DEC2012_EmCoast_NANWF

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

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Tune In To Your Breath

Tips for Better Workouts

Gift-Giving Makeover

Sustainable Stocking Stuffers

It’s All About We!

Co-Creating a Brighter Future

DECEMBER 2012 | Emerald Coast Edition | www.NWFNaturally.com Okaloosa/Walton/Bay County

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© 2012 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.

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Dear Santa,It’s been many years since I’ve written a list and you probably won’t need to check this one twice. This

year, instead of “my” list, I’m writing “our” list. I was recent-ly inspired to focus on a much more meaningful, heartfelt wish list by our own local healthy living community. Earlier this season, we interview several new lead-ers and professionals in our industry and asked them how they see their life’s purpose fitting into the bet-

terment of humankind. And as our December issue is focused on the “We” instead of “Me,” so goes my list. Teri Haggerty, author of Your Key, Your Door: Life Purpose Discovery Book for Teens, so profoundly states: “I discovered that teenagers need hope, engagement and well-being to thrive. Now I want to change the face of education so the greater society of young people, educators and parents will be better. I don’t want it for myself anymore.” My first wish is that as we place our wants aside, we may begin to truly value each other and honor everyone daily with simple dignity, respect and kindness, just as we teach our children these ways by example. “It’s a big world with a lot of people. The best I can do to help humankind is to be all I know to be in my little corner of the world—to be kind to those I meet and to the environment,” expresses Linda Mix, author of Medicinal Herbs for Life. This leads me to my next wish, that as keepers of the Earth, we awaken to the realization that because what we do today and what we set in motion tomorrow will effect the generations ahead, we consciously work toward a better future for all creatures and our living planet. “I feel the impact that the science and art of yoga has on people’s lives. Bod-ies, hearts and minds are opening to new possibilities,” is mindfully spoken by Dawn Brooks, a yoga teacher at Yoga Elements. “This is where I belong in this world, and I will connect with others who desire a life of joy and adventure and assist them in attaining their highest potential, encouraged this wish.” My next wish is that as conscience citizens of this country and of the world, we can put aside our differences and refocus on our common concerns as we work toward lasting economic, spiritual and social healing. Santa, I never question how you fulfill so many wishes every year, but know that when you arrive at our home, a glass of organic milk and gluten-free cookies will be there, next to many extra copies of Natural Awakenings. Please give a copy to Mrs. Claus, because we are certain she will enjoy our yummy baking recipes, like the Healthy-er Sugar Cookies. Oh, and the elves may get some great ideas from our Green Living article about creating homemade stocking stuffers from recycled and reusable stuff. Please share a few copies with Rudolf and the team, as they may find a few helpful hints from our Fit Body section about breathing easier when they exert themselves by flying around the world. Sometimes even Santa needs help, so if you find you’re looking for more meaningful gifts, please be sure to visit our Natural Awakenings advertisers. They’ll help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and save you some money with special offers in our Holiday Gift Guide.

Wishing you a magical holiday season, and worlds of happiness in 2013!

From the Unity Centers of the Gulf Coast

UNITY OFPANAMA CITY

1764 Lisenby AvePanama City FL 32405

850-769-7481www.unityofpanamacity.org

[email protected]______________________

UNITY IN FT. WALTON1797 Hurlburt Road

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547

850-864-1232www.unityinfwb.org

“Where people come together to grow their life and make the world a better place through spiritual social action”

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH AND LET IT BEGIN WITH ME

UNITY OF PENSACOLA

716 North 9th AvenuePensacola, Florida 32501

850-438-2277Information Line (850) 432-4252

[email protected]______________________

UNITY OFGULF BREEZE

913 Gulf Breeze Pkwy # 26 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561850-932-3076

[email protected]

MerryChristmas

Contact us or view our websites for specific events and times.

4 Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida www.NWFNaturally.com

EXPERIENCENATURAL HEALING!

KATHERINE SEMMES, MTOMACUPUNCTURE PHYSICIAN

“Building Strong, Healthy Families”

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contents

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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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17 ARE FOOD SENSITIVITIES MAKING US SICK? by Nitin Bawa, M.D.

18 IT’S ALL ABOUT WE Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together by Linda Sechrist

21 HOMEMADE AND HEARTFELT Do-It-Yourself Stocking Stuffers by Meredith Montgomery

22 HEALTHY HOLIDAY BAKING A Cornucopia of Delicious Treats

24 MAKING THE NEXT LEAP IN CONSCIOUSNESS by Darby Neptune 26 HOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE HARMONIZES OUR WORLD Marci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power by Judith Fertig

29 MINDFUL HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Simple Ways to Add Meaning and Family-Centered Fun by Barbara Amrhein 30 BREATHE EASIER Try These Tips for Better Workouts

32 CRITTER COMPANIONS Alternative Adoptions Fit for Families by Sandra Murphy

5natural awakenings December 2012

contents

6 newsbriefs

11 healthbriefs

12 globalbriefs

13 ecotip

14 spotlights

17 healingways

21 greenliving

22 consciouseating

24 inspiration

26 wisewords

29 healthykids

30 fitbody

32 naturalpet

36 calendar

37 classifieds

38 naturaldirectory

advertising & submissions

HOW TO ADvERTISE Pricing is available online on our Advertising page. To advertise with Natural Awakenings call 850-279-4102 or email [email protected]. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

EDITORIAL SuBMISSIONSEmail articles, news items and ideas to: [email protected]. Deadline for editorial: the 15th of the month.

CALENDAR SuBMISSIONSSubmit calendar entries online only at NWFNaturally.com. The links are on the left side of the web page. Deadline for calendar: the 15th of the month.

REGIONAL MARkETSAdvertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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newsbriefsAcupuncture Does Wonders Where Traditional Care Falterskerry Abaco, AP, is an experienced acupuncturist practicing in Panama

City, whose mission is to help people above all else. His current goal is to focus on several problematic ailments that he frequently sees in the community and for which he possesses unique tools to alleviate. As a result, Abaco has patients that have sought out his treatments from as far away as Tallahassee. “There are diseases that can’t be fixed with Western medicine, such as Bell’s palsy, the most common cause of acute facial nerve paralysis, and stroke, for which physical therapy is the traditional Western treatment,” states Abaco. “Two others are trigeminal neuralgia, which causes a stabbing or electric-shock-like pain in parts of the face, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), an affliction that brings burning pain, tenderness and swelling of an extremity.” It has been his personal experience to work with stroke victims that have been able talk again in six months under his treatment, and RSD patients that have avoided the loss of a limb—not an uncommon occurrence with traditional treatment.

