natural awakenings magazine ~ march 2016

1natural awakenings March 2016

Where’s the Sustainable BEEF?Conscious Practices Make it Safer for Us and the Planet

Taste the Rainbow

Expand Your Palate with Colorful Veggies

The Eyes Tell Our StoryHow Integrative Doctors See Into Whole-Body Health

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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

March 2016 | West Michigan Edition | NaturalWestMichigan.com

Rock-a-Bye BABY

Helping a Restless Child Sleep Well

2 West Michigan Edition NaturalWestMichigan.com

contentsNatural 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.

18 LAND MANAGER ALLAN SAVORY ON HOLISTIC PASTURING How Cows Can Help Reverse Climate Change by Linda Sechrist

20 TASTE THE RAINBOW Expand Your Palate with New Colorful Veggies by Judith Fertig

22 NIGHTTIME PARENTING Fostering Healthful Sleep by Stephanie Dodd

24 ROLLING FOR FITNESS DIY Rollers Ease Pain and Aid Flexibility by Randy Kambic

26 MEATY TRUTHS Choosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe by Melinda Hemmelgarn

31 WELL-MANNERED CATS Simple Ways to Get Kitty to Behave by Sandra Murphy

32 DEVELOPING GARDENS INSTEAD OF GOLF COURSES Agrihoods Use On-Site Farms to Draw Residents by April Thompson

36 THE EYES TELL OUR STORY How Integrative Doctors See Into Whole-Body Health by Linda Sechrist

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18 wisewords

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contents


More and more of us are learning to read food labels, shop the perimeter aisles at the

market, buy organic when possible and be ever mindful of what is locally grown. We know that what we eat contributes to how we look and feel and our quality of life in general. We know that additives we can’t pronounce can be potentially harmful to us and that anything that’s not organic and processed typically means it contains stuff that’s not good for our health.

I missed my goal to quit smoking by the time I was 30 years old, but claimed victory in this aspect of self-care by age 35. I then joined a nutritional counseling group, fearful of gaining

weight. What an eye opener that was! I learned tons about good nutrition, astounded at how little I knew before.

At about the same time, I realized that beef and pork didn’t agree with me; it was hard to digest and left me feeling lethargic, so I gave up beef entirely and most pork too. Because I miss eating quality cuts of bacon and fresh Polish kielbasa, I still, occasionally treat myself to small amounts of those, but that’s it. Fortunately, I’ve always liked fish.

Also at about the same time, a good friend shared educational materials detailing how chickens were commercially raised, which prompted me to forego poultry for a while, too. As a distance runner, I felt that I was running low on protein and eventually reintegrated organic chicken and eggs back into my diet.

One of my best friends owns an 8,000-acre, working organic cattle ranch in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where I spend time each year saddling up and driving stock from range to range. I personally haven’t eaten beef in some 30 years and never hear the end of my companions’ ribbing from the time I touch down until I’m wheels up again! They have more vegetarian jokes than I care to remember. As explained, I’m not a vegetarian, but in their view, a life without beef amounts to the same thing.

Everything my friend’s family eats is either organic or whole food. Extremely healthy, balanced meals at the ranch is not what I imagined when we first met these third-generation cattle ranchers. This summer, I hope to visit there again and am gearing up to endure another round of jokes and jibes, but at the end of the day, it’s important to keep in mind that people like these are every bit as interested in and devoted to living a naturally healthy lifestyle as the rest of us.

My best,

Pamela Gallina, Publisher

PublisherPamela Gallina

Assistant PublisherAmanda Grasmeyer

EditorsS. Alison Chabonais

Linda Sechrist

Design & ProductionInteractive Media Design

Scott Carvey

PrinterStafford Media Solutions

Natural AwakeningsPO Box 330

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© 2016 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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Homeopathy 101 Seminar

Join Maggie Conklin, ND, of

LadyHawk Nutrition LLC, in Douglas, for

Homeopathy 101, a seminar at Nature’s Market, in Holland on March 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. While there are many homeopathic remedies available, sometimes choosing the correct one can be daunting. It’s important to question how they are made, what strength they are, which form is best (tablets, pellets or liquids) and whether a single remedy will do or multiple are necessary. Conklin will answer these questions and more, as well as give examples of her favorite homeopathic approaches and their uses.

Space is limited. For more information or to sign up, call Nature’s Market at 616-394-5250. See ad, page 22.

Women’s Wellness Nights

Grand Rapids Natural Health is hosting a Women’s Wellness

Night on March 8. Women supporting other women can be one of the most powerful tools we have to uplift one another as we attempt to navigate our hectic lifestyles. When life stressors start to get you down, take control of your happiness. Come on down to Grand Rapids Natural Health, where their very own in-house Couple and Family Therapist, Kerry Hart, LLMFT, offers a monthly support group for women interested in

good company, friendly venting and healthy coping. Vent your frustrations in a supportive, safe environment while learning some positive, healthy coping techniques from a therapeutic professional while surrounded by friendly, fantastic, supportive women.

For more information or to RSVP, call 616-264-6556. Cost to attend is $5. See ad, page 18.

Spirit Space Movie Night

Join Spirit Space in Saugatuck for a movie

night! I Am will be shown on March 25 at 7 p.m. It is an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two practical questions: what is wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? Filmmaker Tom Shadyac (Ace Ventura, Liar Liar, The Nutty Professor, and Bruce Almighty) steps

in front of the camera to recount what happened to him after a cycling accident left him incapacitated, possibly for the rest of his life. Though he ultimately recovered, he emerged with a new sense of purpose, determined to share his own awakening to his prior life of excess and greed, and to investigate how he, as an individual, and we, as a race, could improve the way we live and walk in the world. Armed with nothing but his innate curiosity and a small crew to film his adventures, Shadyac set out on a 21st-century quest for enlightenment. He met with a variety of thinkers and doers—remarkable men and women from the worlds of science, philosophy, academia and faith—including such luminaries as David Suzuki, Noam Chomsky,

2016 RetreatsSPARK | February 11 | 9am - 4pm Tune into inner guidance, let go of beliefs that no longer serve you and gain awareness of God’s vision for your prosperous future.

Essence + Valor | April 11 | 9am - 4pm Balance feminine and masculine roles in leadership and provide a road-map to developing purpose driven initiatives.

Brave Boundaries | July 11 | 9am - 4pm Implement and define mindful, respectful, lifestyle boundaries to best serve your circles and inner voice.

INTUITION | October 11 | 9am - 4pm Understand the importance of trusting your God guidance, tap into soul tools and walk with open hands towards divine destiny. Register LUXCHIX.com/events

Detox YOUR SPIRIT IN 2016

OUR Vision OASIS Retreats & Workshops was developed by MINDY HILLS & NICOLE ZAAGMAN to offer sanctuary for those seeking insight for their life vision.

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Howard Zinn, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lynne McTaggart, Ray Anderson, John Francis, Coleman Barks and Marc Ian Barasch. The film is fresh, energetic and life-affirming and challenges our preconceptions about human behavior while simultaneously celebrating the indomitable human spirit.

For more information, call 616-886-2716, email [email protected] or visit Spirit-Space.org. See ad, page 13.

Kalamazoo’s Largest Healing Body & Spirit Expo

On April 2 and 3, many professional

intuitives/mediums and spirit communicators from across the U.S. and Canada will gather under one roof in downtown Kalamazoo, offering healing, aromatherapy, aura photos, stones, crystals, dream catchers, jewelry, spirit/angel artists, holistic products, clothing, numerology, astrology and more. Beverly and John Stephan, have been participating in Body Mind & Spirit expos for many years and are excited to bring a piece of Spirit to Kalamazoo. Join in and spread the word about this exciting upcoming event for many professional mediums & healers to share their talents to the local community. Keynote speakers include Cindy and Michael Fess on “Get Harmony Now” and Jean Tindle with “Crystal Spirit Dancer”. Included in the price of admission are speakers, demonstrations and door prizes that will take place both days of the expo. The expo will be held April 2, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and April 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at The Radisson Hotel & Suites, 100 W Michigan Avenue in Kalamazoo, and the expo will be sponsoring “The Kalamazoo Humane Society”.

Cost is $10 daily, 12 and under are free. For more informa-tion, call 269-329-7476 or visit HealingBodyAndSpirit.com. See ad, page 3.

Free 6K Fun Run & Health Fair

Join Harvest Health Foods at their annual Green Day Healthy Expo and 6K fun run on April 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Each year,

thousands of people celebrate Earth Day to acknowledge and appreciate the amazing resources available in our world. Harvest Health Foods recognizes the lifestyle choices that we make have a significant impact on our health and the environment. The Green Day 6K fun run is their way to say thank you for your support and to encourage those lifestyle choices that move us all toward a healthier, greener community. The health fair runs from 5 to 8 p.m. with lots of local vendors on hand with giveaways, samples and raffle items. The 6K run starts at 6:30 p.m. Strollers and bikes are welcome; however, the roads are not closed so please pay attention to the course.

Events take place at Harvest Health Foods, located at 6807 Cascade Rd., SE in Grand Rapids. For more information, visit HarvestHealthFoods.com.

Yoga and Sacred Music Retreat in Bali

In the Vedic tradition, the phenomenon of sound lies

at the heart of daily spiritual practice. Sound is the audible breath, the manifestation of life energy and our effortless gateway to creativity, inspiration, healing and inner truth. Three Grand Rapids based globetrotters, Jessica Roodvoets, Nancy Grzeszak and Jeremy Arndt invite you on a yoga and sacred music journey to the cherished, joyful and deeply spiritual Island of the Gods—Bali, Indonesia. Through daily immersion into asana and meditation (led by Roodvoets and Grzeszak), accompanied by sacred sound from instruments all over the world (performed by Arndt), you will restore your body’s natural immunity and gain access to the vibrations of the universe—vibrations that can

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newsbriefsheal the mind, body, and spirit. During this retreat, through the tools of yoga, mantra, chanting, silence and sacred sound, you will learn the tools to refine your voice and harmonize your life according to your own unique rhythm. This yoga retreat will take place at the scenic Soulshine Bali, a boutique hotel and yoga retreat oasis located five minutes outside the village of Ubud, Bali. Indulge breathtaking views of rice terraces, traditional temples and coconut trees, as well as excursions to crystalline beaches, coffee plantations, temples and volcanic hot springs.

For more information, visit Jessica-Roodvoets.com/BaliRetreat/ or email at [email protected]. See ad, page 19.

Now Open

Voice & Vessel, a writing studio, is now open in Grand Rapids. It will

offer weekly writing workshops, monthly writing circles, creative retreats and one-on-one guidance. The studio was founded by Emily Stoddard, a writer and Certified Leader of the Amherst Writers & Artists (AWA) Method. The AWA Method guides Voice & Vessel’s workshops and has been used around the world for more than 30 years. It is designed to break down blocks to creativity and help people strengthen their voice through writing. Workshops include writing prompts, creative practices and optional response to each other’s writing. The studio is set up for a supportive writing experience. “I want people to feel like they’re stepping out of their busy day and into their creative life,” Stoddard says. “When you walk through the door, you’re in a safe, cozy space where you can write freely.” New workshops begin in March and April.

Stoddard invites people of all experience levels and writing styles to join. In the weekly workshops, groups typically include six to eight participants. “The group is big enough to have a mix of voices, but small enough to give each person thoughtful support,” she says. “The diversity of the workshop is part of the magic. We learn a lot by hearing different voices, stories and writing styles. It creates good energy that motivates people to keep writing.”

For more information and to register, visit VoiceAndVessel.com. See ad, page 15.

Children’s Book Release

Releasing on March 19, The Adventures of Energy Annie

follows a young girl who lives with her family in a small town in the Midwest and learns how the invisible world of energy assists in life lessons. This beautifully illustrated book, from author Elizabeth Cosmos and with original artwork by K. Henriott – Jauw, is the first in a series and is also available in Spanish.

When she’s not busy writing, Cosmos travels internationally teaching Ama-Deus, an energy healing method that taps into Love, to all ages. Dr. Mark MIncolla, bestselling author of Whole Health said, “The Adventures of Energy Annie is poised to guide a future generation into an Einsteinian world of infinite possibility. This pioneering work clearly and creatively demystifies the concept of energy, by inviting both the child and adult readers on an amazing journey. What a brilliant way to change the world! I’d recommend this book to everyone.!”

To order The Energy of Annie or for more information, visit Amazon.com or Ama-Deus-International.com. See ad, page 39.

