrior Dash Run and most recently The West Michigan Crossfit & Weightlifting Open.

Jennephyr Meier will be the Grand Rapids Central Series Leader with routes ranging from downtown GR to the East side and beyond. A lifelong fitness enthusiast and adventurer, Meier has tried it all - from Crossfit to Pure Barre. In 2009, Meier quit her full time job in corporate America to follow her passion. She is now living her dream as a 200-hour Certified Yoga Instructor in West Michigan. EcoTrek sessions run 75 minutes and incorporate the elements of cardio, strength training and stretching. Each leader adds their individual spin to the workout according to the location, which is different every time. This keeps it fun and interesting – yet effective, because EcoTrekkers will burn fat, increase lean muscle mass and improve their flexibility, all in one workout.

All schedules, costs and location information, as well as easy online sign-up, can be found on the website www.ecotrekfitness.com. See ad page 13 & 18.

New Studio for Flirt Fitness

Due to their success and growth, Flirt Fitness will be moving into a new studio located at 5366 Plainfield

Tammy Trepins

Jennephry Meier


Ave NE in Grand Rapids this June. Flirt Fitness offers a safe-haven for women to enjoy their workouts in a warm, welcoming environment offering women a chance to strip away their negative thoughts about themselves,

and venture on a journey of finding their inner sex goddess and being. “Our classes give you a phenomenal workout. You will be amazed how quickly you will lose weight, tone your body, shrink your waistline, feel great and just have fun”, says Amy Oostveen, Owner and Founder of Flirt Fitness. Sign up for their upcoming 8-Week Session starting the week of June 10th. Classes are now forming so call today.

Flirt Fitness, 5366 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Visit www.FlirtFitnessGr.com or call 616-723-7350 for more information. See ad page 28.

Book Release: Pain and Stress Relief Naturally

Health Path, LLC has released a new book titled Pain and

Stress Relief Naturally by Donna Treu Greenman. The book draws upon the author’s experience as a massage therapist and certified holistic consultant that often works with patients who experience chronic pain. “These days people have been taking a whole range of prescription drugs for years and are besieged with side effects and few successes. I found if they relax, deal with stress in healthy ways, and use some good natural healing techniques their stress and pain often subsides,” said Greenman, author and founder of Health Path LLC. Pain and Stress Relief Naturally begins with information to understand stress and its importance in everyday life and illness. Further chapters cover natural stress and pain reduction techniques such as laughter, meditation and prayer, reflexology, and massage. It also

discusses herbal remedies along with food and digestion among other topics. Greenman states how stress is an important part of human life protecting us from things that will cause harm, however, chronic stress causes abnormal levels of adrenalin, heart rate, muscle tension, digestive problems, and increased blood pressure. Lifestyle changes can assist with creating a stress and pain free life.

Pain and Stress Relief Naturally is available at www.PainDepart.com. For more information visit www.Health-Path.com under NAFERA.

An Evening of Lovingkindness Meditation

In a world that is full of conflict and personal

difficulty, it’s easy to close ourselves off from others. The practice of “Metta”—lovingkindness or “unconditional friendliness” —is a gentle form of meditation that stabilizes the body/mind and opens the heart in profound ways: healing wounds, inviting joy, creating compassion for all beings, including ourselves. The Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness is pleased to present an “Introduction to Metta: The Practice of Lovingkindness,” on June 18 from 6-9 p.m. The event will be held at The Wellness Forum, 4990 Cascade Rd. SE. Grand Rapids. Cost is only $35. Metta is an easy-to-learn form of blessing practice that is sourced in Buddhist tradition. Yet, it is an interspiritual practice that supports all theologies. A “sitting” meditation/prayer form, Metta takes us through six levels of blessing: one’s self, benefactors, loved ones, neutral others, difficult others, and, ultimately, all beings on Earth. Instructor, Janice Lynne Lundy, is a long-term practitioner of mindfulness and metta meditation. She has trained with Sylvia Boorstein in the Vipassana tradition. She is an Interfaith Spiritual Director, educator, and the author of four personal/spiritual growth books.

Pre-registration is required. For more information call Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness: 616-361-3660, www.grandrapidscenterformindfulness.com. See ad page 10.


Grand River GreenUp

The Third Annual Grand River GreenUp, West Michigan’s

largest Earth Day event, will take place on Saturday, June 1st. The 400-volunteer clean-up event, put on by WMEAC and the Grand Haven Area Jaycees, will cover approximately 20 miles of the Grand River, its tributaries, and parts of the Lake Michigan Shoreline.

Flooding conditions around the Grand River postponed the event due to safety concerns. The GreenUp has

expanded this year, with new sites in Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, and Grand Haven. If you are interested in volunteering, please register at www.grandrivergreenup.com.

Organizations interested in sponsoring the event can contact WMEAC at [email protected].

Water Wolf Now Open in Saugatuck

Water Wolf, an Emporium of Artful

Delights is now open. Whether you are you looking for something really special that’s recycled, antique, art, vintage, fair trade,

Mary A. DeLange C.C.T. C.M.T.

616-456-5033

[email protected] www.HarmonynHealth.net

Harmony ‘n Health Colon Hydrotherapy

Some Benefits of Colon Hydrotherapy:~ Remove Toxic Waste from ones body

~ Eradicate Constipation ~ Removes Stomach Bloat

~ Increase ones EnergyTherapeutic Massage also available

eco-friendly or looking for new and used CD’s, you will find it at Water Wolf. There is also a special area set aside for ‘Mantiques’, with items such as antique tools, fishing lures and more. Water Wolf is located at 403 Water St. in Saugatuck, Michigan and open 7 days a week from 11am-5pm or later, starting Memorial weekend. Owners Ron and Liz will welcome you and help you find items from the novel to the sublime.

For more information call 269-857-4565.

Opening of OVC Yoga

Ottawa Village Chiropractic announces the opening of OVC

Yoga located at 451 Columbia Ave in Holland, Michigan. OVC Yoga will offer classes for students at all levels during the evening and weekend hours. In addition to offering regular classes, OVC Yoga will offer specialized workshops and private instruction. Congratulations also to Kristen Porter for completing her Yoga Alliance RYT200 training. She and Dr. Greg Lynas led the 12 Week Journey Toward Whole Health together, which focused on nutrition, yoga, meditation, balance and wholeness. Kristen has been practicing yoga for many years and is excited to share her knowledge and practice

Kristen Porter


with students at OVC Yoga. All classes will be held at Ottawa Village Chiropractic in Holland, Michigan starting on June 25th. Classes planned for the summer are: New To Yoga, Fusion Yoga and Tween Yoga.

Check www.ovcyoga.com for updated class offerings and schedules or call 616-399-9420. See ad page 8.

Non-Toxic Hair Color

London Studios Salon welcomes Sherry Minott

and Jessica Rutherford Willis to their team. London Studios is an eco-friendly hair salon in Grand Rapids with a boutique feel. Offering cut/color, Keratin treatments, Updo’s, Hair Extensions, Bling Strands, Feather extensions, & Makeup Applications. London Studios Salon

specializes in Organic Colour Systems ~ the ONLY true-to-chart, ammonia-free, professional-only, permanent, salon exclusive hair color with 100% certified organic ingredients, natural plant extracts, amino acids, natural anti-oxidants and nutrients that produce the healthiest, richest, colors imaginable. Book your Appointment Today!

London Studios Salon 6455 28th St SE, Grand Rapids. Visit www.LondonStudiosSalon.com or “like” us at Facebook.com/LondonStudiosSalon. See ads pages 29 & 46.

Eat.Shop.Rock

Set aside Thursday, June 20th for a night filled with music. Four area business districts will feature

entertainment from 5-9pm. Beginning at 5pm in the East Fulton district, you can enjoy a Roaring 20’s Swing Band and Dancing. At 6pm walk over to the East Hills area for musical performances by Isaac Norris Project. Other performances during the evening by Arts in Motion Dancers, The Gay Men’s Choir, Claire Fischer, and Greg Sandborn. Street-side food vendors and Kite decorating at Hop Scotch and more in the works. There Goes the Neighborhood at 7pm in the Wealthy Street district in

the parking lot behind Bazzani Building located at 959 Wealthy St. Don’t miss Blue Molly at Kava House, 1445 Lake Dr at 8pm. Shop your favorite local stores, grab a bite and enjoy this entertaining summer night.

See East Hills Business Association ad page 26.

Seaway Run & Health Expo

The Mercy Health Seaway Run is one of Michigan’s most scenic and most popular runs. This fun,

family-friendly event has been a tradition in Muskegon for over three decades, celebrating healthy living and a healthy lifestyle. New this year is a Half Marathon, with a beautiful course that takes runners along the Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake shorelines, past our famous U.S.S. Silversides submarine. The traditional 5K and 15K runs have new courses this year, finishing along the beautiful Lakeshore Recreational Trail. Community Fun Walkers also have new courses along the northern part of the Lakeshore Recreational Trail, with a 3 mile or 5 mile option. All events begin and end near the Muskegon Family YMCA, with an award ceremony, music and festivities following the race. Sign up quickly and easily online at seawayrun.com; sign up by June 14 to avoid late fees and guarantee a t-shirt. Healthy choices lead to a healthier life and a healthier community! Be sure visit the Mercy Health Seaway Expo on Friday, June 21 from 11am to 7pm. The expo is free and open to the entire community. Visit the expo for free health screenings, food, music, kid’s activities, prizes, demonstrations and more. You can explore healthy options and learn how to optimize your family’s health.

The expo will be held at the Watermark Center, 920 Washington; for directions and more information, visit seawayrun.com/expo. See ad page 14.

Yoga for EVERYONE!

For class schedule, visit: www.ovcyoga.com

Ottawa Village Chiropractic & OVC Yoga 451 Columbia Avenue, Holland, Michigan 616-399-9420 [email protected]

Classes start

June 25!


healthbriefs

PSA Testing ControversyMen face a new dilemma at their annual physical

this year—should they be screened for prostate cancer? Last year, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against routine screen-ing for this form of cancer, regardless of age. Some doctors claim this will cause treatable prostate cancer cases to be missed. The level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a pro-tein produced by the prostate gland, can be measured with a simple blood test. Until the USPSTF issued its recommendation, doctors routinely used the test to screen men 50 and older. The task force, however, concluded there is at least moderate certainty that the potential harms of PSA testing outweigh the benefits; many benign conditions, particularly prostate infections and enlargement, can elevate PSA readings higher than normal, prompting more aggressive testing. Before deciding on the test, it helps for men to explore this issue with their doc-tor. Some physicians take a “wait and see” approach and retest several times over a few months before making a recommendation; others suggest an immediate biopsy if PSA levels are high. While a blood test is a benign procedure, a prostate biopsy is not. A high PSA reading coupled with an overly aggressive doctor can cause anxiety and result in additional—and possibly unneeded—medical treatment. Source: James Occhiogrosso, ProstateHealthNaturally.com

ExCESSIVE DIETARY FAT MAY HINDER CONCEPTIONOne reason for a

couple’s inabil-ity to conceive could be linked to too much fat in the male’s diet. A study by Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital of 99 U.S. men uncovered an association between a high fat intake and lower sperm count and concentration. Results were published in the journal Human Reproduction. Men that consumed the most satu-rated fats had a 35 percent lower total sperm count and 38 percent lower sperm concentration than men that ate the least amount of such fats. Moreover, men that ate more omega-3 polyunsaturated fats—the type of healthful fat often found in fish and plant oils—had better-formed sperm than men that ate less.

A Father’s Love is CriticalBased on 36 studies from around the world involving more

than 10,000 participants, researchers at the University of Connecticut, in Mansfield, concluded that a father’s love

contributes as much—and sometimes more—to a child’s development as a mother’s love. The critical importance of fatherly love to a youngster’s healthy development

provides added incentive for men to become more involved in nurturing child care.

Source: Society for Personality and Social Psychology

SPORTS AND MUSIC: A WINNING COMBINATIONListening to our favorite music, whatever the genre, can increase

both our enjoyment of and performance levels in competitive sports participation. Keele University researchers, presenting these findings at the 2012 British Psychological Society annual confer-ence, noted that playing selected tunes reduces perceived exer-tion levels, plus increases one’s sense of being “in the zone”. The

greatest effects were found with music used during structured training sessions. Previous studies showing that motivational music in general boosts per-formance did not include exploring the effects of listening to one’s favorite music.

FLAVONOIDS PROTECT MEN AGAINST PARKINSON’SFindings published

in the journal Neurology add to a grow-ing body of evidence that regular consumption of flavonoids, found in berries, teas, apples and red wines, can positively affect hu-man health. According to new research on 130,000 men and women under-taken by Harvard University, in Boston, and the UK’s University of East Anglia, men that regularly consumed the most flavonoid-rich foods were 40 percent less likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those that ate the least. No similar protective link was found for women. It is the first human study to show that flavonoids can help protect neurons against diseases of the brain.


Garlic May Help Alleviate Cystic FibrosisThe American Society for Microbiology reports

that by age 18, about 80 percent of patients with cystic fibrosis are chronically infected with the bac-terium pseudomonas aeruginosa, which promotes an inflammatory response that destroys lung tissue. The infection frequently leads to serious related health issues. According to collaborative research led by Tim Holm Jakobsen, Ph.D., and Michael Givskov, Ph.D., of the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, garlic, which acts as a powerful natural antibiotic, could help. The onion-related herb contains ajoene, the major component of a multitude of sulfur-containing compounds, which is produced when garlic is crushed. Ajo-ene inhibits the expression of 11 key genes controlled by cell-to-cell communica-tion and is regarded as crucial to the ability of the bacterium to cause disease.