Abaco Acupuncture is located at 2633 Hwy. 77, Ste. 8, in Panama City. For more information, call 850-628-8412, email [email protected] or visit AbacoAcupuncture.com.

Experience the Way Coffee Should Be EnjoyedFair trade fresh-roasted organic coffee is available at Cof-

fee Grounz & Bakeshop, in Fort Walton Beach—by the cup to drink or by the ounce to take home. Owner Drew Willard, who has been in the coffee business since 1984, turned his hobby into a business two years ago and discovered how to make the perfect cup. It starts with controlled growers and direct imports, proper storage during transport and roasting properly, using the perfect profiles and temperatures onsite. Their coffees are rainforest-friendly, bird-friendly varieties from all over the world. Customers will find be-tween nine and 15 origins in stock at any time in the shop from Africa, Indonesia, Central and South America. There are also a variety of all organic, loose-leaf Asian teas available. Coffee Grounz has gift baskets for the holidays and fresh baked goods, made with real ingredients and no fillers or preservatives.

Location: 74 Eglin Pkwy. NE, Ste. 106 (JG Plaza at Uptown Station). For more infor-mation, call 850-200-4800 or visit CoffeeGrounz.com.

Gluten-Free Pet Bakery Caters to Special NeedsThe Doggy Bag, in

Destin, is a local dog bakery and bou-tique that offers pre-mium, healthy dog and cat food and treats, in-cluding grain-free and gluten-free products made with no fillers or preservatives, sugar, salt or dyes, as well as products to accommodate dogs with allergies or diabetes. Many of their products are of human-grade quality, and they also stock raw frozen food, marrowbones and beef and buffalo knuckles. The Doggy Bag carries popular brands such as Taste of the Wild, Origin, Great Life and other high-quality foods to fit any price range. They bake treats and birthday cakes and create puppy gift baskets and holiday-themed personal-ized gifts for pets and their owners. Owner Carol Gentemann helps place dogs and cats in loving homes, and her daughter Ally pet-sits on the side. Their motto is: “Pay now for quality or pay later in vet’s bills!”

Location: 34904 Emerald Coast Pkwy., Ste. 126. For more information, call 850-837-9833, email [email protected] or visit TheDoggyBag.com.


Center for Lifelong Learning Hosts Integrative Medicine ProgramIntegrative medicine is where East meets West, making the

best of both medical traditions available to address life’s challenges and improve overall health. The university of West Florida Center for Life-long Learning is hosting a program that begins January 18, 2013, on their Fort Walton Beach campus, where participants will learn from local practitioners of Oriental medicine, acu-puncture, whole food nutrition, homeopathy, Tai chi, mediation and cutting-edge healing modalities. Daralyn Chase, publisher of Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida magazine, will host the program. She has made it her mission over the past six years to provide insights and information about local practitioners, services and products that support a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. “There is keen interest in this subject in our area and I am excited about providing guest speakers who will answer audience questions and speak about their specialty field,” said Chase.

For reservations, call 850-474-3491 or enroll online at uwf.edu/emeraldcoast/aboutus/community.cfm. For more information, visit nwfnaturally.com.

Meet Artists at Fiddly BitsFiddly Bits & Tea Art Gallery-Café, in Fort Walton Beach, is

holding a Meet the Artist Night from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Decem-ber 12. Local creatives will be on hand at the gallery to chat and offer some special deals on many unique pieces of art and jewelry, including freshwater pearls, beautiful watches, color-ful beads and more. It’s a great opportunity to find that perfect one-of-a-kind gift. The gallery is adding artists every week and expects to get more exposure with their new tearoom. There, they serve tea, jam tarts, teacakes, tea sandwiches, tea cookies and crumpets, with more healthy varieties on the way. Fiddly Bits is also serving wine and beer, with special house vintages.

Location: 222 Miracle Strip Pkwy. For more information, call 850-226-7375 FiddlyBitsAndTea.com. Look for updates on Facebook.

New Therapy Available at M&M ChiropracticDr. Amanda Hill and Dr. Martina Castro, of M&M Chi-

ropractic, in association with Sheldon Chiropractic, in Fort Walton Beach, have introduced a new modality, LED light therapy, which has been proven effective in treating peripheral neuropathy. Their medical-grade lights are different than other existing LED light therapies in that they do not generate heat, which can be hazardous in cases of neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is caused by many factors, including statin medications and diabetes, and until now it was believed that there was way to stop its progression. using specialized therapeutic procedures that include light therapy, Hill and Cas-tro can possibly stop the progression of and potentially reverse neuropathy, although results vary by individual. As they assimilate into the practice of Dr. Richard Sheldon, the new partners pledge to keep up with the latest developments trends in chiropractic care, incorporating new modalities and offerings as their patients’ needs change.

Location: 350-D Racetrack Rd. For more information, call 850-863-1920 or visit MandMChiropractic.com.

Experience Light Therapy in FWBBuddy Bow-

man, Lt. Col., uSAF (Ret.) a for-mer test pilot and aeronautical engi-neer, has opened a new light energy therapy practice, Light for Life, in Fort Wal-ton Beach, inside the Blossom Yoga Studio. One of the first light therapy practitioners on the Emerald Coast, Bowman is accepting clients for his services as a quantum light energy coach, asserting that light therapy increases circulation and reduces inflam-mation, pain, and stress. Experience the soothing, healing, light energy photons that gently reduce stress and help bring the body back into balance. This promotes the natural heal-ing of the body by itself, the way it was designed to do and nature intended. The treatment is painless, convenient, afford-able, non-invasive and drug-free.

Location: 325-A Racetrack Rd. For more in-formation, call 850-582-4929, email [email protected] or visit BuddyBowman.com.

Versatile Yoga Studio Opens in PCBYoga Elements,

LLC, has opened at 108 Carillon Mar-ket Street, in Pan-ama City Beach, giving practitioners a chance to try aerial yoga, assisted by a hammock, or balanced on a standup paddleboard. Co-owners Dawn Brooks and LauraLynn Jansen say it’s a new way of making yoga fun and adding a different challenge. There’s also yoga on the mat and in the water. Brooks is a registered nurse and provides yoga therapy and private yoga instruction. Brooks and Jansen are passionate about providing yoga classes to assist people in achieving their highest poten-tial, both on and off the mat.

