natural awakenings sela dec 2015

1natural awakenings December 2015

December 2015 | S.E. Louisiana Edition | NALAmag.com

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

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12 MEDITATING WITH MATTHEW

13 TIBETAN HOUSE

15 WARMING UP THE WINTER WITH A STEAMING CUP OF PJ by Coco Kunstman

17 AWAKENING TO SPIRIT Prayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us by Richard Davenport

21 GENEROUS PINT-SIZED GIVERS Teaching Kids How to Care and Share by Jennifer Jacobson

23 RECIPE FOR A HAPPY NEW YEAR Fail-Proof Ingredients for a Glorious 2016

25 HEAVENLY SCENTS How to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances by Kathleen Barnes

28 GREEN CONGREGATIONS Faith Groups Join in Preserving All Creation by Avery Mack

30 EAT, BARK AND BE MERRY Healthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets by Sandra Murphy


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letterfromtheeditor

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© 2015 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 for 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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Publisher Melissa Burbank

Editor-in-Chief Coco Kunstman

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Editors Lauren A. Pirosko

Sara Peterson

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Subscriptions are available, $12 for 12 issues. Please email [email protected].

Perception is reality. This is an idea that has invoked a myriad of books and films. From Inception to The Secret, the idea of

having power over your reality is as tantalizing as a Christmas cookie. These themes all center on the idea that you are in charge of your own reality. From dream boards to prayer, we all like to think that there is a way to alter our current reality to manifest a superior future. Athletes will attest that visualization is half the battle. Physical accomplishments are often times more the result of a mental victory than physical ability. Melissa, our Publisher, just ran her first half marathon and will be the first to tell you that, after some basic physical conditioning, running a race is really a mental exercise. After starting at 2 miles only a couple months before, and slowly adding more time and distance, the 13.1 miles seemed like one of her 2 mile runs had in the beginning—it is all just a matter of perception she said.

Poet William Blake pondered this idea in his poem Auguries of Innocence:

“To see a World in a Grain of SandAnd Heaven in a Wild FlowerHold Infinity in the palm of your handAnd Eternity in an hour.”

Thoughts as grains of sand are a most apt comparison. A single grain of sand holds very little weight. A single thought can be fleeting and have very little impact on your life. It passes through your head like waves on the shore—60,000 of them every day. However millions of grains when they come together can stand up against the raging sea. In the crazy schedule that is my life, it seems odd that I must “pencil in” time to meditate or pray, but that is my reality. Melissa just reworked her entire schedule on an Excel file and was excited to include yoga and mediation blocked off daily and weekly. Melissa gave me a wonderful gift to help combat this constant scheduling conflict I seem to have with my thoughts: 20-minute morning yoga DVD. Every morning (ok, almost every morning), I have 20 minutes of yoga waiting for me. After a few weeks of doing vinyasas every morning, I stopped making to-do lists in my mind. I’m able to simply be and create that sense of awareness I’m constantly searching for. I find it best to do these sessions in the morning because my mind is still waking up and hasn’t reached the Millennium Falcon warp speed that it likes to maintain. I still have an entire day to get my to do list checked off so I have a better chance of a calm mind. Inner calm seems like a distant dream in the holiday season. Between shopping and experiencing the love and energy of friends and family, the thought of calmness is left for News Years resolutions. This holiday season use the energy of family that always surrounds us with warmth and reflection to hone your mindfulness skills. Hopefully we can gather our grains of sand and take a bit of the power back over our minds and fulfill William Blake’s pronouncement to “Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand” and make everyday wonderful.

Happy Holidays,

Coco Kunstman

SELA NALAmag.com


newsbriefs

Celebration in the Oaks

The Holiday Season in New Orleans is marked by many festivities to insight some holiday cheer. None shine quiet as bright as the Celebration in the Oaks

in New Orleans City Park. This sparkling celebration hosts more the 165,000 visitors each year. The City Park staff creates a stunning wonderland that highlights the natural landscape of New Orleans. Visitors can enjoy various attractions, from light displays to walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun Night Before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle—a holiday character beloved by gen-erations of New Orleanians. This wonderful holiday tradition encompasses the natural beauty of New Orleans with a bit of holiday sparkle.

The celebration is open from November 27-January 2 Closed Nov.30, Dec. 3,12,31. Tickets: $8/person (children under 4 and Friends of City Park: Free).504-482-4888 CelebrateInTheOaks.com.

Sifu Tommy’s Medical Chi-Kung

Sifu Tommy is expanding his prac-tice to include classes with Medical

Chi-Kung. Medical Chi-Kung can trace roots back to the beginnings of Ayurve-dic medicine thousands of years ago. Medical Chi-Kung works to harmonize the body's blood circulation, nervous system and energy (chi). Teachers of Medical Chi-Kung aid participants through the practice that they believe prompts the body to repair existing con-ditions or prevent aliments in the future. According to Sifu Tommy, Medical Chi-Kung is well suited for accelerat-ing tissue rejuvenation, stress relief, energy balancing, high blood pressure reduction, stimulating hormone pro-duction, and creating optimal health. It is ideal for improving, maintaining, and enhancing one's physical health. Chi-Kung (pronounced “chee-gung,” can be interpreted from the original Chinese to mean “energy cultivation” or “working with the life energy.” Chi-Kung is there-fore a broad word that encompasses myriad types of anatomical healing.

Classes begin on January 2, 2016 and will be held each Saturday for a total of twelve classes. Reserve your spot today at MatthewAncira.com/contact-us/ Course Fee: $400. 31 Fifth Street, Gret-na 985-630-2853. See ad on page 27.


Ester Nicholson Powers Up Unity of Metairie

Ester Nicholson delivers a powerful mes-sage and shares inspiring, original music

to heal the heart and lift the spirit. Nichol-son is a nationally known speaker, author, and radio host and has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show, Ellen and many others. Nicholson’s book ‘Soul Recovery’, published by Hay House, has been used by Thousands to find healing and peace. Nicholson is an Agape-licensed, spiritual therapist who has studied for 17 years with Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith (founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center in LA), most known for his appearances on Oprah and as a featured “teacher” in the popular book and motion picture, The Secret. Nich-olson is a motivational speaker who brings her personal experience of 25 years of sobriety coupled with a deep understanding of spiritual practices to audiences around the world. In this capacity, she facilitates workshops and gives inspirational keynote addresses to institutions, companies and organizations, incorporating con-cepts from the Soul Recovery process she developed. Unity of Metairie is excited to have Nicholson share her amazing story of healing and transformation with our community. The entire community is invited to join the Unity of Metairie on Sun, Dec. 6 - 11am Service and 1pm Workshop / Tues, Dec. 8 - 7pm “In Concert”.

Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Mem. Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002. Phone 615-310-8467. email [email protected]. UnityOfMetairie.com. See ad on page 29.


healthbriefs

Superfruit Antioxidants Found in Chilean Maqui Berry Research from the University of Arizona’s Health Sci-

ences Center has confirmed that the South Amer-ican superfruit maqui berry (Aristotelia chilensis) can aid the cardiovascular system and reduce blood sugar. Clinical trials found a group of antioxidants, called delphinidins, significantly reduced levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad” cholesterol, which is linked to atherosclerosis and other heart diseases. The clinical research found that the delphinidins contained in the maqui berry, known as the richest natural source of the antioxidant, aid the health of blood vessels by increasing nitric oxide and decreas-ing platelets linked with thrombosis, the clogging of arteries that can cause strokes. The researchers also found that the superfruit may help counteract skin aging from ultraviolet radiation-B (UVB) exposure.

Digital ‘Blue Light’ Reading Disrupts Sleep Rhythms

Recent findings from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston,

has determined that reading from a light-emitting tablet or computer before bedtime will disturb sleep and may change the circadian rhythms that gov-ern the body’s clock. The research, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy

of Sciences, tested 12 people for two weeks. On five nights during one week, the subjects read ebooks on an iPad for four hours before bedtime. Another week, they read from printed books for the same duration. During the five days of iPad reading, the participants fell asleep later and spent less time in rapid eye movement (REM)-stage sleep. The light-emitting tablet altered the circadian rhythm, changing the body’s natural sleeping pattern. The researchers also tested other blue-light emitting devices, including laptops, tablets, other eReaders, cell phones and LED monitors. “We found the body’s natural circadian rhythms were interrupted by the short-wavelength enriched light, otherwise known as blue light, from these elec-tronic devices,” says neuroscientist Anne-Marie Chang, Ph.D., one of the study authors. Dr. Charles Czeisler, Ph.D., a leading sleep researcher, remarks, “In the past 50 years, there has been a decline in average sleep duration and quality. Since more people are choosing electronic devices for reading, communication and en-tertainment, particularly children and adolescents who already experience signif-icant sleep loss, epidemiological research evaluating the long-term consequences of these devices on health and safety is urgently needed.”

Yoga • PilatesPrivate SessionsTRX WorkoutsCorporate ServicesYoga Teacher Training


Spirituality is Beneficial for Cancer PatientsAccording to a new review of

research published in the journal Cancer, a strong religious or spiritual belief system may improve a cancer pa-tient’s prognosis physically, emotionally and mentally. Researchers from Florida’s H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Insti-tute and North Carolina’s Wake Forest School of Medicine reviewed clinical studies that included more than 44,000 cancer patients. The first review focused on physical symptoms and found that patients with stronger religious and spiritual beliefs reported fewer cancer symptoms and better physical health. They also showed enhanced capabili-ties in managing their daily lives. “These relationships were particu-larly strong in patients that experienced greater emotional aspects of religion and spirituality, including a sense of meaning and purpose in life, as well as a connection to a source larger than oneself,” states Heather Jim, lead author of the first review. The second review focused on mental health and found reductions in anxiety, depression and distress among those with greater spirituality. Lead au-thor Dr. John Salsman comments, “Also, greater levels of spiritual distress and a sense of disconnectedness from God or a religious community were associated with greater psychological distress or poorer emotional well-being.” In the third review, the researchers found that patients with a stronger spir-itual well-being reported better social health, as well.

Do you honor the many paths to God? Are you looking for a family of fellow spiritual seekers? Do you want to give your soul a rest by fasting from worry, weakness, negative emotions, criticism and depression, and feasting on love, wisdom, power, abundance, peace and joy?

Join our loving family of spiritual seekers who honor all paths to God. We celebrate our Oneness with music, meditation, and the wisdom of the ages, and we welcome all in our community.

I Wednesdays 11 am: Service 6:30 pm: A Course In Miracles class

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UNITY Temple of New Orleans 3722 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans 70115 www .unitytempleofneworleans.org

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lSaturdays 10 am: Yoga

9:00 am: Meditation 9:30 am:Sunday School 11 am Service: Music, Wisdom, Meditation

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globalbriefsHear Ye!Dutch Court Upholds Climate Action as a Human RightPerhaps establishing a new global precedent for a state’s obligation to its citizens in the face of a growing climate crisis, a Dutch court has ruled that the government has a legal duty to reduce carbon emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The decision came in response to a 2013 lawsuit launched by the Amsterdam-based environmental non-profit Urgenda Foundation and 600 Dutch citizens that argued the government was violating international human rights law by failing to take sufficient measures to combat rising greenhouse gas emissions. A statement from the court reads, “The state must do more to avert the immi-nent danger caused by climate change, also in view of its duty to provide care to protect and improve the living environment.” In the United States, the youth-led movement Our Children’s Trust (OurChildrens Trust.org) is suing state governments and what they dub “the ruling generation” as accountable for climate inaction. As 350.org co-founder and Communications Director Jamie Henn noted after the ruling, “If the Netherlands sets a precedent, it’s a whole new ball game.” Other countries are weighing the situation, as well.