Sugary Drinks Linked to Heart DiseaseOne risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death

in the United States, may be sugary drinks. Analysis of data collected on 42,883 men in the “Health Professionals Follow-Up Study,” published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, linked a daily 12-ounce serving of a sugar-sweetened drink to a 19 percent increase in the relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Sugar-sweetened beverages were associ-ated with higher levels of unhealthy triglycerides and C-reactive protein (a byproduct of inflammation), and lower levels of high-

density lipoprotein, or HDL, the “good” cholesterol. Senior study author Frank B. Hu, Ph.D., a physician and professor of nutrition and epidemiology at the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, cautions that diet sodas are not a good alternative. “Some studies have found a relationship between diet soda and metabolic disease,” he notes.

BREAKS FROM EMAIL BOOST FOCUS AND PERFORMANCEA “vacation” from email might be a simple prescription for improving work

performance, suggests a new study by the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and U.S. Army researchers. “We found that when you

remove email from workers’ lives, they multitask less and experience less stress,” says UCI Informatics Professor

Gloria Mark, who co-authored the study. Participants reported feeling better able to do

their jobs and stay on task, and they were happier to interact with others in person. Also, getting up and walking to someone else’s desk instead of emailing provided physical exercise.

healthbriefs

BETTER CARE THROUGH

MEDITATIONResearchers at the University of

Rochester Medical Center, in New York, suggest that primary care prac-titioners can improve their communi-cations skills and quality of care via

training in mindfulness meditation. A majority of the doctors participating in a recent study reported experiencing an improved capacity to listen more attentively and respond more effec-tively to others, and do it in a more non-judgmental frame of mind. The

scientists found that both doctors and their patients believed the quality of care improved following the training.

Source: Academic Medicine


Fruits and Veggies Can Help Us Kick ButtsThe first long-term study on the rela-

tionship between fruit and vegetable consumption and smoking cessation offers good news: Eating more healthy produce can help smokers quit the habit and remain tobacco-free longer. Researchers from New York’s University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions surveyed 1,000 smokers ages 25 and over from around the country. In a 14-month follow-up, they were asked if they had abstained from tobacco use during the previous month. Those that consumed the most produce were three times more likely to have been tobacco-free for at least 30 days than those that ate the least amount of produce. Smokers with greater fruit and vegetable consumption also smoked fewer cigarettes per day, waited longer to smoke their first one and scored lower on a common test of nicotine dependence. The findings, published online in the Nico-tine and Tobacco Research journal, remained consistent even when adjusted for age, gender, race, ethnicity, education and household income.

Grilled Food Might Make Us FatThe summer tradition of barbecuing may prompt a need for caution, accord-

ing to researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City. They have identified a common compound in grilled foods that could play a major role in the development of obesity and diabetes (Proceedings of the

National Academy of Sciences). The team, led by Helen Vlassara, a medical doctor and director of the Division of Experimental Diabetes and Ag-

ing, found that mice that were exposed on a sustained ba-sis to the compound methylglyoxal—a type of advanced glycation end-product (AGE) produced when cooking

with dry heat—developed significant abdominal weight gain, early insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes. Additionally,

AGEs have been found to lower the body’s protective mecha-nisms that control inflammation.

The researchers recommend that we replace frequent grilling, which uses high dry heat, with methods that rely upon lower temperatures or more moisture, such as stew-

ing, poaching or steaming.

RESVERATROL CAN AID PROSTATE CANCER TREATMENTIt’s already known that resveratrol, a compound found

in grape skins and red wine, can improve cardiovascular health and help prevent strokes. Now a University of Missouri School of Medicine (Columbia) researcher has discovered that it can make prostate tumor cells more susceptible to radiation treatment, increasing the likelihood of a full recovery from all types of prostate cancer, including aggressive tumors.

Don’t Worry, Be HealthyThe adage, “Don’t worry, be hap-

py,” captures the essence of the first-ever metastudy of the relation-ship between happiness and heart health. Based on a comprehensive review involving 200-plus studies, researchers at the Harvard School of Public Health, in Boston, concluded that a positive outlook on life could help protect the heart from cardio-vascular disease. Julia Boehm, Ph.D., and Laura Kubzansky, Ph.D., discovered that certain psychological traits—opti-mism, positive emotions and a sense of meaning—both offer measur-able protection against heart attacks and strokes and slow the progres-sion of cardiovascular disease. The pair found that the most optimistic individuals had approximately 50 percent less chance of experiencing an initial cardiovascular event com-pared with their less upbeat peers. “The absence of the negative is not the same thing as the presence of the positive,” notes Boehm. “Psy-chology has been trying to fix what’s wrong with people, but there’s also an increasing interest in what people might be doing right.”


globalbriefsNews and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a

healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Home RangeRestoring Native Prairies, Yard by YardFrom Canada south to Texas and from Indi-ana west to Colorado, nearly 600,000 square miles of grassland once contributed to this continent’s complex ecosystem, supporting a diverse and teeming web of life. Today, less than 1 percent remains intact. The good news is that farmers and resi-dents have been making inroads toward restor-ing this native landscape, converting suburban yards and rural fields to expanses of tall grass and fallow pastures that welcome native species. Government agencies and conservation groups, aided by volun-teers, have undertaken numerous restoration projects across U.S. and Canadian prairieland, some of them comprising thousands of acres. The initial investment in time and money starts with removal of invasive or even cultivated species and the planting of native grasses. Substantial benefits include low-maintenance ecosystems that require less water and no fertilizer while supporting diverse wildflowers and wildlife. But it’s not as simple as planting a few seeds. In semi-rural and more urban areas, neighbors and zoning laws don’t always see eye-to-eye with these “new pio-neers”, especially in deed-restricted communities. Concern over perceived property value deterioration and a potential influx of vermin sometimes wins the day. Farmers have been known to plow under an entire restoration project upon news of rising grain prices due to the ethanol industry, in order to cultivate it for financial gain. It is evident that social and economic policies must support the effort if it is to succeed.

Source: Yale Environment 360

Cowabunga DudeAll-Natural Boards Bring Sustainability to SurfingSurfers count themselves among the most ardent environmentalists. Yet their sport is awash in petrochemicals and carcinogens, from neoprene wet-suits and urethane surfboard leashes to polyurethane boards and epoxy resins. So surfboard shaper Danny Hess is adopting salvaged woods, natural finishes and organic resins to trans-form how they are made. His boards are built to last, an anomaly in a sport in which enthusiasts’ boards may break once or twice every season. He uses Super Sap, the first U.S. Depart-ment of Agriculture BioPreferred Certified liquid epoxy resin, and is experimenting with organic foam and salvaged redwood in seeking to build a truly green surfboard. “What I’m trying to do is build heirloom surfboards that are passed on from father to son over many gen-erations, rather than these disposable things that we’re just consuming,” Hess says. Before founding Hess Surf-boards, Hess lived in a straw-bale house in Colorado, studied sustain-able architecture at the San Francisco Institute of Architecture, built tree houses and worked as a licensed contractor. “One day I had this ‘Aha!’ moment when I realized I could create these molds, like the ones I was using to bend wood for cabinet doors, for surfboards,” he says. Hess has since expanded into also making sustainable skateboards.

Learn more at HessSurfboards.com.


Thanks, DadNorway Recognizes FatherhoodNorway’s liberal pa-ternity leave policy places equal respon-sibilities on men and women, which in turn progressively redefines traditional gender roles. Pap-papermisjon, or paternity leave, is often combined with a mother’s maternity leave to provide seamless childcare at home without overtaxing parents’ work life. The Norwegian government has socially engineered a society in which men and women are expected to have equal do-mestic and economic responsibilities. Some specifics of the country’s “fathers’ rights” philosophy include leaving the workplace by 5:30 p.m.; being able to adjust office hours around daycare drop-offs and pickups; and al-lowing time to organize family dinners and help with housework.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Moon FuelTwo New Sources of Sustainable EnergyA new compound of lead telluride— a semiconductor first used in the Apollo moon landings to provide astronauts with a renewable, thermoelectric power source—can transform the heat emitted from car tailpipes and the chimneys of power sta-tions and factories into a power source. According to the scientists engineering the innovation at Northwestern Univer-sity, in Evanston, Illinois, as much as 15 to 20 percent of the heat currently being lost could be recovered as electricity. Another team of researchers at Utah State University, in Logan, has created a yeast biodiesel fuel that can be made using the watery waste from the mass production of cheese. One cheese plant’s daily byproduct of up to 1 million gallons of liquid cheese waste can produce 66,000 gallons of fuel.

New ReleaseLocal Author Elizabeth Cosmos

Brings the Full Teachings & History of Ama-Deus to Life.

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Clean RideDIY Versus Commercial CarwashWe all want our new, energy-efficient vehicles to look their best, and eco-conscious drivers want to extend their green lifestyle to include cleaning their car. Washing can provide some exer-cise and saves money, but the Interna-tional Carwash Association reports that automatic car washes use on average fewer than 45 gallons of water per car, compared with 80 or more at home. Commercial facilities also drain waste-water into sewer systems to be treated or reused, while soapy do-it-yourself water can directly enter waterways via storm drains unless it’s in an area that filters into a local aquifer.

Here are some helpful tips. Conserve water. For DIY folks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends using a bucket instead of a hose for washing a section at a time, and then quickly rinsing using a pistol-grip hose nozzle, and also washing the car on gravel or a lawn, so wastewater doesn’t flow off pavement or sidewalks and down a storm drain. Be sure to use phosphate-free, non-toxic biodegradable soaps and waxes. Check under the car. Grime, dirt and salt may have accumulated in crevices of the undercarriage, especially in colder regions, so spray underneath, too. Be observant. A fender-bender, stray pebbles or the impact of another car door may have chipped exterior paint. According to the National Institute for Auto-motive Service Excellence, corrosion, acid rain, storm damage and harsh sunlight can also mar body paint and expose metal surfaces. Treat these blemishes with a stop-rust spray and touch-up paint before they spread.

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healingways

by Joan E. Hofman

Understanding an invisible source of information is difficult to grasp and follow if you do not have a basic

understanding of what subtle energy entails. For years, Chinese medicine and the yoga practices have existed due to understanding that health and wellness can exist in miniscule proportions. So what’s the benefit of gaining awareness of energies that appear to be non-discernible to our eyes and senses? Let’s try using this analogy and see. Every day you get into your car, start the engine and drive away. What would happen if you noticed that your engine started making a high pitch sound? We could wait to see if it’s momentary or not. If the later, we would make an appointment to get the car engine checked out. Our bodies are like that, too. It can send out a signal to alert us to something unusual. But if subtle energy is invisible, how do we know what is going on? Let’s think of it this way. Imagine that your body is like a bank vault. There are paying customers who directly deposit their money into the bank. Then there are other customers who indirectly deposit their money via on-line banking. The bank records every transaction whether the deposit is directly or indirectly made. Both contribute to the bank’s vault storage. Our bodies can be looked at as a recording device. Every thought, emotion, action, and experience is stored somewhere in your body. Some are consciously remembered, most are not. If the bank can record every transaction made to keep track of the balances, so can our bodies. Our bodies can keep track of all the negatives that can hamper the flow in our body. When the body notices that the balance is operating too much in the negative, it starts out sending us a subtle reminder. Eventually

over time, these reminders accumulate and become symptoms. Fortunately for us, Eastern medicine has given us some tools and understanding of how this checks and balance system works. Chakras, meridians, and energy bodies are the common resources used to understand this. They are connected to specific organs and systems. Each of the organ and related systems has a direct line and indirect line of communication with each other. Multiply this

by eleven or twelve different systems and we’ll have quite a bit of complexity to this picture. If there is a stored emotion or thought that is negative or not life-enhancing that has not been acknowledged and released, it can clog up the information pathways. Generally speaking, certain feelings and fears tend to reside in certain meridians, chakras and organs. If we have a basic understanding of what kinds of feelings and thoughts are stored, then it becomes possible to acknowledge what kind of feelings or memories we may have buried or dismissed. Our body knows us on a very intimate level, and understands how we operate. If we are open to this awareness, the body will start to deliver the kind of information we may need to heal because it knows the way the information was stored. There are many body-mind and energy modalities that are utilizing this subtle energy understanding. Take advantage of this and discover a whole new way of healing yourself!

Joan E. Hofman, MA, LPC, LLC has a Masters in Counseling Psychology with additional training in substance abuse, art therapy, energy work, and sound therapy. Visit www.JoanHofman.com for more information. See ad page 21.

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Craig Hamilton is a writer, radio host and work-

shop leader devoted to helping people evolve their consciousness for the greater good. The former managing edi-tor of What is Enlight-enment? magazine, Hamilton went on to found Integral Enlight-enment, an online education program for those on a con-temporary spiritual path. Since then, thousands of people have participated in his courses and workshops, and the vast majority have been women. Natu-ral Awakenings asked Hamilton for his insights on this trend.

What’s behind the gender imbalance in personal growth and enlightenment circles?Two years ago, I hosted a summit called The Way of the Evolutionary Man that included a discussion about why more men aren’t drawn to partici-pate in these kinds of things. One of the main points made was that, while many Americans have focused on cre-ating equality for women in the last 50 years, there hasn’t been a comparable men’s liberation movement. I know that some would say, “Why do we need that? Men are already the ones with the most power, freedom and privilege.” Yet it became clear during our discussion that men do not have freedom when it comes to choosing among valued social roles.

Reframing Personal PrioritiesCraig Hamilton Explores the Gender

Gap in Spiritual Growthby Kim Childs

For example, a woman can feel valued whether she pursues a professional career or something else that we might call a path of the heart, such as follow-ing artistic passions, working for a nonprofit or serving as a teacher. But if men do such things, they risk losing value among women. Traditionally, women have wanted

to be with men that are more economi-cally successful than they are. If a man decides he wants to be an artist or a spiritual practitioner or follow what we might label a higher calling, he’s stepping out of traditionally validated activities for men. So the reason that more men aren’t putting more time into their personal growth could be that they’re not being valued for that.