For more information, call 850-866-2199, email [email protected] or visit YogaElements108.com.


newsbriefsDr. Bawa Introduces Korr Metabolic TestingA resting metabolic rate (RMR) test

measures how many calories of food energy are required to maintain basic body functions such as heartbeat, breathing and maintenance of body temperature while in a state of rest. This information is useful for proper diagnosis and counseling for weight loss, detection of slow metabolism and with nutritional assessments. “Often, overweight people are convinced they have slow metabolism. A patient can see the level at which they burn calo-ries and it can be very encouraging and motivating,” explains Bawa. The doctor also uses the information to improve the use of hormone adjusting medication and natural supplements. The test administered by Bawa uses a precision airflow sensor that measures the volume of expired air and another sensor that measures the concentration of oxygen. Once the factors of temperature and relative humidity are accounted for, the testing instrument provides accurate results. In many cases insurance pays for the test and the doctor accepts most plans.

For more information, call 850-424-7320 or visit DrBawa.com.

Bee Ready for the Holidays at Mint to BeeThe u.S. Department of Ag-

riculture confirms that bee pollen is one of the most nutri-tious foods we can eat, because it contains every nutrient re-quired to sustain and support life in a pure, raw and unaltered form. The Mint to Bee gift shop is a hidden treasure in Fort Walton Beach for honey-related gift-giving ideas this holiday season. They feature local, raw honey in tupelo, tulip poplar, gall berry and wildflower flavors, as well as bee pollen, honey sticks, beeswax candles and gift baskets. Other giftware such as Willowtree figurines, retro toys and furniture, candles, GreenLeaf scented oils and warmers, sterling silver jewelry and gifts, handcrafted Americana gifts and Christmas décor round out the selection. As a holiday incentive, Mint to Bee has expanded its hours to 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday. Everything in the shop is half-off in December (some exclusions apply).

Location: 1303 Beverly St. For more information, call 850-864-4735 or follow them on Facebook.

Emerald Coast Chiropractic Adds Donaldson to StaffDr. kelly Donaldson, the first

female chiropractor in Des-tin, has joined the staff of Em-erald Coast Chiropractic. She is a graduate of Logan university, in Missouri, with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and master’s degree in sports science and re-habilitation. Donaldson focuses on the ho-listic, natural approach to health-care and overall wellness. She likes to help people with all types of conditions, not just musculoskeletal pain. She believes in preventing problems instead of reacting to them, and loves working with children and pregnant women. Donaldson is a lifetime member of the Arkansas Alumni Association, the Logan Alumni Association, the American Chiropractic Association and the Florida Chiropractic Association. Donaldson’s community involvement includes the Junior League of the Emerald Coast, kiwanis Club of Destin, Destin Chamber Ambassador, YP at the Beach, city of Destin Park & Recreation Committee and city youth basketball coach.

Locations: 501 Harbor Blvd., Ste. C., Destin; 7720 U.S. Hwy. 98 W., Ste. 300B (at Sacred Heart Hospital), Miramar Bch. For more information, call 850-654-1850, email [email protected] or visit DestinChiropractor.com.

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Earthen Cloth Expands with Organic Diaper ServiceEarthen Clo th ,

a n e w c l o t h diaper service for Panama City, Pan-ama City Beach, 30A and some sur-rounding areas, is

now offering to deliver unbleached, organic cloth diaper prefolds, in the appropriate size, to the customer’s doorstep each week and pick up the dirties in a hamper bag they provide. The customer does not need to be home. The prefolded diapers they pro-vide are extremely soft and absorbent, held closed with provided “Snappis” No pins are required. Owner Melinda Hallman states that disposable diapers contain traces of di-oxin, a byproduct of the paper-bleaching process, listed by the EPA as the most

toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. She notes that it is banned in most countries, but not the united States. During the cleaning process, Earthen Cloth uses no chlorine bleach, perfumes, dyes, enzymes or softeners. The diapers are ideal for babies with sensitive skin. Gift cer-tificates are available for the diaper service and an online Etsy store features organic cloth diaper, accessories and gift items.

For more information, call 850-624-3583 or visit earthencloth.com or Etsy.com/shop/EarthenCloth.

Armand and Angelina at Unity of Panama City

Po p u l a r e n t e r -

tainers Ar-mand and A n g e l i n a wi l l share an extraor-dinary spiri-tual message of oneness,

blended with incredible music, at 11 a.m., December 30, and an amazing concert at 1 p.m., as part of their national tour, themed A Time For us. Armand is a musical minister, singer/songwriter and native flautist. He is a master of presenting the humor-ous side of life, and writes thought-provoking material about his spiritual journey on this planet. Angelina is a classically trained vocalist and clas-sical guitarist, whose voice has been compared to those of Sarah Brightman and Charlotte Church. Together, they travel across the country, sharing their fusion of classi-cal, popular and world influences. The purpose, they say, is to help the world experience Heaven on Earth. Their spirit-affirming lyrics and melodies are sure to lift the audience with love and joy.

Cost: $25 love offering for concert. Loca-tion: 1764 Lisenby Ave., Panama City. For more information, call 850-769-7481 or visit UnityOfPanamaCity.org.

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newsbriefs

New Radio Program Champions Health and WellnessNatural Awakenings of Northwest Florida

is sponsoring a radio show at 9:30 a.m. on two Mondays a month on 1620AM radio. Hosted by Publisher Daralyn Chase, the pro-gram’s content mirrors the healthy and sustain-able living themes of the magazine. Chase will interview local newsmakers and experts to answer questions about their field of expertise. “The show is a perfect blend of our mission to provide infor-mation to the public on the healthy and green living industry, while supporting the local businesses that bring those services and products to our area,” explains Chase. The guest interviewee for the December 10 show will be Jordan Rubin, owner of Beyond Organic. Rubin will answer questions about organic topics such as the difference between grass-fed and green-fed beef, and how eating organic and green-fed meat can make a difference in one’s diet. Chase is offering a $100 gift certificate contest for callers on a question taken from the magazine’s current edition. “It’s a great prize, as the winner can spend it on any product or service they see in the magazine,” says Chase.

New Fort Walton Beach Certified Green Business ProgramStarting in January 2013, local business owners

will have the opportunity to let their customers know that they doing their part to make our com-munity more sustainable by becoming a Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce Certified Green Business, allowing consumers to shop with confidence that rigorous criteria have been tested and met to avoid “greenwashing”, a term for inflated or misleading environmental claims. Becoming a part of this exciting program is easy and has a very low cost of entry. Businesses fill out and sign an electronic checklist that will be displayed on the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce website under the Environment Com-mittee link and send it back to the Chamber for verification. If the business meets the 25 minimum sustainability measures and submits an application fee of $25, it will be certified as a Greater Fort Walton Beach Certified Green Business. Members are authorized to use the FWB Certified Green Business logo for their company’s website and will receive a Certified Green Business window sticker that clearly states the year of certification.