Source: BBC

Sentient BeingsNew Zealand Enacts Bill Recognizing Animal Intelligence The New Zealand Animal Welfare Amendment Bill that passed into law this year states that animals, like humans, are sentient beings. Dr. Virginia Williams, chair of the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee, says this acknowledges, “Animals can experience both positive and negative emotions, including pain and distress.” The bill thus bans the use of animals for testing cosmetics. Williams says the legal recognition of animal sentience provides a stronger underpinning of the requirements of the existing Animal Welfare Act. The bill also provides for penalties to enable low-to-medium-level offenders to be punished more effectively and gives animal welfare inspectors the power to issue compli-ance notices, among other measures.

Find a link to the legislation at Tinyurl.com/NewZealandSentienceBill.

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Uncommon DevotionReligion in America Shows ResilienceOn any given Sabbath, four of 10 Americans travel to a place of worship, a number that hasn’t fluctuated dramat-ically in the past half-century. Gallup polls report that more than 81 percent say they identify with a specific religion or denomination; 78 percent say it’s an important part of their lives; and 57 percent believe that religion is able to solve today’s problems. While recent attendance may be off, Americans are no less likely to attend services today than they were in the 1940s and early ’50s, just prior to the ultra-religious following decade. The reason, says Gallup’s Frank Newport, is that U.S. religious worship is cyclical. Today’s practicing religious communities “tend to consist of the seriously committed, not just those swept along by obligation,” reports Christian Smith, director of the Cen-ter for the Study of Religion and So-ciety at the University of Notre Dame and co-principal investigator of the National Study of Youth and Religion. Those that worship regularly are more likely to be older, female and Southern; they also are better educat-ed and stronger financially than those that don’t, according to Newport. At the same time, Mitchell Marcus, a University of Pennsylvania professor, characterizes his Ph.D. students as religiously curious, often devout and eager to talk about their beliefs.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

Blue Cliff College Metarie Main and Satellite Campuses are ac-credited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC is a recognized accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at http://bluecliffcollege.com/faq.shtml.

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Santa StrawberriesIngredients 8 oz Cream Cheese8 oz Heavy Whipping Cream1/2 tsp Vanilla extract1/2 tsp Lemon juice1/2 cup Sugar1 lb Strawberries trimmed1 cup butter, softened1 tsp vanilla extract4 cups confectioners sugar2 tbsp milkBlack gel icing

Instructions Beat together cream cheese, lemon juice, 1/2 tsp vanilla and sugar until creamy. In a large bowl whip the heavy cream until peaks form. Fold whipped cream into cream cheese mixture. Transfer to the corner a large zippered bag and cut off corner for piping heads. Slice off small end of strawberry to make hat. Pipe round ball of cheesecake mix-ture onto each cut strawberry to make head. Replace hat on top and press in place. Place in refrigerator for 1 hour or freezer for 15 minutes. In a large bowl, cream the butter and add 1 tsp vanilla. Mix in the confectioner sugar one cup at a time. Beat in the milk mixing until fluffy. Transfer icing to the corner of large size zipper bag, try to minimize trapped air and close. Clip a small piece off the corner to pipe. On each strawberry, use black icing and make 2 dots for eyes. Using a scrolling motion, pipe butter cream icing to make a beard and 2 dots for button on suit and ball on top of hat.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

recipe forsuccess Shipping News

Early Bird Gift Shipping Saves Stress, Money and Resources Last-minute online shopping can be cost-ly in both dollars and pollution. Choosing next-day delivery puts purchased products on a plane that burns far more carbon-pro-ducing fossil fuel than ground transportation. But there’s a better way, and how we package gifts for shipping counts. Order and ship early. Building in more lead time affords less costly shipping options. Eco-wise, if the shipper has some freedom in scheduling deliveries, it can choose to hold up a delivery truck until it’s full, rather than send-ing one out half-empty. Also, if a package doesn’t have to reach its destination by a particular day or time, the company can choose the most efficient local delivery routing. A recent University of Washington study found that a community using grocery delivery services slashed carbon emissions when compared to individ-uals driving to the supermarket. Plus, they achieved their biggest gains—80 to 90 percent lower emissions—when they could plan deliveries around customer locations, rather than precise delivery windows, thus minimizing driving distance and time on the road. Seek out available boxes. Many grocery and beverage stores don’t immediate-ly break down incoming cardboard shipping boxes. Ask a store attendant if they have any available. Reusing saved paper bags from checkout (for those that don’t bring reusable bags) can serve to cushion gift-wrapped boxes. GreenAmerica.org suggests repurposing gently-used wrapping paper or old fabrics, newspapers, magazines or calendars for a creative look. Return any foam peanuts in received packages to a pack-n-ship shop for reuse. Know the options. While U.S. Postal Service (usps.com) Priority Mail offers flat rates to any state regardless of weight (up to 70 pounds), package tracking and other year-round features, the cost of using other carriers varies by destination zip code, package size and weight. Verify price and timing options, making sure pack-ages arrive in good time to be under the Christmas tree before December 25.

ecotip


businessspotlight

Matthew Ancira is taking old world philosophy and applying them to the city of New Orle-

ans in a tantalizing juxtaposition of old and new age thinking. At 22 Ancira was first drawn to this idea of energy work and healing when he began to meet monks and other practitioners who shared their knowledge. He felt a call-ing to focus on expanding his personal practice to help others. After a career of various business ventures in music, retail, real estate, and international business Ancira decided to change his focus to his passion of helping people grow and heal. Ancira was not new to the joy of

MEDITATING WITH MATTHEW

attention in order to process their goals for transformation.” Ancira offers this one on one transformation option as well as small group lifestyle counseling called So-matic Transformations. The small group counseling is designed to help people move through blocks in their physical and emotional lives. Ancira hopes that the small groups concept will allow for a built in support system or commu-nity feel to help enhance the support needed to successfully go through the process. In addition to his professional work, Ancira works with a non-prof-it organization that provides Earth education to children called TREE (Teaching Responsible Earth Education). TREE works with children, parents, and teachers in several parishes within Southeast Louisiana to educate on the natural world and more importantly how to preserve it for future genera-tions. Ancira is excited for the future. His new group classes and one on one holistic coaching provide a platform for him to follow his passion and help oth-ers achieve their personal growth goals. “When people work towards healthier, happier versions of themselves they become more stable in the community and everyone on a macro scale bene-fits.” Perhaps the “City that care forgot” can start to feel the effects of initia-tives like Ancira’s and move towards a brighter future.

helping people heal. His father is a psychiatrist and at an early age Ancira watched as his father helped people in profound and inspiring ways. His father practiced during a time when counseling was valued over prescrip-tion medication and set a foundation in Ancira’s mind that prescribing drugs is not a long term solution. After a friend of Ancira’s recognized both his passion and talent for helping people expand their awareness through meditation and counseling she encouraged him to explore holistic coaching, meditation, and health. Ancira says his clients can expect “a safe environment and empathetic

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Gael Thompson, co-founder of Tibetan House,

has always found a cer-tain romance about traveling half way around the world. Many travel to India and Nepal with an idea about spiritual-ity, practicing meditation or attending a yoga retreat, or trekking the mystical high slopes of the Himalayas, or visiting remote Monasteries built ages ago in a time that seems timeless. Thompson, on the other hand, trav-eled half way around the world to shop.

communityspotlight

Tibetan House

“This is my job” Thomp-son said with obvious glee, a job that came without a description

or formal plan. Thompson “plan” was simply to go to India and Nepal and find Tibetans in Exile that make beau-tiful things, buy those items, and ship them back to New Orleans in hopes of finding interest within the community. Thompson did just that, with the help of a few of her dear friends that spend a lot of time in Dharamsala and Kath-mandu.

“It has become so much more than a shopping spree” Thompson recalled. “Our worlds, the merchants and my own, couldn’t be more different. Yet, there we are. Often on the ground, or standing by a stall, or sitting in a little shop” Thompson explains. Despite the often loud, horns honking, dust filled air, and a patina of grime that is accept-ed as just the way it is, life is bustling. Thompson shared tea, conversed about life, and engaged in philosophical debates with the locals. “I only speak English, and often my vendors don’t. We converse with smiles, and laughter, and a lot of touching and playfulness.” Thompson explains. It seems a lot was spoken but not said in the ancient cit-ies. Slowly Thompson began to gather together enough to make a purchase, or in her mind “enough to make a difference”. She knew that the money she spent at the local market booths would feed their family, help with the children’s education or heath, and further their livelihood. Thompson saw that the money she was spending at the open-air market would go directly to filling the needs of the families she was buying from. It’s easy to see the rotation of the economy of the money she spent


within the community. The ecosystem of the community was positively affect-ed by her purchases. “I don’t negotiate, I honor their price” said Thompson. Thompson has now gone back four times. “Now I am often given a dis-count and always given a gift, some-times several” Thompson quips. She feels a deep intimacy has been estab-lished. “I remember their names, their family members, and I have photos from previous trips. There are a lot more hugs and welcoming smiles,” exclaims Thompson. One example of this grow-ing working relationship is Sheesh Ram, a local business owner in Bhaktapur, who’s trying to keep his workers work-ing. Ram’s workers all lost their homes in the earthquake. He lost his “facto-ry”, his shop and his home. This is part

of the positive difference that Tibetan House’s purchases can positively affect. Buying locally, buying from the source. Ensuring that the families that work with such vigor and passion to produce their goods are compensated justly for it. Consumers in New Orleans can in turn feel at peace, and perhaps even some pride, in buying an item where they know the exact root to purchase. Sometimes Thompson is asked by locals in India why she doesn’t simply go to the warehouses in Delhi. It would be so much cheaper for her to buy her goods in bulk there. “And that is what’s wrong in the world today: Going for what’s cheap-er so that we can make more profit” Thompson comments. “We would rather be on the streets, meeting these

amazing people with one of a kind treasures. And that’s where the magic is” explains Thompson. Each piece that Tibetan House sells are shipped back to New Orleans with their own history. Each piece has contributed to some-one’s livelihood in Nepal or India. Each piece carries with it a bit of romance, a bit of fantasy, a bit of a timeless spiritual essence, connecting us to them, to each other, to ourselves.

Location: 4900 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. Hours Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm. For more information, call 504-897-9339, email [email protected] or visit TibetanHouse.com. See ad on page 19.

Coco Kunstman is editor-in-chief of Nat-ural Awakenings Southeast Louisiana.

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Phyllis Jordan literally put the P&J in PJ’s Coffee: A New Orleans institution that is a hallmark of the

city. In a city that celebrates nightlife like New Orleans it stands to reason that it would also be home to amazing coffee shops. In 1978 Phyllis Jordan found herself in the city that would become home to both Phyllis Jordan and PJ’s. Jordan spent the first years of her life moving regularly with her family. “I never really felt like I had a place to call home” recalls Jordan.