What might it take to shift this phenomenon?If women want men to join them on paths of personal and spiritual growth, they might need to start in analyzing the part of themselves that says, “I want a man who makes more money than me, is successful and able to be the family provider.” Many women want their men to be conscious, sensitive, reflective and capable of profound inti-macy, plus be a good provider. I’ve heard from some men that feel seriously pained about this. A few said that they always wanted to be, for example, a musician or a teacher, but

they couldn’t see themselves being suf-ficiently successful at it, or their family discouraged it.

Is pursuing personal growth at odds with being a breadwinner?I teach a spiritual path that anyone can pursue in the midst of their busy life. It involves turning everything into a spiri-tual practice. It means observing your own motivations and distortions and experiencing a different relationship to life that’s no longer rooted in patterns of the past and the ego. I believe this work appeals to men because, while there is a medita-tive and interior dimension to it, the bigger part is calling people to step up in life and remove the obstacles inside themselves that keep them from play-ing their biggest game. Spiritual life isn’t about getting beyond this world; it’s about the evolution of our world through conscious participation. That’s something men and women alike can become inspired by and put their energy behind.

How can men be most effec-tive in a changing world?In order to be truly effective, each person needs to do the necessary inner work. It’s not enough to focus on try-ing to do and accomplish and acquire without clarifying what’s getting in the way of your full self-expression and creative engagement. It’s easy to think about life in terms of our history, identity, desires and concerns, but that’s just a small part of who we are. At our deepest level, we are this unfolding evolutionary process that’s been going on for more than 13 billion years. Now we have the ability to participate in the greatest adventure of all, that of conscious evolution, growing into a future aligned with our highest ideals, visions and aspirations. While that is mobilizing generations of women, I am finding that it also speaks to the highest aspirations of men. Connect with Craig Hamilton at IntegralEnlightenment.com.

Kim Childs is a writer and creativity coach in Boston. Visit KimChilds.com.


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inspiration

Becoming a father is one of the most defining benchmarks in a man’s life.

In their research, University of Cal-ifornia-Berkeley Psychology Professors Phil Cowan, Ph.D., and Carolyn Cowan, Ph.D., found that when asked how important each aspect of life felt over a two-year study period, childless men surveyed showed a significant increase in the “partner/lover” aspect. But young fathers squeezed that facet into a smaller life space to accommodate the signifi-cant increase in the “parent” element. Here are a few highlights from what relevant studies by Oregon State University, in Corvallis, the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and Switzerland’s University of Zurich say about how fatherhood changes men. Confidence and PrideHaving a close relationship with our child helps build mutual confidence

and self-esteem. Turning a child’s tears into laughter and feeling proud when he does well confirms that we’re on our way to being a successful father. Albeit briefly, a child may even share our tastes in culture, entertainment and other areas before mapping his own in-dividuality, but some common attitudes and interests will remain.

Patience and HumorWhen something goes wrong, we can take it seriously and try to change things, or roll with it and laugh. Doing the latter can increase compassion for our own and others’ mistakes.

Flexible ThinkingEarly on, it may be nearly impossible to differentiate the needs of our child and partner from our own. In reality, needs are to varying degrees in opposition, thus imposing frustrations and sorrows and forcing mutual adaptation, accord-

The Fatherhood FactorHow Raising Children

Changes Menby Armin Brott


ing to the Group for the Advancement of Psychiatry think tank. Parents should consider various points of view and develop contingency plans.

Return to ChildhoodRearing kids presents the opportunity to reread favorite childhood books and disappear back into imaginative worlds.

CreativityA.A. Milne (author of the Winnie the Pooh books) and J.K. Rowling (of Harry Potter fame) first wrote for their kids. We may also be inspired to play an in-strument or take up an art form learned as a child while encouraging our chil-dren in their music or art lessons.

Reordering PrioritiesRaising kids produces a heightened awareness of others’ perspectives, reports University of Delaware re-searcher Rob Palkovitz, Ph.D. Many guys admit that they were somewhat selfish and self-centered before having kids, because having people depend on you and putting their needs before yours doesn’t come naturally. (Palko-vitz notes that marriage alone doesn’t trigger this realization.)

Changing ValuesBecoming a father prompts a hard look at one’s fundamental beliefs and values. Our view of what seemed harmless when we were younger, like not caring about money or possessions and potentially harmful lifestyle choic-es, changes completely when there’s a family to support. We see the world differently. Our health and well-being are no longer just personal concerns; they’re integral to our family. Interestingly, more mature new fathers—having had more time to hone their philosophy of life—report less of a need for fresh soul-searching than younger fathers.

Superdad Armin Brott has been building better fathers for a decade through his blog, bestselling books and American Forces Network radio show. Learn more at MrDad.com and Tinyurl.com/MrDadApp.


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Barefoot walking conjures images of children playing in open fields and families strolling on a beach,

yet it can also embrace many other set-tings as part of a health and fitness rou-tine and lifestyle of optimum wellness. As Michael Sandler and Jessica Lee attest in their new book, Barefoot Walk-ing, “It’s not just physical; it’s soothing on an emotional and spiritual level.” In adults, many muscles in our feet may have weakened and atrophied due to disuse from wearing shoes, which substitute the support and mobility that our bodies’ lower parts were created to provide. Years of wearing tight-fitting shoes or high heels can also hamper bone density and proper alignment of each foot’s 28 bones; produce aches and pains in knees, back and neck; and constrict circulation to legs and feet, a condition compounded by desk jobs. Here are some tips in preparing to go shoeless: Work out feet. Prevention.com advises working to individually wiggle each toe; touch and rub each in its entirety; and flex and move both feet in as many different ways as possible. This will help them better absorb and distribute weight. Then, sug-gest Sandler and Lee, try “grabbing” exercises for toes, picking up round objects ranging in size from golf balls to baseballs. Also practice arch lifts, calf raises and ankle rolls.

Check it out. Walk around a room and note if the weight upon landing moves from the heel to the big toe right away; if so, try shifting bodyweight while walking so that the pressure proceeds from the heel to the little toe and then across to the big toe. This maximizes functioning of the entire foot and keeps the arch from collapsing inward. This sub-tle change helps support knees, the pelvic floor and even abdominal muscles. Fields, dirt trails and beaches are ideal sites to start walking barefoot. Repeated skin-to-ground contact also coincides with grounding, or earthing, a therapy that connects a being with Earth’s electrical field. The concept is that this allows negatively charged free electrons to enter and eliminate free radicals, the positively charged particles that may cause diseases and inflam-mation. When we’re in shoes, “We’re separated [from the Earth] by an inch of rubber, which is a fantastic resistor to electricity,” the co-authors point out. Because barefoot walking stimu-lates foot nerve endings, it’s also a form of self-reflexology, helping to lower blood pressure and anxiety while bol-stering the immune system. For all these reasons, enthusiasts conjecture that it’s wise to follow in the natural footsteps of healers past and pres-ent that have chosen to walk this way. Sandler provides special tips on getting started for some specific groups:

WALK THIS WAYStep Up to Barefoot Benefits

by Randy Kambic


Children: “They haven’t had their feet weakened by wearing shoes for many years, so let them develop their own style.” Pregnant women: Start with a tiger walk technique (land with the heel barely off the ground, focusing on grab-bing traction with the toes) for as much stability and fullest contact with the ground as possible. Seniors: Use a walk and roll tech-nique (lift the forefoot up before gently landing heel first) to keep weight directly beneath the body’s center of gravity. “Some seniors are fearful of going bare-foot; concerned their feet are soft and sensitive. But they find that it actually helps them regain balance, coordination and body-brain connections.” A key to expanding onto terrains like gravel and pavement while avoid-ing injury is to build up stronger plantar skin on the bottom of the feet, because it is “600 percent stronger than skin elsewhere and can grow even thicker, up to half an inch, but only if you use it,” according to Sandler and Lee. “Go-ing about barefoot stimulates additional skin growth (layering) and pushes the moisture out of the skin (strengthening), which together, thicken the soles of your feet.” Other basic tips to avoid injury in-clude: go slow, build foot strength, focus on form, learn to rest, inspect feet daily for potential nicks or scratches and see a physician if in doubt about anything. “Once you’re aware of your sur-roundings and have toughened up your feet, you’ll avoid most sharp objects and be relatively shielded from the rest,” advise Sandler and Lee, who see the activity as a big step toward greater overall health awareness. “You’ll learn more about your body… what’s right and what’s not, what’s working and what can be improved.”

Randy Kambic, in Estero, FL, is a free-lance writer and editor who regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

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A World of Progress:T a k i n g a S t e p B a c k t o H e l p C r e a t e B a l a n c e

by Amanda Merritt

You painstakingly follow the car ahead of you, annoyed at their choice to drive three miles per hour under the speed

limit, up to a stoplight, where you check your clock to see that it’s 7:33am and you’re going to be five minutes late to your meeting at work. When you reach for your smart phone to send a text to your co-worker to let him know you’re going to be late, you realize you’ve left your phone at home. It’s 7:33am and you’ve just admitted to yourself that your day is over. You think through your schedule that was perfectly plotted out on the calendar on your smart phone to see if you can survive without your phone: work, pick up dry cleaning, head to the gym, go to your sister’s for dinner, stop for groceries, home. What time were you supposed to go to your sister’s house? What was on your grocery list? Yup, your day is ruined. That 105 gram hand held device has quickly found its way into our lives to a point that it can govern much of our daily functions. GSMArena.com, a fount of information on cell phones says, “People used to be fascinated with all-in-one handsets - today they simply need them.” We cannot get by without them. The question is no longer “do you have a cell phone?” it’s now “which cell phone do you have?” It’s not “do you have texting?” it’s now “you won’t mind if I text you at 12:30am, right?” You must have a cell phone, it must be the most current make and model and you must be able to do an unlimited amount of anything you could imagine on said cell phone, or so we’re being told. We’ve quickly lost the value of healthy balance in life, and much of this can be attributed to these small technological devices that have given us access to a new type of communication, literally at our fingertips in seconds. There was a day when people bounced a rattle in front of their crying two-year-olds, sang them songs and smiled at them before they began handing over their $300 phone/day planner/connection to the internet/media device. There was a day when “penciling somebody in” actually involved a pencil, when sending someone a message meant having to buy a stamp and when news came in a paper instead of to our devices. Our lives have become consumed by this one invention that is improving daily to supposedly make everything better for us. We wake up to the alarm on our cell phone, we check our phones, according to a new study by Nokia, on average 200 times per day, we panic when the red light flashes and warns us that the battery is getting low and when we lay down to sleep at night, we just about tuck our phones in with us. We’re afraid to turn our phones off for fear of missing out on something. In 2010, market analyst Tomi Ahonen published a study that declared the average cell phone user looks at their phone 23 times for messaging, 22 times for voice calls, 18 times to check the clock and nine times for social media among many

other views for many other functions. In this quickly evolving world, it is most likely safe to say that even those numbers have greatly increased in the short three years since that study was published. The idea of not having a cell phone may seem foolish, as it’s been made quite clear that they are a very vital part of our days now. However, many are quickly realizing that these tiny pieces of technology are becoming one of the world’s greatest distractions. Pete Muir, Division Chair of Communication and Media and Associate Professor of Media at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan said of his experience with cell phones as a professor, “Cell phones have made availability and access to professors somewhat unlimited. That’s a big difference from when you just had to go to the door to talk to the professor. I will be at home and have access to my email through my cell phone. It creates a culture for students of entitlement. They say ‘I sent him an email, why hasn’t he answered in five minutes?’ Students want the answer right now. They know I get the email even when I am home.” Muir went on to compare the smart phone to a tether. There are many challenges out there, encouraging cell phone users to take a step back and put their cell phones away, ranging from one day challenges to three month challenges to those that simply encourage giving up the glorious unlimited text, talk and data plans for a simpler plan. Some even find turning off their cell phones at night to be a big challenge. The fact that these challenges even exist shows that many see and know the damage being done by just this one technological invention. Dean Obeidallah of CNN was asked by his editors to take part in the one day challenge, and recorded his findings as follows: “My experiment without a cell phone taught me two valuable lessons. One, my cell phone is not just a piece of technology; it is like Linus’ security blanket in the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip. Without it, I felt less comfortable. Less confident. I felt alone. And two, in case of fire in the subway, don’t panic. Wait for instructions from the train conductor. Help is on the way. ” We are quick to assume that without these hand-held governors, we won’t survive, but there was life in the United States before cell phones. When we take a step back now and spend some time away from our cell phones, it can be a freeing experience. We are forced to take in the world around us, to see things without a 3”x5” rectangle in front of our faces. There is beauty in maintaining a healthy balance of time with and without a cell phone (or whatever the vice may be; a computer, TV, tablet, etc.). There is beauty that we’re missing out on every day.

Amanda Merritt is a recent graduate of Cornerstone University with a degree in Communication Arts and Journalism/Public Relations. You can contact her at [email protected].