For more information, call 244-8191 or visit fwbchamber.org.

kudos

Deborah Daniels, Don Daniels and Arlene

Carmichael, of Avalon Light Keepers, LLC., have trained at the Solas Academy and become certified light en-ergy technicians through the board of Advanced Natural Health Sciences. Deborah states, “We can keep our clients informed on all the ways to increase circulation, decrease inflammation and assist with stress management. By using these cutting-edge LED lights, using proper pad placement and special settings, we can assist our clients to bring the body back to homeostasis and move towards wellness.”

Light sessions are available at the Golden Almond Health Food Store, 339 Racetrack Rd. NW, in Ft. Walton Beach, Mon. through Fri. from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 850-424-8261 or visit AvalonLightkeepers.com.

Community Liaisons HiredNatural Awakenings of Northwest Florida has filled three new

community liaison positions to provide the opportunity for businesses to learn more about becoming contributors to Natural Awakenings magazines, radio and television programs. They will also help local merchants and practitioners market themselves to the magazine’s 40,000 readers in Okaloosa, Walton and Bay counties. “Now, with two editions, we are seeking more local stories, news and events to cover. The liaison interviews will help us learn more about businesses of interest to our readers,” says Publisher Daralyn Chase. “We have grown tremendously this year, and I am delighted to be able to offer more people an opportunity to work with our magazine.” Emily Schultz, in Fort Walton Beach, will inter-view businesses in Okaloosa and Walton counties. She holds a degree in exercise science and teaches fitness classes part-time at the Fort Walton Beach Family YMCA. “I am learning so much about so many people—we have a great wellness community here!” says Schultz. Melisa Caporella, in Panama City Beach, will conduct interviews in Bay County. An experienced journalist, she is dedicated to a healthy lifestyle through exercise and nutrition. “I’ve always loved learning about natural health remedies and prefer them over traditional medicine,” says Caporella. Marie Perez, a Miami native, will interview businesses in the Pace, Milton and Crestview area. She has a background in publications and sales. While she enjoys traveling and scuba div-ing, Perez states, “I love to help others, and this is a great chance to do that.”

Business owners interested in interviewing with a community liaison should contact Scott Chase at 850-687-0825 or email [email protected].


healthbriefsOne-Size Meditation Does Not Fit All

An intriguing study recently

posted online by Explore: The Jour-nal of Science and Healing, suggests that new medi-tators are most likely to stick with the practice and

reap its healthful benefits if they select methods with which they are most comfortable, rather than those that are most popular. In one of the first studies to compare meditation techniques head-to-head, author Adam Burke, a professor of health education at San Francisco State university and the director of its Institute for Holistic Health Studies, taught 247 partici-pants four popular methods—mantra, mindfulness, Zen and qigong visu-alization. He asked them to choose which they preferred to practice at home for six weeks before tech-niques were evaluated. The simpler methods, mantra and mindfulness, each were preferred by 31 percent of study participants. Zen and qigong were selected by about 22 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Burke says the results showed the value of providing people new to meditation simpler and more accessible methods, and also emphasized that no one technique is best for everyone. He hopes to see more comparative medita-tion studies, especially to determine if particular methods are better at ad-dressing specific health issues such as addiction. “If that’s the case,” he advises, “healthcare professionals would be able to guide patients toward techniques that will be most effective for them. Additional studies are also needed to determine if there is a way to predict which method will be best suited for any particular individual.”

A Wise Man’s Gift for Arthritis SufferersFrankincense, an aromatic resin obtained from

Boswellia trees native to Africa, is an age-old herbal remedy that may help alleviate the pain of arthritis, according to scientists at Cardiff university, in Wales. “The search for new ways of relieving the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis is a long and difficult one,” says Dr. Emma Blain, who led the research with co-investigators Professor vic Duance, from Cardiff university’s School of Biosciences, and Dr. Ahmed Ali, of the Compton Group. The team believes they have been able to demonstrate that treatment with an extract of Boswellia frereana—a rare frank-incense species—inhibits the production of key inflammatory molecules and helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage tissue that causes the condition. The African Somali people have long used extracts of frankincense as a tradi-tional remedy for arthritis. “Our research achieved the use of innovative chemical extraction techniques to determine the active ingredient in frankincense,” says Ali. “We will now be able to further characterize the chemical entity and compare its success against other anti-inflammatory drugs used for treating the condition.”

Giving Begets Happiness at Every Age

“To give is better than to receive,” is a maxim that appears to hold true even for the very young. A new study co-

authored by three psychologists at Canada’s university of British Columbia observes that giving makes toddlers happier. The study, published in PLOS One, an online journal of the Public Library of Science, found that toddlers younger than 2 were happier when giving treats to others than when receiving them. They were also happier when they gave their own treats away, rather

than an identical treat that didn’t belong to them.


News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

globalbriefshealthbriefs

Nutty Way to Help Preserve CognitionWalnut consumption is associ-

ated with better memory scores and cognitive function, according to recent findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. In the Prevención con Dieta Mediterrnáea study, funded by the Spanish Ministry of Health, results show that a Mediter-ranean diet, supplemented with olive oil or one ounce of mixed nuts, half of which are walnuts, is more beneficial than a low-fat diet when it comes to body weight, blood pressure, insulin resistance and systemic inflammation. The nutrient-dense walnuts pro-vide antioxidants and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid. Both are key nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties that help protect brain cells from the oxidative damage associated with cognitive decline.

Smog BegoneDramatic Decline in Los Angeles Air PollutionLegendary late-night Tv host Johnny Carson made the thick, automobile-generated smog that covered Los Angeles the butt of jokes for decades, but times have changed. In the past 50 years, California’s Los Ange-les Basin has shown a 98 percent decrease in levels of some vehicle-related air pollutants even as area denizens now burn three times as much gasoline and diesel fuel.