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Alternative CareSolution Wellness Center

Raymond Wan, P.Ac., A.D.S., L.M.T., H.H.C., owner of Alter-native Care Solutions Wellness

Center, certainly has no shortage of post-nominal letters. The acupuncture practitioner, massage therapist and ho-listic health counselor that he is thrives on helping people. At a very young age, Wan was interested in alternative health. His study-ing began as a hobby, and expanded immensely when he first obtained a certification for massage therapy from a scientific-based alternative health school in West Michigan. Just one year later, he added Certified Acupuncture Practitio-ner and Certified Master Herbalist to his repertoire. With Wan’s alternative approach to better health, he sees numerous clients who come to him suffering ailments such as pain, stress, premen-strual syndrome, infertility, low sex drive and more, and who then leave his office feeling rejuvenated and alive again. On top of correcting a discomfort or illness, Wan works with his clients to trace the cause of their problem and find tools, such as stretches or a proper diet, to help prevent the problem from happening again. He puts a high value on the education bit, knowing full well that simply a better education of how to take care of one’s self can ignite the difference between an ailment, such as chronic pain, and a happy, healthy, pain-free and pill-free life. Adamant about living a pill-free life, Wan just published his first book, How to Live a Pill Free Life: 5 Step System to Discover Meaning Through Alternative Health, which can be pur-chased on Amazon.com. Wan shares, “In this book I discuss the major causes of illness and disease today. I explain what happens in our bodies during

periods of high stress and how we can best manage this, so as not to cause irreparable harm to ourselves. I go in-depth and explain ancient Chinese traditions and how I have modernized them to fit our daily lifestyles. These days, we are too quick to self-diagnose and then to self-medicate with over the counter medications. It is in our best interest to become informed and find alternative solutions and begin tak-ing better care of our body, mind and soul.” He also just published a second book, Qigong Self Discovery & Healing Techniques: Unlocking the Mysteries of Qi, which can also be found on Ama-zon.com. Of this book, Wan shares, “In this book, I help you explore healing techniques and will teach you methods of self-discovery. This ancient Chinese secret is unlocked using your Qi (Chi). I will walk through each step and teach you how to begin using this in your life and help you to find balance and tran-quility. You will discover many benefits including self-healing aspects that will help you beyond what you would have ever imagined.” He adds, “Welcome to a whole new world!” Qigong is an ancient Chinese health care system that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. “Qi” is typi-cally translated to mean the life force or vital-energy that flows through all things in the universe. “Gong” means accomplishment, or skill that is culti-vated through steady practice. Therefore, together, “Qigong” means cultivating energy, a system practiced for health maintenance, healing and increasing vitality. Wan offers weekly classes in qigong on Fridays from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. where students meet and practice qigong and share their experience.

The class is open to the public and for all ages, but space is limited and new participants are encouraged to call or email to register. He is also offering a Qigong for Healer class on May 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that is designed for healers who are interested in learning a new healing technique. In this class, Wan will share his qigong healing techniques, teaching students about the ancient Chinese heal-ing philosophy, concept and theory. The class will have a space for discussion on different types of qigong and practicing guiding qigong, vibration techniques and different pressure points for specific conditions. Again, space is limited, so new participants are encouraged to call or email to register. In addition to his qigong classes mentioned above, Wan will offer a Stress Management with Self-Acupres-sure class on March 19 and June 18 from 2 to 5 p.m. and an Infant Mas-sage for New Parents class on April 9 and October 8 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. among other classes as well. All avail-able classes can be found on Alterna-tive Care Solution Wellness Center’s website where participants can also register.

For more information, call 616-419-6924, email [email protected] or visit AltCareSolution.com. See ad, page 30.

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healthbriefs

Magnolia Bark Knocks Out Head and Neck Cancer CellsHead and neck cancers include can-

cers of the mouth, throat (pharynx and larynx), sinuses and salivary glands. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology, more than 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and almost 13,000 die from these diseases annually. A study from the University of Alabama and the Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center found that a magnolia herb extract called honokiol may treat these cancers. It tested human cancer cell lines in the laboratory from different parts of the body, including the mouth, larynx, tongue and pharynx. The researchers found that the honokiol extract halted the growth of each of these cancer cells and induced cell death. Lead researcher Dr. Santosh K. Katiyar and his colleagues wrote, “Conclusive-ly, honokiol appears to be an attractive, bioactive, small-molecule phytochemical for the management of head and neck cancer, which can be used either alone or in combination with other available therapeutic drugs.”

Probiotics Reduce Aggressively Negative Thoughts

Recent research from the Netherlands’ Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition has discovered that nega-

tive and aggressive thinking can be changed by supple-menting with probiotic bacteria. The triple-blind study followed and tested 40 healthy people over a period of four weeks that were split into two groups; one was given a daily probiotic supplement containing seven species of probiotics and the other, a placebo. The subjects filled out a questionnaire that mea-sured cognitive reactivity and depressed moods using the Leiden Index of Depression Sensitivity, which mea-sures negative and depressed thinking. After four weeks, the probiotic group showed significantly lower scores in

aggression, control issues, hopelessness, risk aversion and rumination, compared to the placebo group. “The study demonstrated for the first time that a four-week, multispecies, probiotic intervention has a positive effect on cognitive reactivity to naturally oc-curring changes in sad mood in healthy individuals not currently diagnosed with a depressive disorder,” the researchers concluded.

It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.

~Mahatma Gandhi


Apple Munching Makes for Healthier ShoppingEating an apple before buying groceries may help consumers make healthier

shopping decisions. This was the finding of three studies on healthy food pur-chasing conducted by Aner Tal, Ph.D., and Brian Wansink, Ph.D. In the research, published in the scientific journal Psychology and Marketing, 120 shoppers were given an apple sample, a cookie sample or nothing before they began shopping. The researchers found those that ate the apple purchased 28 percent more fruits and vegetables than those given the cookie, and 25 percent more fruits and vegetables than those given nothing. A related study by Tal and Wansink investigated virtual shopping decisions. After being given a cookie or an apple, 56 subjects were asked to imagine they were grocery shop-ping. They were shown 20 pairs of products—one healthy and the other unhealthy—and asked to select the one they would buy. Consistent with the results of the first study, those that ate the apple most often chose the healthy option.

Metal and Mineral Imbalances May Produce Migraines

Research from Turkey’s Yüzüncü Yil University has concluded that migraines may be linked with higher

levels of heavy metals in the blood and deficiencies in important minerals. The research tested 50 people, including 25 diagnosed with migraines and 25 healthy control subjects. None of those tested were taking supplements, smoked, abused alcohol or drugs or had liver or kidney disease or cardiovascular conditions. Blood tests of both groups found that those with frequent migraines had four times the cadmium, more than twice of both the iron and the lead and nearly

three times the levels of manganese in their bloodstreams compared to the healthy subjects. In addition, the migraine group had about a third of the magnesium, about 20 times less zinc and almost half the copper levels compared to the healthy group. “In light of our results, it can be said that trace element level disturbances might predispose people to migraine attacks,” the researchers stated.

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Channel-Surfing Couch Potatoes May Lose Cognitive Skills Researchers from the University of

California at San Francisco, working with the Veterans Affairs Medical Center and other research agencies, have found that watching television may affect cog-nition, specifically as it relates to execu-tive function and processing speeds. The study followed 3,247 people over a 25-year period, beginning in their early adult years. Those that frequently watched television during their early adult years had a 64 percent higher incidence of poor cognitive performance compared to less frequent television watchers. This was after adjusting results for the effects of many other known lifestyle factors that affect cognition such as smoking, alcohol use and body mass index. The effects of television watch-ing worsened when combined with reduced physical activity during young adult years. Those with low physical activity and a high frequency of watch-ing television were twice as likely to have poor cognition compared to those that had low television viewing com-bined with high physical activity during that period.

Losing Pancreatic Fat Reverses Diabetes

A study from Newcastle University, in England, has found that losing fat content in the pancreas

can alleviate Type 2 diabetes. The researchers tested 18 obese people between the ages of 25 and 65 that were diagnosed with diabetes alongside a control group that were not. Subjects received gastric band surgery before eating an appropriately healthful diet for eight weeks. During this time, subjects in both groups lost

an average of nearly 13 percent of their body weight and around 1.2 percent of their body fat. More importantly, the diabetes group lost about 6.6 percent of triglyceride pancreatic fat, or about 0.6 grams. The weight loss and loss of triglyceride fat from the pancreas allowed the patients to produce normal amounts of insulin. Professor Roy Taylor, the head researcher of the study, says, “For people with Type 2 diabetes, losing weight allows them to lose excess triglyceride fat out of the pancreas and allows function to return to normal.”

healthbriefs

Surging Organics Costco Shoots Past Whole Foods MarketWhole Foods Market, founded in 1978, grew to be the number one seller in the nationwide movement toward organic and natural eating, with more than 400 stores. But mainstream grocers such as Wal-Mart and Kroger have since jumped on the band-wagon, and smaller players like Trader Joe’s and The Fresh Market have prolifer-ated. Now Costco has moved into the current number one position, illustrating the market potential of budget-conscious consumers that desire to eat better.

Source: The Motley Fool


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

healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Food FightCollege Cafeterias Lead the Way in Sustainable EatingColleges and universities are changing how they purchase and prepare food in their dining halls to provide students healthy, sustainable meal options, with many of them working to source food locally. American University, in Washington, D.C., purchases more than a third of the food served in its cafeterias within 250 miles of its campus. McGill University, in Montreal, spends 47 percent of its food budget on produce from its own campus farm and growers within 300 miles. Middlebury College, in Vermont, partners with seasonal local vendors, including those operating its own organic farm. Taking it a step further, Boston University cafeterias serve meal options that include organic, fair trade, free-range, vegetarian-fed, hormone- and antibiotic-free, sustainably harvested food items to students. Cornell University composts about 850 tons of food waste from its dining halls each year. At Duke University, surplus food is donated to food banks, and both pre- and post-consumer scraps are composted. Other steps include the University of California, Berkeley’s new Global Food Initiative to address food security in a way that’s both nutritious and sustainable, and efforts at the University of Illinois to recycle cooking oil for biodiesel production.

Source: EcoWatch.com

Nixing MonsantoGuatemala Just Says NoThe government of Guatemala has repealed legislation dubbed the “Monsanto law”, which was approved last year to grant the biotech giant special expansion rights into ecologically sensitive territory, after widespread public protest. The demonstrations included groups of indigenous Mayan people, joined by social movements, trade unions and farmers’ and women’s organizations. Following political party battles, the Guatemalan Con-gress decided not to just review the legislation, but instead cancel it outright. The Monsanto law would have given exclusivity on patented seeds to a handful of transnational companies. Mayan people and social organizations claim that the new law would have violated their constitution and the Mayan people’s right to traditional cultivation of the land in their ancestral territories. Lolita Chávez, of the Mayan People’s Council, states, “Corn taught us Mayan people about community life and its diversity, because when one cultivates corn, one realizes that a variety of crops such as herbs and medicinal plants depend on the corn plant, as well.”

Source: UpsideDownWorld.org


High HarvestIndoor Gardening is Looking UpThe world’s largest indoor farm, in Japan, covers 25,000 square feet, with 15 tiers of stacked growing trays that produce 10,000 heads of lettuce per day, or about 100 times more per square foot than traditional methods. It uses 99 percent less water and 40 percent less power than outdoor fields, while producing 80 percent less food waste. Customized LED lighting helps

plants grow up to two-and-a-half times faster than normal, one of the many innovations co-developed by Shigeharu Shimamura. He says the overall process is only half automated so far. “Machines do some work, but the picking is done manually. In the future, though, I expect an emergence of harvesting robots.” These may help transplant seed-lings, harvest produce or transport product to packaging areas. Meanwhile, Singapore’s Sky Farms, the world’s first low-carbon, hydraulically driven, urban vertical farm, runs on a Sky Urban Vertical Farming System, making the most of rainwater and gravity. Using a water pulley system, 38 growing troughs rotate around a 30-foot-tall aluminum tower. A much bigger project, a 69,000-square-foot vertical indoor garden under construction at AeroFarms headquarters, in Newark, New Jersey, will be capable of producing up to 2 million pounds of vegetables and herbs annually.

Source: Tinyurl.com/JapaneseIndoorFarm

Critter CuisineEdible Insects Can Help Feed the PlanetInsect expert and bug farmer Sarah Beynon, Ph.D., a research associate for England’s University of Oxford, reports, “Two billion people eat insects every day, and not just in the West. In fact, insects are extremely good for you and eating them is good for the planet, too.” Western governments are enthusiastic about the potential of entomoph-agy—the human practice of eating insects—for feeding growing numbers of people sustainably. By 2050, humans will require 70 percent more food, 120 percent more water and 42 percent more cropland. Meat production is predicted to double, and conventional production consumes extraordinary volumes of land and water resources. A recent British Food and Agriculture Organisa-tion report suggests that there are more than 1,000 known species of edible insects. Insects are extremely nutritious, containing lots of calcium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, and are low in cholesterol. They’re also packed with protein; by weight, crickets can contain more pro-tein than beef.

Source: TheConversation.com

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Efficient CookKitchen Recipes for Daily Energy Savings

The kitchen is a hotbed of energy consumption when family meals are being prepared and even when dormant. Appliances make a big difference, and the tools and methods we cook with can reduce utility bills. According to Mother Earth News, cook-ing in a convection oven

is 25 percent more efficient than a conventional oven. Switching to an Energy Star-approved refrigerator that consumes 40 percent less energy than conventional models can save up to $70 in energy bills annually, according to ChasingGreen.org. They suggest performing defrosts routinely and keeping the door tightly sealed, especially on an older model. Position the fridge so that it isn’t next to heat sources such as sunlight, the oven or dishwasher. While cooking, refrain from opening and closing a hot oven door too frequently, put lids on pots while heating and select the right size pans. Cooking with a six-inch-diameter pan on an eight-inch burner wastes more than 40 percent of the heat produced. For cleanup, a full load of dishes in a water-efficient dishwasher uses four gallons of water versus 24 gallons for hand washing, according to flow meter manufac-turer Seametrics. A slow cooker uses less energy and needs less water to wash afterward (VitaClayChef.com), plus it doesn’t strain household air conditioning as a stove does. It’s good for cook-ing hearty stews and soups made from local seasonal vegetables, steaming rice, making yogurt and baking whole-grain breads. Consider taking a break from the kitchen by ordering a week’s worth of organic, natural meals and ingredients deliv-ered to the door by an eco-friendly meal distribution service, which cuts down on individual trips to the grocery. Search online for local service options.