WARMING UP THE WINTER WITH A STEAMING CUP OF PJ.

of an inviting place to converse. It was Jordan’s entrepreneurial spirit and her drive to constantly be challenged that drove her to open her own business in September 1978. The first PJ’s opened on Maple Street in the busting neigh-borhood shopping area that is still graced by PJ’s presence today. Starting out, it was important to Jordan that quality be an unwavering standard in her coffee house. “I was never a coffee drinker growing up. I didn’t like the taste. Until one day I had my first taste of premium Ethiopian blend coffee” said Jordan. Her head exploded with the richness of the flavor. “WOW this is good! Is this what coffee can taste like?” From that moment on it was clear to Jordan that nothing less than perfection could be called coffee in one of her houses. In just over 10 years PJ’s had opened coffee houses all over the New Orleans area. In 1989 the brand made the long trip across the lake to the Northshore in Mandeville and the fran-chise was officially born. Jordan recalls finally realizing that she was building a New Orleans coffee empire around this time. “I was walking through my roasting facility. I walked past the roast-ers, then packagers, then media team and it dawned on me: I am responsible for all of these employees. I made all of this. It’s like driving a school bus full of children with no steering wheel or breaks...” Jordan recollects. Regardless of all responsibility that comes with being a statewide business tycoon Jordan was always aware of the impor-tance of the smallest details within PJ’s. Quality in every aspect was paramount to Jordan. “I wanted to build a brand that stood for something” said Jordan. Jordan took every extra step to ensure quality of the beans. Traveling to the exotic places where she sourced her coffee, to learning everything necessary to ensure quality remained intact. By 2000 PJ’s had grown into one of the most recognized brands in Louisi-ana. From the frozen Granita (which is Italian for snowflake) to some of the first brewed cold press coffee, PJ’s had established itself within the community as the coffee of New Orleans. Jordan was ready for her next great adventure. Jordan initially sold the company to an Atlanta based company, Raven Brands,

Jordan moved to New Orleans in 1977 from Des Moines, Iowa where a friend had run a small bookstore and coffee shop. “I liked being able to stop in her coffee shop and see her everyday. I have always liked the idea of creating a place for people to come together to meet and talk face to face” remarked Jordan. This is a central part to the overall design of the now infamous PJ’s Coffee houses. Jordan’s background in social work gave her unique insights into the power


in 2002. However the brand returned to its Louisiana roots in 2008 when New Orleans Brew LLC bought the company. Jordan did not rest for long. A long time board member of The Green Proj-ect, Jordan took on a new role as Pres-ident of the board. Jordan has always had a zeal for recycling and environ-mental conservation. The Green Project is a New Orleans based non-profit that transforms donated building materials, which would otherwise be thrown away, into beautiful usable pieces. “17% of waste is from building materi-als that have been thrown away. That is a serious number that we can change for the better” remarked Jordan. The Green Project is a testament to what hard work and dedication can produce. The Green Project prevents 6 tons of usable materials from landfills and cov-eted Louisiana marshes everyday. Jordan stepped down from her po-sition when she turned 65. She is now en-joying the finer parts of retirement. Traveling around the world with friends, taking care of her two beautiful dogs: Queenie and Cowboy, and tending to an incredible garden and Bonsai Tree collection left to her by her father. Jordan came to New Orleans in search of a home. She built many houses in the process that are now home to one of the best brands in Louisiana. With a legacy as strong as the intoxicating smell of coffee beans roasting it’s clear that Jordan has found her home at long last.504-529-7869 • SouthCoastSolar.com

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While society abounds with scientific research, products and practices that promise

to enhance our mind or body and the mind-body connection, without Spirit in the mix, neither rises to its full po-tential. A heart open to a higher power exponentially multiplies the effects of this crucial connection. “Just as a candle spreads light in a darkened room, people who are living in-Spirit give off a higher energy that can bring light to our hearts and minds. In other words, we can be inspired just by being in their presence,” according to renowned bestselling author Wayne Dyer, Ph.D. Experiential, non-verbal and life-changing encounters with the un-bounded power and presence of Spirit in prayer and meditation are difficult to analyze in the same way as mind-body science. However, Dyer points to the works and outcomes of Spirit as visible evidence of how it lifts us up. We see individuals with rapturous hearts sending out signals that they love the world and everyone in it. Those that live in Spirit tend to see the world as a friendly place, are at peace with them-selves, appear to be open and accepting rather than judgmental and harsh, and often report being healed of all sorts of

diseases, relationship challenges, career fluctuations and questions of purpose and direction. They attest to how Spirit shines a triumphant light in the midst of dark nights of the soul, redefining the essence of life itself and declaring us worthy in our innermost reaches. Personal HealingWhen a 19-year-old woman entered basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, and was undergoing initial medical and psy-chological screening, she was identified as having body and mind issues that would require her to be separated from the service. These problems included organ failures and spinal misalignment,

AWAKENING TO SPIRITPrayer and Meditation Heal and Free Us

by Richard Davenport

as well as severe consequences of an emotionally abusive upbringing. It was determined that she could not handle the physical and mental demands of military life. Because the policy was to not treat such problems if identified upon entering the service, authorities allowed her to remain in training until her separation from the Air Force could be processed. The woman was impressed and also distressed by the finality of the verdict and assessment tools used by mind and body experts among the med-ical staff. In talking with a chaplain on the base, she came to understand that she could choose to appeal her case to another jurisdiction, a “higher” court of Spirit. Focusing on the voice of divine love, she grew to see Spirit as more than a higher power. She saw Spirit as a higher authority. She surrendered to divine love’s authority as ultimate law, supremely qualified to reorder her whole being. She trusted that aligning with spiritual power could change her view of her identity and the seemingly inescapable consequences of genetics, environment and human history deny-ing her desire to serve her country in this way. Listening to a higher witness testifying on her behalf and identifying her authentic being as the magnificent expression of the magnificent Creator, she felt encouraged to the point that her mind and body stopped arresting her progress and became more effec-tive servants, responding with greater freedom and joy. One limitation after another fell away, and the military and medical authorities seemed pleased with her progress as she neared com-pletion of training. Finally, performing

By its intimate connection with divine love, Spirit infuses human experi-ence with qualities of amazing grace—unexpected clarity, vision, wisdom, peace, compassion, emotional release, inspirational epiphanies, deep understanding and comprehensive healing of mind, body and soul.


a mile-and-a-half run within a required time remained the only obstacle to graduation, and she was still 45 sec-onds too slow. This helpful passage from the Hebrew prophet Isaiah became central to her prayer and meditation as she approached her last running attempt:

Young people will get tired; strapping young men will stumble and fall.But those who trust in the Eternal One will regain their strength. They will soar on wings as eagles.They will run—never winded, never weary. They will walk—never tired, never faint.

~Isaiah 40: 30-31 (The Voice)

She passed her final attempt with 18 seconds to spare, running on ea-gles’ wings. So, how can we all discern such a divine witness to our original au-thentic being amidst loud testimony of all the voices and labels shouting in our head and body, including those imposed by others?

a capacity, gained through patient practice, of quieting the inner and outer chatter and learning to hear that which calls us to be more than what human experience suggests is possible. It’s who we are in the eyes of grace. Sanford C. Wilder, of Grafton, Illi-nois, author of Listening to Grace, offers personal growth and development pro-grams through EducareUnlearning.com that encourage prayer and meditation that emphasize listening. He practices both approaches and makes distinctions between them. “When I pray, I am directing my thoughts toward God, listening and of-ten affirming what I know to be divinely true. I am yearning to surrender my will and affections in conscious connection with the divine such that I or another receives a blessing,” shares Wilder. In such prayerful listening, he hopes to gain something, often a new insight and corresponding manifestation. “When I meditate, my intention is to sacrifice every thought, concept, image and feeling to God, the only consciousness. I trust that listening and observing with nonattachment helps me release conscious and unconscious

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Prayer and Meditation There are two approaches to listening to the voice within, whether we name it God, higher power, Spirit, grace, Eternal One, or divine love or Love. Complementary, rather than mutually exclusive, both approaches require


conditioned thought patterns permeated by a human sense of self.” Through meditative listening, he hopes to release everything rather than receive anything, accepting that everyone is equipped and able to be open to, witness and experience nonstop blessings. Helen Mathis has been an educa-tor in the Philippines and Swaziland as well as the U.S., including an instructor of religion at Principia College, near St. Louis; she is now part of a Centering Prayer Circle in Stockton, California. She explains that centering prayer may be seen as a hybrid that embraces both prayer and meditation, nourishing what’s beneath the preoccupied self to awaken a deeper and vastly more authentic self. Mathis appreciates what Cyn-thia Bourgeault explores in her book Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening, that, “This confusion between small self and the larger Self… [the] ‘True Self,’ ‘Essential Self’ or ‘Real I’—is the core illusion of the human condition, and penetrating this illusion is what awakening is all about.” Like Bourgeault, Mathis believes that it’s not about the absence of thoughts so much as detaching from our thoughts, trusting that we can let go and be safe, consent to surrender human will and forgo personal agen-das. Only then can spiritual sense come into play. “The goal is to awaken to, open

to and get in touch with our inner-most being and Spirit,” Mathis affirms. “Clearly, centering prayer assumes we each have a spiritual awareness of the divine within us that acts, as Bourgeault puts it, as ‘a kind of interi-or compass whose magnetic north is always fixed on God.’”

Core ShiftWe often approach a Spirit dimension with the attitude of “what it can do for me.” The higher practice that mystics and other deep thinkers of various faith traditions ultimately arrive at instead centers on transforming our whole self to align with Spirit’s purpose for us, which changes everything. Reverend Dr. Michael Beckwith, founder of the New Thought Agape Spiritual Center, in Los Angeles, and a spiritual mentor to Oprah Winfrey, believes, “The relationship we have with the infinite is more about how we are to serve it than it is to serve us.” Beckwith describes three prima-ry stages of realizing the power and purpose of divine Spirit expressed as our spirit. The first is that of a victim (feeling powerless, unable to effect change). The second is when an indi-vidual learns the existence of universal law that responds to our thinking, emotions and attitude; we learn how to use it to stabilize life structures and demonstrate health and well-being. “Ultimately, in stage three, we be-

come a vehicle of life in service to life. Instead of using the law, the law uses us. Life fulfills its own nature through us,” he says. “All of life is conspiring for our freedom, liberation, wholeness and health.” He urges us not to stop and stag-nate at stage two, using divine laws only to manifest personal conveniences, stuff and even people for our use; this can hijack views of abundance into materi-alism and consumerism. He quips, “We are not here to go shopping.”

Dwelling in SpiritGrace and Spirit work in us, through us and between us, yet we can’t simply sum-mon them up or outline their outcomes. To feel Spirit’s presence, we must surren-der our own sense of how it will work, its timeline and the impact on our ego or status quo. As with anything worthwhile, conscientious practice is essential. Life, defined by Spirit, gives fresh strength and impetus to mind and body. All three are vital elements of the dance of life.

Richard Davenport is a spiritual life educator (HigherGroundForLife.com) and the founding executive director of an inclusive nationwide Bible and spiritual life community (BibleAndSpiritualLife.org). Now based in St. Louis, MO, he is a retired Air Force chaplain, having served at Lackland and other U.S. Air Force bases on three continents.


Prayer from a heart willing to sur-render, change, learn, grow and

bless others works to keep us cen-tered on pure motives like wellness, whole-heartedness and compassion. Such prayer can help us progress spiritually. These five forms of prayer, found in the Bible, have a universal appli-cation to any spiritual practice. Al-though differing in their approach, all share the purpose of creating a fuller mindfulness of our true identity and relationship to the divine, while enhancing our capacity to bless all creation. If we are not feeling the desired breakthroughs using one form, perhaps the one most familiar or comfortable to us, we might do well to explore others. Praise – a posture of adoration, honoring and surrender to a power, vision, and authority greater than our own. Thanksgiving – or better yet, for its consistency and permeating of our whole self, thanks-living. The garden of our spirit is enriched by embracing a gratitude attitude in all we do. Petition – a relational posture that opens our heart as we learn to ask for help, to seek perspective beyond a limited self, beyond a smaller, ego-driven orientation.