Between 2002 and 2010 alone, the concentration of volatile organic com-pounds (vOC) dropped by half, according to a new study led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and published in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres. “The reason is simple. Cars are getting clean-er,” says Carsten Warneke, a NOAA-funded scientist with the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, at the university of Colorado at Boulder. Primarily emitted from the vehicle tailpipes, vOCs are a key ingredient in formation of ground-level ozone, which at high levels can harm people’s lungs and damage crops and other plants. The magnitude of the drop in vOC levels was surprising, although it doesn’t mean that ozone levels have dropped as steeply, because the air chemistry is complex. Levels of ozone pollution in the basin are down, but don’t yet meet u.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Warneke expects the decrease in vOC emissions by cars to continue, given that engine efficiency continues to improve and older, higher polluting vehicles will be taken off the roads.

Source: American Geophysical Union (Tinyurl.com/SmogBegone)

Coming CleanEnvironmental Hall of ShameFrom shampoo, deodorant and toothpaste to laundry detergent and window cleaners, hundreds of chemicals of unknown origin and effect can be found everywhere in our daily lives. Some are regulated by government agencies, but many are not; some cleaning products, for example, are not even required to list their ingredients on labels. The research team at the nonprofit consumer watchdog Environmental Working Group has released a new Cleaners Hall of Shame database (Tinyurl.com/CleanerHallOfShame) that ranks more than 2,000 household cleaners by how hazardous their ingredients are and how much information is on their labels. Many products contain ingredients known to cause asthma or are contaminated with carcinogens. Even so-called “green” products aren’t necessarily any better. Many of them boast of ingredients made from plants, rather than petroleum, but there is little or no safety data for some plant-based ingredients. A truly green product poses few risks to health or the environment and transparently informs users of its content.


ecotip

Green ChristmasHoliday Planet SaversHere are some fresh ways to tweak family traditions for a greener holiday this and every year.

Incorporate local, sustainable cuisine into the family feast. Ingredients for a traditional holiday dinner can travel up to 30,000 miles. Instead, show support for local community farmers and reduce food transportation miles by choosing a heritage turkey or meatless entrée. Stellar complements may include organic cranberry jelly, mulled apple cider or wine from an area farm, orchard or vineyard.

Adopt or recycle the Christmas tree. According to the u.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as many as 33 million live-cut Christmas trees are purchased each year in North America, and most end up in landfills. Fortunately, Christmas tree adop-tion services like Central California’s Rent a Living Christmas Tree are popping up across the country, allowing them to go on living. The potted trees can be rented and delivered. If tree adoption services are not yet available locally, make sure to recycle a live holiday tree so it’s turned into landscape mulch for reuse as ground cover to hinder weeds and nourish plantings.

Reduce energy costs through efficient cooking. Wait to fire up the oven until the heritage turkey or organic ham is ready to go in; preheating is unnecessary for these slow-roasting items. For baked goods, opt for glass or ceramic pans, which allow cooking time to remain the same while lowering the heat by about 25 degrees. Another energy-saving trick is to place stovetop cookware on the smallest burner possible; more heat will embrace the pan, while less is lost to the surrounding air. A six-inch pan on an eight-inch burner typically wastes more than 40 percent of the energy generated. Crockpots work well for serving other small family dinners during the busy holiday season or anytime; an entire meal requires about 17 cents worth of electricity. At cleanup time, load up the dishwasher fully. One load of dishes scrubbed in a dishwashing machine uses 37 percent less water than washing the same dishes by hand.

Send plant-able holiday cards. According to CalRecycle, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the united States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. This year, instead of the usual snail mail, send a bouquet of flowers for the price of a stamp. Recipients can plant a GreenFieldPaper.com grow-a-note holiday card in the ground and see wild-flowers bloom. For plant-able holiday cards that can be personalized with a corporate logo, BotanicalPaperworks.com offers card sets and party favors.

Bird BrainsWhen the Warm Get GoingGlobal climate change is a real, measurable phenomenon, according to a new study, based on the National Audubon Society’s North American Christmas Bird Count. It found that avian species have taken decades to adjust their ranges northward in response to warming winters. Frank La Sorte, a researcher at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, in Ithaca, New York, and lead author of a study supported by the National Science Foundation, says in the Jour-nal of Animal Ecology that because birds are highly mobile and migrate north and south with the changing seasons, they are better able to shift their ranges than less mobile, non-mi-grating species, such as amphibians. “It makes sense that species move slower than the rate at which climate is changing,” says La Sorte. “Many of them need to follow a prey base and a type of vegetation, or they need certain kinds of habitat that will create corridors for movement. Spe-cies are responding under their own time frame.” The challenge for humans is daunting. “We have to give species the opportunity to respond by provid-ing corridors for movement and long-term maintenance of those corridors,” says La Sorte. “That requires coopera-tion across political boundaries.”

Source: ABC News


Community Spotlight

by Jude Forsyth

More than a year ago, Stacey vann, awakened by a dream at 4 a.m., clearly knew what she would be doing the next year. “It was so clear to me how I

was supposed unite all the yoga communities in the region. I visualized a neutral space to celebrate and heal with yoga, warm water and sun, great food and kids and so much more,” explains vann. Then vann wrote her vision into existence so she could inspire the regional yoga community to join her in her vision to “celebrate yoga, music, art and the environment; elevate consciousness, unify local com-munities, create abundance through mutual support, education and conscious consumerism, and inspire you to be great.” With that, the first annual Mahabhuta Yoga festival came into being, and vann sprang into action to

make her vi-sion come true.

AAAAs a yoga teacher at Ab-haya Yoga Cen-ter, in Pensac-ola, vann had a busy practice of her own, but persisted in making the festival a real-ity. “There was such a wonder-ful response as I reached out the yoga communities

across the Gulf Coast,” says vann. “Most things hap-pened pretty easily, at the right time, wherever I was in the project.” The inaugural Mahabhuta Yoga Festival, co-sponsored by Natural Awakenings of NW Florida, was held from November 16 to 18, at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center, in Pensacola. More than 20 regional and local yoga instructors and studio owners provided classes, music, healing arts, food, kid’s activities and an artisan village. Registration topped 400; in addition, more than 100 children enjoyed activities like yoga swings in the trees and marionettes. “We had people from across the Gulf Coast, includ-ing Texas. We had attendees from Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, Illinois, even New York,” says vann. “When-ever we would ask students to raise their hands if they were from our area, only about a third of the group did. The warm water and the many activities drew more people from much further than I thought.”

vann chose the element of water for this first festival, because 2012 is the Chinese Year of the Water Dragon, and she wanted to honor the sacred waters of the Gulf of Mexico and bring healing to all the waters along the Emer-ald Coast. She says, “Waters carries energy, it is a conduit of awareness, and that is part of the resiliency of our area.” Participants honored the environmental and spiritual water theme by bringing their own bottles and filling them with free, alkalinized kangen water. “We kept the water flowing for everyone without adding more plastic into our environ-ment,” states vann.