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A great experiment in the desert called the biodome created a living environment for human, plant and animal life. A huge glass dome was constructed to house an artificial, controlled environment with purified air and water, healthy soil

and filtered light. The intent was to afford perfect growing conditions for trees, fruits and vegetables, as well as humans. People lived in the biodome, for many months at a time, and everything seemed to do well with one exception. When the trees grew to a certain height, they would topple over. It baffled scientists until they realized they forgot to in-clude the natural element of wind. Trees need wind to blow against them because it causes their root systems to grow deeper, which supports the tree as it grows taller. Who among us doesn’t long for a perfect growing environment for ourselves, with no disruptions from outside influences? We strive to avoid the times of contrast and tension, when life’s daily challenges push against us. When they do, the normal tendency is to curse them. If trees could talk, would we hear them curse the wind each time they encountered a storm? We can learn a great deal from nature’s wisdom at work if we are open to the lesson. Watch how a tree bends and sways gracefully when the wind blows against it. It does not stand rigid, resisting the flow of energy. It does not push back. The tree accepts the strong wind as a blessing that helps it grow. Such experiences develop our character and deepen our spiritual roots. When we grow deep, we too, stand tall.

Dennis Merritt Jones, D.D., is the author of Your Re-Defining Moments, The Art of Uncertainty and The Art of Being, the source of this essay. He has contributed to the human potential movement and field of spirituality as a minister, teacher, coach and lecturer for 30 years. Learn more at DennisMerrittJones.com.

Strong WindsStrong Roots

What Trees Teach Us About Lifeby Dennis Merritt Jones


wisewords

Land Manager Allan Savory on Holistic Pasturing

How Cows Can Help Reverse Climate Changeby Linda Sechrist

When concurrent dangers arising from overpopu-

lation, desertification (fer-tile land turning to desert) and climate change were just beginning to attract technological solutions, pioneers like Allan Savory, a young wildlife biologist in Zimbabwe, Africa, were researching how healthy soil captures carbon dioxide and stores it as carbon. It’s the way nature renders the most pervasive greenhouse gas more help-ful than harmful and a major reason why this is not happening globally is because of desertification. This innovative game-changer has since received Australia’s 2003 Bank-sia International Award for “doing the most for the environment on a global scale” and the 2010 Buckminster Fuller Challenge, recognizing solutions that address humanity’s most press-ing problems. The Savory Institute, founded in 2009, and its Africa Center for Holistic Management, demonstrate how using livestock to improve soil and decrease dependence on water— plus increase its ability to hold mois-ture and carbon—grows more grass and improves profits for ranchers, landowners and investors.

What prompted your examination of soil biology?In the 1960s, I first became alarmed at the rate of land degradation in Africa’s vast grasslands, which were turning to desert. Looking for a solution, I hit upon a profound relationship—that the

grasslands, their soils, soil life, plants and animals had evolved symbiotically with large, grazing her-bivores of many species and pack-hunting preda-tors. As my inquiry led beyond Africa, I noticed that the same was true of similar ecosystems world-wide, including those of

the U.S. Great Plains. Long ago, the Great Plains sup-ported herbivores that traveled in im-mense herds for safety from predators. Where there are now approximately 11 large mammal species, there were once more than 50. The trampling of dung and urine, as well as grazing of such vast numbers constantly on the move, developed deep carbon-storing and rain-holding soils that also break down methane. Only in the presence of large roaming herds of herbivores periodi-cally working the surface soil does this happen; it works much like a gardener does, breaking bare surfaces and cover-ing them with litter and dung. Only in this way do grasslands thrive.

How did this revolutionize your thinking about land and livestock management?Being trained at a university to believe that grazing livestock causes land degradation blinded me to the deeper understanding that humans’ manage-ment of the animals, not the animals themselves, has been the problem. Historically, the healthiest soils in the world’s vast grain-growing regions were those that had supported the largest

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populations of natural wildlife and intact pack-hunting predators. We now have in hand a natural solution able to reverse U.S. and global desertification, which is contributing to increasing severity and frequency of floods and droughts, poverty, social breakdown, violence, pastoral geno-cide and mass movement into cities and across national borders. Restor-ing brilliant natural functions through holistic management of even half of the world’s grasslands has the potential to pull all of the legacy carbon out of the atmosphere, put it back into the ground where it belongs and keep it there for thousands of years. Livestock aided by holistic, planned grazing that mimics nature can return Earth’s atmosphere to preindustrial carbon levels while feed-ing people with cleaner meat. I can think of almost nothing that offers more hope for our planet for gen-erations to come. In fact, it has so many benefits—including an eventual net cost of zero or less—that even if climate change wasn’t an issue, we should be doing it anyway.

How is holistic pasturing proceeding?Ultimately, the only sustainable econo-my for any nation is derived from grow-ing plants on regenerating soil. Today’s conventional agriculture is producing more than 75 billion tons of dead, erod-ing soil every year—more than 10 tons for every human alive. The largest areas of the world’s land are either grasslands or former grasslands. Holistic, planned grazing to reverse desertification has gained support from thousands of individual ranch-ers, scientists, researchers, pastoralists and farmers. Currently, it is practiced on more than 30 million acres over six continents with encouraging success. The Savory Institute encourages and links locally led and managed holistic management hubs around the world, now numbering 30 in Africa, Argen-tina, Australia, Canada, Chile, Mexico, Sweden, Turkey, the UK and U.S., with more forming every year. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.


Taste the Rainbow, Expand Your Palate with

New Colorful Veggiesby Judith Fertig

consciouseating

Americans’ vegetable habits are in a rut. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,

nearly 50 percent of the vegetables and legumes available in this country in 2013 were either tomatoes or pota-toes. Lettuce came in third, according to new data released in 2015, advises Tracie McMillan, author of The Ameri-can Way of Eating. Further, 87 percent of U.S. adults did not meet basic vegetable serving recommendations from 2007 through 2010, a fact cited in the most recent Centers for Disease Control and Pre-vention survey. Yet, urban supermarkets overflow with a wealth of common and exotic vegetables, often displayed side-by-side: broccoli and broccolini, green bell and Japanese shishito peppers, and iceberg lettuce and leafy mâche, or lamb’s lettuce. Trying one new veg-

etable dish a week is a great way to increase our vegetable literacy,

says functional medicine expert Terri

Evans, a doctor of Oriental medicine in Naples, Florida.

“Our diet should be 60 per-

cent produce—40 percent vegetables and 20 percent fruit,” she says. “To keep this sustainable for the long term, we should eat what tastes good, not what we think is good for us. Some days, we crave the sweetness of carrots; other days, the bitterness of artichokes or the heat of hot peppers. Our bodies can tell us what we need.” Keep Expanding ChoicesGoing Green. Dark green and slightly peppery arugula is good with a little olive oil and lemon juice. Finely shred-ded Brussels sprouts bulk up a mixed salad, while adding the benefits of a cancer-fighting cruciferous vegetable. Instead of mineral-rich baby spinach, try baby Swiss chard, suggests Mat-thew Kadey, a registered dietician in Waterloo, Ontario. He also suggests microgreens, the tiny shoots of radishes, cabbage, broccoli and kale, all rich in vitamins C and E. Squash It. Varieties of summer and winter squash add color, body and fla-vor to one-dish meals, with the added benefits of B vitamins, magnesium and fiber. LeAnne Campbell, Ph.D., author of The China Study Cookbook, simmers a mix of fresh chopped vegetables including yellow summer squash or

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zucchini, and flavors with coconut and

curry powder. Vegan Chef Douglas Mc-Nish, of Toronto, makes an okra and squash gumbo in the slow cooker.

Sneak in a Smoothie. Change

up a smoothie routine by swapping out the

usual baby spinach for a blend of cucumber, apple and

fresh mint, or else sweet potato and carrot, suggests Sidney Fry, a registered dietitian and Cooking Light editor, in Birmingham, Alabama. Snack Attack. An array of colorful vegetables served with dips and spreads can be an easy way to experiment with veggies. Carrots in deep red, vibrant yellow, purple and orange are delicious raw and supply beta-carotene, promot-ing eye health. Leaves from pale green Belgian endive spears are tender and crunchy. Orange or “cheddar” cauli-flower has a more creamy and sweet flavor than its pale cousin. “Colors equal health, and the more

colors we eat, the better our overall health,” says Susan Bowerman, a

registered dietitian, lecturer in food science and nutrition at California State Polytechnic

Institute, San Luis Obispo, and co-author of What Color Is Your Diet? “We also have to be willing to try new foods or new varieties of foods, or maybe to prepare unfamiliar foods in a way that will make them taste good, so that we will be willing to add more plant foods to our diet.”

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Nighttime Parenting

Fostering Healthful Sleepby Stephanie Dodd

According to the American Psychological Associa-

tion, up to 70 percent of children experience sleep

disturbances that affect their emotional and physical

well-being.

Parents frequently awakened by a child’s interrupted slumber typically are torn between the need to care for their own health and that of their child. The goal is to

meet everyone’s needs, so that adequate adult sleep doesn’t feel like child neglect. Solutions are feasible if the parent is emotionally equipped to feel continuing empathy for their little one and secure in their choices for resolution, regard-less of setbacks or delays. Uncovering the real reasons that a child stays alert at bedtime or wakes during the night—such as inconsistent timing of sleep cycles, excessive fatigue, insufficient physi-cal activity, hunger, pain, anxieties, inadequate downtime or a desire for continued interaction with a parent—is the first step. With so many variables, frustration can impede the workings of parental intuition, which is key to the process, as is testing individual possible solutions long enough to assess the result and then confidently move forward.

Internal CalmExpecting a child to feel so empowered that they can fall asleep on their own is a good beginning. Lindsay Melda, of Atlanta, relates, “Our daughter used to wake us up by com-ing into our bed each night. Once I realized I was anxious


about her sleeping alone in her room and was able to instead trust she was okay, she easily slept through the night, waking more rested. My own anxiety was causing her sleep disturbances.” Christine Gipple, of Oaklyn, New Jersey, a practitioner of non-violent com-munication, shares, “When my daughter is chatty at bedtime and I’m past ready for her to be in bed, I have to consciously pause, or I can snap at her, thus de-laying bedtime. Granting myself just five minutes to reset myself and be present in the moment before I gently re-engage is critical to the outcome.” Such checking in with our-selves helps keep a parent thinking positively. Law of Attraction specialist Cassie Parks, of Denver, Colorado, advises, “When you focus on the feel-ing you desire once a child is peace-fully asleep, rather than the feeling you want to move away from, your chances for success greatly increase.” Noting how we envision nighttime unfolding or creating a nighttime vi-sion board can help focus and main-tain these feelings.

Releasing StressOne method parents have successfully used is the Emotional Freedom Tech-nique (EFT). It involves light tapping on specific points along the body’s energy meridians, like the collarbone or between the eyebrows, often accom-panied by attention to current thoughts and feelings, in order to restore a balanced feeling. Karin Davidson, of Media, Penn-sylvania, co-founder of the Meridian Tapping Techniques Association, says, “Including tapping with a supportive nighttime routine can be a godsend. It can relieve distress, whatever its source, increase feelings of security and promote a peaceful transition to sleep.” In clinical studies from the Na-tional Institute for Integrative Health-care, EFT has been shown to counter the stress hormones adrenaline and

cortisol, contributing to decreased sleep disturbances. Marissa Wolf, of The Woodlands, Texas, relates, “We moved here from San Diego when my son was 34 months old. He was acting out in ways I’d never seen before, mourning the loss of his routine. Within weeks after

we started tapping before school and at night, he was back to his happy self. Last night, he simply went to bed and fell asleep. Now when I see his built-up emotions, I know we need to tap.” (To learn more about EFT methods, visit emofree.com.)

Nourished RestGood nutrition is also important to healthy sleep. According to Health Coach Sarah Outlaw, owner of the Natural Health Improvement Center of South Jersey and an advanced Nutrition Response Testing practitioner, “Children may be devoid of minerals because of the filtered water we drink. Supple-menting with minerals like magnesium or enriching the diet with trace min-erals, sea salt and mineral-rich bone broth will promote a healthy immune system, along with a nervous system programmed for sleep.” Outlaw also advises, “A whole foods diet is paramount to children’s health and sleep ability. Parents should limit or eliminate artificial flavors, sweet-eners and sugar; preferably at all times, but at least an hour before bedtime.” When a parent takes the time to plan each step toward their goal of optimum sleep and feels secure in following through, they can create a personalized and consistent bedtime routine that fosters a sense of safety for children that feel heard and tended to and know what to expect. Children that gain the ability to naturally develop sleep skills reap lifelong health benefits.