Intercession – praying for oth-ers; blessing, honoring and cherish-ing them as God sees them. When we feel burdened and blocked by our own trials, expressing empa-thy and compassion for others can unlock our heart and mind. We can lovingly witness the true nature of those that are seemingly tangled in forces blocking or opposing their higher good. Affirmation – release and rest in divine authority, acknowledging the uni-verse as literally one song reflect-ing the singular harmony that Spirit knows and is unfolding in every moment to meet our need in forms we can see and feel right now.

FIVE WAYS TO PRAY FROM THE HEART

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Among a parent’s greatest rewards is seeing their children grow up to be productive, contributing

members of society, including knowing how to give back and enrich the com-munities in which they live. Children can start participating in the giving process as toddlers. Having them ob-serve regular charitable acts can make a strong impression and catalyze later independent initiatives. Learning how to give and develop-ing the associated skill set is a lifelong journey. Giving becomes a way of life—of looking at the world and deter-mining how to help the causes they feel passionate about. Here’s how to take those crucial first steps. Ask kids how they’d like to help. If giving to a cause is new to the house-hold, explain that the family has many opportunities. Then engage children in a conversation about the general areas they may feel strongly about supporting—perhaps individuals or families in need, animals or wildlife habitat—and start a list of those that the family is interested in. Next, start researching related local organizations, facilities and institutions, and matching them to the topics on the list. Ideas may include food kitchens, pet shel-

include a handwritten “certificate of giving” that specifies the amount of money available for them to gift to their favorite charity. Take the child to the charity site to make the monetary donation in person, if possible. For non-local organizations, write a check and have the child include a letter with their thoughts and mail it. Volunteer to do community ser-vice. Public gardens need weeding, his-toric buildings need painting and food banks need hands. Find goodwill tasks that are age-appropriate and engaging. Grow the mindset. Tell real-life stories about kids or groups of kids that have found creative ways to give back. Encourage empathy by sharing appropriate stories of struggle. Ask kids, “How would you want people to help you in this situation?” Explain the action the family is taking and the resulting benefit to the recipient. The conversation might be, “We don’t need to store all this stuff when someone else could really use it.” Or, “I bet there is a kid out there who would really like playing with this toy. I know you used to love it, but how about if you pass it along to some-one else so they can enjoy it as much as you have?” Keep the focus on the people in need and your child’s ability to share an experience through an item. Establishing an impermanent connec-tion to material things can help kids understand the importance of nurturing relationships over acquiring goods. Develop a language of giving in the household by creating opportunities to incorporate it into regular conver-sation. Appropriate comments could share concepts such as seeing ourselves as stewards of the planet and the things we think we own; it’s our duty to help those in need when we have abun-dance; and if there is ever a time when we are without, we hope that others will think of us and help us. Teaching children how their thoughts, words and actions impact those around them is a lesson that bears repeating.

Jennifer Jacobson lives in Seattle and has served on the boards of several influential nonprofits and other orga-nizations focused on conservation, education and community.

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ters and animal rescues, nature parks, senior citizens’ residences, camps for low-income or physically or mentally challenged children, zoos, museums, aquariums and local libraries. Make a game plan. Get creative about how to actually help the selected causes. Talk it through together, map out activities—like visiting, donating funds or materials or participating in fundraising efforts—and post the results somewhere at home that is highly vis-ible. “Gamify” it to some degree with tasks that turn into goals that turn into accomplishments that result in chits. Quick tasks can make a big differ-ence. Clear the clutter. Every six to 12 months, launch an all-family household closet cleaning day that includes the toy chest and maybe the garage. Add non-perishable healthy food items they’ve picked out while grocery shopping. Make a “donate box” positioned where

kids can add to it and deliver the do-nations often, even if it’s small.

Find ways to raise money for donations. Organize a family or neighborhood yard sale or organic bake sale that involves kids at all stages of the project, and give all or a portion of the proceeds to a selected charity. Associate getting with

giving. For birthdays and holidays,


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Please return your hearts and lives to God. We need to remember our Health is like a four legged stool - Spiritual, Mental, Emotional & Physical; the stool’s stability is dependent on the balance of all four legs.

God is Love. Love thrives because it is a Gift from God and has the power to destroy evil. Love is so important for with love, one can defeat evil but without love, evil spreads. Love is not selfish. Love is generous, forgiving and untainted by the sin of pride. You must ask God, every day, for the Gift of Love and when you are given this, use it as your armor against hatred. Love, when present in a pure soul, attracts hatred from those souls who have banished God from their lives. They cannot bear the Light of God, which shines from the souls of those who are filled with God’s Love. Where there is love, there is the Presence of God.

The Evil One is incapable of love, but instead is self-obsessed with what he believes to be his power and greatness. When he infests souls, the first thing he does is to destroy love within the soul. When he achieves this, he will instill a terrible hatred in that soul and it is this hatred which causes division. Division and disagreements, inspired by hatred, can lead to desperate deeds carried out by one soul against

another. These hate-filled deeds can very often lead to terrible cruelty and even murder. The

sin of pride is instilled in souls, who open themselves up to the devil and this leads

to ruthless ambition and greed. Go now in the knowledge that Love must be

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A whiff of sweetness can communi-cate a personal signature of tran-quility, alertness or romance, or it

can cause a bout of miserable sneezing, wheezing or nausea for those in the vicinity and even the unwitting wearer.

Commercial Chemicals“When you see ‘fragrance’ on a person-al care product label, read it as ‘hidden chemicals,’” warns the Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit watchdog Envi-ronmental Working Group (EWG). “A major loophole in the [U.S.] Food and Drug Administration’s federal law lets manufacturers of products like sham-poo, lotion and body wash include nearly any ingredient under the term fragrance without actually listing the chemical.” Companies that manufac-ture personal care products are required by law to list the ingredients they use, but fragrances and trade-secret formulas are exempt. What’s known as a dirty little se-cret in the fragrance industry is the un-labeled presence of toxic chemicals not only in perfumes, but in any personal care product that includes a scent. Lab tests commissioned by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and analyzed by the EWG confirm the presence of parabens that interfere with hormone production, cancer-causing phthalates, and synthetic

HEAVENLY SCENTSHow to Make Your Own Natural Oil Fragrances

by Kathleen Barnes

healingways

musks that have been linked to hormone disruption, among many other ills.

Naturally Safe Scents“Opting for natural scents from organic essential oils not only offers a toxin-free alternative, the oils’ aromatherapy

benefits have time-proven therapeu-tic value,” suggests Dorene Petersen, president and founder of the American College of Healthcare Sciences, in Port-land, Oregon. Recent research from the Pontificia Universidade Catolica, in Brazil, con-firms that lavender oil has anti-inflam-matory, antioxidant and pain-relieving properties similar to those of a mild-dose narcotic. Plus, it smells heavenly, says botanical perfumer Roxana Villa, of Woodland Hills, a California-based spokesperson for the National Associa-tion for Holistic Aromatherapy. “Considering the part of the plant used will give you an idea of its thera-peutic value,” says Villa. “A root base will be good for grounding. Since bark is like skin, oils such as birch will ben-efit skin and muscles. Oils from flowers are excellent for anything related to the head and mind.” Oregano and cinnamon oils have powerful antifungal properties, even against Candida-type fungi resistant to prescription drugs, according to Brazilian research from Universidade Federal. A groundbreaking study from the Slovak University of Technology, in Slovakia, even suggests that rosemary oil can kill cancer cells. These are all scents that can be the


foundations of do-it-yourself perfumes.

Customized Blends“It’s fun to experiment with organic essential oils and create that unique blend that becomes a personal signa-ture,” says Charlynn Avery, an aroma-therapist with Aura Cacia, in Norway, Iowa. She explains that essential oils have three basic “notes” and blending them correctly will result in a fragrance suited to last throughout the day. “The base note is heavier and lasts the longest. Patchouli, vetiver, sandal-wood, cedarwood and jasmine hang around longer in the atmosphere and on the wearer,” she explains. Blending the base with a slightly lighter middle note like lavender, rosemary or clary sage and a light and short-lasting top note like orange, lime or peppermint will create a complex and pleasing blend. “That’s the beauty of the art of it,” says Avery. “You can create synergistic blends that harmonize and complement the attributes of each to such an extent that you may not be able to detect the scents of the individual oils.”

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Western cultures value “manly” Earth scents like sandalwood and cedar-wood, while in other cultures, flow-ery scents are acceptable for men. An appealing woodsy blend for an American male blends cedarwood, clary sage and lime.

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There are no hard and fast rules, but our experts offer a few guidelines for creating our own unique blends that will be well-received as holiday gifts. Use a base of oil like jojoba or sweet almond to create a perfumed oil. Note that oils undiluted by a carrier can burn the skin. For oil-based blends, use a ratio of 50 drops of bottom note oil, 30 drops of a middle note and 20 drops of a top note in two ounces of carrier oil. Another option is to use an alcohol base of either iso-propyl rubbing alcohol or 85-proof vodka to make a spray perfume; the alcohol will evaporate quickly. Alcohol-based blends generally last longer, especially with fragile citrus oils. A usual ratio is 10 to 20 drops of essential oil per ounce of alcohol-based carrier. Oil-based blends are ready to use almost immediately. Alcohol-based blends should age a week or two at least and will become more strongly scented in time. Store fragrances in bottles in a dark, cool place. Bottles with tiny roll-on caps are commercially available. “It’s very much trial and error to arrive at a preferred scent, so be creative and keep careful notes of experiments and improve on them as you gain experience,” counsels Avery. “If you crinkle your nose at patchouli, you probably won’t like an oil blend with it, either. Choose scents you like.”

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The simple act of switching on a bulb can light a room; preaching that humans are caretakers of the

Earth can enlighten a community. “How are we faithful to God’s creation?” asks Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., author of Grounded: Finding God in the World—A Spiritu-al Revolution, in Alex-andria, Virginia. “The connection between

the natural world and the world we live in helps us understand the remarkable responsibility we have to the planet.” Along with an emotional bottom line, many people pose a greater ques-

tion: What is the cost to our spiritual life if we act selfishly? “We need to know what is sacred and what matters for generations to come,” says Bass. “This is an

Green CongregationsFaith Groups Join in Preserving All Creation

by Avery Mack

The film Renewal doc-uments this grass-roots movement at RenewalProject.net.

exciting time for communities of faith to work together.” Churches, syna-gogues, mosques and other faith groups are sending a message to their congre-gations and communities: We need to care for what the Creator has given us.

Showing the Way“We wanted to reduce reliance on for-eign oil, support local businesses, buy American-made and be cost-effective,” says Rabbi David Freelund, of the Cape Cod Synagogue, in Hyannis, Massa-chusetts. “Going solar made sense. We leased panels, joined a renewable ener-gy credit program and now generate 90 percent of our energy.” The synagogue also upgrades equipment to more efficient levels when it’s time for replacement, com-posts waste, maintains a garden to supply a local food pantry, switched to LED lights, zoned their facility’s heating and cooling and follows a single-stream recycling program. “We seek to lead by example. Members ask, ‘What else can we do?’ As Jews, our mission is not fulfilled unless we lift up others toward the divine,” says Freelund. Windows often make up a large portion of a building of worship, but can be the least energy-efficient com-ponents. Members of Colorado’s Steam-boat Christian Center, in Steamboat Springs, used to wear sunglasses or change seats during services to escape the sun’s glare and heat. After installing smart glass windows, everyone can now fully concentrate on the sermon. “The glass tints like transition sunglasses, based on available light or preprogrammed preferences,” explains Brandon Tinianov, a senior director with View Dynamic Glass, the company that supplied the new windows. “It also reduces heating and cooling costs.”