C o m m u n i t y S p o t l i g h t

With their usual kitchens available to be rented

commercially, back this summer in Facility Kitchens’ repertoire for its third year are personal canning sessions. The sessions will be run this year by The Canning Diva every Thursday evening from 5:45pm to 10:15pm at Facility Kitchens in Lowell. Attendees are to bring their ingredients, jars and lids and are able to can as much as possible in four and a half hours using Facility Kitchens’ large and efficient commercial rental kitchen for just $45. The personal canning sessions available will follow the harvest, starting with asparagus, then rhubarb and strawberry pie filling, strawberry salsa, berry conserves, tomatoes in different ways, pickles, corn and specialty canning recipes. In the height of strawberry season, rhubarb and strawberry pie filling is planned for production on June 6. On June 13 and June 20 the Diva’s own recipe for “Signature Strawberry Salsa” will be the production run. For the Diva’s recipes and a list of ingredients and how much you need to bring to scale up your production or to make online reservations, go to www.canningdiva.com. The Canning Diva, Diane Devereaux, herself promised, “I will lead a strawberry-filled adventure! In a four and a half hour session, you can produce a plethora of my Signature Strawberry Salsa, enough for your family to enjoy the whole year.” Devereaux is sure to keep the flow moving as she has extensive canning experience and she hopes this will increase production and reduce mistakes to improve each participant’s personal canning success. Participants do not need to be a veteran canner, because Devereaux will be there to answer questions as you work. For those who have large gardens, those with CSA memberships or those who want to buy

bulk produce at farmer’s markets, these sessions are an opportunity to get a lot canned in one evening. Facility Kitchens has large preparation

sinks and tables, eleven burners with 300,000btus and a machine jar sanitizer. Using a large, efficient, commercial rental kitchen can turn a big job into a fun and productive evening. Check out www.canningdiva.com or www.facilitykitchens.com to get the up-to-date featured production for each week throughout the summer canning season. Because workspaces are limited to six canners at a time, you may make your online reservations at www.canningdiva.com. When the thick of harvest starts in July and August and into September, Facility Kitchens hopes to add Monday evening personal canning sessions. For the Monday sessions, Leader of the Pack will be Laurie Brooks of Saranac and she will focus on basic canning recipes helping canners to put up summer’s harvest. As previously mentioned, personal canning at Facility Kitchens is for both new and veteran canners. Shortly after each canning session, tallies, tips, notes and photos will be posted on Facility Kitchens’ blog. Be sure to continue checking in throughout the summer to see what was canned, and is planned to be canned, and see how they are doing on production.

Faci l i t y K i tchens i s a l icensed, commercial, rental kitchen for food businesses to produce food products for sale. Get directions and information about the facility and see pictures on their website at www.FacilityKitchens.com or email [email protected]. See ad page 5.


life liftBeing Happy from the Inside Out

by Judith Fertig

“Happiness is the only true measure of personal success,” advises Geoffrey James, of

Hollis, New Hampshire, author of How to Say It: Business to Business Selling. His work confirms that the rollercoaster world of business does not always promote a sense of well-being. James believes, “The big enemy of happiness is worry, which comes from focusing on events that are outside your con-trol.” For him, something as simple as a good night’s sleep contributes to personal happiness. Each of us has certain things that help make us feel positive, and they of-ten come in small moments, advises Ed Diener, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Illinois and author of Happiness: Unlocking the Mysteries of Psychological Wealth. Based on 25 years of research into the subject, he’s a recognized expert in what he calls “subjective well-being.” In a recent six-part BBC series on happiness, Diener told viewers, “It may

sound silly, but we ask people, ‘How happy are you, on a scale of one to 10?’ The interesting thing is that it produces real answers that are valid—not perfect, but valid—and they predict all sorts of real things in their lives.”

Getting to HappyThe moment-to-moment path to hap-piness follows a trail blazed by para-dox. A recent University of Missouri College of Business study by Marsha Richins, Ph.D., suggests that happi-ness is in the wanting, not the getting. As noted Positive Psychologist Martin Seligman, Ph.D., remarks, “Focusing solely on happiness as a foundation of a good life,” won’t get you there. Gretchen Rubin, the New York City-based author of The Happiness Project and Happier at Home, further finds that, “Happiness doesn’t always make you feel happy.” Trying each day to be emotionally centered, affable, kind, conscientious, generous, patient, principled, accomplished, spiritual and

true to yourself—the kind of person that should be happy and that makes other people happy—can be tough. Widespread economic and associ-ated financial challenges have made many question whether money can buy happiness, a common core assumption of the “happiness starts on the outside” approach. Apparently, money can sometimes buy feelings of well-being, but only to a certain degree, according to researchers Angus Deaton and Dan-iel Kahneman, at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs. In 2010, they surveyed 450,000 ran-domly chosen residents across the coun-try via daily questionnaires. The study revealed that, “Low income exacerbates the emotional pain associated with such misfortunes as divorce, ill health and be-ing alone.” Yet they also discovered that, “High income buys life satisfaction, but not happiness,” and there is no further progress in happiness beyond an annual income of $75,000 (Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences). On the other side of the world, in the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan, where 70 percent of its 717,000 citizens are subsistence farmers and an annual income of $75,000 would be considered a fortune, people say they are generally happy, partly due to the nation’s “hap-piness starts on the inside” philosophy. Since 1971, Bhutan has been operating based on a gross domestic happiness (GDH) value system. Bhutanese Prime Minister Jigmi Y. Thinley explains that the country has focused on growing both materially and spiritually, and citizen well-being has taken precedence over economic growth. For decades, this was deemed an oddity by many in the West, although now it appears prescient. “It’s easy to mine the land and fish the seas and get rich,” says Thakur Singh Powdyel, Bhutan’s minister of education. “Yet we believe you cannot have a prosperous nation in the long run that does not conserve its natural environment or take care of the well-being of its peo-ple, which is being borne out by what is happening to the outside world.” The country measures its success in main-taining GDH by conducting regular surveys of the population. The reigning

An age-old question rides a new wave of bestseller lists, university research and governmental soul-searching. The answers to “What are the secrets of a happy life?” might surprise us.


official definition of happiness involves peace, contentment and living in har-mony with all creation. Seligman, author of Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happi-ness and Well-Being, has become a be-liever in GDH. “How can you measure well-being in a person, a family, a coun-try or globally?” he queries. Research by Seligman and his colleagues at the Uni-versity of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia, points to four basic elements: positive emotion, relationships, meaning in life and accomplishment, or PERMA. Seligman says there are proven ways to improve each element. For positive emotion, writing down three “blessings”, or things that went well that day, can increase our feelings of gratitude and well-being. For relationships, actively listening and being present for a loved one and having that attention returned can strengthen those bonds. Increasing meaning in our lives, says Seligman, can be a challenge for Westerners. “We have threadbare spiritual and relation-ship furniture. We have too much ‘I’ and not enough ‘we,’” he says. But getting involved in something that increases the “we” factor will help make us happier.

Nurturing Signature StrengthsSelf-surveys at AuthenticHappiness.com can help us identify our strengths and realize what we’re especially good at—and we increase our feelings of accomplishment by doing more of them. “You can even figure out how to do the task you like least by using your signature strength,” Seligman advises. He shares an example of a grocery store cashier that disliked bagging groceries, but was exceptional at

social interaction. She made herself happier by chatting with her customers while she packed their selections. Lara Blair, a portrait photographer in Camas, Washington, believes in cel-ebrating strengths. “If making things is what you love, give it the space in your brain, home and life that it deserves.” Blair’s seminars and retreats help people tap ways to increase feelings of creativity, accomplishment and mean-ing. “If you nurture it and believe that growing this beautiful thing is worth the effort, the rewards will be more than you ever dreamed,” she says. When, as a happily married lawyer with children, Rubin thought her life was missing something vital, she used her love for reading and writing to explore that wistful, “What if?” She started researching subjective happiness via Marcus Aurelius, Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and St. Thérèse de Lisieux, whom Rubin refers to as her “spiritual master.” She decided to test-drive her findings at Happiness-Project.com and began blogging about new ways of thinking and behaving that were bringing her and her readers greater self-realization and contentment. “A great place to start is with your own body,” she counsels. “Are you

If I become happy and it makes you happy, it is like tipping the first domino so the next one falls and that

happiness spreads.

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getting enough sleep? Are you getting good food to eat? When you take care of those very basic things, you feel ener-gized, and then you can start moving to address other issues.”

Sustaining HappinessOnce we’ve upped our happiness quotient, it can still be difficult to stay at that level, says Kennon Sheldon, profes-sor of psychological sciences at the University of Missouri, in Columbia. In a recent study conducted with research-ers at the University of California-River-side, Sheldon and his colleagues found that by both recognizing that the desire for “more” and “better” in our lives won’t stop and also appreciating what we have, we’ll stay happy. It’s equally vital to continually keep things fresh, with positive new experiences at home, work, play and exercise, as well as in relationships. In other words, sustained happiness takes a little work. “Just before going to bed,” suggests James, “write down at least one won-derful thing that happened that day. It may be anything from making a child laugh to a big sale. Whatever it is, be grateful for the present day, because it will never come again.” The benefits of individual well-being radiate to those around us, notes Seligman. “When individuals are flourishing, they are more produc-tive at work, physically healthier and at peace.” He believes that as we find ways to increase positive emotion, relationships, meaning in life and indi-vidual accomplishment, it’s possible for life on Earth to flourish.

Judith Fertig is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.


The ancient Greek playwright Euripides, renowned for his Greek tragedies portraying strong female

characters, was likely a decent dad. He wrote, “To a father growing old, noth-ing is dearer than a daughter.” Entrepreneur and life coach Greg Wright, of Austin, Texas, updates the concept of this precious relationship in Daddy Dates: Four Daughters, One Clue-less Dad, and His Quest to Win Their Hearts. He says that before the age of 30, God gave him a lovely wife; four girls, or “beginner ladies”; and a succinct mission statement: “Don’t mess up.”

Possessing an overwhelming compassion and protective instinct for each of his children, Wright decided early on “to teach them the right way to date and to treasure their specialness as much as I do.” One of his chief assignments was respectfully modeling good dating habits for his daughters, a talent that doesn’t necessarily come naturally to dads. They may understand how signifi-cant a fathering relationship is to her self-worth in becoming a dauntless and independent adult, but may be uncer-

healthykids

Dad & Daughter DatesMaking the Most of Cherished Time Together

by Clint Kelly

tain how to make a proper investment spiritually and emotionally. Healthcare marketing executive David Kinard, of Seattle, Washing-ton, invests heavily in both his son and daughter. Having grown up in a separated family with no fatherly role model, he has focused on spending time with both kids, and knows it’s especially important for a girl. “I wanted my daughter to know that I loved her for who she was and not for anything she said or did, and that she didn’t need to give her body away to find love.” He felt the best way to convey these truths was to provide dedicated time together. Wednesdays were without fail their date nights, beginning at age 4; dates are less frequent now that his daughter is 16, but even when the relationship feels at odds, dates have consistently brought them together. “She always got to choose where we went to dinner,” Kinard recalls. “We’d sit for a long time, eat our favor-ite foods and play a silly card game.” They talked about anything, nothing, everything. “She glows when she talks about past dates,” he continues. “I have earned the ability to talk with her about the more sensitive subjects in her life such as boys, sex, friends and family.” Seattle Pacific University Alumni Director Ken Cornell believes that bonding through dating his two girls, ages 14 and 17, is a true privilege. He says the same is true of his wife of 27 years. “It is so important to get away from the routine, to focus on each other,” Cornell remarks. “It’s amazing what is said when we give space for a relationship to deepen.”


His younger daughter believes, “It’s confidence building; it makes me stron-ger to be with someone who believes and has hope in me.” Dressing up on occasion, hold-ing the door open and allowing her to order for herself show respect and make her feel treasured. Later, if she doesn’t get that same level of respect on a first date with a boy, she will be less likely to schedule a second. Cornell often worries that he doesn’t model enough of the love and honor his girls deserve. He finds grace in prayer.

Ideal Dates 101Some of these activities may bring out the twinkle in any daughter’s eyes.Join an ethnic cooking class. Then watch a DVD set in the corresponding country or region.Be a Sport. Suggest doubles tennis or ride a bicycle built for two.Volunteer at a local charity. Help others and then stop at the ice cream parlor on the way home.Make a home drive-in. Decorate card-board boxes together so they look like favorite cars. Then sit in them to watch fun movies like Toy Story or Up… and pass the heirloom popcorn.Paint some pottery. Many ceramics stores offer lessons. Make individual or joint artistic creations that can become home decorations and visual memories.Shop at the dollar store. Secretly spend one dollar on each other, and then unveil the gifts over a frozen yogurt treat.Gotcha! Arrange with her school for her to leave school early for a surprise lunch date.

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“I ask God regularly for wisdom and forgiveness to help me steward my relationship with my daughters and wife.” The writer’s own family of six, including two daughters, has a long history of carving out precious time for refreshing fun. It naturally evolved from movies and petting zoos when they were young to canoeing and college campus events as they grew up. “My boyfriends knew that if we were going to last, they had to impress my dad,” remembers our young-est daughter Amy, today a wife and esthetician living in Medina, Ohio. “It was important to know that my dad cared enough to engage in my life. When college life was chaotic, it was comforting to have a dad close to my heart. Our dates through the years al-lowed us to share stories, secrets and sorrows, and to laugh.”

Clint Kelly’s books include Dare to Raise Exceptional Children.


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In outdoor spaces from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Arch Cape, Or-egon, produce is growing and grill

embers are glowing. Growing a garden and grilling its bounty have never been more popular. For the first time since 1944, when 20 million “Victory” gardeners pro-duced 44 percent of the fresh vegeta-bles in the United States, food garden-ing is outdistancing flower gardening. In its latest survey of garden retailers, the National Gardening Association found that consumers’ spending for growing their own food hit $2.7 billion, versus $2.1 billion for flowers. Barbecuing grill chefs are expand-ing their repertoire beyond grass-fed burgers and steaks. More vegetables and fruit are being grilled now than in the past, according to the latest annual sur-vey by leading grill manufacturer Weber. This all makes sense to Karen Adler and Judith Fertig, co-authors of The Gar-dener & the Grill. They’ve observed that when the bounty of the garden meets the sizzle of the grill, delicious things hap-pen. “Natural sugars in vegetables and

fruits caramelize,” says Adler. “Essential oils in fresh herbs become more aro-matic. The colors of fruits and vegetables stay more vivid when grilled, rather than when cooked any other way.” “Grilling gives even familiar foods an exciting new makeover,” notes Fertig. For example, by cutting a head of cabbage into quarters, brushing each cut side with olive oil and then grilling and chopping, the backyard chef infus-es a grill flavor into a favorite coleslaw. Flatbreads, patted out from prepared whole-grain or gluten-free pizza dough, can be brushed with olive oil, grilled on both sides and then topped with flavor-ful garden goodies. Simple fruits like peaches and plums—simply sliced in half, pitted and grilled—yield fresh taste sensations, especially cradling a scoop of frozen yogurt. A quick foray to the garden or farmers’ market can provide just the right colorful, flavorful edge to any summer barbecue.