Stephanie Dodd is the author of the international bestseller, Good Baby, Bad Sleeper. She blogs at HeartCentered Sleep.com.

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More amateur and serious athletes, people wanting to ease stiffness due to sedentary

work and seniors are enjoying a new DIY way to massage out the kinks at home that’s becoming recognized for its benefits by experts worldwide. For the first time, flexibility and mobility rolling ranks in the top 20 of the American College of Sports Medicine’s annual Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends. Made predominantly of foam and hard rubber, the rollers can “massage, relieve muscle tightness and muscle spasms, increase circulation, ease muscular discomfort and assist in the return to normal activity,” according to the or-ganization’s Health & Fitness Journal, which notes a grow-ing market for the devices. Dr. Walter Thompson, professor of kinesiology and health with Georgia State University, in Atlanta, was the lead author of the survey. He says, “Personal trainers have found that it works for their

clients. We’ve also seen an increase in popularity in gyms and fitness clubs.” The trend is partly spawned by their use in Pilates. Thompson adds, “Tech devic-es, now central to our daily lives, have changed the way we plan and manage our workouts.” Yet, as with other such equipment, users must be educated on how to employ the rollers on their own. Most rollers are available in smooth or ribbed textures in different sizes and densities. Sets include one for deep tissue rolling, self-myofascial re-

lease and trigger point relief, designed to aid muscles re-lated to the back, hips, arms, glutes and hamstrings. Dr. Spencer H. Baron, president of NeuroSport Elite, in Davie, Florida, was the 2010 National Sports Chiro-practor of the Year and served as a chiropractic physician for the Miami Dolphins foot-ball team for 19 years. He starts patients out with rollers during office appointments, especially those with sports injuries.

ROLLING FOR FITNESSDIY Rollers Ease Pain and Aid Flexibility

by Randy Kambic

“It empowers them to take charge of their fitness,” he says. “Those stand-ing or sitting all day at work may need it even more than athletes do to improve circulation and stimulate the nervous system.” While rollers can be administered to hamstrings and quadriceps by hand, he attests that the back is the most commonly targeted region, and sug-gests two corresponding maneuvers: Lie down with a foam roller under the neck at home. Gently roll it across to each shoulder blade, and then center it and roll it down to the buttocks; even to the hamstrings. Next, assume a squatting position against a wall and place a roller between the center of the back and the wall, gently rise up, and then sink down. It’s also possible do this at work in private. Baron and his colleagues believe that rollers are beneficial to use on the shoulders and arms of tennis play-ers and baseball pitchers. “I like the metaphor of a chef rolling dough in the kitchen. With a similar motion, you’re kneading muscles and tendons, improving blood flow and circulation to sore areas,” he says. Jason Karp, Ph.D., the 2011 Indi-viduals with Disabilities Education Act Personal Trainer of the Year and creator of his company’s Run-Fit certification program, has seen the popularity of the devices on the rise with runners. “People like gadgets” that can help them, he notes. “Runners get tight from running, and rollers can help alleviate that tightness. I know a lot of runners that swear by them.” Karp, a California author of six books, including Running for Women and his upcoming The Inner Runner, feels that rollers are especially well-suited for post-workout use. “The rollers are basically a form of self-myofascial release, which helps relax muscles by putting pressure on tight areas to cause the muscle to relax via its reflex to ten-sion,” he explains. It looks like this universally appli-cable and simple fitness tool will keep on rolling through this year and beyond.

Randy Kambic, in Estero, Florida, is a freelance editor and writer for Natural Awakenings and other publications.


Have you had enough of winter? Are you eager for the longer, warmer days of spring when the soil warms up and flowers emerge from the earth? You don’t have to wait for inspiration! Join like-minded West Michigan gardeners for the annual March Garden Day, hosted in Grand Haven by

the West Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association. This annual gardening celebration is the perfect antidote for the winter blues. Educational presenta-tions from regional gardening experts cover subjects from shade gardening to succulents, from spring wildflowers to a fantastic fall gardening finale, from orchids to conifers. Add to the educational and inspi-rational speakers a gourmet lunch, silent auction and displays from local garden businesses, and you have a gardener’s paradise for a day.

Register today, as seating is limited to 250.For more information and registration visit the WMNLA website

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MARCH GARDEN DAYA Celebration of Gardening!

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In his essay The Pleasures of Eating, Wendell Berry, a Kentucky farmer and poet, writes: “If I am going to eat meat,

I want it to be from an animal that has lived a pleasant, uncrowded life out-doors, on bountiful pasture, with good water nearby and trees for shade.” He, like a growing number of conscious eat-ers, wants no part of the industrial meat system in which animals are raised in concentrated animal feeding operations. Media coverage has helped edu-cate consumers previously unaware of how their food is produced and why it matters. The documentary film Food Inc., as well as books like Fast Food Nation, by Eric Schlosser and The Chain, by Ted Genoways, describe common livestock industry practices that mistreat animals, pollute water and air, endanger work-ers and threaten public health. With increased understanding of the connec-tions between diet and health, climate, environment and social justice, even many Americans that still like the taste of hamburger and steak have sided with Berry; they want sustainably raised, humane and healthful red meat.

Unsustainable Corporate Lobby Every five years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are revised to reflect the

latest nutritional science. In 2015, the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Commit-tee attempted to include the concept of sustainability. The committee, which included top nutrition scientists, defined sustainable diets as “a pattern of eating that promotes health and well-being and provides food security for the present population while sustaining human and natural resources for future generations.” It made the case that a diet higher in plant-based foods and lower in animal-based foods both promotes health and protects the environment—resulting in lower greenhouse gas emissions, and less energy, land and water use. But political pressure from the livestock industry prevailed, and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell jointly announced, “We do not believe that the 2015 Dietary Guide-lines for Americans are the appropriate vehicle for this important policy conver-sation about sustainability.” Instead, they advised the committee to focus solely on nutritional and dietary information. In her book Food Politics, nutritionist and author Marion Nestle explains that recommendations to decrease consumption have never been popular with the food industry. Nonetheless, Roni Neff, Ph.D., who

directs the Center for a Livable Future’s Food System Sustainability and Public Health Program at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, in Baltimore, recommends consuming less red meat in particular, because of its large environmental footprint. Neff points out, “Thirty percent of green-house gas emissions are connected to red meat.” However, not all red meat is cre-ated equal. In her book Defending Beef, environmental lawyer and cattle rancher Nicolette Hahn Niman makes a case for sustainable meat production, noting, “Well-managed grazing could be part of an effective strategy to com-bat climate change.” In their book The New Livestock Farmer, authors Rebecca Thistlethwaite and Jim Dunlop praise the increase in farmers producing pasture-raised, ethical meats and the growing number of farmers selling directly to people that reject the industrial system. Neff likewise supports such sustainable livestock agriculture, which integrates pasture-raised animals on farms, rather than isolating them on feedlots, where they typically eat a grain-based diet (such as genetically engineered corn) and receive growth stimulants, includ-ing hormones and antibiotics.

Risky Hormones and AntibioticsMike Callicrate, a St. Francis, Kansas, rancher educated in the industrial model of meat production, is considered an expert on its negative consequences. He served as an advisor for Food Inc., and Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma. Callicrate observes, “The same chemical compounds that athletes are banned from using in baseball are used to produce our food animals, which our children eat in the hot dogs at the ballgame.” According to the USDA, about 90 percent of feedlot cattle receive hormone implants to promote growth. Yet the European Union Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health reports that the use of natural and artificial growth hormones in beef production poses a potential risk to human health, espe-cially among children.

Meaty TruthsChoosing Meat that’s Sustainable and Safe

by Melinda Hemmelgarn


Concerns about growth-promoting drugs led the American Academy of Pediatrics to call for studies that direct-ly measure their impact on children through milk and meat. The President’s Cancer Panel Report on Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk also states, “Growth hormones may contribute to endocrine disruption in humans.” Their dietary recommendations include choosing meat raised without hormones and antibiotics.

Rising ResistanceAntibiotic resistance is now one of the world’s most critical public health prob-lems, and it’s related to misuse of anti-biotics in animal agriculture. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Antibiotic resistance—when bacteria don’t respond to the drugs designed to kill them—threatens to return us to the time when simple infections were often fatal.” Veterinarian and food safety con-sultant Gail Hansen, of Washington, D.C., explains that bacteria naturally develop resistance anytime we use an-tibiotics. “The problem is overuse and misuse; that’s the recipe for disaster.” She explains that more than 70 percent of the antibiotics sold in the U.S. are not used to treat sick animals, but to promote growth and reduce the risk of infection related to raising animals in unsanitary, overcrowded spaces. A recent report by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states: Adding antibiotics to the feed of healthy

livestock “often leave the drugs inef-fective when they are needed to treat infections in people.” The AAP supports buying meat from organic farms, because organic farming rules prohibit the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics. Stacia Clinton, a registered dietitian in Boston who works with the international nonprofit Health Care Without Harm, assists hospitals in both reducing meat on their menus and increas-ing purchases of meat from animals raised without antibiotics. The goal is to reduce the growing number of antibiotic-resistant infections that cost hospitals and patients billions of dollars each year. A Friends of the Earth report, Chain Reaction: How Top Restaurants Rate on Reducing Use of Antibiotics in Their Meat Supply, revealed that most meat served by American’s top chain res-taurants come from animals raised in industrial facilities where they are fed antibiotics. Only two out of 25 chains, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Panera Bread, report that the majority of their meat is raised without routine antibiot-ics. A recent study by Consumers Union also found antibiotic-resistant bacteria on retail meat samples nationwide. In California, Governor Jerry Brown signed Senate Bill 27, making his the first state to ban the use of rou-tine low doses of antimicrobial drugs that are medically important to hu-mans to promote livestock weight gain or feed efficiency. The bill doesn’t go into effect until January 2018, but will contribute to making meat safer and antibiotic drugs more effective.

Red and Processed Meats TargetedDietary advice to reduce the consump-tion of red and processed meats, regard-less of how the animals are raised, is not new. Kelay Trentham, a registered dietitian in Tacoma, Washington, who specializes in cancer prevention and treatment, points out that joint reports from the World Cancer Research Fund International and American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) since 2007 have recommended restricting consumption of red meat to less than 18 ounces a week and avoiding processed meats.

Because climate change is accelerating and is already causing a multi-tude of adverse effects, and the footprint of our current food system is massive, we urgently need to create a national food supply that is both healthy and sustainable.

~Dr. Walter Willett, Harvard School of Public Health

Smarter Meat Choices

by Melinda Hemmelgarn

Choose certified organic meat. Organic certification prohibits anti-biotics, added hormones and geneti-cally modified (GMO) feed.

Select grass-fed and grass-finished meats. Look for the nonprofit Ameri-can Grassfed Association (AGA) cer-tification, which ensures animals eat only grass and forage from the time of their weaning until harvest, and are raised without antibiotics or hormones (AmericanGrassfed.org). AGA stan-dards apply to ruminant animals only: beef, bison, goat, lamb and sheep.

Support Country of Origin Label-ing. This mandates that retail cuts of meat must contain a label inform-ing consumers of its source. The U.S. meat industry has worked to stop such labeling.

Beware of misleading labels. “Natural” provides no legal assur-ance about how an animal was raised. “Vegetarian feed” may mean GMO corn and/or soy. (See Greener Choices.org.)

Buy directly from family livestock farmers. Check out sites like Local Harvest.org and Tinyurl.com/Farmers MarketsDirectory.

Pay attention to portions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture serving size weighs three ounces, about the same size as a deck of cards. Think of meat as a side dish and balance the rest of the plate with vegetables, leafy greens, beans and other legumes.

Once a week, cut out meat. Partici-pate in Meatless Mondays (Meatless Monday.org).

Assume all retail meat carries bacteria that can cause food-borne illness. Practice safe food handling as directed on package labels. (Also see FoodSafety.gov and KeepAntibiotics Working.com.)


In 2015, the World Health Organization International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified pro-cessed meat (like hot dogs, ham, sausages, corned beef and beef jerky) as “carcinogenic to humans” and red meat (beef, veal, pork, lamb, mutton, horse and goat) as “prob-ably carcinogenic to humans.” Risk increases with amount consumed, and the evidence is strongest for the relation of processed meats to colorectal cancer. Trentham explains some factors that make red and processed meats risky. “Heating or smoking meat creates cancer-causing compounds. Processed meats contain salts, nitrates and nitrites; a chemical mélange of preservatives

that can increase risk,” she says. Trentham and Karen Collins, a regis-tered dietitian and advi-sor to the AICR, concur that the form of iron found in meat also con-tributes to cancer risk. Still, the IARC report

recognizes, “Eating meat has known health benefits.” Meat is a rich source of protein and B vitamins, iron and zinc. Livestock feed further influences nutritional composition, with meat from cattle raised on pasture (grass) contain-ing higher levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids compared to meat from animals fed grain. According to medical doctor and National Institutes of Health researcher Captain Joseph Hibbeln, consuming

To be interested in food, but not in food production, is clearly absurd.