Stacey Vann Lives the Mahabhuta Vision

Gary Young and Stacey Vann

Kim Lee and Aaron Lind

Photos by Stephen Dunn Moody, Dunn Media

Water Studio Yoga Workshop


Along with flowing water, vann made sure the yoga move-ments flowed constantly throughout the three-day event. Participants had many choices of yoga levels, prac-tices and instruc-tors, in several choices of rooms, including the main studio that held art by the visionary artist Geoglyphiks, aka George Atherton, the creator of

the festival poster. “His art brought its own energy and peacefulness in to the studio,” says vann. Friday night provided the first insight for vann. “I was so inspired by how the group created the medi-cine wheel Friday evening—we set the intention for the weekend, and then it came about as it was supposed to,” she says. One exciting surprise for vann was the unexpected visit of D. Gary Young, founder and president of Young Living Essential Oils. “It was extraordinary that he changed his whole world to be here to share with our group,” explains vann, also a Living Oils representative. Young co-taught sessions about essential oils, and attend-ees enjoyed a drop of lavender oil as they started their yoga classes. Perhaps the most challenging part of the long weekend for vann was trying to keep herself well for the event. “I was sleeping two hours a night; I had great focus and energy,” she says. “I was so blessed to have dedicated crew and family members who kept me well fed, hydrated and supported throughout the event.” Food at the festival also followed a healthy theme. Many local groups offered gourmet vegetarian cuisine, including Cafe Organic (FWB), End of the Line, Beach Pops and Wild Roots (Pensacola), Raw and Juicy (Seaside) and Sweetwater Baking Company (Floyd). “If some of the attendees weren’t vegetarian before, they probably had their eyes open this weekend. The food was excellent,” says vann. Saturday night offered an evening of music with the transcendental sounds of The Human Experience, kami-nanda & Govinda. “Yogis are pretty mellow anyway, but

it was perfect for the mood of the group,” says vann. The festival may be over for this year, but its memory will live on when vann donates a portion of the pro-ceeds to the Mahabhuta Yoga Foundation to provide each participating studio with a scholarship fund for Gulf Coast residents or regional teachers to participate in yoga teacher trainings, workshops and continuing education. “If they grow, so will the festival grow—every year, more new students and instructors will enjoy Mahabhuta,” explains vann. Plans for next year might not see many changes, because vann feels the festival was close to flawless this time around. She added she might keep the after party onsite next year and add video streaming of the classes. A tired and satisfied vann shares what was her most inspirational point of the festival, “There was a moment when I found myself just watching it all unfold, just like I saw it, just like I dreamed it; it was so true to my vision, and that gave me such a peaceful feeling.”

To attend yoga sessions with Stacey Vann, visit AbhayaYoga Center.com To see pictures and read comments about the festi-val, visit Facebook.com/Mahabhuta. Pictures of the festival will be available on Mahabhutayogafestival.com soon.

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Practitioner Spotlight

Dr. Nitin Bawa, prac-

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mones and supplements for anti-aging. Patients seeking his services have a wide variety to choose from, including medi-cal weight-loss programs and aesthetic services, with the comfort of knowing that he also provides acute care. Bawa has a special interest in bio-identical hormones and supports the use of complementary and holistic medicine. He uses natural treatments whenever possible and attends numer-ous conferences, including those of the American Association of Anti-aging Medicine. Bawa states, “I believe in providing the highest quality of care in a caring, efficient setting while integrating natural, holistic and alternative medi-cine concepts that have scientific merit.”

Dr. Bawa is Dedicated to Innovation As a runner and swimmer, Bawa has an interest in sports medicine and nutrition for athletes. He ad-ministers tests to optimize perfor-mance for athletes and can advise on supplements for the improvement of athletic performance. Bawa matriculated from the uni-versity of Illinois at Chicago (uIC) Medical School in 2001. He did his residency in internal medicine at uIC and holds a master’s degree in health services management and finance from Loyola university, in Chicago. While completing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Northwest-ern university, he did research on Alzheimer’s disease and co-authored a research paper published in the journal Experimental Neurology. He also did an externship at the kennedy Space Center, and has participated in research with flight surgeons. He has also volunteered with the Inter-national Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.

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by Nitin Bawa, M.D.

This is the time of the year that

we often overeat and feel bloated and miserable. However, many people feel bad after eating even small amounts of certain foods. Just like some people get a rash with certain skin care prod-ucts, individuals can have an allergic reac-

tion to something that is eaten. Because we cannot look inside our gut easily, it is very difficult to determine exactly what is going on and what the sensitive foods are. If we put something on our skin that does not agree with us we know it fairly soon, because we get a rash and can see the differ-ence. The same kind of process occurs in the digestive tract. About three-fourths of all immune cells are found in the gut, where the body has to fight against bacteria and decide if certain foods are not good for us and should be eliminated rapidly in the form of diarrhea. These immune cells are helpful to most people because they help ward off the numerous bacteria that are in our intestine. How-ever, for some people, they go haywire. Many people have food allergies and insensitivities that are never detected. When the immune cells in the

Are Food Sensitivities Making Us Sick?

gut are irritated by some foods, they produce inflamma-tory cytokines that cause inflammation in the body and can contribute to pain. There is a unique test called the ALCAT that at-tempts to answer this question. This is a blood test where white cells from blood are grown in a tube and exposed to extracts from different foods. It is possible to look at the white cells under a microscope and see which foods cause the white cells to get irritated, or degranulated. The ALCAT test checks the cells against a few hun-dred foods, chemicals and preservatives and gives a re-port that describes for the client which foods may cause a mild, moderate or severe allergy reaction. The report also gives a recommended rotational diet that helps grad-ually rotate some of the sensitive foods into the body.

Dr. Bawa practices in Santa Rosa Beach, Destin and Panama City. He contributes to local newspapers and his articles can be found on the Internet. For more informa-tion, call 850-424-7320 or visit DrBawa.com.