Laying Down Burdens“Clutter represents postponed deci-sions,” says Barbara Hemphill, author of Less Clutter, More Life, in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Lack of time, interest and energy keep us from passing along what we no longer want or need. For most of us, 80 percent of what we keep, we never use.” That includes paperwork, another specialty of her Productive Environment Institute. When the United Methodist We’ll m

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North Carolina Conference Center’s new building was ready, there was plenty to sort through before moving. “We estimate seven tons of items were recycled. It became an example for individual churches,” says Hemphill. Her own church, Mount Zion Methodist, in nearby Garner, has cleared out two storage rooms. Items were reclaimed, auctioned or donated to a shelter. “We gained Sunday school rooms in return,” she says.

Practice Makes PerfectAwareness of the environment and eco-friendly living is a concept religions agree on. At the All Dulles Area Muslim Society, in Sterling, Virginia, an educa-tion program encourages community members to recycle, plant trees and lower water and energy usage. Including their Sunday School, they reduced their overall carbon footprint by 13 percent and energy consumption by 21 percent. Interfaith Power & Light is active in most states and can help implement such user- and eco-friendly changes. Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, the director of outreach for the Dar Al Hijrah Islamic Center, in Falls Church, Virginia, suggests thinking larger and encourages members to ask for changes in public policies by lobby-ing their representatives. In 2016, the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago will promote a Green Ramadan. During Ramadan, members re-evaluate their lives in light of Islam-ic guidance. Greener than most, The Garden Church, in San Pedro, California, has no building. “People tell me, ‘The outdoors is my church;’ I take them at their word,” says founding Pastor Anna Woofenden. “We have a central table surrounded by gardens. About 90 percent of what we grow is vegeta-bles, the rest is flowers. This church is a living sanctuary, a place to belong, a place of community. God’s love is made visible as people are fed in body, mind and spirit.” “Eco-friendly teaching represents a new spiritual imagination of how to live well in the world,” observes Bass. “Faith makes a difference.”

Connect with the freelance writer via [email protected].

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naturalpet

As with families everywhere, special taste treats are on the menu for many dogs, cats and

wild birds during the holiday season. Owners are cautioned not to share rich, unfamiliar foods from the table that can be detrimental to an animal’s health. Better fare are homemade treats of or-ganic, safe and tasty ingredients—true gifts from the heart. Homemade assures the quality of ingredients, avoids unhealthy addi-tives and allows the giver to adjust for individual taste or food sensitivities. Most healthy recipes can be made from readily available ingredients.

Wild Birds Offer them a variety of seeds and fresh water. Always use unsalted, unseasoned seeds. Mix harder-to-crack striped sunflower seeds with the smaller black oil version to attract the largest number of birds. Organically grown peanuts in the shell, dried fruit, oranges, pomegran-ates or rehydrated raisins offer a burst of energy. Impale round fruits, halved, on a small dowel rod attached to the feeding table to hold them in place. Note that oats go to waste, shelled sunflower seeds spoil and cracked corn attracts raccoons. Pass on any kind of popcorn.

DIY SuetMix one part organic peanut butter with five parts organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) corn meal. Smear into a pinecone to hang from a branch or directly on tree bark for woodpeckers and wrens to

Eat, Bark and Be MerryHealthy Holiday Treats for Our Pets

by Sandra Murphy

enjoy. Don’t use low-fat peanut butter because birds need to pack in the calories in order to stay warm.

Cats Organic catnip, fresh or dried and baked into a crunchy treat, will bring kitty running. In recipes, avoid canned tuna because of bisphenol A (BPA) con-cerns; also minimize the frequency and portion of tuna and salmon treats due to mercury accumulation in the fish. Unseasoned tuna or salmon packed in water in a pouch is a better choice. Many recipes labeled for dogs can be converted for cats by making them into smaller bites.

Dogs“When possible, I put organic and local foods, non-GMO, hormone-and antibiotic-free, grass-fed and humanely raised properties at the top of my list. A healthi-er dog means fewer

vet visits and more years together,” says Tonya Wilhelm, a dog trainer in Toledo, Ohio. “Buy in bulk from a co-op or farmer and maybe share with friends to get the best price.”

Dehydrated FoodsDehydrating removes moisture from food while retaining nutrients, and comprises a distinct cooking method. Stephanie Raya, resident chef at Excali-bur Dehydrator, in Sacramento, Cali-fornia, recommends, “For safe chicken and pork, pre-cook before dehydrat-ing. Beef can be dehydrated from a raw state. My Boston terriers also love dehydrated, sweet potato chips.” A number of commercial dehy-drated meat and fish jerkies have been recalled (search DogFoodAdvisor.com/?s=treats). Homemade treats offer superior control of ingredients. “When I make my pets’ treats, I know what’s in their food, including the herbs used for flavor,” says Raya. After she’s ensured that the food is thorough-ly dried, she packs it in vacuum bags and stores them away from light. She notes that dehydrating takes longer than baking, but is cost-effective at 25 to 50 cents an hour. Veggie options include dehydrated zucchini chips, butternut squash chips, cherry tomato bites, matchstick carrots or peach or other fruit slices.

Make it FestiveA cat’s sense of smell is 10 to 15 times better than ours, but is still modest com-pared to dogs that out-sniff us by a factor of 30 to 60 times; that’s why putting wrapped treats under a holiday tree or in a stocking is a bad idea. Store them securely and then bring them out when it’s time to open gifts. Use blue tissue paper for easy-to-open Hanukkah gifts, red or green for Christmas (bows, yes; ribbons, no). For dogs that love puzzles, placing treats inside a wrapped box adds to the fun. Remember that rich or unfamiliar foods can make pets sick. Instead, gift them with their own healthy, safe treats from known ingredients so that everyone has a happy holiday.

Connect with Sandra Murphy at [email protected].


Special Holiday

Pet Recipes

Meatball Bites

Yields: Approximately 24 cookies

1 Tbsp virgin coconut oil10 oz grass-fed hamburger, 85 percent lean4 oz green pepper, washed, seeded, cut in bite-size pieces 2½ oz kale, washed3 figs, stems removed 1 cup quinoa flour

Preheat oven to 275° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Preheat a frying pan on medium heat for three minutes. Add coconut oil. Coat the pan evenly.

Add hamburger and stir fry until almost fully cooked. Add peppers, kale and figs to the meat. Continue to stir fry until the kale is reduced.

Allow mixture to cool. Then, place mix-ture into a food processor or blender and purée until smooth.

Combine the blended mixture and quinoa flour. Mix well.

Form into 3-inch flat discs. Place on a lined cookie sheet about 2 inches apart. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until golden on the bottom. Remove cookies and place on rack to cool.

Recipe courtesy of Tonya Wilhelm

Cheesy Crunchies2 cups whole wheat flour ¼ cup cornmeal ½ cup cheese (any grated cheese) 1 egg 1¾ cup filtered water½ cup fine-grated Parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients except Parmesan. Knead dough until thoroughly mixed.

Roll dough into shapes (like sticks or squares) or use cookie cutter. Roll shapes in the Parmesan. Dehydrate in a dehydrator at 155° F approximately 4 to 6 hours or until dry. For cats, make much smaller shapes.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

Roxanne’s Beef Jerky Strips for Dogs

3 cups ground lean grass-fed beef1 cup flour 2 tsp brewer’s yeast1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, drained

Combine ingredients in medium bowl and mix thoroughly. Spread on a non-stick 1/8-inch-thick drying sheet.

Dry at 155° F until thoroughly dry and then cut into strips.

Recipe courtesy of Chef Stephanie Raya, Excalibur Dehydrator

Go Go BallsYields: 30 to 32 balls

½ cup water-packed tuna fish or salmon (from a BPA-free pouch)4 oz light cream cheese2 Tbsp dried catnip (or more to taste)

Drain the fish. If using salmon, remove the skin and bones.

Using a fork, flake the fish into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.

Form small, marble-sized balls by hand and store refrigerated in an airtight container.

Recipe courtesy of Janet Cantrell, Fat Cat Spreads Out


classifiedsTo Place a Classified Listing Email to [email protected]. Must be received by the 10th of the month prior to publication. $1 per word. $20 minimum. Must be prepaid.

OPPORTUNITIES

AFLAC – is the largest provider of supplemental insurance in the world and is now hiring Benefits Consultants. If you are interested in providing financial piece of mind for others when they need it most and would enjoy a professional position with a flexible schedule and unlimited income, please send your resume to [email protected].

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDS – is a company dedicated to teaching the public about the power of essential oils AND how to incorporate them into their daily lives. If you are interested in becoming a distributor and educator please contact Coco Kunstman 504-344-7320, [email protected] , or visit us at www.younglavenderbuds.com.

RENTALS

B R O A D M O O R I M P R O V E M E N T ASSOCIATION- HOLISTIC WELLNESS ROOMS FOR RENT – Our 130-square-foot counseling rooms are ideally suited for counselors, play therapists, nutritionists and social workers to see clients. Our 120-square-foot holistic treatment rooms are newly renovated and available for massage therapists, acupuncturists, reiki masters and other body workers to see clients. Contact [email protected] or 504-481-4666 for more information

SERVICES

CERTIFIED TRADITIONAL NATUROPATH – Learn to help others: help yourself. Starts February 2016 in Gulfport, Contact Betty Sue O'Brian at [email protected] or 2282571946.

PRACTICAL HERBALISM – Practical Herbalist Certification Class starting February 2016. Meets monthly in Gulfport. Contact [email protected] or 2282571946 for information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – Ethisphere magazine has named Aflac one of its World’s Most Ethical Companies every year since the award’s inception in 2007–the only insurance company in the world that can make that claim. If you are interested in finding out more about providing supplemental benefits such as accident, disability, dental, vision, cancer, heart, or life policies for yourself and your family as well as providing benefits to your employees at absolutely no additional cost to you as a business owner, please contact Melissa Burbank at 504-975-0344 or [email protected].

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

VEGETARIAN MEETUP GROUP – meets at least once a month for a veggie meal. See calendar of events at http://www.meetup.com/vegetarian-515/ members/7165804

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE – By providing children with arms-around care, safe homes and environments, a first-class education, opportunities to learn more about themselves and the world, and academic, financial, and spiritual support through college, Boys Hope Girls Hope empowers children to realize the potential that is within them. Volunteer or donate at BoysHopeGirlsHope.org.

GIRLS ON THE RUN – We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. To become involved, visit GOTRNola.org.

YOUTH RUN NOLA – creates and empowers a community of healthy, young leaders through running. For more information about volunteering as a coach, running buddy, or other one of the many other opportunities, visit YouthRunNOLA.org or email [email protected].

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calendarofeventsNote: All Calendar events must be received via email by December 10 for the January issue. $15/Event Calendar or $10/Ongoing Calendar listing. $25/PlanAhead Events, $69/MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free, community-wide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries to [email protected]. Call 504-975-0344 for more information.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is a full body massage that helps get out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm. Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Living the Unity Principles – 7pm. These powerful principles are simple to talk about yet can be chal-lenging to fulfill in our daily experience. Join our open discussion on these timeless truths and how to imple-ment them to your life. $5 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2Essential Oils Home Care – Noon-1pm. Learn how to make household staples for a fraction of the cost using only natural ingredients from Young Lav-ender Buds. Lunch provided. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or [email protected].

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the stu-dent massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the stu-dent massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the stu-dent massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Sounds of the Season – 7-9:30pm. Celebration through Performing Arts presented by Clearwater Sanctuary and the Women’s Center, featuring choral groups in-cluding the NPAS Choir. A co-ed event with caroling and refreshments. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/door. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. Tickets: WomensCenterForHealing.org/sounds-of-the-season.html.