~Wendell Berry

The Redox Revolution

fewer omega-6 fatty acids and more omega-3s may be one of the most important dietary changes for cutting the risk of chronic diseases, reducing inflammation, improving mental health, enhancing children’s brain and eye development and reducing worldwide incidence of cardiovascular disease by 40 percent. When it comes to eating meat, the agricultural practices, quantity con-sumed, and methods of processing and cooking make a difference. It turns out that what’s good for the environment is good for animals and people, too.

Melinda Hemmelgarn is an award- winning registered dietitian, writer and Food Sleuth Radio host with KOPN.org, in Columbia, MO. Connect at [email protected].

Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it;

the tree is the real thing.

~Abraham Lincoln


Shannon Hayes, farmer, nutritionist and author of The Farmer and the

Grill: A Guide to Grilling, Barbecuing and Spit-Roasting Grassfed Meat… and for Saving the Planet, One Bite at a Time, says cooking grass-fed steaks at too-high temperatures, especially when grilling, is a common mistake. The West Fulton, New York, food expert describes how to achieve “a gorgeous sear on the outside, and a pink and juicy inside.” When working on a grill, light only

one side. When hot, sear an inch-and-a-quarter-thick steak for no more than two minutes per side, with the grill lid off. Make sure fat drippings don’t flare up flames, which will blacken and toughen the meat. After the sear, move the steaks to the unlit side of the grill and put the grill lid on. Let them finish cooking indirectly for five to seven minutes per pound. The low-er temperature cooks the internal muscle fibers, but prevents them from contracting too rapidly and becoming chewy.

As an alternative to grilling, use an oven and cast-iron skillet. Preheat the oven to 300° F. Next, heat the skillet over a high flame until smoke begins to rise off its surface. Coat the skillet with butter or tallow, then sear the meat for two minutes per side. Turn off the stove; leave steaks in the pan and move them to the oven, where they can finish cooking for five to seven minutes per pound.

Source: TheRadicalHomemaker.net

Grilling a Grass-Fed Steak Just Rightby Melinda Hemmelgarn


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“Gardening is not about having or taking; it’s about giving,” says Connecticut psycho-

therapist Gunilla Norris, author of A Mystic Garden: Working with Soil, Attending to Soul. “And in giving, the garden gives back to you.” She deems the art of practicing gratitude in the garden as an intentional path for cul-tivating spirituality.“Every day, go out and thank the ground. Life is burgeon-ing all around us, all the time,” she continues. “If we can just appreciate that, it’s a big deal.” It’s hard not to be humbled and awed by the miracle of life when we see a seedling push its tiny green head above ground, lean toward the sun and unfurl its first set of leaves. Each bit of plant life is simply fulfilling its mission to grow and be. “Gardening enhances our rela-tionship to the Earth. Through garden-ing, we are helping to heal the planet, which is part of the work we are all called to do,” remarks Al Fritsch, a Jesuit priest in Ravenna, Kentucky, and author of the e-book, Spiritual Growth Through Domestic Gardening (free at EarthHealing.info/garden.htm). Over his lifetime, Fritsch has helped turn a parking lot, a section of church lawn, and overgrown bottomland all into thriving gardens. In his view, “It gives us a sense of home, roots us in place.”

We can even discover our personal calling through cultivating a garden while gleaning endless spiritual lessons: Here dwells patience and an apprecia-tion for the natural order of things; no fertilizer can force a flower to bloom be-fore its time. Here resides mindfulness as we learn to notice changes in the plants under our care and discern what they need to thrive. Here abides interdepen-dence; we wouldn’t have carrots, corn or cherries without the bats, birds, and bees playing in the pollen. In a garden, we naturally accept the cycle of life, death and rebirth as we bid adieu to the joy of seasonal colors and let flowerbeds rest in peace, anticipating their budding and blooming again. Just as the fruits of growing a garden exceed the doing—the weed-ing and seeding and countless other tasks—so do the riches of tending a spiritual life surpass the striving. We do well to rejoice in the sacred space created, cherishing every spiritual quality nurtured within and reflected in the Divine handiwork. Breathing in the floral perfume carried by the breeze and reveling in the multi-hued textures of living artistry, we celebrate the fact that we too, are playing our part of the natural miracle of life.

Connect with freelance writer April Thompson at AprilWrites.com.

Gardening as Spiritual Practice

Cycles of Growth Cultivate Our Divinityby April Thompson


Three million cats end up in shelters every year, accord-ing to the American Society

for the Prevention of Cruelty to An-imals. Owners cite landlord restrictions or allergies in the family as leading reasons. Often, the animal is blamed for an easily fixed behavior problem; the Wake County Animal Center, in Raleigh, North Carolina, interprets rationales such as, “Kitty has a sensitive stomach [throws up] or pees under the bed [likely a urinary tract infection].” “I prefer to call such things issues, not problems. They’re often evidence of natural instincts that need to be redirected,” says Anne Moss, owner of TheCatSite.com, from Tel Aviv, Israel. “A vet visit will rule out physical con-cerns so you can move on to behav-ioral issues.” Once a cat’s adapted to living with humans, life becomes more pleasant for everyone. Cats can be trained. Dallas cat owner Bettina Bennett of WhichBoxMedia.com advises, “Start early, attach re-wards and be consistent. Our four cats don’t scratch the furniture, come when called and know when it’s bedtime.” Clicker training works well, adds Becky Morrow, a doctor of veterinarian medicine who teaches at Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh. “I have 13 cats living in my home and a sanctuary housing 65 more. They’ve learned to walk on a leash and obey commands.” Dr. Jeff Werber, a Los Angeles veterinarian, has found that scratch-ing furniture, biting people, nocturnal

activity, throwing up and ignoring the litter box are the five most common complaints. Scratching lets Kitty leave her scent, stretch and shed old claws. He suggests, “Get a scratching post, but don’t put it in an-out-of-the-way loca-tion. Cats like to be where we are. Start with it in the center of the room and gradually move it to the corner.” Measure how tall a cat is when standing on her hind legs with front legs fully extended. Get a post that is half again as tall so she can really stretch. Gently rub her paws on the post first, and then dab on a bit of catnip as added enticement. Cats don’t like unfamiliar textures, so avoid-ance training tools can include lay-ing aluminum foil or backing-side-up carpet runners over furniture arms and cushions plus double-sided sticky tape at the corners to preserve upholstery. When humans become a target for a cat’s pounces, use toys as decoys. A short play session will satisfy their desire to hunt. Leave curtains open so she can see outside, clear shelves for climbing and have a cat tree or window shelf for optimum viewing. A nearby bird feeder will hold a feline’s attention for hours. Werber advises, “For undisturbed household sleep, get the cat toys out

WELL-MANNERED CATSSimple Ways to Get Kitty to Behaveby Sandra Murphy

naturalpet about an hour before your bedtime. Fifteen minutes of play will tire a pet. Let him calm down and then feed him. A full cat is a sleepy cat.” Some cats nibble, while oth-ers gulp food and then throw up. The recommended antidote is to feed smaller amounts several times a day. Cats should eat both dry and wet food to get carbohydrates and meat, Werber advises. Throwing up can be a sign of hairballs, even if unseen. Put the cat on a natural hairball remedy once a day for four days, then two times a week, until the vomiting stops. A touch of non-petroleum jelly on the cat’s nose or a bit of fish oil or pumpkin in her food will work. When cats ignore the litter box, note what’s changed—the type of litter, location of the box, a lurking stray cat or the pet’s health. Arthritic cats find it hard to climb into a tall-sided box. Felines feel vulnerable when using the box, and like to know what’s around them—a lidless box makes them feel safer says Werber. The rule is to have one more litter box than there are cats. If the house is more than one story tall, food, water, beds and litter should be available on every level. “All cats should be kept indoors, microchipped and wearing a colorful collar and tags,” says Werber. Colors give birds fair warn-ing if a cat ever goes outside. With time and attention, any cat can become an active, well-behaved family member.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at [email protected].


greenliving

For thousands of homeowners in “agrihoods” across the U.S., homegrown is a way of life.

Planned developments incorporating neighborhood agriculture are sprout-ing up in record numbers, according to Ed McMahon, a senior resident fellow specializing in sustainability with the Urban Land Institute. He estimates there are a few hundred agrihoods na-tionwide, in all regions and at all price points. “The trend is the convergence of several things, including a growing interest in local business, local food, healthy lifestyles and the foodie cul-ture,” says McMahon. He adds, “Today’s developers have to differentiate their properties to sur-vive, and farms have become the new golf course of real estate development.” Agriculture is a far lower-cost amenity that can even return a modest profit by

Developing Gardens Instead of Golf Courses

Agrihoods Use On-Site Farms to Draw Residents

by April Thompson

selling its harvest to the community. Beyond food, agrihoods help grow community, a huge draw for those living in isolated suburban areas. In 2014, Abby and Michael Wheatfill moved their family to Agritopia, a planned community in Gilbert, Arizona, near Phoenix. Billed as an urban farm, the central feature of Agritopia’s 166 acres, knitting together commercial, agricultur-al and open space with 450 residential homes, is a working farm, with roving pigs, lambs and chickens, a citrus grove and rows of heirloom vegetables. Farm, family and community life are interwoven. The Wheatfills lease a plot in an on-site community garden. Other residents buy shares in the com-munity supported agriculture project or purchase produce or eggs from the community farm on the honor system. “We especially love the narrow,

tree-lined streets and wide porches, and that we can walk or bike to fun, locally sourced restaurants,” says Michael, a technology consultant. Private back-yards are small in favor of community space, nudging residents to meet each other, Abby says. The Cannery, in Davis, California, is one of the newest agrihoods and also one of the few that redeveloped an industrial tract. This 100-acre development, still under construc-tion, will feature 547 new homes on the former site of a tomato processing facility, in addition to affordable rent-als for low-income families. Its heart and soul is a working farm that will feed the community’s households and supply its restaurants. The Cannery is a pioneer in clean green energy, with solar-powered homes, connections for electric cars, and many other energy-conserving features. Thirsty homeown-er lawns are prohibited in most of The Cannery’s mini-neighborhoods, but no home is more than 300 feet from public green space. Samrina and Mylon Marshall, both physicians in their mid-50s, will be among the first residents to move in this spring. “We like that it’s a green energy community featuring multigenerational living. We’re also big on eating locally and seasonally, so the urban farm was a key draw,” says Mylon. North Atlanta family Gil and Jeny Mathis and their two daughters, 12 and 14 years old, discovered Serenbe, a planned community in Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, two years ago. Now it’s literally their second home. “It pro-vides a different life for our children on weekends they couldn’t otherwise have. The community aspect has penetrated our lives in a way that we couldn’t have predicted,” says Gil. Both girls love it, and the younger sibling is lobbying to relocate there full time. The family likes the people Serenbe draws and the opportunities to engage with them, the consistent access to natural and organic food and its artist-in-residence program. Serenbe was the inspiration for the Olivette Riverside Community and Farm, a 346-acre, back-to-the-land project near Asheville, North Carolina. Its owners are transforming a failed


high-end gated community and ad-jacent historic farm along the French Broad River into an agri-centered devel-opment featuring a blueberry orchard, community gardens, vegetable farm and greenhouse. “It’s vital that we re-localize our food supply,” says Olivette co-owner Tama Dickerson. “One of the first things we did was to incorporate this farm and see what areas we could preserve, because what you keep is just as impor-tant as what you develop.” Future plans include hiking trails, artist live-work spaces, tiny houses, little free libraries and a K-8 school. Agrihoods aren’t solely for agriburbs. Creative public housing developers are bringing agriculture to high-density neighborhoods. The smoke-free Healthy High-Rise Arbor House, a 124-unit, low-income apart-ment in the Bronx, in New York City, features a 10,000-square-foot hydro-ponic greenhouse and a living lobby wall that grows organic vegetables for the community year-round. Residents can obtain a discounted share from the farm using SNAP benefits (food stamps) and take free classes in cook-ing fresh. Arbor House also allocates 40 percent of its rooftop crop harvests for the larger community. Agrihoods can take many forms, including those involving gardens crop-ping up in schools, parks and hospitals nationwide, as well as informal, gue-rilla gardens in vacant lots. Many cities, including Falls Church, Virginia, and Takoma Park, Maryland, have even changed local zoning laws so residents can keep chickens and bees in their backyards for eggs and honey, accord-ing to McMahon. “The era of the 2,000-mile Cae-sar salad has come to an end,” says McMahon, citing high transportation costs that make locally sourced food good for businesses and consumers alike. “The trend of growing food closer to home—in some cases at home—is here to stay.”