Claire O’Neil is a freelance writer in Kansas City, MO.

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Grow, Pick, GrillMaking the Most of Summer’s Bounty

by Claire O’Neil


Kale, Potato and Chorizo PizzaHearty but not heavy, this pizza takes kale (or alternatively, Swiss chard or collard greens) and onions from the garden, and then adds vegetarian chorizo to accent.

Yields 4 servings

1 pound fresh whole grain or gluten-free pizza dough¼ cup whole grain or gluten-free flour for sprinkling4 new potatoes, cooked and thinly sliced8 kale leavesOlive oil, for brushing and drizzlingGrapeseed oil for brushing the grill rack8 oz cooked and crumbled vegetarian chorizo (Portuguese or other spicy sausage optional)½ cup chopped green onion (white and light green parts)Coarse freshly ground black pepper

Prepare a hot fire on one side of the grill for indirect cooking. Oil a perfo-rated grill rack with grapeseed oil and place over direct heat.

Divide the dough into four equal parts. Sprinkle with whole grain or gluten-free flour and press or roll each piece into an 8-inch circle. Sprinkle flour of choice on two large baking sheets and place two rounds of dough on each sheet. Brush the potatoes with olive oil, place on the perforated grill rack and grill for 15 minutes, turning often, or until tender before topping the pizza.

Brush the kale with olive oil. Grill leaves for 1 minute on each side or until slightly charred and softened. Quickly trim off the bottom of the stalk and strip the leaves from the stems. Finely chop the leaves and set aside.

Brush one side of each pizza with olive oil and place, oiled side down, on the direct heat side of the grill grate. Grill

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Gadgetsn Long-handled grill tongs

and a spatula help the cook handle foods on the grill like a pro.

n Barbecue mitts protect hands and arms from the heat.

n A perforated grill rack, akin to a cookie sheet with holes, placed directly on the grill grates, keeps smaller vegetables and ten-der fish fillets from falling through.

n A grill wok is perfect for stir-grilling foods outdoors, a complement to indoor stir-frying.

n A sturdy, stiff, grill brush makes short work of clean-ing the grill grates after each use.

for 1 to 2 minutes or until the dough starts to bubble. Brush the top side with olive oil and flip each pizza round, us-ing tongs, onto a baking sheet.

Quickly brush pizza rounds with ad-ditional olive oil, and then spoon on one-fourth of the sliced potato and grilled kale.

Sprinkle toppings of sausage and green onion. Drizzle a bit more overall olive oil and season with pepper.

Using a grill spatula, place each pizza on the indirect side of the fire. Cover and grill for 4 to 5 minutes or until the kale has slightly wilted and the topping is hot. Serve hot.


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Baja Fish TacosFresh fish tacos with a twist are a healthy treat. Tip: Assemble the raw slaw ingre-dients before grilling the cabbage, which cooks simultaneously with the fish.

Yields 4 servings

Grilled Napa Cabbage Slaw Taco Topping1 large head Napa cabbage, cut in half lengthwiseGrapeseed oil, for brushing1 cup assorted baby greens, such as spinach, oak leaf lettuce or Boston lettuce8 green onions, chopped (white and green parts)¼ cup tarragon vinegar¼ cup sour cream½ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice½ tsp fine kosher or sea salt

Baja Fish1½ lbs mahi mahi, catfish, halibut or other mild, non-farmed, white fish (about ¾-inch thick)¼ cup blackened seasoning or other barbecue spice mixture8 whole-wheat flour tortillas, for serving8 lemon wedges, for serving1½ cups of a favorite salsa, for serving

Prepare a hot fire in the grill.

Brush the cut sides of the Napa cab-bage halves with oil. Coat the fish fillets

with the blackened seasoning or other selected spice mix.

Grill the cabbage, cut-side down, directly over the fire for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cabbage shows good grill marks, then remove from heat.

Grill the “flesh”, or cut side, of fish fillets first (not the skin side, which is darker because it is more delicate) di-rectly over the fire for 3 to 4 minutes.

Turn the fish only once, and finish cooking with the skin side against the grate another 3 to 4 minutes, for 10 to-tal minutes per inch of thickness (most fish fillets are about ¾-inch thick). Note: The skin side is last because it has more connective tissue and holds together better on the grill.

Finish assembling the slaw. Thinly slice the grilled cabbage and place in a large bowl. Stir in the greens and green onions. Having earlier combined and mixed the vinegar, sour cream, lemon juice and salt for the slaw dressing in a small bowl, now pour it over the greens mixture. Toss to blend.

Assemble the tacos by placing some of the grilled fish on each tortilla. Top each with about one-third cup of the slaw and roll up, soft taco-style. Serve with a lemon wedge and a small rame-kin of salsa.

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Grilled Peaches with Lemon Balm GremolataThis recipe is simple, yet full of flavor. A traditional gremolata condiment includes parsley, lemon zest and garlic, but this sweeter version finds delicious-ness in fruit. Using a microplane grater culls the flavorful yellow part of the lemon rind without the bitter white pith. Chopping the herbs with the lemon zest make the flavors blend together better.

Yields 4 servings

¼ cup packed lemon balm leaves or 1 Tbsp packed mint leaves½ tsp lemon zestPinch kosher or sea salt4 peaches, halved and pitted

Prepare a medium-hot fire in the grill.

Chop the lemon balm or mint and lemon zest together until very fine. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the leaves and chop again. Set aside in a small bowl.

Place the peach halves cut-side down on the grill. Grill 4 to 6 minutes, turn-ing once, until they are tender and slightly blistered.

To serve, place two peach halves in each guest’s bowl and sprinkle the lemon balm gremolata over all of them.

Source: Recipes adapted from The Gardener & the Grill.

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by Amanda Merritt

If you took one step into Shawn Merkel’s house, you would immediately know that she has a knack for something

special, an eye for design and a way to make an ordinary residential or commercial space become extraordinary. Merkel, owner of Align Design, LLC, has thrived on creativity her entire life and, for the past four years, has put that passion to use in Interior Design upon receiving her Bachelors of Fine Arts from Kendall College of Art and Design. She initially pursued this path directly out of high school, but stepped away to raise her family who eventually inspired her to once again follow her dreams and put her most prominent skills to work in a field that she absolutely loves. Inspired by the transformation she sees in the lives of her clients, Merkel said, “I want their spaces to nurture them and create a better life for them. Your environment changes you.” Environments can have such an indirect impact on a person, and Merkel strives to make that impact as positive as possible. “It is important to have a functioning, supportive environment to live and work in. It enhances your income level, your happiness, your health, etc. People need to realize that,” said Merkel. The approach to interior design taken by Merkel encompasses all aspects from space planning issues, such as things that might be involved in a new build or renovation, like moving walls, etc. to Feng Shui. Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement which is a calculated assessment of the most favorable conditions for any venture and used to correct the flow of energy in the home and workspace, by working with the five elements. With this in mind, Merkel incorporates an intuitive technique that helps her design a space to allow that health and happiness to flourish. Sensitive to her clients’ needs, Merkel forms a relationship with each of them and works closely with them so that she can feel them in their space and truly envision the space for them. “I’m selling what I know how to do, and hopefully saving my clients money in the process. I love interacting with my clients and getting to know them well enough so I can get them into a space that they love,” said Merkel.

Designing is not just about decorating. It is much more than that, spilling over even into the functionality of a space. Merkel hosts an educational background to design just about anything and she is happy and eager to help her clients in any way that she can. She pointed out that sometimes hiring a designer can even save a client money because of the access to various resources they have. As all of the steps in her life aligned, Merkel found herself deeply involved in her passion for design and helping her clients with their projects, which is where her business derives its name, Align Design. Her passion continues to grow, as she takes on the challenge of learning as much as possible. Merkel noted that in this field, “The more you learn, the less you know,” and she uses this as inspiration to carry on and push herself to learn what she can to serve her clients’ needs in the best way possible. With the help of Align Design, your environment will change for the better and impact a lot of different levels in your life that you may not even be aware of right now, you’ll most likely get your hands on some more resources that you wouldn’t even know about if you hadn’t hired a designer and you’ll probably enjoy your project much more by allowing someone else to take charge of it. Consider how Align Design can help you with your next project.

For more information or questions about Align Design, LLC, call 616-916-1071 or visit www.AlignDesignGR.com. See ad page 20 & 44.

Amanda Merritt is a recent graduate of Cornerstone University with a degree in Communication Arts and Journalism/Public Relations. You can contact her at [email protected].

Community Spotlight

Align Design, LLC


With most exercise programs, while his person works out, a dog stays home alone, count-

ing squirrels outside the window and wishing Animal Planet wasn’t a rerun. How about bringing some of that exer-cise home so the pet gets fit, too? John E. Mayer, Ph.D., a Chicago clinical psychologist and author of Fam-ily Fit, maintains that, “Fitness works best as a group event, including the family dog. They love to participate in many things, so be creative. Try swim-ming, touch football, jumping rope, rollerblading, tag or hide-and-seek.” Diane Tegethoff Meadows and Susan Riches, Ph.D., each accepted a challenge to exercise with their dogs 30 minutes a day for 30 days. “I walk my three Scotties every morning any-way, so adding minutes was easy,” says Meadows, a retired senior paralegal in Bulverde, Texas. “One of them is in charge of choosing the route, and we seldom go the same way two days in a row.” Riches, a retired Fort Lewis College professor and archaeologist, in Durango, Colorado, doesn’t let inclement weather

DOG SPORTSPeople & Pets Play Well Together

by Sandra Murphy

interfere. “Inside, we play fetch up and down the stairs,” she says. “I hide treats for tracking games of ‘find it.’” The dogs also like to jump through hoops. “The Scottie and Westie go at it for 30 min-utes; the Maltese stops after 15.” Jeff Lutton, a Dogtopia dog day-care/boarding franchisee in Alexandria, Virginia, conducts a popular running club. “On Sunday mornings we have about 15 people that run with their dogs. My golden retriever used to run six miles, but since she’s 9 now, we’ve cut back to three.” “Treibball [TRY-ball] is herding without sheep, soccer without feet,” ex-plains Dianna L. Stearns, president of the American Treibball Association, based in Northglenn, Colorado. “All you need is Pilates balls, a target stick for point-ing, a signal clicker and treats. It’s a fun, problem-solving game for all involved.” The idea is for the dog to direct rub-ber balls into a goal with its nose, shoul-der and/or paws—eventually, as many as eight balls in 10 minutes. Treibball can be played in group classes or competitions or at home using a kiddie soccer goal.

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Another exercise option is to turn the backyard into an obstacle course for the dog, kids and adults. Use a clicker to signal the next move. Four or five hula hoops spaced a bit apart provide a pattern for a sit/stay game as the dog moves into each one on command. A thin wooden dowel across two boxes and anchored to a stick-on photo hook on either end provides a hurdle. A child’s oversized plastic golf club hits a tennis or plastic ball just far enough for the dog to retrieve. For a doggie triathlon, add more elements, such as yard races between dogs and children on their tricycles or scooters down a straight path, with everyone cooling off in a hard-plastic swimming pool as part of the event. For dogs that are older or have mo-

bility issues, some stretching before or even after exercise is suggested. “Doga [dog yoga] has become a daily ritual with my 11-year-old golden retriever since the onset of arthritis in her hips and back. Besides keeping her joints limber, it’s good one-on-one time for us,” says latchkey dog expert Eileen Proctor, in Castle Rock, Colorado. “Whenever she wants to stretch, she will come up and gently paw me,” relates Proctor. “Her favorite is the up-ward dog pose. Before practicing doga, this dear one had trouble getting to her feet, and then was lame for a minute. Now she is able to get up and move about immediately.” When exercising with pets, always keep plenty of water handy, start slow and watch out for how the weather or workout affects the participants. Scien-tists have changed from saying it takes 21 days to form a new habit to admitting it may take up to three times that long. That might be true for people, but try explain-ing it to the dog standing at the back door on day two—he’s ready to do it again.

Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

Dog Running Tipsby Jeff Lutton

4 Start slow 4 Run warm-up laps4 Take breaks 4 Always carry water

4 Keep nails trimmed

nAvoid running on hot pavement with longhaired or thick-coated dogs.

nShorten mileage for pups under 2 years, as well as older dogs.

nAvoid concrete surfaces, which are rough on paw pads.

nStay away from winter road salt; it can cut and further damage paws.

nWatch for hip or knee problems;if a dog lags behind, it’s time to stop.

Jeff Lutton, of Dogtopia, conducts a running club for people and their pets in Alexandria, VA.

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Ken Budd, former executive direc-tor of AARP and current editor-in-chief of Currents magazine,

says, “I was approaching 40 when my dad died suddenly, and at the funeral, I heard people say how he’d changed their lives. So in midlife, I decided to change mine.”

Disaster ReliefBudd, who lives with his wife in Burke, Virginia, says, “Not everyone can join the Peace Corps, but they might share a week or two of vacation time.” Nine months after Hurricane Katrina, Rebuilding Together was look-ing for unskilled labor to help in New Orleans. So he helped prep homes for incoming electricians, plumbers and carpenters, and then painted. He was hooked, and has subsequently volun-teered in China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Kenya and the West Bank. His award-winning book, The Voluntourist, details his experiences. Megan Wieder, a high school senior in Titusville, Pennsylvania, mulched trails and painted park equip-ment and homes during her week in

New Orleans as a volunteer for People to People, which hosts future leaders for such projects. “I learned I can help others,” she says. This October, the Sierra Club’s New Jersey Seashore Service will assist the Natural Resource Education Founda-tion of New Jersey with its forest, marsh and meadowlands conservation efforts. The project will simultaneously allow participants to observe the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy along the shoreline, as well as in nearby communities.