Jung Society of New Orleans – 7:30 pm. Jungian analyst Susan Negley presents “Coniunctio Gas-tronomique” or How To Make a Roux. Explore how the raw ingredients of your early life affect your current psychic life. SW, LPC CEUs. Free/members, $15/non-members, $10/students. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville. www.jungneworleans.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5Synergetic Myofascial Strategies – Dec 5-6. 9am-4pm. With Magnus Eklund, board- certified in Structural Integration. Learn techniques to help self and/or cli-ents. Myofascial strategies for the neck, spine, chest, shoulder girdle, arms and hands. 12 CEUs for LMTs, state and national (please inquire). Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info/registration: 504-352-0039.

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am. Help students with their education at the student mas-sage clinic. Swedish Massage. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Me-tairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Soul Sweat Yoga Class – 10am-noon. With renowned visiting teacher Dana Flynn, founder of Laughing Lotus Yoga NYC. $30. Wild Lotus Yoga Downtown, 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-0047. WildLotusYoga.com.

Jung Society of New Orleans – 10am-1pm. Jungian analyst Susan Negley presents Writing Your Own Personal Myth. Participants will look at the language used by their own psyches to create their own myths. SW, LPC CEUs. $35/members, $45/nonmembers, $25/students. Parker UMC, 1130 Nashville Ave. www.jungneworleans.org.

Holiday Arts and Crafts Bazaar – 10am-4pm. Local female artists offer their handcrafted items for sale: jewelry, stained glass, art plaques, mixed media collage and more. Artists donate a percentage of proceeds to the Women’s Center. Free admission, open everyone. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6Ester Nicholson – 11am. Don’t miss a powerful mes-sage and inspiring, original music to heal your heart and lift your spirit. Nicholson is a nationally known speaker, author and radio host and has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show and many others. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Forgiveness Workshop with Ester Nicholson – 1pm. Nicholson’s book Soul Recovery has been used by thou-sands to find peace and healing through forgiveness. She has appeared on Oprah, The Tonight Show, The View and Good Morning America. $20 suggested offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Bali Adventure Info Session – 2pm. Join Dr Iina Ester to learn more about this opportunity to experience Bali with an intimate group of fun, adventurous folks. Only 5 spots available on the trip. Free. RSVP required: 504-758-9192. LiveFreeLaughHardFitness.com.

Blue Cliff CollegeMassage Dept.

Continuing EducationCEUs for LMTs

BCC Clearview Mall, Metairie

[email protected]

markyourcalendar

Jan 23 & 24Seasons of Shiatsu SeriesWinter- water element

Carlene Banister,AOBTA

Jan 30 & 31Basics of Ortho-Bionomy

Focus Spine & PelvisPeggy Scott,

Registered Instructor SOBI

Feb 27 & 28Basics of Ortho-Bionomy

Focus Extremities Peggy Scott,

Registered Instructor SOBI

March 5&6Massage Cupping Intro

Annie GaricACE Educator

March 5-7Massage Cupping Certification

Annie GaricACE Educator

March 19 & 20Series of Shiatsu series

Spring- renewalCarlene Banister,

AOBTA

Integrative Breathwork Journey – 2-7pm. With Pa-tricia Stout, LCSW, Certified Breathwork Facilitator. This transformative musical trance journey allows safe access to altered states of awareness, beyond ego-mind realm. Experience shift in deep unconscious thought and behavior patterns. $45, pay as you’re able. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.

MONDAY, DECEMER 7Children’s Karate Class – 5-5:45pm. Improve self-confidence, discipline. New Year’s three-month special available. 8132 Willow St, New Orleans. Register: 504-866-2241. [email protected].


Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 5:30pm. Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Solar Plexus Chakra Class –7pm. Examine, reflect on and work with this powerful chakra, a center of personal strength, learning and comprehension; guiding you through life, creating self-esteem, sense of self and setting boundaries. $10 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16Essential Oils Beauty Basics – Noon-1pm. Get back to natural basics and learn how the use of essential oils can change your skin for the good naturally. Lunch provid-ed. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or [email protected].

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the stu-dent massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the stu-dent massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and in-creased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.

Spiritual Cinema: Christmas with the Kranks – 7pm. A night of fellowship, popcorn and laughter. Enjoy this hysterical, inspiring modern Christmas film and relax during the holiday season. $5 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Metaphysical Fair – Noon-6pm. Mediums, psychics, healers, astrology readings, aura photography, rune readings, crystals, new arrivals, essential oils, jewelry and more. Free admission. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info: 504-708-8353. MetaphysicalResourceCenter.com.


Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and in-creased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12Therapeutic Gardening – 9am-12pm. Learn tech-niques for creating a healing and restorative garden space with the healing elements of nature for both adults and children. Pamela Buckman of Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and Amy Lynn Nau, of Langston Hughes Academy garden will lead this engaging presentation. 1137 Baronne Street, New Orleans. www.parkwaypartnersnola.org

Reiki I Attunements – A weekend of self-healing ener-gy. Receive level one Reiki attunements in the Usui tra-dition. Small classes with plenty of personal attention. Level two attainments held in January. $250/person; $50/deposit. RSVP: Pamela Eveline: 504-897-5357.

Saturday Morning Massage Clinic – 9:15 & 10:45am. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Healing the Heart – 10am-1pm. With Rebecca Green of SoulSomatics. Learn balancing energy healing techniques; experience inner journeying (visualiza-tion) to create safety and peace; protections to divert negative energy. Through movement, explore ways to create positive, nurturing relationships. $35, pay as able. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Reiki I and II – Dec 12-13. 10am-5pm. With Sunny Robichaux, Reiki Master and instructor. A light touch technique using practitioner’s energy flow for self-care, friends and family or used with clients. 12 CEUs for LMTs. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, across from food court, Metairie. Info/registration: 504-352-0039.

Metaphysical Fair – Noon-6pm. Mediums, psychics, healers, astrology readings, aura photography, rune readings, crystals, new arrivals, essential oils, jewelry and more. Free admission. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info: 504-708-8353. MetaphysicalResourceCenter.com.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and in-creased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/ appointment: 504-293-0972.


TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8Ideal Protein Weight Loss Program – 12:30pm. Presented by Dr Debbi Hannan. Free. Chiropractic Health Center, 101 Clearview Pkwy at Airline Dr, New Orleans. 504-454-2000.

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at our student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Ester Nicholson In Concert – 7pm. Soulful, elec-trifying vocals; music to heal the heart and lift the spirit. After touring with Rod Stewart and Bette Midler, Nicholson now uses her gifts to help others. Don’t miss the powerful gifts of this amazing artist. $15. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9Essential Oils Wellness 101 – Noon-1pm. Learn how to use essential oils to help heal the body and promote general wellness without the costly price tag. Every-thing from allergies to cuts and burns. Lunch provided. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or [email protected].

Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10Tibetan House Holiday Shopping – 10am-8pm. Wine and cheese. One-of-a-kind gifts giveaways. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. 504-897-9339. TibetanHouse.com.

Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to

dig a little to find it.~Tori Amos


dailyHollygrove Market and Farm – 10am-7pm, Mon-Fri; 10-5pm, Sat/Sun. CSA-style market selling assorted fresh, local and organic fruit and vegetables each week. $25 boxes of selected seasonal produce avail-able. 8301 Olive St, New Orleans. 504-483-7037. HollyGroveMarket.com.

sundayPeace and Healing Services – 9am. Facilitated by Mike Wittenbrink. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-885-7575. UnityTempleNewOrleans.

Sunday School Classes – 9:30am. Offering Sunday morning classes prior to the Sunday service: A Course in Miracles and Science of the Mind. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Intro to Tibetan Sound Healing – 10-11am. From the book, Tibetan Sound Healing, the guided practices are designed to clear obstacles, cultivate positive qualities and uncover your inherent wisdom. $10/drop-in or $30/month. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. 504-897-9339. TibetanHouse.com.

Sunday Celebration Service – 11am. With Jack Fowler, Spiritual Director. Contemporary service with music and heartfelt talks to celebrate the divine presence in all of life. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com.

Unity of New Orleans Sunday Service – 11am. A loving family of spiritual seekers who honor all paths to God. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Inner Mastery Workshop – 11am-1pm. The spiritual process begins with a burning desire to know the seeker. This process will take you far inside yourself. Self-realized yogi and mystic Henok takes everyone’s hand on their inner journey. Refreshments provided. Free. 212 Loyola Ave, 3rd Fl, media room, CITY. Text: 678-665-0488 upon arrival.

A Course in Miracles – 1pm. Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, New Orleans. Malcolm Fugler: 504-220-3223.

Breath and Flow Yoga – 2pm. Combines elements of music and breathwork to deepen your practice. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648. Transformnola.com.

mondayMELTing Into Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. With Sadani. Combination of MELT Method techniques and yoga postures hydrate the body’s connective tissue (fascia) and increase strength, flexibility and stability. $12/drop-in or $40/month; pay as able. Women’s Center for Healing, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org. Stronger, Leaner, Longer – 5:30pm. Pilates-based strength class builds muscle and tones. Group screening required. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.Fountain of Youth Yoga Class – 6pm. No flexibility required; gain more strength and endurance without straining. Free. Metaphysical Resource Center, 1708 Lake Ave, Metairie. Info/register: 504-507-0765. HolisticPersonalTraining.org. Somatic Transformations – 6-8pm. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504-457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15-7:15pm. Bene-fits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community and fun. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103 in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. [email protected] Flow – 6:30pm. Gain strength, balance and flexibility for your body and mind. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648. Introduction to Nichiren Buddhism – 7-8:15pm. Learn how to activate your greatest potential, increase compassion and achieve absolute happiness. Free. SGI-USA Buddhist Center, 1331 Prytania St, New Orleans. 504-310-2011.

tuesdayClassical Tai Chi Yang Style – 8:30-9:30am. With Sifu Tommy. Long form and rolling techniques based on classical Tai chi yang style. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.Therapeutic Exercise – 8:30-9:45am. With Virginia Davis, RN, LMT. Gentle, restorative movement based on qigong, yoga and physiology to connect brain, consciousness and nervous system to muscles, organs and bones. Women’s Center for Healing & Transforma-tion, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Uptown – 9am-1pm. Open-air market with fresh, locally grown fruits, vege-tables, seafood, baked breads and pies, bedding plants, dairy products and freshly cut flowers. 200 Broadway St, parking lot of Uptown Square, New Orleans. 504-861-4488. CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.

ongoingeventsNote: All Calendar events must be received via email by December 10 for the January issue. $15/Event Calendar or $10/Ongoing Calendar listing. $25/PlanAhead Events, $69/MarkYourCalendar. Qualified, free, community- wide events are listed for free as space is available. Submit entries to [email protected]. Call 504-975-0344 for more information.

Deep Tissue Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Deep Tissue is muscle specific and helps work out the kinks. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appoint-ment: 504-293-0972.

Regaining the Christmas Spirit – 7pm. A class de-signed to take some time and relax, reflect and share ways on how to have a stress free, spirit-filled holiday. Techniques to help stay focused on the joy of the season will be discussed. $10 suggested donation. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

Swedish Massage Clinic – 12:45 & 2:15pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and in-creased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 29Swedish Massage Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. Swedish is good for overall relaxation and in-creased flexibility. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info or appointment: 504-293-0972.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30Neuromuscular Therapy (NMT) Clinic – 6:15 & 7:45pm. Help students with their education at the student massage clinic. NMT is a partial body massage that focuses on a specific problem area. $30. Blue Cliff College, Clearview Mall, 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie. Info/appointment: 504-293-0972.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31Burning Bowl Service – 6:30pm. Join for a powerful New Year’s Eve service, letting go of limiting ideas and beliefs; ringing in a new year, a new way of being. Music, inspiring words, candles and sacred burning bowl ritual. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

planaheadSATURDAY, JANUARY 2Medical Chi Kung Course – 3-4pm. With Sifu Tommy. Twelve-week class on Saturdays. Open the energy pathway of your central body which revitalizes your entire endocrine system, stimulating hormone production and affording a second youth. $400/course fee. 31 Fifth St, Gretna. 985-630-2853. RSVP: MatthewAncira.com/contact-us.


Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Mid-City – 3-7pm. Rain or shine. Farmers’ Market, American Can Co. Bldg, 3700 Orleans Ave, New Orleans.

Zen Meditation Study – 3:30-4:30pm. With Patricia Stout, in the Plum Village tradition (Thich Nhat Hanh). Weekly practice with half-hour dharma teaching and half-hour guided (and silent) meditation. Donations appreciated. Women’s Center for Healing & Transfor-mation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. [email protected].

Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy. Self-de-fense system based on classical Tai chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

TRX– 6pm. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Group Energy Event – 6-8pm. David Redbord leads a different group energy event every Thursday. Afford-able Healing Arts in NOHC, 2372 St Claude Ave, Ste 220, New Orleans. 504-233-8555.

A Course in Miracles – 7pm. St Tammany Parish Hospital, 1202 S Tyler St, Covington. Malcolm Fugler: 504-220-3223.

fridaySomatic Transformations – 9-11am. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504- 457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.

Caregiver Support Group for Women – 9:30-10:30am. 1st & 3rd Fri. Facilitator Clarke McBee, LPC, helps caregivers navigate burn-out. Includes discussion, educational topic and self-care focus for empowerment and relaxation. Donation. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. [email protected].

Meditation Class –10-11am. Build your daily prac-tice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30-day. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. TibetanHouse.com.

Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. With Master Laura Ates. All levels. Restore, rejuvenate and relax with yoga. Bliss Body Nola, 5717 Crawford St, Harahan. 504-262-8860. BlissBodyNola.com.

Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy. Self-de-fense system based on classical Tai Chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

Meditation and Restorative Yoga – 6:15pm. Sitting meditation followed by restorative yoga practice to release tension. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

saturdayVietnamese Farmers’ Market – 6-9am. More than 20 vendors set up shop on blankets spread with produce; beyond the courtyards are shops selling Vietnamese baked goods and imported groceries. 14401 Alcee Fortier Blvd, New Orleans East. GoGreenNola.org/farmersmarkets.

German Coast Farmers’ Market/West Bank – 2:30-6pm. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie and fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausage, kettle corn, cracklings, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts fourth Wed. St Charles Plaza Shopping Center, 12715 Highway 90, Luling. GermanCoastFarmersMarket.org.

Complimentary Fountain of Youth Yoga Class – 6pm. The secret to feeling younger and living longer. No flexibility required, more strength and endurance without straining. Registration required: 504-507-0765. HolisticPersonalTraining.org.

Embrace the Emptiness: Community Meditation – 6pm. With Jack Fowler, Spiritual Director. Ride the wavelengths of music, beautiful images and affirmative prayer into the sacred inner self for healing and transfor-mation. Love offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie. 504-885-7575. UnityOfMetairie.com.

Meditation – 6pm. Silence, stillness and deep spiritual connection with Source. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Vinyasa Flow – 6:15pm. Gain strength, balance and flexibility for your body and mind. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Basic/Beginners Aikido Class – 6:15-7:15pm. Bene-fits include self-defense, flexibility, strength, balance, stress reduction, concentration, community and fun. First class free. NOLA Aikido, 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in Mid-City, New Orleans. 504-208-4861. [email protected].

A Course in Miracles – 6:30pm. Facilitated by Mary Beth Ellis. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

A Course In Miracles –7pm. Inspiring discussion of this spiritual masterpiece with Jack Fowler. Offering. Unity of Metairie, 3939 Veterans. 504-885-7575.

Discovering Tibetan Buddhism Class – 7-8pm. $10/drop-in, $30/30-days. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupi-toulas St, New Orleans. TibetanHouse.com.

thursdayClassical Tai Chi Yang Style – 8:30-9:30am. With Sifu Tommy. Long form and rolling techniques based on classical Tai chi yang style. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

Nia Gentle – 10:30am. With Carolyn Burns. Same upbeat, spirit-lifting, body-rejoicing workout as regular Nia dance but slower. $10/drop-in; $60/eight-classes. Women’s Center for Healing & Transformation, 71667 Leveson St, AbitaSprings. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.

Qigong/Dao-In – Noon-12:45pm. With Debra Howard. Qigong translates as qi (cultivation through skillful practice); dao-in is self-care. Experience myriad ways to balance one’s qi and life. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 2372 St Claude Ave, 4th Fl. 985-467-0900. [email protected].

Qigong/Dao-In – Noon-12:45pm. With Debra How-ard. Qigong translates as qi (cultivation through skillful practice); dao-in is self-care. Experience myriad ways to balance one’s qi and life. Bring a mat. $5/class. New Orleans Healing Center, 372 St Claude Ave, 4th Fl, New Orleans. 985-467-0900. [email protected] Group – Noon-1:30pm. 1st & 3rd Tue. With Joan Beckstrom, MD, and Angie Howell, MSW. Dreams allow a glimpse into your unconscious mind. Learn a format to share and process dreams as a group. Donation. Women’s Center for Healing, 71667 Leveson St, Abita Springs. 985-892-8111. WomensCenterForHealing.org.Yee Chuen Do – 5-7pm. With Sifu Tommy, self-de-fense system based on classical tai chi. All levels. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859. TRX – 6pm. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, NOLA. 985-640-2648.Key to Ultimate Success – 6:30pm. Mike Witten-brink talks on how Powerpath Letters are the Secret to Ultimate Success, to obtaining success of body, mind, heart and soul. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Class – Last Tuesday of each month – 7-8pm. Learn EFT, or “tap-ping”, a gentle, self-administered acupressure technique for diminishing or clearing physical and/or emotional pain. Affordable Healing Arts in the NOHC, 2372 St Claude Ave, Ste 220, New Orleans. RSVP: Gail Gillespie: 504-442-8762. Meditation Class – 7-8pm. Build your daily prac-tice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30-days. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. TibetanHouse.com.

wenesday

Meditation Class – 9-10am. Build your daily prac-tice. Beginners welcome. $10/drop-in, $30/30 days. Tibetan House, 4900 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans. TibetanHouse.com. Somatic Transformations – 9-11am. With Matthew Ancira. Experience emotional and somatic release to transform your life in a comfortable and supportive small group atmosphere. Higher Purpose Healing, 1315 Amelia St, New Orleans. Preregistration required: 504- 457-1717. MatthewAncira.com.Slow Flow Senior Yoga – 10-11am. Gentle Vinyasa yoga class focused on alignment and relaxation. $10/class. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-481-4666. BroadmoorImprovement.com. Prayer and Healing – 11am. Facilitated by Har-riet Stafford. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. 504-899-3390. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.Essential Oils 101 – All, except last Wednesday of Dec. – Noon-1pm. Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a cleaner, natural life. Lunch Provided. Free. NOLA Float Tanks, 3013 20th St, Metairie. RSVP: 504-974-0344 or [email protected] City Farmers’ Market/French Quar-ter – 2-6pm. Fresh produce, pastured meats, sea-food, dairy, breads and baked goods. Live music. 1235 N Peters St, New Orleans. 504-861-4488. CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.


Camellia City Farmers’ Market – 8am-noon. Fea-turing baked goods, herbs, vegetables, honey, jams, poultry, crafts, flowers, eggs, plants, soap and trees. 333 Erlanger, Griffith Park, Slidell. 985-640-7112. CamelliaCityMarket.org.

Covington Farmers’ Market – 8am-noon. Offering fresh produce, fresh baked breads, prepared foods and plants. Covington City Hall, 609 N Columbia St, Cov-ington. 985-966-1786. CovingtonFarmersMarket.org.

Crescent City Farmers’ Market/Downtown – 8am-noon. Open-air market offering fresh locally grown fruits, vegetables, seafood, baked breads and freshly made pies, bedding plants, dairy products and fresh flowers. Cooking demos by local chefs. 700 Maga-zine, corner of Girod, New Orleans. 504-861-4488. CrescentCityFarmersMarket.org.

German Coast Farmers’ Market/East Bank –8am-noon. Open-air market offering fresh produce, rotisserie meats, fresh meats, fresh pastries/breads, sausages, kettle corn, cracklins, prepared foods, soy candles, goat milk soap and lotions. Arts and crafts second Sat. Ormond Plantation, 13786 River Rd, Destrehan. 985-359-0190. GermanCoastFarmersMarket.org.

Gretna Farmers’ Market – 8:30am-12:30pm. Featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, baked goods, dairy, native fruit wines and garden plants. Located in the old train depot, 300 Huey P Long Ave, between 3rd St & 4th St, Gretna. 504-362-8661. GretnaFarmersMarket.com.

Westwego Farmers’ and Fisheries Market – 8:30am-12:30pm. Open year round, rain or shine. Featuring fresh produce, seafood, bakery items, dairy, plants, prepared foods and handcrafted items. Plus live music and kids activities. Free parking. 484 Sala Ave, corner of 4th St, Westwego. 504-341-3424 Ext 209.

TRX–9am. “All core, all the time" fitness class; works the body as a whole. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Mandeville Trailhead Community Market – 9am-1pm. Fifty-plus vendors weekly: gourmet foods, art, produce and plants. Tai chi at 9:30am. Parking lot of the Mandeville Trailhead on the St Tammany Trace, off LA59, Mandeville. 985-845-4515.

Sitting Meditation Group – 10-11am. Practice zazen (sitting meditation) as well as walking meditation. Instruction and discussion also available. 3909 Bienville St, Ste 103, in Mid-City, New Orleans. Brian: [email protected]. 504-644-7351.

Yoga and Guided Meditation –10-11:30am. Yoga nidra with Katrina Zech. Experience pure rejuvenation and deep relaxation through movement, breath and mindfulness practice. $15 donation. Unity Temple of New Orleans, 3722 St Charles Ave, New Orleans. UnityTempleNewOrleans.com.

Vinyasa Flow – 10:15am. Gain strength, balance and flexibility for your body and mind. Transform NOLA, 8422 Oak St, New Orleans. 985-640-2648.

Yoga – 11-noon. With Barbara. Gentle yoga for all ages. Free. Broadmoor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-249-5199. BroadmoorImprovement.com.

Yee Chuen Do – 12:30-2pm. With Sifu Tommy. Self-defense system based on classical Tai chi. All lev-els. $100/month; unlimited classes. 31 5th St, Gretna. 985-630-2859.

Qigong – 2-3pm. With Neesa Johnson. Gentle, healing movement class for all levels and ages. Free. Broad-moor Arts & Wellness Center, 3900 General Taylor St, New Orleans. 504-481-4666.

CHIROPRACTIC/WELLNESS

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH CENTER & HOLISTIC WELLNESS SERVICESDr. Debbi Hannan101 Clearview Pkwy. at Airline, Metairie504-454-2000HannanWellness.com

Experience the difference! We offer total wellness care: Chiropractic, detoxification, nutrition, endermologie, DRX-9000 non-surgical spinal decompression, cold laser, EB-Cellular Cleanser, Far Infra Red Sauna and the Ideal Protein Diet plan. See ad page 12.

DENTIST

CYPRESS DENTAL, INC.3138 McIlhenny Dr. Baton Rouge, LA 70809225-248-8400

Offering services including cosmetic dentistry, full-mouth rehabilitation, minimally invasive dentistry, mercury safe environment, non-titanium implants, laser dentistry and treatment for complex conditions; obstructive sleep apnea, snoring,

head, neck and facial pain and TMJ dysfunction. See ad on page 27.