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


Coloring books are no longer solely the domain of children. Immersion in this fun, creative

pastime by adults even for just 30 minutes can constitute a focused medi-tation that relieves stress. Doctor of Psychology Nikki Martinez, in Chicago, says that famed psychotherapist Carl Jung believed coloring helps patients release anxiety. “It uses both sides of the brain and improves organizational and fine motor skills,” says Martinez. “After I under-went a major surgery, I was on bed rest for eight weeks, and adult coloring books were a lifesaver. They passed the time, were pretty and kept me in a con-stant state of calm. I devoured them.” Publishers Weekly reported com-bined 2015 sales of 1.75 million copies for the 10 bestselling adult coloring books through November. This trend was years in the making, originating when parents colored with their kids and sometimes on their own. Adults around the world now join coloring book clubs, hold related parties and take coloring breaks at work. Last fall, Barnes & Noble hosted the one-day All-American Art Unwind, where custom-ers colored and uploaded their results to Instagram and Twitter. Hallmark sent a crew of artists and calligraphers to select locations to help customers color their greeting cards. “We scheduled a coloring session for a 55-plus community workshop,” relates Ninah Kessler, a licensed clinical

COLOR ME CALMGrownups De-Stress with

Adult Coloring Booksby Avery Mack

inspiration

social worker with the Sparks of Genius Brain Optimization Center, in Boca Raton, Florida. “People had so much fun they wouldn’t leave. It’s creative, portable and inexpensive. You never face blank paper because the lines are there; you just pick the colors. There’s no stress about possibly making mistakes.” “Animals, jungle or floral themes, and Zen-inspired mandalas are popular. Customers like realistic, intricate draw-ings,” explains Idalia Farrajota, a Dallas executive with Michaels craft stores, which offers free, in-store coloring ses-sions and provides supplies. (Download a free sample book at Tinyurl.com/ BotanicalColoringPages.) Johanna Basford, a renowned illustrator from Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a hit with colorists, catering to their penchant for nature with Secret Garden, Enchanted Forest and her latest, Lost Ocean. “My daughter wanted to color her life, not do generic drawings,” says Dieter Marlovics, prompting him to establish ReallyColor.com, in Chicago. “Really-Color converts photos into coloring book pages to make individually tailored pages.” Try these eco-tips: Sprout pencils, made with sustainable wood and fruit-and-vegetable-based dyed clay instead of lead, are topped by non-GMO seeds that can be planted when the pencil becomes short. Inktense’s water-soluble brightly colored pencils mimic pen and ink; add water for translucency. Select recycled paper books, soy crayons, watercolor paints and non-toxic markers.

March is Color Therapy Month


To poets, the eyes have long been known as windows to the soul. Systemically trained ophthal-

mologists, optometrists and functional medicine doctors see these organs as a potential indicator of high blood pressure, diabetes, stress-related effects and nutritional deficiencies, as well as sites for potential glaucoma and macular degeneration. The connection between overall health and eye health is rarely addressed during conventional eye exams, which are based on standard protocols for prescribing eyeglasses, drugs or surgery. Conventionally trained optometrists and ophthalmologists, lacking education in nutrition and alternative approaches, treat the eyes as isolated organs. In con-trast, systemically oriented, holistic eye experts treat them as integrated parts of the whole body. Eye doctors like Marc R. Grossman, doctor of optometry, a co-founder of Natural Eye Care, Inc., of New Paltz, New York, and Edward C. Kondrot, a medical doctor and founder of the Healing the Eye & Wellness Center, in Fort Myers, Florida, take such a

The Eyes Tell Our Story

How Integrative Doctors See Into Whole-Body Health

by Linda Sechrist

healingways

preventive and integrative approach. They recommend good whole foods nutrition, supplemented with antioxi-dants and plant-based formulations of omega-6 and omega-3 oils, together with adequate sleep and exercise. Key complementary treatments can be effective in improving sight and revers-ing some conditions. Grossman, also a licensed acu-puncturist, explains in his book Greater Vision: A Comprehensive Program for Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity how he incorporates the physical, emo-tional and spiritual aspects of vision into his philosophy of eye care. At Somers Eye Center, in Somers, New York, he uses a full range of mind-body therapies, combined with conventional methods to address dry eye syndrome, nearsighted-ness, farsightedness, macular degenera-tion, cataracts and glaucoma. Kondrot, a leading board-certified homeopathic ophthalmologist, uses a slit-lamp binocular microscope to ex-amine the complex living tissue of the eyes. The author of 10 Essentials to Save Your Sight, he’s experienced in regen-eration nutrition and maintains that our

Chamomile Tea Helps Us Live LongerIn a study of 1,677 Mexican-Amer-

ican men and women over the age of 65 from the Southwestern U.S., researchers have found that drinking chamomile tea decreases the risk of earlier mortality by an average of 29 percent. Researchers from the University of Texas Medical Branch followed the study population for seven years. Among those tested, 14 percent drank chamomile tea regularly. These were primarily women, and those women that drank chamomile tea experienced a 33 percent reduced mortality during the study period. The small group of men that drank the chamomile tea regularly did not register a significant difference in mortality. Chamomile also has a long his-tory of use in folk medicine and is primarily used to settle digestion and calm the mind. It is a leading natu-ral herbal tea in many countries and contains no caffeine. While various species may be used, chamomile tea is traditionally made by infusing the flowers of ei-ther German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) or Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) into hot water. In Spanish-speaking regions, chamomile tea is often referred to as manzanilla tea—consumed in Mexico and other Spanish cultures for centuries.


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overall health impacts our vision. His toolbox includes multimodal protocols like homeopathy, detoxification, oxygen therapy, low-level microcurrent to stimulate cel-lular activity, palming (using the hands over closed eyes) and other alternative methods to reverse visual loss. He regularly uses the Myers’ cocktail, an intravenous therapy with a high concentration of B-complex and C vitamins, taurine (an amino sulfonic acid), trace miner-als and zinc. “Regardless of your eye condition, regular eye exercises can increase eye muscle flexibility and sup-port circulation for better delivery of oxygen, essential nutrients and the flow of energy to the eyes,” says Grossman. He notes that “Aerobic Exercise Protects Retinal Function and Structure from Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration,” a study published in the Journal of Neuroscience in 2014, was the first of its kind to link physical exercise with improved retinal health and prevention of common eye diseases. While Kondrot emphasizes that vitamins A, C, D and E are essential to eye health, particularly in pre-venting macular degeneration, he cautions that taking a supplement is no substitute for expanding the diet to include foods such as kale, spinach, parsley, collard greens, cooked broccoli, green peas, pumpkin and Brussels sprouts. All include lutein and zeaxanthin, two types of important carotenoids contained within the retina and found in the leaves of most green plants. Digestive enzymes, probiotics and the amino acid be-taine are also necessary to facilitate better absorption of nutrients. Dr. Connie Casebolt, board certified in family medi-cine and founder of GFM Wellness, in Greenville, South Carolina, practices with a whole body-mind perspec-tive and incorporates supplements in patient disease prevention and wellness plans. “As the eye is bathed in the same chemicals and nutrients as the rest of the body, eye conditions can be affected by problems affecting the rest of the body,” she says. “Low adrenals can contribute to macular degeneration. Additionally, disruption of the energy flowing through acupuncture meridians related to teeth affected by root canals can also affect the eyes. “ She likes the book Whole Body Dentistry, by Mark Breiner, a doctor of dental surgery, because it includes numerous case histories of systemic ill-nesses, including eye disorders, that improve with better oral health. “Trying to sustain good health and avoiding toxins such as tobacco and excess sugar can definitely help in maintaining good vision,” explains Casebolt. Sensitive, complex and composed of more than 2 million working parts, the eyes are their own phe-nomenon. Annual eye exams are important at every age to help us do what’s needed to maintain our pre-cious gift of sight.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awaken-ings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.


Contrary to what most of us think, belonging is not fitting in. In fact, fitting in is the greatest barrier to

belonging. Fitting in, I’ve discovered during more than a decade of research, is assessing situations and groups of people, then twisting yourself into a

BE TRUE TO YOURSELFIt’s the Secret to Belonging

by Brené Brown

human pretzel in order to get them to let you hang out with them. Belonging is something else entirely—it’s show-ing up and letting yourself be seen and known as you really are—love of gourd painting, intense fear of public speaking and all.

Many of us suffer from this split between who we are and who we present to the world in order to be accepted. (Take it from me: I’m an expert fitter-inner!) But we’re not letting ourselves be known, and this kind of incongruent living is soul-sucking. In my research, I’ve interviewed a lot of people who never fit in, who are what you might call “different”: scientists, artists, thinkers. If you drop down deep into their work and who they are, there is a tremendous amount of self-acceptance. Some of them have to scrap for it, like the rest of us, but most are like a neurophysi-cist I met who essentially told me, “My parents didn’t care that I wasn’t on the football team, and my par-ents didn’t care that I was awkward and geeky. I was in a group of kids at school who translated books into the Klingon language and my parents were like, ‘Awesome!’ They took me to the Star Trek convention.” He got his sense of belonging from his parents’ sense of belonging, and even if we don’t get that from Mom and Dad, we have to create it for ourselves as adults—or we will always feel as if we’re standing out-side of the big human party. The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-accep-tance, because believing that you’re enough is what gives you the cour-age to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect. When we don’t have that, we shape-shift and turn into chame-leons; we hustle for the worthiness we already possess.

Brené Brown, Ph.D., a licensed mas-ter social worker and research pro-fessor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work, has spent 13 years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness and shame. This essay is from her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, used with permission.


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tract more young people, because half the farmers in the U.S. are 55 or older. But for much of the world’s youth, agriculture isn’t seen as being cool or attractive—only as backbreaking labor without an economic payoff and with little room for career advancement. However, with some effort, young farmers can explore contemporary career options in permaculture design, biody-namic farming, communication tech-nologies, forecasting, marketing, logistics, quality assurance, urban agriculture projects, food preparation, environmental sciences and advanced technologies. “Increased access to education and new forms of agriculture-based enterprises means that young people can be a vital force for innovation in family farming, increasing incomes and well-being for both farmers and local communities,” says Mark Holderness, executive secretary of the Global Forum for Agricultural Research. The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project (nesfp.org), in Massachusetts, trains young farmers in how to run a small farm operation, from business planning to spe-cialized advanced workshops in livestock and healthy food. Likewise, the Southeast-ern New England Young Farmer Network (YoungFarmerNetwork.org) hosts free social and educational events that bring together farmers of all ages and experience levels to network and collaborate.

Source: FoodTank.com


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April Issue

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SUNDAY, MARCH 6Inspire – 1pm. With Extended Grace, a social jus-tice/human rights agency. March Inspire! topic: Gun Violence and Anger. Also includes brainstorming, determining plans of action, music, refreshments and social time. 102 W Exchange St., Spring Lake.

MONDAY, MARCH 7Oils for Emotional Wellness – 6pm. Learn about dōTERRAs new line of oils for emotional wellness at this introductory class. Natural Choice Chiro-practic and Massage Therapy, 5260 Kalamazoo Ave. SE, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-826-2350 or [email protected] Monday Potluck – 6:30pm. Join our Meatless Monday Vegan Potluck. Guest speaker, Dr. Ginger will talk about PH balance in the body and how to detox properly. Bring a vegan dish to share. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. Info: Kim: [email protected] Secrets of Balanced Blood Sugar – 6:30-8:30pm. Discover how to enjoy sweets without damaging the body, how a balanced blood sugar will help weight loss, how to have sustained energy all day and how to sleep like a baby. New Hope Health, 798 East Bridge St., Plainwell. Register: HolisticSecretsRevealed.com.

TUESDAY, MARCH 8Homeopathy 101 – 6:30-8pm. With Maggie Conk-lin ND of LadyHawk Nutrition, LLC. Learn how to pick the right homeopathic remedy, how they are made, which form is best and more. Space is limited. Nature’s Market, 1013 Washington Ave. #4, Holland. RSVP: 616-394-5250.Women’s Wellness Night – 7-8pm. Couple and family therapist, Kerry Hart, LLMFT, offers a monthly therapeutic support group for women interested in good company, friendly venting and healthy coping. Connect with other women going through the same stressors as you. Grand Rapids Natural Health, 638 Fulton W, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-264-6556. Info: GRNaturalHealth.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 10Creative Intention/Vision Board Workshop – 12:30-3:30pm. Prepare your vision of what you intend to manifest for your life, love and authentic living. Materials, snacks, refreshments, worksheets, ideas and support all provided. Limited to six par-ticipants. In The Heart Counseling, 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-426-9226 or [email protected]. Facebook page: In The Heart Counseling.

ALL-MONTH LONGComplementary Consultation – A consultation is a conversation, not an examination and certainly not a high-pressure sales pitch. After all, we aren’t the right office for everyone, so doesn’t it make sense to discover that before you begin a relationship with our practice? Brain and Body Chiropractic, 833 E 16th St. Ste. 175, Holland. RSVP: 616-202-6368. March Consultation and Mud Pack Special – For new clients only, schedule an initial consultation with Dr. LeAnn Fritz, ND, and receive your first mud packing session completely free. New Hope Health, 10373 N Riverview Dr., Plainwell. RSVP: 269-204-6525.Food First – 9:30am-7:30pm, Mon-Fri; 10am-5pm, Sat. Vibrant health begins with a strong nutritional foundation. Stop in for tips on how to optimize your nutrition. Vital Nutrition, 169 Marcell Dr. NE, Rockford. 616-433-9333.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2Calming Your Anxious Mind Group – 6-7:30pm. Unique eight-session group helps build a toolbox of coping skills. With healing processes and calming activities, approach anxiety from a whole-person perspective. Insurance, sliding scale or prepay discount. Join by 3/16. In The Heart Counseling, 1345 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-426- 9226. [email protected]. Facebook page: In The Heart Counseling.Guided Meditation and Healing Circle - 7-8pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace and joy through guided meditation and energy healing from Healing in America-Trained Healers. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Ct., NE, Grand Rapids.