Infrastructure ImprovementsThe Sierra Club’s August trip to Mt. Rainier, in Washington, will train volunteers to work with the National Park Service in repairing hiking trails and building restraining walls at an elevation of 6,600 feet. Stunning views grace the two-mile hike from the Sun-rise Visitor Center. Volunteer organizer DiDi Toaspern observes, “We are doing work that wouldn’t get done oth-erwise due to budget restraints. Even removing invasive plants helps to pro-tect native species and nesting areas.”

Traveling VolunteersDoing Good During Time Away

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Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) will bring volunteers to Yosemite National Park in northern California this September to assist park rangers in contouring trails to shed water and cut or move vegetation that blocks trails or impedes streams. This fall, volunteers in New York City’s Bronx borough will also help the city parks department clear an overgrown 60-acre area surrounding the gardens of the Bartow-Pell Mansion, built in 1836, a museum for 19th-century furnishings and decorative arts since 1946. Sonnenberg Gardens & Man-sion State Historic Park, in Canandai-gua, New York, features nine separate gardens—stylized as secret, Italian, Japanese, rose, blue and white, pansy, moonlight, old-fashioned and rock gardens. Each May, volunteers learn to plant decorative designs that can involve up to 8,000 plants, and others maintain the gardens throughout the summer.

Animal ConservationAfter a tasty vegan breakfast, volunteers in New York’s Finger Lakes region care for 500 rescued farm animals like Marge, a playful pig, at the 175-acre Watkins Glen

Farm Sanctuary. Similar shelters bless Orland and Los Angeles, California. When Archosaurs Attacked and Reptiles Ruled Texas is the catchy name for the city of Arlington’s archeology education site (estimated at 95 million years old) where volunteer teams un-earth fish, shark, ray, turtle and dinosaur fossils. “Last year, a new crocodilian spe-cies was found there,” says Rob Stringer of Earthwatch UK. In two-week stints, volunteers chart locations, clear areas, dig drainage trenches and prepare fossils for identification. There’s something for everyone in the emotional, spiritual and physi-cal challenge of voluntouring. “Upon arrival, one’s first thought is, ‘What have I let myself in for?’ but upon returning home, you step back and see the value,” advises Budd. “Volunteers don’t change the world so much as they change the way people see each other through shared experiences.”

Avery Mack is a freelance writer in St. Louis, MO. Connect at [email protected].

Voluntour TipsDo research. Don’t overlook small organizations. Review testimonials from volunteers and communities served. Ask questions to see if the project is a match for personal skills. How long has the organization been operating? Is advance work required, such as an essay on interests and expectations? What’s the cost, what does it cover and is it tax-deductible? (If an organization is more interested in a credit card number than in-per-son contribution, go elsewhere.)

Give feedback. It’s the best way for a program to improve. Expect good customer service.

Spread the word. Get the most out of the experience, and then tell friends about it.

Proceeds from Ken Budd’s book, The Voluntourist, are donated to interna-tional children’s and wildlife organiza-tions. Find tips and links to resources at TheVoluntouristBook.com.

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healingways

Planning a Retreat for Yourselfby Beth Dargis

Time alone in retreat can be one of the most renewing things for your well-being, but many are not quick to take retreats

or to see them as a valid option toward renewal. However, retreats can be very beneficial in times of need, such as when you find yourself easily annoyed and frustrated, losing touch with your thoughts and emotions, you feel like you are going at a frantic pace, you’re spiritually dry, you’re tired often, you’re less joyful and happy than you have been, you’re forgetful and frazzled or when you’re thinking the last thing you have time for is a retreat. Upon realizing the need for a retreat and deciding to fulfill that need, it is essential to begin by deciding what your intention is for the retreat. Ask yourself, “What do I really want from this retreat?” Perhaps what you want is to explore your creativity, get in touch with your body, make a decision, prepare for a life change, heal or recuperate from the stress of life. After establishing your intention, you then can plan activities based on that intention. Next, it is important to decide what you aren’t going to do during your retreat. This is personal as well. You can decide to keep the TV off, not answer your phone, not to do any cleaning or computer work, no email or Facebook. It is also important to have a divide between regular time and retreat time. To put a barrier between these times, a ritual can create the pause before this renewing time. For example, you can light a candle and say a prayer. You can say a blessing over your retreat. You can change clothes or change places. You can sit and take 10 deep breaths. There are an unlimited amount of options for barriers between regular time and retreat time. Once the actual retreat begins and your beginning ritual is done, you should focus on relaxing and centering. Most of us are too keyed up to get anything out of a retreat right away. You could relax and center yourself with yoga, deep breathing, playing the piano, tending to a plant, taking a walk, dancing, reading something inspirational or maybe even watching a sunrise or watching the birds. You are creating your retreat so whatever relaxes you will be unique to you. During your retreat, the flow should be based on what you feel and need. Throughout the retreat, you can follow your energy. Be self-aware and keep asking, “How do I feel?” and “What do I need?” Include spiritual time in your retreat such as meditation, prayer, silence, inspirational text, imagining yourself in a spiritual story, listening. After intense inner work you may want to do something fun and relaxing for a bit. Some people may choose to take part in activities they enjoyed as a child such as playing dress up, people watching, laughing at a comedy, planning a vacation,

doing something silly or playing a game. You’ll also want to do something physical during your retreat to get you out of your head. It is not uncommon to prefer for this time to be outside and activities could include anything from hiking or going to the beach to gardening, horseback riding, swinging at a park, wandering or hula hooping. When you eat on your retreat, eat mindfully with no distractions. Enjoy the taste of your food. Use all your senses to be present. Feel the gratitude for your food and for all the good things in your life. Playing with creativity during your retreat brings you closer to your authentic self. Play with origami, sing, bake, collage, draw with sidewalk chalk, drum, dance or knit. Try the things you would like to try or do the things you haven’t done in a long time. A retreat is a perfect time to also get in touch with your emotions through journaling, art journaling, music, sound healing or expression through song or dance. If feelings get too intense, talk to a friend or therapist. Have a support person on the ready as you go into retreat. You can also nurture your mind through poetry, puzzles or reading. You can visualize and create goals. It may be a good idea to end your retreat with pampering to congratulate yourself for taking the time to take care of you. Get a massage, give yourself a manicure or facial, bathe with a new sweet smelling body scrub or enjoy your favorite tea. You don’t need to include each aspect of a retreat in every retreat. In fact, if you are short on time, one activity can be a mini-retreat if you do it with focus and presence. If you are feeling creatively stifled, your focus should be on creativity with more creative activities. Maybe your focus is spiritual or health. Upon completion of your retreat, evaluate what you have discovered. Write in your journal any insights that came up. Give thanks for your retreat. Write down what you were made aware of that you are grateful for. Last, before you head off into your life, you’ll want a closing ceremony. It can be as simple as blowing out a candle or changing your clothes. It can be a prayer, blessing or meditation. In any case, self-awareness is important and retreats can be a very necessary part of life. Be sure to treat yourself well and allow yourself the space for renewal.

Beth Dargis, Simplicity Educator. She helps the overwhelmed create saner, simpler lives. She delivers untamed possibility. Breathe easier simplicity. Hope. On the wings of understanding and encouragement. Step by step breaking down from “no way” to “why not?” Get a free declutter calendar here: www.mysimplerlife.com/decluttercalendar.htm.


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sAturdAy, JuNe 1National Learn to Row Day- 9:00am-1:00pm. This will give participants a chance to tour the boathouse, try an ergometer (indoor rowing machine), and get on the water in an 8-person shell. Takes about an hour. $3 in advance / $5 at the event. 291 North Park NW, Grand Rapids. Reiki for the Natural Health Person- 9:00am-5:00pm. Taught by Dr. Kellie Speciale and Dr. Joan Prentice. Healing touch remedies to promote peace, relaxation and spiritual healing. Continuing educa-tional opportunity. $89 for the one day seminar. Call to register at 989-773-3636. Naturopathic Institute, 503 East Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant. Con-venient location with free parking.Spa Day for The Soul- 9:30am-4:45pm. Mix of group activities & individual care. 4 Workshops: Self empowerment, Working with the Angels, Stone Energy, Collective Group Energy. Receive two ses-sions with energetic healers and two sessions with intuitive readers. Lunch, snacks & drinks included. RSVP at spadayforthesoul.com. $74. Limited space. Open Mind, 39 Courtland St., Rockford. Bija Yoga Prenatal Program- 12:00-1:15pm. A special class for expectant an new mothers. Learn about specific alignment and strength concerns during pregnancy and post-partum, breathing techniques, and relaxation. Babies welcome, too. $10 drop-in. 701 E. Savidge #3 (New location) Spring Lake.

suNdAy, JuNe 2Free Yoga Classes- 6/2-6/8. Over 25 classes a week, mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Help celebrate our beautiful expanded studio. Classes will be Free all week for visitors. Please see our daily schedule online at OnThePathYoga.com and drop in. 701 E. Savidge #3 (New location) Spring Lake.Nine Tools to Reduce Stress and Improve Perfor-mance- 8:00pm. Performance coach Elle Ingalls shows you her basic Nine Tools to prevent the release of stress hormones. You will also receive a recording of the event. $75 or $352 for 5 Sundays in June. Visit www.Pressure-Free.com to register or call 269-832-3573.

moNdAy, JuNe 3Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:45-8:45pm. Designed to help you escape from the stress and strains of life and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy. Energy healing will be given to each par-ticipant by trained energy healers. $5 donation. Satya Yoga Center, 133 Butler St., Saugatuck. 269-929-6796.

wedNesdAy, JuNe 5Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00pm. Escape from stress and discover an in-ner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5 donation. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Ct., NE, Grand Rapids.

tHursdAy, JuNe 6Heavenly Healings Holistic Health Services Open House- 4:00-6:00pm. Come share and learn about

Young Living Essential Oils, the services and classes I offer. Come sample products & services. Free. 4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids. Call Jodi with questions 616-443-4225 or [email protected] Rhubarb & Strawberry Pie Filling- 5:45-10:15pm. Can as much rhubarb & strawberry pie filling as you want in 4.5 hours for $45. The Canning Diva will lead the session. See the recipe, what ingredients to bring, and make your reservations at www.can-ningdiva.com. Facility Kitchens, 501 Ottawa, Lowell.

fridAy, JuNe 7One Year Anniversary- 11:00am-7:00pm. Séren-dipité Organiques is thanking you for your patronage by offering discounts & prizes. Plus you’ll walk away having done something good for you, and good for others with a portion of that weekend’s sales be-ing donated to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. 959 Lake Dr SE, Ste2, Grand Rapids.

sAturdAy, JuNe 8The Farmers Market As Your ‘Farmacy’- Nutrition-ist Pamela Zinn from Holistic Nutrition Center will teach how best shop at the Market when keeping healthy is your main objective. The Holland Farmers Market Eighth Street Market Place 150 West Eighth Street, Hol-land. For more info call Candy Todd at 616-355-1138. Basil Plants for Sale- 10:00am-5:00pm. Herb Plants for sale 10am - 5pm. Organic and locally grown from heirloom seeds. Cottage of Natural Elements, 351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids. 616-735-1285One-Year Anniversary- 10:00am-5:00pm. Séren-dipité Organiques is thanking you for your patronage by offering discounts & prizes! Plus you’ll walk away having done something good for you, and good for others with a portion of that weekend’s sales be-ing donated to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. 959 Lake Dr SE, Ste2, Grand Rapids.Healthseekers Class- 10:30-11:45am. There is a high level of vitality and healing beyond the absence of pain. Find out how homeopathy & chiropractic are a perfect fit, restoring balance & optimizing functioning of your entire system down to the cel-lular & vibrational level. www.AngelTouchFamily-Chiropractic.com. 231-670-0179. Free. 4265 Grand Haven Road, Suite 203; Muskegon.Grand Re-Opening Celebration- 4:00-6:00pm. Come to our open house and enjoy live music by Mystic Dub, see Arial Yoga demonstrations, enjoy refreshments and tour our new studio! Great door prizes and new member specials as well. Free. 701 E. Savidge #3 (New location) Spring Lake.

suNdAy, JuNe 9Eckankar-10:00-11:00am. All are invited to the monthly ECK Worship Service to discover how to bring God into our everyday life. Services are the second Sunday of each month. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Room 4, 2025 E. Fulton, Grand Rapids. 616-245-7003, www.eck-mi.org.Creating a Healthier Mind- 8:00pm. Performance coach Elle Ingalls provides simple steps to reduce negative thoughts to free your mind from stress for

calendarofeventsNote: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

growth and health. You will also receive a record-ing. $75 or $352 for 5 Sundays in June. Visit www.Pressure-Free.com to register or call 269-832-3573.

tuesdAy, JuNe 11Free Workshop: Learn Trigger Point Massage- 6:00pm. Dr. Michael Kwast, DC, CSCS will be presenting. Participants will learn what a trigger point is, what causes them, how to prevent them, how to get rid of them, hands on training. 4150 East Beltline Suite #4, Grand Rapids. Seating limited to first 30 callers. RSVP today by calling 616-447-9888.

wedNesdAy, JuNe 12Eckhart Tolle Meditation Group- 12:00-1:00pm. Take time out for peace in the middle of your busy day. Join facilitator Patrick Duiven for 20 min. of silent meditation followed by a 30 min. Eckhart Tolle DVD. This group is informal and newcomers are always wel-come. Free. 24 Fountain Street NE. Grand Rapids.EcoTrek Mini-Series FITNESS ON THE BOARD- 6:30pm. Fitness on the SUP 6-week mini series 6/12-7/17 With Kim Evans instructing. Series is $120. Drop-ins may be available for $30/person – space permitting. To register email [email protected]. Find out more at www.ecotrekfitness.com. Pottawatamie Bayou, Spring Lake.