MIKE ROBICHAUX, DDS1101 Robert Blvd., Ste. A, Slidell985-641-8058MikeRobichauxDDS.comA Holistic Approach To Dentistry

Mike Robichaux, DDS

We help people move toward wellness.

We are aggressively conservative and practice

minimally-invasive dentistry.

www.mikerobichauxdds.com 985-641-8058

1101 Robert Blvd., Ste ASlidell, La 70458

If you are a person who…• placesahighvalueonyouroralhealth,• believesthatthehealthofthemouthisintimatelyrelatedtothehealthofthewholebody,

• islookingforadentalpracticethatlistenstoyouwithoutjudgmentandwillhelpyougetwhatisimportanttoyou,

• understandsthatexcellenceisachoicethatismadeeachday,

then maybe we are a fit for you!

Offering a holistic and patient-centered approach to dentistry, because we believe the health of the mouth and overall health cannot be separated. We help those we serve make decisions that are in their best interests, based on their values and

goals, by providing state-of-the-art information within a trusting relationship. See ad on page 14.

ACUPUNCTURE

FAMILY ACUPUNCTURE & WELLNESSErin Kenning, MSOM, Dipl.OM, LAc, LA Lic.# ACA.200039, NAET specialist9531 Jefferson Hwy., River Ridge504-715-2317NolaFamilyWellness.com

Have Allergies been getting the best of you? Are you tired, congested and ready to be over it? We can help! Call today for a free 15-minute consultation. See ad on page 9.

AARON J. FRIEDMAN, M.D.Integrated Pain and Neuroscience504-300-9020PainIsAPuzzle.com

Dr. Friedman offers medical acupuncture as part of a comprehensive and integrative approach to pain. Acupuncture is proven to be beneficial to many pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, headaches, low back pain and arthritis.

KARIN NIELSEN, ND, CCT225-229-61071528 Delplaza Dr, Ste B, Baton RougeWellnessCentreBR.com

Specialized breast screening utilizing two sophisticated technologies, perfect for breast health with no compression, no

pain and no radiation. May detect abnormalities in their earliest stage, which is true prevention.

ANIMAL HOLISTIC MEDICINE

JANICE E. POSEY, DVM315 Lee Ln., Ste. 104, Covington985-898-3623

Offering a holistic, integrative approach to healing your beloved pet through acupuncture, herbal medicine/nutritional supplements, and food therapy. We treat the patient, not the symptoms. See ad on page 31.

localdirectoryConnecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email [email protected] to request our media kit.


HOLISTIC HEALING CENTERS

AFFORDABLE HEALING ARTS 2372 St. Claude Ave. 2nd Floor Upper, Ste. 220985-467-0900AffordableHealingArts.com

AHA! is a Community of Healing Arts Practitioners in a Healing Arts Center for the Professional Practice of Alternative, Complementary, Integrative, and Indigenous healing arts by independent practitioners in

a shared space environment. See our website, contact a practitioner, make your appointment today! See ad on page 18.

HOLISTIC HEALING CENTERS

WOMEN’S CENTER FOR HEALING & TRANSFORMATION71667 Leveson St., Abita Springs985-892-8111WomensCenterForHealing.org

Beautiful nonprofit center for women’s spirituality, eco-psychology and community building. Workshops, speakers, events, healing circles, support groups, and on-site professional

mind/body/spirit services, for women, by women. Rent space for your workshop or office. See ad on page 6.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

IRENE SEBASTIAN, M.D., PH.D401 Veterans Blvd., Ste. 203, Metairie504-838-9804IreneSebastianMD.com

Experience the difference that Homeopathic Medicine and Functional Medicine can bring to your health. Most conditions can be treated using these safe, natural approaches. Safe, less drugs, stimulates innate healing. See ad on page 8.

INTEGRATED PAIN AND NEUROSCIENCE504-300-9020PainIsAPuzzle.com

Eric Royster, MD, and Aaron Friedman, MD, offer the most

comprehensive treatment experience for patients suffering from chronic pain, from acupuncture to more invasive techniques offered exclusively at IPN. New Orleans, Chalmette, Westbank and Slidell locations. See ad on page 10.

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDSDenise Woltering-Vargas, Independent Distributor Young Living # 3096166504-376-9492Denise.Woltering@gmail.comYoungLavenderBuds.com

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life. Take your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle. Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See class schedule

in the calendar section. See ad on page 25 and on back cover.

FITNESS

DR. IINA ESTERHealth and Fitness Coach504-758-9192LiveFreeLaughHardFitness.com

Exercise scientist specializing in fitness and nutrition interventions. I specialize in private outdoor and in-home training, designing a program based on your interests, goals, and barriers to being active. For group programs, see calendar section. See ad page 11.

BLISS BODY5717 Crawford StreetNew Orleans, LA 70123504-262-8860BlissBodyNola.com

Yoga- Aerial, Prenatal, Ball, Meditation, Workshops and Programs with Master Instructor Laura Ates. Mat Pilates, Reformer and Chair

Pilates, Barre and TRX with expert Mary Mang. Facials and massages too!

HOLISTIC/ ENERGY HEALING

NOLA FLOAT TANKSFlotation Therapy504-352-6418NOLAFloatTanks.com

Flotation therapy is a breakthrough treatment involving 800 lbs of Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) poured into 200 gallons of water in a small shallow pool. The benefits of just a one-hour

session are significant as they relieve stress, reduce blood pressure, ease joint and muscle pain and enhance one’s mood. See ad, page [??]

ENERGY HEALER/ HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH

MATTHEW ANCIRA - MATTEOEnergy Healer/Teacher504-457-1717MatthewAncira.com

Specializing in solutions, fulfillment, health, lifestyle and purpose. Feel better about yourself and find freedom from depression, insomnia, anxiety, life stresses and relationship issues with a natural approach to healing. Improve your focus and take charge of your life.

ESOTERIC HEALING

ANAYA AKIMWild n’ Divine HealingEmpowerment Healing318-232-2093WildNDivineHealing.com

Are you ready to welcome happiness back into your life? Using Kundalini Reiki, Intuitive Coaching, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) and more, you will be guided to empowerment. I welcome you to embark on an adventure of self-love and manifesting the life you deserve!

ESSENTIAL OILSYOUNG LAVENDER BUDSCoco Kunstman Independent Distributor Young Living #1491684504-344-7320 [email protected]

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life. This is your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle. Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See our class

schedule in the calendar section. See ads on pages 25 and back cover.

YOUNG LAVENDER BUDSMelissa Burbank Independent Distributor Young Living #2946391504-975-0344 [email protected] YoungLavenderBuds.com

Learn the basics of essential oils and how to live a clean and natural life.This is your first step towards a chemical free and healthy lifestyle. Learn the basics and set yourself on a path to healthy living. All classes are always free. See our class

schedule in the calendar section. See ads on pages 25 and back cover.


MASSAGE SCHOOLS

BLUE CLIFF COLLEGEClearview Mall, Metairie504-293-0972

Train for an exciting, new career as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Earn an Associates degree upon completion of advanced massage training. Inquire about financial aid. See calendar for information

about our $30-student massage clinic. Visit our retail shop for massage supplies: Biotone & Therapro Cremes & Oils, aromatherapy products, books & more. Monthly specials! See ad on page 10.

NATURAL FOODS & SUPPLEMENTS

NUTRIVERUS POWDER Jeanie Leclere504-888-4464

Boost your immune system and increase energy levels with a whole-food supplement that combines a matrix of glyconutrients with organic

plant- and food-sourced vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. An amazing product. Call for free sample.

NATURAL PHARMACY

CASSO’S WELLNESS STORE & GYM3308 Cleary Ave., Metairie504-888-3077TheWellnessStore.com

Pharmaceutical quality nutritional products, vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural hormones. Natural hormone balancing consultations. Counseling on pharmaceuticals and

nutraceuticals by a registered pharmacist and clinical nutritionist. Alkaline water available as well as sessions with Photon Genius. See ad on page 22.

RETREAT CENTER

DOLORES WATSON621 Opelousas Ave., New Orleans504-905-4090 [email protected]

Elegant, donation-based center in quaint, quiet Magnolia, MS, just 1 1/2 hours from New Orleans, Baton Rouge or Jackson. Ongoing retreats in meditation and yoga. Ongoing meditation group in New Orleans. Vegetarian. Available for rental.

Capacity for 40 people. See ad on page 20 and ongoing calendar.

KEVIN F. DARR, M.D.Covington Orthopedic Sports Medicine Institute985-892-5117CovingtonOrtho.com

Comprehensive orthopedic care, including today’s most innovative and best practices to achieve optimal orthopedic function and performance. Traditional orthopedic treatments and surgery, plus minimally invasive alternatives

using state of art technology and integrative orthobiologic therapies.Currently taking patients for Cell Therapy study. See ad on page 6.

INTUITIVE CONSULTANT

FRANK A. TRUPIANO, LCSWCertified Akashic Teacher504-392-3498AkashicLight.org

Experience the power of Akashic Guided Psychotherapy. Individual and couple-therapy sessions. Monthly meditation groups and classes. Integrating the Akashic Records with traditional psychotherapy, I’ve had great

success helping clients resolve problems that couldn’t have been resolved with traditional counseling methods alone.

MARTIAL ARTS

TAI CHI-GRAND MASTERSifu Tommy31 5th St. Gretna, LA985-630-2859

All levels welcome. $100/month unlimited classes (at 6 classes/week, that’s up to 24 classes a month or just over $4 apiece). See ad on page 27 and calendar for classes.

TAI CHI-QI GONGShifu King Lam8132 Willow St., [email protected]

Asian Arts to improve health, fitness, personal safety, rejuvenate energy. Achieve a better mind, body and spirit. Serving New Orleans community for 43 years. KingLamtaichi-karate.com. See ad on page 23 and calendar for classes.

SPIRITUAL CENTERSUNITY OF METAIRIEJack Fowler, Spiritual Director3939 Veterans Blvd, Metairie504-885-7575 (behind Parran’s)UnityOfMetairie.com

Loving, energetic spiritual family honoring all religions, paths and lifestyles! Do you like what Marianne

Williamson, Eckhart Tolle and Wayne Dyer have to say? You’ll love Unity of Metairie. Relevant Spirituality for Everyday Life! Join us Sundays 11am. See ad on page 27.

UNITY TEMPLE OF NEW ORLEANS3722 St. Charles Avenue, New OrleansUnityOfNewOrleans.com

The New Orleans home of practical Christianity. We honor all paths to God and welcome all who seek love, peace,

and wisdom. Services on Sun & Wed 11 am; A Course in Miracles class Wed 6:30pm. See ad on page 8.

THERMOGRAPHY

THE WELLNESS CENTRE OF BRDr. Karin Nielsen, ND, CCT1528 Delplaza Dr., Ste BBaton Rouge, LA 70815225-229-6107 WellnessCentreBR.com

Offering full-body Thermography, detects abnormalities in the earliest stages, to find underlying causes of disease as it looks at the entire body’s BEHAVIOR after being stressed. Consultations/follow-up care are offered as well. See ad on page 13.

YOGA

WILD LOTUS YOGA4842 Perrier St, Uptown2372 St Claude Ave, Downtown504-899-0047WildLotusYoga.com

Voted Best Yoga Studio 11 years. Intro Offer: 30 Days Of Yoga For $33 (first time local residents), Intro To Yoga Courses + Over 60 classes a week including Prenatal, Kids, Tweens & Teen classes. See ad page 7.

natural awakenings sela dec 2015

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