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After decades of studying issues of environmental destruction, poverty and war, Malcolm Hollick,

Ph.D., author of The Science of Oneness: A New Worldview for the Twenty-First Century, concluded in 2006 that a better future for humanity requires a more holis-tic worldview. It must be one that reflects the evidence of both new sciences and established spiritual traditions, all of which point to a deep unity, or Oneness, the grand reality underlying and often belying the superficial testimony of the senses. Hollick concluded, “We become open to the experience of this unity only when we recognize at the deepest intui-tive level that we do not exist as separate selves.” The founder of the Findhorn College Foundation, in Scotland, recog-nized that while the old worldview has disintegrated, the concrete of a new one has not yet set. He also observed how the acceleration of scientific findings—advancing knowledge and understanding of the universe, as well as the meaning and purpose of life—would continue to influence the general worldview. Within a decade of the publication of his book, hard scientific evidence across many disciplines—particularly physics and biology—as well as pio-neering ideas and anecdotal evidence presented by leading philosophers and

authors, affirmed the existence of a real-ity in which everything is connected and linked in a coherent whole. Such thinking further revealed that evolution has equipped humans with ge-netic wiring for co-creation, cooperation and collaboration. Martin A. Nowak, a professor of biology and mathematics at Harvard university and co-author of Super Cooperators: Altruism, Evolu-tion, and Why We Need Each Other to Succeed, explains that most great innovations of life have resulted not from competition, but cooperation, the real “master architect” of evolution. Nowak believes that figuring out how coopera-tion comes about and breaks down is the key to human survival as a species. Books such as The Bond: Con-necting Through the Space Between Us, by Lynne McTaggart, a scientific researcher and award-winning journal-ist, and The Golden Motorcycle Gang: A Story of Transformation, co-authored by motivational speaker Jack Canfield, are helping individuals to see through the illusions of the old “survival of the fittest” and “I win, you lose” paradigms into one expressed in terms of con-nectedness and relationships. This new “Me-We” thinking and way of being has been spreading; it now informs everything from enlightened environ-

mental stewardship to economics, as well as health and spiritual well-being.

How Community WorksCanfield emphasizes the valuable les-son of collaboration and cooperation he learned while working for W. Clem-ent Stone, a philanthropist and self-help author: When working together, focus on overlapping goals and interests, and not on differences. In Chicago, Illinois, where the Eat Fresh Eat Local movement sparks successful collaborations, the focus is on food, rather than issues of race, sex or economic disparity. There, hundreds of people are growing food together in communal spaces on city-owned land, privately owned empty lots and roof-tops, as well as in school gardens, food forests and urban farm sites. “Self-reliant, community-operated urban farms and the food centers that retail the produce to residents in surrounding neighborhoods—some in the city’s most isolated and impoverished communities—are economic drivers that create jobs,” says Erika Allen, projects manager of Chi-cago’s Growing Power office. The daugh-ter of national organization founder Will Allen notes that local workshops resemble a cross-section of the world. “Participants from different countries, cultures and economic levels come together for three meals a day, where we connect, share perspectives and learn from one another.” Another successful initiative, Build-ing a Healthier Chicago (BHC), brings together the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Office of the Regional Health Administrator of the u.S. Depart-ment of Health and Human Services, the Chicago Medical Society and the Institute of Medicine of Chicago. The BHC agri-business project develops and maintains a system of more accessible food supply, distribution and markets where people live, work, play, pray and learn. Neighbors in Milwaukee, Wiscon-sin, organized park cleanups with the long-range goal of replacing crime and litter with learning. Now, Riverside Park, once an area of urban blight, has both a college-level field research station and grade school outdoor classroom, offering innovative school, adult and community programs operated by the urban Ecology Center (uEC). Programs serve 44 schools and have spawned two branches in Wash-ington Park and Menomonee valley to

It’s all about WeConscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together

by Linda Sechrist


serve residents in those areas. The uEC’s latest project, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, the River Revitalization Foundation, Milwaukee County Parks, private businesses and local landown-ers, is an arboretum that will protect and restore 40 acres of land for native species and wildlife habitat along the Milwaukee River. “With the creation of the Milwaukee Rotary Centennial Arboretum, southeastern Wisconsin has a new, biologically diverse space for growing future environmental stewards,” says uEC Executive Director ken Leinbach. He particularly likes creating spaces and resources that give people that wouldn’t normally connect a place to bump into one another.

Expanding WorldviewCollege settings are similarly intended to encourage stimulat-ing and expansive dialogue among diverse populations. At Mount Holyoke College, in South Hadley, Massachusetts, recent environmental study grads Dana Rubin and Hannah

Blackmer met Frances Moore Lappé when she visited to share the message of her book EcoMind: Changing the Way We Think, to Create the World We Want. As a result, the pair embraced the need to shift their view of the world away from looming negatives to focus on creating positive connections and meaningful relationships that recognize life’s interdepen-dence and fuel constructive change. After more research, the duo built a simple website named ConvenientResilience.com and created a blog before commenc-ing a coast-to-coast, 100-day, solutions-oriented journey last sum-mer. They posted nearly 30 “webisodes” of heartfelt interactions with individuals and organizations with stories to tell, like the group at 2100 Lakeside Emergency Men’s Shelter, in Cleveland, Ohio, that is using small-scale, practical and cost-effective solu-tions to lessen their impact on the environment. “The personal stories we heard affirm what we learned from Frances—that it’s possible to locally solve global problems together,” advise the sojourners, who travel in a grease-powered car. “Learn to think beyond negative thought traps that engender fear,” advises Lappé. “Thinking, ‘There isn’t enough to go around, so I have to grab what I can now,’ for instance, focuses on separateness and lack, which is precisely what got us into the state we are in.”

Starting WithinA big-picture, more-whole-systems perspective forms naturally when individuals come together to explore the power of building intentional coherence. The Art of Hosting (and convening con-versations that matter), World Café, vistar Method for Circles and OpenSpace collaborations leverage technology for the practice of

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mindfulness to foster deeper connections, authentic conversations and outside-the-box ideas, all contributing to a more enlightened collective intelligence. One’s own new world perspective can even emerge as a result of a dark night of the soul, as Patricia Ariadne, Ph.D., author of Drinking the Dragon, has observed with clients that have undergone a personal metamorphosis as a result of the economic downturn. “Often, the entire process of transforma-tion indicates a spiritual initiation—a renewal or rebirth—that acts as an induction into a level of expanded con-sciousness and new relationship with Spirit,” remarks Ariadne. “True spiritual progress inevitably leads to a desire to be of greater service to others, to go from ‘Me to We,’ which I believe is our mandate for the 21st century.” Living mindfully can literally change our brains, states Jon kabat-Zinn, Ph.D., in the introduction to A Mindful Nation, by Ohio Congress-man Tim Ryan, which reports on the supporting science. “Mindfulness… can improve our capacity for perspec-tive taking and decision making, and enhance our emotional intelligence and our ability to act with clarity and wisdom, alone and in concert with others.” kabat-Zinn is the founding director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care and Society, at the university of Massachusetts Medical School, in Worcester. “A peaceful revolution is being led by ordinary citizens across our nation,”