THURSDAY, MARCH 3Reading the Great Lakes – 7pm. Read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction and nonfic-tion, all taking place in the Great Lakes region – from Chicago to Cleveland. March selection: The Long-Shining Waters by Danielle Sosin. Free. 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids. Book list: GRPL.org/rtgl.

SATURDAY, MARCH 5Community Quiet Day and Labyrinth Walk – 10am-3pm. Explore spiritual practices and enjoy refreshment for body and spirit all day, with lunch from noon to 1pm. The labyrinth is available all day for walking meditation. $5 suggested donation. St Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1006 Third St., downtown Muskegon. RSVP: 231-744-0377 or [email protected].

FRIDAY, MARCH 11West Michigan Women’s Expo – Mar 11-13. More than 400 exhibits and seminars tailored to women and their families, focusing on health, beauty, fit-ness, fashion, finance and fun. Tickets available at the door or in advance at Meijer. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids. KohlerExpo.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 12Yoga Beginners Series – 10:30-11:30am. Four consecutive Saturdays. For those who’ve never practiced yoga, learn the basic poses, breath work and common terms. No special skills or flexibility needed. $50. Bodhi Tree Yoga and Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St., Holland. Info: 616-392-7580 or MiBodhiTree.com. Sing Song Yoga for Kids – Noon-12:30pm, ages 2-6; 12:45-1:30pm, ages 6-11. Introduce your children to the joys of yoga in an age-appropriate class full of music, movement and merriment. $6 /ages 2-6, $8/ages 6-11. The Yoga Studio, 959 Lake Dr. SE, Ste. 2016, Grand Rapids. Info/register: GRYoga.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 13Eckankar – 10-11am. “How Spirit Works through Us-Creativity,” is the theme for the ECK Worship Service, always the second Sunday each month. Free. Dominican Center at Marywood, Rm. 4, 2025 E Fulton, Grand Rapids. ECK-MI.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 14Herbs and More Class – 6-8pm. Learn the ABC’s of herbal medicine and how to activate, build and cleanse with herbs. $15/person, $20/two. The Rem-edy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225.Outdoor Group Workout – 6:15-7:30pm. With Hanna Jones of EcoTrek Fitness. A 75-minute workout for all fitness levels. $10/drop-in (no RSVP needed). Olive Shores Park, 855 Olive Shore Ave., West Olive. Register: EcoTrekFitness.com.Humorous Speech Contest – 7pm. Join the Grand Rapids Public Library, Toastmasters International and LaughFest in a humor contest. Prizes will be awarded for top three. Contestants can choose to perform an improvised stand up performance or a prepared five-minute routine. Free. 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids. Preregister: GRPL.org/Register.

TUESDAY, MARCH 15Writing Workshop – 6-8pm. Recharge your creative spirit and strengthen your voice through writing. All styles and experience levels invited to this four-week series. Come for a supportive, small group writing experience that will energize you to keep writing. $125. Voice & Vessel, 2922

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

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Please call in advance to ensure that the event you’re interested in is still available.

Denotes an event sponsored by Natural Awakenings Magazine West Michigan.


Fuller Ave. NE #112, Grand Rapids. Register: VoiceAndVessel.com. The Energy System: How it Impacts Your Health – 6:30pm. The body’s energy system is as complex as the physical body. This workshop sim-plifies and explains how the energy system works. Guided Transformations, 12090 Green Lake Rd., Caledonia. RSVP: 616-401-7199.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16Healing Energy Circle – 7pm. Raise your vibra-tions with like-minded people. Radiate loving, healing energy to those in need whether present or just in your mind’s eye. Also send energy and peace to our communities and to the world. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. 616-836-1555. Spirit-Space.org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 17Read So Hard Book Club – 7pm. March’s selec-tion: Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford. Share your passion for reading and great discus-sions. Free. 307 Division S, Grand Rapids. Books list: GRPL.org/ReadSoHard.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19Peace and Quiet Weekend Retreat – Mar 19-20. Pure Meditation Foundation class and private room available. $75 plus taxes includes shared room and meals. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Brumheller Rd., Bath. Info: 517-641-6201 or [email protected]. SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org. Outdoor Group Workout – 8-9:15am. With Amy Miller of EcoTrek Fitness. 75-minute workout for all fitness levels. $10/drop-in (no RSVP needed). Laketown Beach, 6710 142nd Ave., Holland. Register: EcoTrekFitness.com.Meditation and Mindfulness Class – 10-11am. For those with all levels of meditation experience, this class will introduce different meditation styles to experience and practice meditation. Attendees will have an opportunity to walk the canvas laby-rinth as well. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-886-2716. Canvas Labyrinth Walk –11am-2pm. Learn more about the healing powers and the spiritual growth possibilities as your brain focuses on the path and you journey through the labyrinth. Free. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org.Stress Management with Self-Acupressure – 2-5pm. Discuss different types of stress; physical, emotional, internal and external and learn different stress management techniques. Space is limited. Al-ternative Care Solution, 3790 28th St. SW Grand-ville. 616-419-6924. [email protected].

SUNDAY, MARCH 20Outdoor Group Workout – 8-9:15am. With Cari Draft of EcoTrek Fitness. A 75-minute workout for all fitness levels. $10/drop-in (no RSVP needed). Lake Harbor Park, 4635 Lake Harbor Rd., Norton Shores. Register: EcoTrekFitness.com.

savethedateApril 2-3

Body Mind & Spirit Expo – Largest second annual spirit expo to exhibit in Kalamazoo, professional mediums, intuitive communica-tors, and healers gathered under one roof. Many free lectures, speakers and demonstrations. $10/per day, free/12 and under. Radisson Hotel and Suites, 100 W Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo. HealingBodyAndSpirit.com

April 9Infant Massage for New Parents – 2-3:30pm. Parents will learn different massage techniques and how to prepare for your infant massage. $60/person, $100/couple. Alternative Care Solution, 3790 28th St. SW, Ste. B, Grandville. Info: 616-419-6924.

April 10West Michigan Spirit Faire – 11am-5pm. Intui-tive readers, reiki, aura photos, jewelry, palmistry, angel messages, massage, crystals, speakers, health products, energy tuning. $5 admission; door prizes. Riverfront Hotel, 270 Ann St. NW, Grand Rapids, exit 88 off US-131.

April 11Essence and Valor Retreat – 9am-4pm. A sacred sanctuary, Oasis Retreats and Workshops are for those seeking awareness for their life vision. Tune into inner guidance, let go of beliefs that no longer serve you and gain awareness of God’s vision for your prosperous future. $111 includes lunch and activities. Grand Rapids. Register/sponsor: LUXCHIX.com/events.

April 16Auricular Acupuncture – 10:30-11:30am. Au-ricular (ear) Acupuncture Workshop. Learn the benefits of acupuncture in this one-hour workshop presented by Susan Littlejohn. Bodhi Tree Yoga and Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St., Holland. Info: 616-392-7580 or MiBodhiTree.com.

April 16-17Inspired Life Grand Rapids – Apr 16-17. 8am-4pm. Transform your life and become your healthiest self. Join this two-day health and

wellness conference addressing topics of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. $160. 1607 Robinson Rd. SE, Grand Rapids. Register: InspiredLifeGr.com.

Reflective Writing Circle – 10am-noon. What’s calling for your attention? Searching for a creative routine that will help you pause? Join us for a reflective writing circle; all voices and experience levels welcomed. Voice and Vessel, 2922 Fuller Ave. NE Ste. 112, Grand Rapids. Register: VoiceAndVessel.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 21Essential Oils Class – 6-8pm. With therapeutic-grade oils, learn and understand essential oils, how they work and how to use them. $25. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225.

TUESDAY, MARCH 22Outdoor Group Workout – 6:15-7:30pm. With Ky-lie Schultz of EcoTrek Fitness. A 75-minute workout for all fitness levels. $10/drop-in (no RSVP needed). Maple Street Middle School, 922 West Maple St., Kalamazoo. Register: EcoTrekFitness.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 24Know the Mother: Stories from the Interior Lives of Women – 7pm. Explore how sexism and racism continue to uncoil in the midst of life’s more intimate moments. Author Desiree Cooper will read from her first collection, Flash Fiction. Free. 111 Library St. NE, Grand Rapids.

FRIDAY, MARCH 25Reiki I and II Class – 9am-5pm. Join for an intro-duction to Reiki. Become attuned to the universal energy, learn how to give treatment to yourself and others and meet your reiki guide. $250, including a $50 deposit due at registration. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225. Spirit Space Movie Night – 7pm. Join for the movie I Am, an utterly engaging and entertaining non-fiction film that poses two practical and provocative questions: what is wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better? Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-886-2716.

SATURDAY, MARCH 26Lapping the Landmarks – 8:30-11am. Join Caroline Cook of GR Running Tours and Kym Matthews of EcoTrek Fitness for a unique cross-training workout. Gain a new perspective of Grand Rapids while incorporating your favorite EcoTrek elements in an efficient workout. $12. 235 Louis St. NW, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-485-5448 or [email protected] Healing Gift – 1-4:30pm. With licensed trainer Laurie DeDecker, RN, MHIA. This intro-ductory class, as taught by England’s renowned Healing Trust, will teach energy healing tools to use immediately to invoke remarkable changes in your life. $45. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids.

SUNDAY, MARCH 27Easter Message – 10:15am. Join for an Easter message from Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharmaji followed by meditation. All faiths, traditions and practices welcome to join. Self Realization Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller Rd., Bath. Info: 517-641-6201 or email [email protected]. SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 28Reiki Share – 6-8pm. Check out what Reiki is all about and receive a mini-session. Open to those familiar with reiki and those who are not. Donations welcome. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr., Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225.


sundaySpirit Space Sunday Worship – 10:30am. An interfaith, non-denominational gathering place for worship and spiritual enrichment. Join for inspiring messages called Reasonings. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org. Inspire – 1pm. 1st Sun. Featuring discussion and brainstorming of participant-suggested issues, plans of action, music, refreshments and socializing. 102 W Exchange St., Spring Lake. Community Yoga Class – 4-5pm. $5 donation goes towards the charity of the month. Bodhi Tree Yoga and Wellness Studio, 208 W 18th St., Holland. Info: MiBodhiTree.com.Sunday Series – 6pm. Explore spirituality, universal truths, self-mastery and balanced, positive, loving and joyful living with The Coptic Center and their ongo-ing offering of enlightening ministers, teachers and guest presenters. Love offering. 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr., Grand Rapids. Info: TheCopticCenter.org.

mondayThe Practice of A Course in Miracles – 7-8:30pm. Learn “miracle-mindedness”. Got joy? This is how to have it. (Hint: You already do.) All are welcome. Free. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain St. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-458-5095.

tuesdayGentle Hatha Yoga – 7:45-9am & 9:15-10:30am. With Mitch Coleman. Drop-ins welcome. White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St., Montague. 231-740-6662. Info: WhiteRiverYoga.com.Women’s Wellness Nights – 7-8pm, 2nd Tue. Join a therapeutic support group for women interested in good company, friendly venting and healthy coping. Grand Rapids Natural Health, 638 Fulton W, Grand Rapids. RSVP: 616-264-6556. Absolute Beginners – 7:30-8:45pm. Six-week series, beginning March 15, will give absolute be-ginners the tools to build a yoga practice. PeaceLab Yoga, 5570 Wilson Ave., Ste. M, Grandville. Info: [email protected].

wednesday$20 off BioMeridian Assessments – Food allergies, environmental allergies, organ function and real food menus and shopping lists for families that are healthy and kid-approved. Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176. IntegrativeNutritionalTherapies.com.Healthy Lifestyle/Weight-Loss Clinic – 5:30-7pm. Enroll now for this 13-week Healthy Lifestyle/

Weight-loss program and receive education and coaching weekly to help achieve your goals. Space is limited. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225. Meditation – 6-7pm. Join together for meditation that begins and ends with live, native flute music. Attend the full hour or any portion of the meeting. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-836-1555 or Spirit-Space.org.

thursdayRising Strong – 10:30am-noon. Join Unity Center for Spiritual Growth for Rising Strong, the path to more love, belonging, creativity and joy; but living a brave life is not always easy. $60. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr. SE, Ada. [email protected] Lifestyle/Weight-Loss Clinic – 5:30-7pm. Enroll now for this next 13-week Healthy Lifestyle/Weight-loss program and receive education and coaching weekly to help achieve your goals. Space is limited. The Remedy House, 5150 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. Register: 616-443-4225. Beginner Yoga Series - 5:45-6:45pm. Instruction on basic yoga postures, proper alignment and fun-damental breathing techniques. $75/prepayment. Unity Center for Spiritual Growth, 6025 Ada Dr. SE, Ada. Preregister: [email protected].

fridayProsperity Seminar – 10am-noon. Join Catherine Ponder to engage in discussion and catapult your mind and spirit into a higher consciousness – a prosperous way of thinking. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Spirit-Space.org. Qigong Practicing Class – 6:30-7:15pm. With Raymond Wan, PAc, ADS, LMT, HHC. Alternative Care Solution, 3790 28th St. SW, Ste. B, Grandville. Register: 616-419-6924. Info: AltCareSolution.com.

saturdayGentle Hatha Yoga – 9-10:15am & 10:30-11:45am. With Mitch Coleman. Drop-ins welcome. White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St., Montague. 231-740-6662. Info: WhiteRiverYoga.com.Sweetwater Local Foods Market – 9am-1pm. A dou-ble-up bucks and bridge card market. Hackley Health at the Lakes building on Harvey St. Located inside during inclement weather. Hesperia. 231-861-2234.Adapt Your Yoga –11am-12:15pm. Learn modifi-cations and alternative poses to be used in a home practice or in a group yoga class setting. PeaceLab Yoga, 5570 Wilson Ave., Ste. M, Grandville. Info: [email protected].