tHursdAy, JuNe 13Canning Signature Strawberry Salsa- 5:45-10:15pm. Can as much strawberry salsa as you want in 4.5 hours for $45. The Canning Diva will lead the session. See the recipe, what ingredients to bring, and make your reservations at www.canningdiva.com. Facility Kitchens, 501 Ottawa, Lowell.Win Big Lose Weight with Raw Foods- 6:30pm. Chef Adam Graham returns with amazing recipes and the connection of how specific foods can help us lose weight and help heal health issues. Free - Please RSVP 616-896-6630. Harvest Health, 4150 32nd Street. Hudsonville.

fridAy, JuNe 14Buttermilk Jamboree- 6/14-6/16. Buttermilk is a 3 day music & arts festival that takes place at, and benefits Circle Pines Center; a non-profit coopera-tive organization. Lineup includes: Rusted Root, Andru Bemis, Anne Weiss, Badenya Drumming Ensemble and many more. Visit www.Buttermilk-Jamboree.org for more info. Circle Pines Center, 8650 Mullen Road, Delton. Essential Oil Training- 2:30-6:30pm. Learn the basics of the benefits and uses of therapeutic grade essential oils and receive hands on training incorpo-rating essential oils with massage. $70 includes class materials & pre-registration required. To register call Jodi at 616-443-4225 or email [email protected]. Lansing Mid Michigan Massage Therapy Institute 3333 S Pennsylvania Suite 102. Lansing.Monthly Potluck- 6:00pm. We ask that everyone bring a dish to pass and their own plates and cutlery. The meal is free but we ask that you purchase drinks from us. Like to sing or play musical instruments then bring your instrument. Poetry is welcome also. Free. 90 N. Main Street Suite B, Cedar Springs.Hula Hooping with Rebecca- 7:00-8:00pm. Re-capture the fun and fitness of yesterday. Laugh and burn calories while you build core strength. $15, hoops provided at Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270


Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580 or www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

suNdAy, JuNe 16Healing Your Body for Optimal Health and Performance- 8:00pm. Performance coach Elle Ingalls reveals easy ways to reduce stress and pro-mote healing and energy flow. You also receive a recording of the event. $75 or $352 for 5 Sundays in June. Visit www.Pressure-Free.com to register or call 269-832-3573.

tuesdAy, JuNe 18Introduction to Metta: The Practice of Loving-kindness with Janice Lynne Lundy- 6:00-9:00pm. Presented by Grand Rapids Center for Mindfulness. In a world that is full of conflict and personal difficulty, it’s easy to close ourselves off from others. $35. Well-ness Forum, 4990 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids. Snack Night- 7:00-8:30 pm. Healthy snacks do exist. Let your taste buds be the judge. Bring your favorite snack or just come enjoy some nutrient dense snacks with fellow foodies. Nourishing Ways of West Michi-gan. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 134 N. Division, Grand Rapids. [email protected].

tHursdAy, JuNe 20 Free Food Distribution- 5:00pm until food runs out. All are welcome, first come first served. No income qualification. Unity of Grand Rapids 1711 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids.Canning Signature Strawberry Salsa- 5:45-10:15pm. Can as much strawberry salsa as you want in 4.5 hours for $45. The Canning Diva will lead the session. See the recipe, what ingredients to bring, and make your reservations at www.canningdiva.com. Facility Kitchens, 501 Ottawa, Lowell.

fridAy, JuNe 21Mercy Health Seaway Expo-11:00am-7:00pm. Expo is free and open to the entire community. Visit the expo for free health screenings, food, music, kids activities, prizes, demonstrations and more. You can explore healthy options and learn how to optimize your family’s health. Watermark Center, 920 Washington, Muskegon. Restorative Yoga with Jessica Roodvoets- 7:00-8:30pm. Let go and enjoy supported poses that deep-en relaxation and restore energy. $18 pre-register, $25 at the door at Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580 or www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

sAturdAy, JuNe 22Mercy Health Seaway Run HM/15K/5K- 7:30am. New this year is the Half Marathon that will take you along the Muskegon Lake and lake Michigan Shorelines. 15K takes runners over gently rolling terrain to Lake Michigan before looping back to the YMCA. 5K is a mostly flat loop. Visit SeawayRun.com for info. 900 W Western Ave, Muskegon. Astrology II for the Natural Health Person- 9:00am-5:00pm. 6/22-6/23. Taught by Laura Allm-acher, CN, RN. Cost is $178 for the weekend. Ac-commodations available for Friday and/or Saturday nights. Call 989-773-3636 to make your reservation for class and accommodations. Naturopathic Insti-tute, 503 East Broadway, Mount Pleasant.Meniere’s Disease & Trigeminal Neuralgia Sym-posium- 10:00am-5:00pm. Learn about traditional

and complementary alternatives to one-sided neuro-logical problems like Meniere’s Disease, Trigeminal Neuralgia, Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia, Bell’s Palsy, Parkinson’s and Migraines. Fee: $300 for doctors & new patients, $50 for existing patients and $25 for caregivers & students. Visit www.Menieres-Research.com and www.BurconChiropractic.com. East Lake Office Building, 3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd, Grand Rapids. 616-575-9990.Healthseekers Class- 10:30-11:45am. There is a high level of vitality and healing beyond the absence of pain. Find out how homeopathy & chiropractic are a perfect fit, restoring balance & optimizing functioning of your entire system down to the cel-lular & vibrational level. www.AngelTouchFamily-Chiropractic.com. 231-670-0179. Free. 4265 Grand Haven Road, Suite 203; Muskegon.Lunch at Krupp Farm- 12:00pm. Enjoy a wonder-ful lunch of hydroponic greens and fresh produce in a great outdoor seating. Pick up some strawberries while you are there also! Please reserve your spot for a fun event. Cost TBD. Call 616-430-2291 or [email protected]. 8025 Krupp Ave., Rockford. Tea Tasting- 12:00-2:00pm. Monthly Tea Tasting. You’ll be able to try 5 teas for $5 (stop in for more details). We will have a different tea theme every month. 90 N. Main Street Suite B, Cedar Springs.

suNdAy, JuNe 23Crafting Your Pressure-Free Life- 8:00pm. Perfor-mance coach Elle Ingalls coaches her Pressure-Free time-management and life-crafting tools for life design. You also receive a recording of the event. $75 or $352 for 5 Sundays in June. Visit www.Pressure-Free.com to register or call 269-832-3573.

tuesdAy, JuNe 25Free Community Chair Acupuncture- 5:00-7:00pm. With Nationally Board Certified Acupunctur-ist Irv Marcus and Special Guest Acupuncturist Master WH Lee, Dr. Lee is a 4th generation Korean trained acupuncturist with 50 years of International experi-ence. Free. RSVP required. [email protected] or text 616-634-2714. International Wellness Partners 14998 Cleveland St. Suite C, Spring Lake. Green Buildings of Grand Rapids- 7:00pm. What are green buildings? Renae Hesselink, founding mem-ber of the West Michigan chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council and VP of sustainability at Nichols Paper will answer these question & more. Learn tips to help make your home healthier and a more efficient. Free. 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids.

wedNesdAy, JuNe 26 Reiki Share- 6:30- 8:30pm. Come share & learn about Reiki. Open to all that care to share Reiki, and those who would like to try receiving Reiki. No charge, donations accepted. 4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids. Call Jodi with questions 616-443-4225 or [email protected].

tHursdAy, JuNe 27Canning In-Season Fruits & Vegetables- 5:45-10:15pm. Can as much as you want in 4.5 hours for $45.00. The Canning Diva will lead the session. To see the current fruits and vegetables for canning, more information, and to make your reservations, visit www.canningdiva.com. Facility Kitchens, 501 Ottawa, Lowell.

savethedateJuly 23

Akashic Records Class - 9:00am-4:00pm. This is an experiential writing class designed to con-nect with your higher self. You will learn how to connect to the universal library in the metaphysi-cal realm and receive guidance. Enroll at www.joanhofman.com or call Joan at 616-974-5594.

savethedateJuly 23

Vision Board Workshop with Susan Loughrin- 6:00pm-9:00pm. Using words and images that speak to you, invites you to create a vision board that will give you a life map to move you forward. $45. RSVP to [email protected]. Word of Hope Community Center, 268 Third Ave., Fruitport.

savethedateAugust 16-18

Dream Workshop with Robert Moss - Friday evening, 7-9:00pm. Saturday, 10am-5:00pm, Sunday, 10am-4:00pm. Join Robert Moss, interna-tionally known dream teacher and shaman (www.mossdreams.com) in this entertaining, high-energy workshop on dreaming. Enroll at www.joanhof-man.com or call Joan at 616-974-5594.

Free Workshop: Learn Trigger Point Massage- 6:00pm. Dr. Michael Kwast, DC, CSCS will be pre-senting. Participants will learn what a trigger point is, what causes them, how to prevent them, how to get rid of them, hands on training. 4150 East Beltline Suite #4, Grand Rapids. Seating limited to first 30 callers. RSVP today by calling 616-447-9888.

sAturdAy, JuNe 29Advanced Essential Oil Treatments by Dr. Jan Doerr- Brush up on how to prepare blends based on clients needs. Learn emotional and physical ap-plication techniques. Cost is $89 for the day. Call to register at 989-773-3636. Naturopathic Institute, 503 East Broadway Street, Mount Pleasant. Con-venient location with free parking.Art Journaling- 9:00am-4:00pm. Also on 7/13 & 8/3. A fun way to develop trust in your intuitive abilities while exploring a deeper sense of self. Variety of materials and exercises will be offered to stimulate the subconscious into providing creative and imaginative insights. Artistic experience not needed but willingness to try is. Enroll at www.joanhofman.com or call Joan 616-974-5594. Living More Simply- 1:00-4:00pm. This workshop will explore living more simply. $10.00. Registration re-quired. 616-560-6693. Circle of Crones. Briarlane Apts. Community Bldg. 450 Briarlane, NE. Grand Rapids.

suNdAy, JuNe 30Living Pressure-Free All Day- 8:00pm. Perfor-mance coach Elle Ingalls reviews the Pressure-Free Performance method of reducing stress for improved health, relationships and performance. $75 or $352 for 5 Sundays in June. Visit www.Pressure-Free.com to register or call 269-832-3573.


ongoingevents

All Month LongJune Special - 20% off Reflexology during the month of June. Contact Sharon today to schedule your ap-pointment. 307-899-4573 or [email protected]. Footworks Reflexology, Kentwood.

SundaySunday Worship and Youth Services: 10:30am. Variety of classes held weekly. A warm, welcoming, New Thought, spiritual community, inclusive and accepting of all, honoring diversity, for those seek-ing spiritual truth. Unity of GR, 1711 Walker Ave. NW. Grand Rapids. www.unityofgrandrapids.org

Monday$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to as-sess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. Visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com for more info.

Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30 pm. All levels. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Open Meditation: Why Peace of Mind is Pos-sible & Easy- 7:00-8:30pm. Join facilitator Bjorn Willobee to learn how to be attentive to the present moment, which is more than just noticing what you can see, hear, feel, smell and taste right now. Free. 24 Fountain Street NE. Grand Rapids.

TuesdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman- 7:45-9:00am & 9:15-10:30am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

SUP Yoga- 5:30 & 7:00pm. Starting 6/11. Join us again for more fun than you can imagine doing yoga on Stand Up Paddle boards. We’ll meet at Petty’s Bayou on Spring Lake. Equipment rental included; preregistration is required. Directions and online sign up at OnThePathYoga.com. $15. 701 E. Sav-idge #3 (New location) Spring Lake.On Being a Spirit having a Physical Experience- 6:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesdays. From the Shamanic Teachings of the Sweet Medicine Sundance Path w/ Marie Moon Star Seeker. $10. Owl Hawk Clan. Open Mind in Rockford. 616-447-0128.

Wednesday$30 Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-the-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home computer generated results to as-sess progress. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. Visit Integrativenutritionaltherapies.com for more info.

Awakened Women’s Boot Camp- 6:00-8:30pm. 1st Wednesday of every month. How to free your Authentic Soul and shine your light in the world through a process of compassionate self-inquiry with Daina Puodziunas (DINAH) of Awakened Po-tentials. $20. Open Mind, 39 Courtland, Rockford. Prosperity: Living an Abundant Life- 6:30-8:30pm. Led by Rev. Jennifer Sacks. Love offering. Unity of Grand Rapids, 1711 Walker Ave. Grand Rapids. A Course In Miracles Study Group - 7:00-8:30 pm. Group will be moving to Monday evenings some time in June. Call for details. Facilitator is a 30-year Course student and certified Kripalu Yoga instructor. Fountain Street Church, Grand Rapids. Free. 616-458-5095.

ThursdayChair Yoga- 4:00-5:00pm. 2nd Thurs in June & Aug. Chair Yoga is a safe and supportive class where you will gently move your body using a chair to help you cultivate flexibility, strength, and balance. $10. Dominican Center at Marywood, 2025 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids.Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30 pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiv-erYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

A Course in Miracles- 6:30-8:30pm. Led by Rev. Manzel Berlin. This “A Course in Miracles” class is for new students, as well as those who’ve studied the Course for years. Love Offering. Unity of Grand Rapids, 1711 Walker Ave. Grand Rapids.

FridayVillage Farmers Market- 2:00-7:00pm. 5/17-Labor Day. Buy fresh & local from producers that utilize organic farming practices -eggs, meats, cheese, fruits & vegetables, organic Michigan milk and more. Please visit us on Facebook. Spring Lake. 616-935-7312.

Hot Yoga Happy Hour Fridays- 5:30- 6:30pm. If you want a powerful yoga work-out, join Jaclyn Szelong for great yoga action on the north end of town. Classes begin May 31. Expressions of Grace Yoga, 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580 or www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events sub-ject to change, please call ahead.

SaturdayGentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:00-10:15am & 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for info. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market- 9:00am-1:00pm. Hackley Health at the Lakes building on Harvey Street. We are indoors if the weather is bad. We are a double up bucks and bridge card market. Hesperia. 231-861-2234

classifieds

to place a classified listing: Email listing to [email protected]. Must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. $1.00 per word; must be pre-paid.

clAsses

Energy Healings and Training, Reiki & Urevia Healings/Classes - held near Hastings at Subtle Energies w/ Ken & Dana Gray. Learn a variety of techniques that can heal your life. Reiki I & Urevia Practitioner classes are eligible for NAN 20% discount. Visit www.reikiconnect.com for more information.

for sAle

Northwest Grand Rapids Commercial Build-ing- 1058 Richmond NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Current use is a full service salon on the main floor and a spacious 3 bedroom apartment on the 2nd floor. Great location on Richmond with steady traffic and across from the popular Rich-mond Park. Only $150,000! Call Jeff Blahnik at Five Star Real Estate 616-791-1500 or visit JeffBlahnik.com for more information.

HelP wANted

Inside Sales Associates Wanted to set up ap-pointments for Natural Awakenings Sales staff. Must have professional phone voice and good communication skills. Computer knowledge a plus. All leads provided. Work from home, part-time on your own schedule. Fixed fees paid for appointments scheduled, meetings completed plus bonus paid on final sale. Email resume to [email protected].

tHerAPies

Adamantine System is a complementary therapy for preventions or treatment. We can balance your nervous system, remove toxins, activate or boost your immune, target specific illnesses like pains or emotional disorders and addictions. Contact 616-821-9648 or [email protected].


SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPADr. Andrew Schafer 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000www.GRChiroSpa.com

Tr e a t i n g m u s c u l o s k e l e t a l conditions, but specializing in back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Also offering physical therapy, massage therapy, and pos tu ra l awareness . Mos t insurance accepted. Breton Village area. See ad page 15 & 30.

cleANiNG Products

NATURAL HEALTH4 TODAY, LLCClara VanderZouwen, NORWEX Consultant616-698-6148 [email protected]

Imagine cleaning with only water! Improve the quality of your life with Norwex products by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning. Save Time & Money.

coloN HydrotHerAPy

HARMONY ’N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT. CMT.1003 Maryland Ave, N.E., Grand Rapids616-456-5033www.HarmonyNHealth.net

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holist ic approach, colonics relieves constipation, d ia r rhea , gas , b loa t , poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 7.

TRICIA E. GOSLING Natural Health & Healing Center723 Kenmoor SE Grand Rapids 49546616-481-9074 www.holisticenergytherapies.net

Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics: gentle , safe and effect ive. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 16 years of experience. A l s o o f f e r i n g Q u a n t u m Biofeedback sessions. I-ACT certified Instructor.

Body APPlicAtioNs

SALLY DERSCH Frequency Apps Wellness Center12505 Northland Dr. Suite A6,Cedar Springs, MI 49319616-755-8446www.FrequencyApps.com

We are the leader in new generation homeopathic body applications known as the Frequency App! 50+ varieties of Apps including hCG, Weight Loss, Hormone, Sleep, Detox, Supplements, MSA Testing, Food/Environmental Allergy Analysis, Ionic Foot Baths.

Body cAre Products

MOONDROP HERBALS, LLC Cottage of Natural Elements351 Cummings NWGrand Rapids, MI 49534616-735-1285www.MoondropHerbals.com

Locally-made, natural face, body, and healthy l iving options. Organic herbs, teas, and essential oils. Bulk diy section. Aromatherapy, body-care, and tea accessories. Natural products reference library. We also feature local artisans in jewelry, artwork,

repurposed, & vintage goods. See ad page 6.

SÉRENDIPITÉ ORGANIQUES, LLC 959 Lake Dr SE, Suite 2,Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-419-8115www.SerendipiteOrganiques.comfacebook.com/SerendipiteOrganiques

*NEW LOCATION! A retail store exclusively offering organic non-toxic makeup, skincare & other products for your body, home, & pets! Products must score ‘Low

Hazard 0-2’ on ewg.org/skindeep, or they simply won’t be considered! See ad page 18.

thenaturaldirectory

BodyworK

LIGHTRAYS CranioSacral Therapy (CST)/Reiki MasterJamie VanDam4456 Miramar Ave. NEGrand Rapids, 49525616-365-9113

Reiki Master, CranioSacral Therapist uses light touch to release restrictions and ease pain in the body addressing many physical ailments in adults, children and pediatrics. Adding Essential Oils optimizes mental and emotional health.

WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic, Hot Stone & Matr ix Massage. Cer t i f ied Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, and a Certified Reflexologist. See ad page 19.

cHiroPrActic cAre

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTICDr. Ronda VanderWall4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050www.DynamicChiro.com

Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

GASLIGHT FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC2249 Wealthy St. SE, Suite #240East Grand Rapids, 49506616-458-CFIT (2348)[email protected]

Experience an individualized, holistic healthcare approach! We combine spinal adjustments, Contact Reflex & Nutrition Response (Muscle Testing), Whole Food Supplementation O r t h o t i c s , M a s s a g e &

Aromatherapy. Common conditions we see include: Chronic Fatigue, Headaches, IBS, Back & Neck pain and Fibromyalgia.

...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michi-gan. To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

Look for this symbol throughout Natural Awakenings for Natural Awakenings Network (NAN) providers offering savings to NAN members.


HEAVENLY HEALINGS HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICESJodi Jenks - Reiki Master4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525www.heavenlyhealings.org

I am a Reiki Master that also does Essential Oil therapies including Raindrop Therapy, Emotional Clearing and Spiritual Journey work. Call or email for appointments or questions, 616-443-4225 or [email protected]. See ad page 7.

HAKomi tHerAPy

KEN PORTER CST, CHT534 Fountain NE, Grand Rapids MI 49503616-262-3848www.BodyandSoulGR.com

Hakomi Therapy can truly change your life. It’s a mindfulness-based, experiential therapy for transforming the unconscious patterns that keep you from the love, joy, and fulfillment you deserve. Offered with exquisite care and attentiveness.

HeAltH food stores

AFFORDABLE NUTRITIONJoel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner4693 Wilson Ave. SW Suite I, Grandville616-667-1346 [email protected]

Affordable, natural approach to b e t t e r h e a l t h . C e r t i f i e d nutritional consultant with 22 years experience. Offering select, high quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, children’s p roduc t s , e s sen t i a l o i l s , homeopathics, weight loss and

more. Professional discounts and senior pricing. www.Affordable-Nutrition.com.

HEALTH HUTT Grand Haven 616-846-3026Muskegon 231-739-1568North Muskegon 231-744-0852Find us on Facebook

Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, g lu t en f r ee food ,

natural body and homecare products. Open 7 days a week. See ad page 19.

Holistic HeAltH ceNtersTHE HEALING CENTERBob Huttinga PA-C& Rev. Barbara Huttinga332 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Affordable, natural approach to better health. Certified nutritional consultant with 22 years experience. Offering select, high quality vitamins, minerals, herbs, children’s products, essential oils,

homeopathics, weight loss and more. Professional discounts and senior pricing. www.affordable-nutrition.com. See ad in page 14.

HomeoPAtHy

BOB HUTTINGA PA-C332 S. Lincoln Ave Lakeview989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

A C e r t i f i e d P h y s i c i a n A s s i s t a n t s i n c e 1 9 7 6 , specializing in naturopathic a n d h o m e o p a t h i c c a r e . Family care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. We use Clinical Homeopathy to assist traditional medications. We take most insurances. See ad page 14.

iNterior desiGN services

ALIGN DESIGN, LLCShawn Merkel, ASID, [email protected]

Align your space to be a true reflection of who you are. Specializing in Wholistic design, repurposing and Feng Shui. Full service Residential and commercial Interior design. See ad page 20.

KiNesioloGy

WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGYHEALTH SERVICES, LLCBarbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

C e r t i f i e d W h o l i s t i c Kinesiologist, Certified Matrix Energet ics Pract i t ioner, Certified Massage Therapist, R e c o n n e c t i o n H e a l i n g P r a c t i t i o n e r, C e r t i f i e d Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner and Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in

muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 19.

Look for this symbol throughout Natural Awakenings for Natural Awakenings Network

(NAN) providers offering savings to NAN members.

deNtistry / Holistic

DENTAL HEALTH& WELLNESS CENTERDr. Kevin P. Flood DDS616-974-4990www.FloodTheDentist.com

Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, Low-Dose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia, Dentistry for Diabetes, TMJ, Chronic Head & Neck pain

and Non Surgical Perio. See ad page 2.

eNerGy HeAliNG

AMA~DEUS®Elizabeth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 [email protected]

AMA-DEUS energy healing method is a hand mediated technique. Love is the basis for this healing technique, which helps to enhance our spiritual growth, expand our awareness, and promotes physical & emotional healing. See ad page 13.

MATRIx ENERGETICS Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885www.WKHealthServices.com

Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using the principles of quantum physics and subtle energy dur ing a Matr ix Energetics session we are able to enter into different realties and download new possibilities

for your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual selves. See ad page 19.

esseNtiAl oils

BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILSClara VanderZouwen [email protected]

Learn how to address issues of Pain, Stress, Hormone Imbalance, Weight Management, ADD, Allergies, Diabetes

& more with Essential Oils, Ionic Foot Baths, Bio-Energy scans, Nutritional & NEW Earthing products! Free monthly classes.


LONDON STUDIOS SALONAshley Woods: 616-443-9583Jessica Willis: 616-460-0902Sherry Minott: 616-633-5251Sally Loew: 616-299-1796

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n O r g a n i c C o l o u r Systems. Ammonia-free, professional-on ly, pe rmanen t ,

salon exclusive hair color with 100% certified organic ingredients, natural plant extracts, amino acids, natural anti-oxidants and nutrients that produce the healthiest, richest, colors. www.LondonStudiosSalon.com or Facebook.com/LondonStudiosSalon. See ad page 29.

scHool / educAtioNINSTITUTE OFSANATIVE ARTS0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-791-0472www.SanativeTranquility.com

State licensed school for massage and bodywork. Offering high quality, a ffo rdab le massage certification courses as w e l l a s N C B T M B continuing education

courses for the experienced therapist. Located conveniently to Grand Rapids, Standale, Walker and Allendale.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION503 East Broadway St. Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858989-773-1714www.Nite-mtp.com

Educational Programs Offe red : Na tu ra l Health Program - Four Years (one weekend a m o n t h ) ; M a s s a g e

Therapy Program - One Year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program - Six Months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 47.

weiGHt reductioN

SALLY DERSCHFrequency Apps Wellness Center12505 Northland Dr. Suite A6,Cedar Springs, MI 49319616-755-8446 www.FrequencyApps.com

A variety of natural items for your weight loss goals! Frequency Apps patches including hCG, Weight Loss/Power Workout, Appetite Suppressant. Also Supplements including Diatrix (for Diabetics), Green Coffee Bean, and African Mango, MSA Testing, Food/Environmental Allergy Analysis.

mAssAGe tHerAPy

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC& MASSAGE THERAPYJaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville, MI 49418616-531-6050 www.DynamicChiro.com.

I offer Swedish massage w i t h I n t e g r a t e d Te c h n i q u e s , c h o s e n specifically to your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate! Call for on-

going monthly specials and discounts.

HANDS ON HEALING PROFESSIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY LLCPattie Kooy, CMMT, CMT, HTP5286 Plainfield NEPlainfield Twp, MI 49525616-648-7217

Professional massage therapist offering Medical Massage, Manual Therapy, Hot Stone, Healing Touch Therapy, Essential Oils, Infrared heat lamp, Bio-energetic Therapy, Hot castor oil packs, Chinese herbal liniments & Detox Massage. Mention ad for $10 off hour massage.

HARMONY ‘N HEALTHMary De Lange, CCT., CMT.1003 Maryland Ave NE, Grand Rapids616-456-5033www.harmonynhealth.net

Over 21 years of professional experience and trained in a complete range of modalities. Whether you are seeking re laxat ion , renewal , or treatment for a specific condition, Mary will help find an approach that is helpful for you. See ad page 7.

SANATIVE TRANQUILITY WELLNESS SPA0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr. Grand Rapids, MI 49534616-791-0472www.SanativeTranquility.com

Wellness spa for massage, bodywork and skincare therapy. Offering a wide diversi ty of s tyle to encompass the mind, body and spirit of today’s lifestyle. Come in and enjoy our stress free spa environment today.

SCHAFER CHIROPRACTICAND HEALING SPASheri Beth Schafer, CMT,Ayurvedic Bodyworker, Reiki Master1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506616-301-3000

We have multiple certified massage therapists offering relaxation, prenatal, deep tissue massage, and medical massage. We also offer Reiki, chak ra ba l anc ing , and Ayurvedic bodywork. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa.com. See ad page 15 & 30.

meditAtioN

BJORN ATRI WILLOBEEGrand Rapids, [email protected]

Experience simple, effortless techniques that allow you to move into a direct experience of inner peace, happiness and clear mental chatter with our free meditation meet up groups. Personal coaching, courses and weekend workshops available.

midwifery

FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERYSERVICE, INC.Patrice Bobier CPMHesperia: 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice s i n c e 1 9 8 2 - s p e c i a l i z i n g i n homebir th. Over 1200 births attended. Offering midwifery

care that maintains a family-centered safe birth experience. Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways.

sAloN servicesCJ’S STUDIO SALON5286 Plainfield Ave., NEGrand Rapids 49525616-364-9191www.CjsStudioSalon.com

I am an award winning Hair S t y l i s t w i t h 3 0 y e a r s Advanced Education. We use and sell Organic Hair Care Products, including Organic Hair Color. We also offer Ionic Detox Foot Baths.

natural awakenings magazine ~ june 2013

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