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

savethedateApril 21

Green Day 6K Fun Run and Expo – 5-8pm. Join Harvest Health Foods on Cascade for a free 6K Fun Run and Expo to celebrate Earth Day and recognize lifestyle choices that can make an impact on our health and the environment. Visit HarvestHealthFoods.com for more information. Grand Rapids.

April 23Mindful Meditation: The Path to Peace Workshop – 10am-4pm. Open yourself up to possibilities for a healthy mind, spirit, body and life through mindfulness and meditation. Soften or eliminate anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Spirit Space, 3493 Blue Star Hwy., Saugatuck. Info: 616-886-2716 or Spirit-Space.org.

April 29 - May 1A Weekend of Iyengar Yoga – An illuminating weekend of yoga study with Mary Reilly, Senior Certified Iyengar Yoga teacher. Mary’s love of yoga shines through her teaching with enthusiasm, clarity and precision. The Yoga Studio, 959 Lake Dr. SE Ste. 206 Grand Rapids. Info/register: GRYoga.com.

savethedateJune 3-5

Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference – June 3-5. Hear from guest speakers, herbalists and authors and enjoy swimming, evening entertainment, workshops, film screenings and more. Almond, WI. MidwestWomensHerbal.com.

savethedateJuly 11

Brave Boundaries Retreat – 9am-4pm. A sacred sanctuary, Oasis Retreats and Workshops are for those seeking awareness for their life vision. Tune into inner guidance, let go of beliefs that no longer serve you and gain awareness of God’s vision for your prosperous future. $111 includes lunch and activities. Grand Rapids. Register/sponsor: LUXCHIX.com/events.

NaturallyWestMI


COLON HYDROTHERAPY

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

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment. Using a holist ic approach, colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloating, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad, page 37.

TRICIA E. GOSLING Holistic Energy Therapies616-481-9074HolisticEnergyTherapies.net

Offering an advanced client-centered dimension of colonics since 1996: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions. I-ACT certified Instructor.

COSMETICSSERENDIPITE ORGANIQUES Teri Kelley • 616-719-0610 [email protected] mkt.com/serendipite-organiques

Your online source for organic, non-GMO makeup and body care. Offering several lines, you’ll find everything you need to

cleanse and beautify your body head-to-toe. Serendipite also carries a 100% organic dog care line.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPYST. BRIGID’S CRANIOSACRAL CENTER OF GRAND RAPIDS Kelly O’Brien Pahman • 616-617-3130 [email protected] StBrigidshlc.com/Craniosacral-Therapy

A gentle, effective, healing touch for anxiety, chronic pain, fertility and pregnancy concerns, head trauma, and more. Kelly offers services to all ages as a certified holistic doula and a craniosacral therapist (Upledger).

ACUPUNCTUREGRAND WELLNESSVikki Nestico, R.Ac.Located at Renewal Skin Spa6080 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids616-940-1177 • GrandWellness.net

At Grand Wellness, we focus on a holistic approach to wellness, promoting healing through acupuncture, herbal therapy and lifestyle modifications. Call to set up a free consultation to discuss how Chinese medicine can help your specific health concerns. See ad, page 21.

BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION

WOOD & SAW Andrew Gielczyk Licensed Builder 616-834-2480 • WoodAndSaw.com

Wood & Saw is focused on creating a sustainable high quality of life for our clients. Building simple, cost-effective, energy-efficient, tox ic - f ree homes and

remodels that achieve the healthiest possible indoor air quality. See ad, page 6.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

BRAIN & BODY CHIROPRACTIC Drs. Lily & Kody SemrowHolland • 616-202-6368Brain-BodyHealth.com

O u r d o c t o r s p r o v i d e a comprehensive solut ion to resolving problems of the spine and nervous system. Dr. Semrow is one of 400 doctors in the country certified in the functional neurology protocol for neuro-

structural correction. See ad, page 37.

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTICDr. Ronda VanderWall4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050 • 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 o f e x e r c i s e , n u t r i t i o n ,

detoxification and chiropractic care.

thenaturaldirectory...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 NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

ENERGY HEALINGMATRIX ENERGETICS Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885ASenseOfFlow.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 during a Matrix 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 12.

ESSENTIAL OILS

BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILSClara VanderZouwen Independent Sharing Partner616-481-8587 [email protected]/Claravz

Be Young Essential Oils are E.O.B.B.D. guaranteed 100 percent pure for the safety and benefit of your family, pets - even horses. Offering free monthly classes, Zyto Compass Bio-scans, ionic detox footbaths and aromatherapy jewelry! [email protected].

MOONDROP HERBALS, LLCCottage of Natural Elements351 Cummings, NW Grand Rapids616-735-1285 • MoondropHerbals.com

Your local source for all things natural and botanical. Essential oils, bulk herbs, tea, hand-crafted bath & body products, raw ingredients, containers, local artwork, unique gifts. Practitioner discounts. Space rental and artisan consignment. See ad, page 11.

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILSMarilyn YorkIndependent Distributor1-877-436-2299, ext. 2YoungLiving.org/NaturalHealth4u

B e c o m e a n I n d e p e n d e n t Distributor. Discover the high potency of therapeut ical ly authentic essential oils from Young Living. Enhance your own health, as well as others who seek holistic wellness options. Free training. See ad, page 10.


HYPNOTHERAPYHYPNOTHERAPY ASSOCIATES OF GRAND RAPIDS LLCLinda D Knight, CHt, Stacey PreFontaine, CClHtCertified Medical Support Hypnotherapist1345 Monroe NW, Ste. 201, Grand Rapids616-550-3231HypnotistLinda.wordpress.com

Hypnotherapy services for smoking cessation, weight m a n a g e m e n t , p a i n management, personal and professional growth, and much more. Also offering stress management services

for individuals, couples, families, and the workplace with certified Stress Reduction Specialists. See ad, page 15.

MASSAGE THERAPY

DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC& MASSAGE THERAPYJaci Timmermans, MT 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville616-531-6050 DynamicChiro.com

Offering Swedish massage with integrated techniques, chosen specifically for your unique body. Relieve those tired and sore muscles and rejuvenate. Call for on-going

monthly specials and discounts.

HARMONY ‘N HEALTHMary De Lange, CCT., LMT.1003 Maryland Ave. NE, Grand Rapids616-456-5033HarmonyNHealth.net

Over 24 years of professional experience and trained in a complete range of modalities. Whethe r you a r e s eek ing relaxation, renewal or treatment for a specific condition, Mary will help find an approach that is helpful for you. See ad, page 37.

MIDWIFERYFULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERYSERVICE, INC.Patrice Bobier CPMHesperia: 231-861-2234 Jennifer Holshoe Grand Rapids area: 616-318-1825FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice since 1982 - specializing in home birth and a team approach. Over 1,550 bir ths at tended. 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. Free initial consultations including prenatal check-up.

HOLISTIC HEALTHA SENSE OF FLOW Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT616-581-3885ASenseOfFlow.com

Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner, Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner and Certified Reflexologist. Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine,

nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad, page 12.

DEBRA STALSONBURG TIMMERMAN, RN HTP Guided Transformations9964 Cherry Valley SE, Ste. 2, Caledonia616-401-7199 • GuidedTransformations.net

Registered nurse specializing in l i fes ty le change , weight management and pain reduction. Restoring balance and harmony using Healing Touch, reflexology, aromatherapy, guided imagery & visualization practices.

HEALING WAYSPastor & Casey BrianKalamazoo • Portage269-221-1961WaysToHealing.com

M a s s a g e t h e r a p y, e n e rg y heal ing , sp i r i tua l counsel , healing services for groups and more. We fully support you in experiencing healing in all aspects of your life: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

HOMEOPATHYBOB HUTTINGA PA-C332 S. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview989-352-6500TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

A Certified PA since 1976, Bob H u t t i n g a p r a c t i c e s b o t h traditional and homeopathic care. He finds the cause and the homeopathic remedy. Most insurance accepted, except Priori ty Health, Blue Care Network or Medicaid. See ad, page 8.

HAKOMI THERAPYKEN PORTER CST, CHT3355 Eagle Park Dr. NE Ste. 107, Grand Rapids616-262-3848BodyAndSoulGR.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.

HEALING SERVICESTHE REMEDY HOUSEJodi JenksNatural Health Practitioner, Reiki Master616-443-4225TheRemedyHouse.org

Certified in bodywork, lymphatic drainage, raindrop therapy, CranioSa-cral, reflexology, iridology, natural health consultations including a zyto bio-com-

munication scan. Emotional clearing with essential oils and energy work, reiki, Energy Touch. See ad, page 15.

HEALTH EDUCATION CENTERTHE WELLNESS FORUM616-430-2291WellnessForum.com

Educational programs for personal health improvement. Workplace wellness pro-grams. Wellness Forum Foun-dation focused on school nutri t ion and children’s health. National conferences.

HEALTH / WELLNESS CENTERTHE HEALING CENTERBob Huttinga PA-C & Rev. Barbara Huttinga332 S. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview989-352-6500 TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com

Natu ropa th ic /Ho l i s t i c Practitioners and retail health store. Natural health consultations, classes, oils, h e r b s , h o m e o p a t h y , hypnosis, foods, candles, crystals , books, CD’s,

massage, reflexology, emotional clearing, raindrop therapy, foot detox, DOT/CDL health cards for truck drivers. See ad, page 8.

Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”

~Martin Luther King, Jr.


PERSONAL GROWTHIN THE HEART COUNSELING, PLLC Laurie Schmit, LMSW Grand Rapids, 49505616-426-9226Facebook.com/InTheHeartCounseling

Transformative counseling, w o r k s h o p s , e n e r g y w o r k , breathwork, rebir thing and emotional clearing, all with confidential, caring support. Co l l abo ra t i ve , a c t i ve and affirming approach for adults wanting to break free and move into true authentic living. Close to downtown Grand Rapids.

SALON SERVICESCJ’S STUDIO SALON5286 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids616-364-9191CjsStudioSalon.com

An award-winning hair stylist w i t h 3 0 y e a r s a d v a n c e d education, that uses and sells organic hair care products as well as uses a professional line of organic hair color. Ionic Detox Foot Baths also available.

SCHOOL / EDUCATIONBVI SCHOOL OF AYURVEDARuth Small, Ph.D., Director269-381-4946Ayurveda@SambodhSociety.usAyurvedaMichigan.org

School of Ayurveda. State licensed. Certificate program for healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, yoga teachers, wellness educators, massage therapists, holistic health specialists, chiropractors, dieticians and those seeking to learn self-health-care. Instructors highly qualified (B.A.M.S.).

INSTITUTE OF SANATIVE ARTS0-11279 Tallmadge Woods Dr., Grand Rapids616-791-0472Info@SanativeTranquility.comSanativeTranquility.com

State-licensed school for mas-sage and bodywork. Offering high quality, affordable mas-sage certification courses as well as NCBTMB continuing education courses for the experienced therapist. Lo-

cated conveniently to Grand Rapids, Standale, Walker and Allendale.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION503 East Broadway St., Mt. Pleasant989-773-1714Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.infoNaturopathicInstitute.info

Educa t iona l p rograms offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one w e e k e n d a m o n t h ) ; Massage Therapy Program:

one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad, page 48.

SKIN CARE

LAKESHORE NATURAL SKIN CARE10500 Chicago DriveHolland Twp • Zeeland231-557-3619LakeshoreNaturalSkinCare.com

Specializing in advanced, customized skin care with Elina Organics. Facials, body treatments, needle-free Mesotherapy, TriPolarRF, DermaLaser, Facial Hydrath-erapy, Oxygen Facial Therapy, LED, microdermabrasion, bamboo massage, Raindrop, reiki and more.

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Naturopathy(each year 600 hours)

Natural Health Educator............. 1st YearNatural Health Therapist............ 2nd YearNatural Health Practitioner......... 3rd YearCertified Naturopath................... 4th Year

4th Year Graduates are Eligible forDoctor of Naturopathy National Test & Title

Massage TherapyTherapeutic Bodywork Practitioner...1 Year

Holistic Doula PractitionerDoula....... 6 Months

All Classes Meet on WeekendsFri: 5-9pm and Sat & Sun: 9am-6pm

Naturopaths: 1 per month - Massage: 2 per month

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