confirms Ryan. “At the core of it is mindfulness—finding ways to slow the mind, pay attention to the present mo-ment and see how you are connected to others and can work in a spirit of cooperation to get things done.” The inner impulse to recognize the deeper unity of all life and sense the reality of Oneness is bubbling up within individuals, small groups and organiza-tions, and finding expression in writings and teachings, according to Barbara Marx Hubbard, author of Birth 2012 and Beyond: Humanity’s Great Shift to the Age of Conscious Evolution. Individuals that feel compelled to join with others in expanding their consciousness to help foster systemic change and a culture of a higher order are invited to find a com-patible group. Hubbard offers webcast training for Agents of Conscious Evolu-tion (ACE), now 3,000 members strong; Craig Hamilton, founder of Integral Enlightenment, provides an online tele-course called Awakening to an Evolu-tionary Relationship to Life. “Evolutionaries sense that we are facing a critical moment in the unfolding of our human story and feel called to create pathways to a better future,” says Hamilton. He notes that the 35,000 participants in his most recent introduction to his webcast were interested in where they could find a supportive community of kindred spirits committed to living life on the same level. He states, “We instinctively know that we can accomplish more together.” A partnership with The Shift

Network, which empowers a global movement of those intent on creat-ing an evolutionary shift in con-sciousness, has enabled Hubbard, a featured sage in the documentary Awaken Soul to Soul, and her ACEs to launch a global initiative to mark the inauguration of a sustainable planetary civilization on December 22. Thousands of individuals are now working in collective hubs across the united States to prepare for the Planetary Birth Day celebration. An initial concern for many individu-als seeking to experience Oneness is, “What happens to my identity?” Christopher M. Bache, Ph.D., professor emeritus in the department of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State university, in Ohio, reassures us that within the matrix of connectivity, individuality is not suffo-cated, but paradoxically liberated into deeper forms of self-expression. “While opening to the collective fields that surround us melts the bound-aries of the private ego, bringing about the ‘death of self’ noted in spiritual lit-erature, as the ego dies, a deeper form of individuality is born—not an isolated individuality, but one that thrives in subtle give-and-take,” explains the au-thor of The Living Classroom: Teaching and Collective Consciousness. While the idea of a future in which American and other cultures reflect oneness can seem distant and idealistic, it is already present in South Africa’s Xhosa community in the form of ubuntu, a worldview which means, “I am what I am be-cause of who we all are.” According to South African Arch-bishop Desmond Tutu, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, ubuntu it-erates the essence of being human and speaks to the fact that it’s impossible to exist as human beings in isolation. We are people through other people. “We think of ourselves far too frequently as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected, and what you do affects the whole world,” he observes. “When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. For more informa-tion and in-depth interviews on It’s All About We, visit ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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Homemade and HeartfeltDo-It-Yourself Stocking Stuffers

by Meredith Montgomery

cinnamon sticks, cloves, dried apple peels and citrus rinds for a festive holiday scent. Lemon, rosemary and vanilla afford a refreshing alternative. For family grill masters, obtain bulk spices for barbecue rubs at a health food store. A basic recipe from DadCooksDinner.com combines four tablespoons paprika, four tablespoons brown sugar, two tablespoons chili powder, one tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, two teaspoons garlic powder, two teaspoons onion powder and one teaspoon dried thyme.

Upcycled and SewnExperienced crafters can follow online guidelines to upcycle fabric scraps and unwanted clothing and linens. An old sweatshirt or sweater becomes an iPad case and colorful T-shirts morph into tote bags and scarves. Creating therapeutic hot/cold bags can be fairly simple, even with-out a sewing machine. Cut a 16-by-eight-inch piece of flannel, cotton, fleece or terrycloth and fold it in half with the finished side inside, lining up the edges. using sturdy thread, sew a quarter-inch seam along the open edges, leaving a half-inch open-ing. Carefully turn the fabric right-side-out through the opening and fill the bag three-quarters full with long grain white rice. Tuck in the opening’s unfinished edges and sew closed. To treat aches and pains, the giftee can microwave the bag for 30 seconds at a time until achieving the desired

temperature or place it in the freezer to use as a cooling or freezer pack. For aro-matherapy, mix the rice with a couple of drops of lavender essential oil before filling. At room temperature, the scented version doubles as a soothing eye pillow.

Seeds to Throw and GrowGuerilla Gardening’s (GuerillaGarden-ing.org) recipe for seed bombs makes fun gifts for gardeners and nature lov-ers. Choose flower and herb seeds that grow well in each recipient’s region. Combine five parts clay soil or pot-ter’s powder (from art supply stores), one part compost and one part seeds, with water to bind. Form the mixture into balls approximately one inch in diam-eter and let dry for one to two days in an empty egg carton. Wrap seed bombs in recycled paper or cloth tied with a ribbon and instructions. Toss them in the yard or garden and watch them grow.

Creative and Kid-FriendlyEnlist Santa’s elves to assemble a fort-building kit for children, inspired by Saltwater-Kids.com. Stock a pil-lowcase with two sheets, clothespins, plastic clamps, rope, suction cups and a flashlight. Tie up the pillow-case with rope and a cute label, and watch old linens come to life with a little imagination. Give broken and unwanted cray-ons a second life with fun-shaped re-cycled crayons. Fill greased muffin tins or cookie cutters on a foil-lined cookie sheet with broken crayon pieces (paper removed). Bake at 150 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the crayons melt. Allow them to cool completely before removing from the molds. “I like to encourage families to focus on creating memories and rituals as a way to avoid excessive holiday consumption,” says Getty, who is renowned for her home-cooked gifts packaged in reusable tins with recy-cled bows. She notes, “These become a tradition that people know and love.” Such heartfelt gifts open the door to special moments and memories celebrating the true spirit of the season.

Meredith Montgomery is the pub-lisher of Natural Awakenings of Mobile/Baldwin, AL. Connect at HealthyLiving-HealthyPlanet.com.

Holiday waste report source: epa.gov

“With the volume of household waste soar-ing 34 percent beyond

normal levels in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day it’s particularly important to remain eco-conscious during the holidays,” says Anna Getty, author of I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas. “It’s easy to get so wrapped up in buying gifts and decorations that eco-friendliness goes out the window.” This year, consider giving the fam-ily’s stocking stuffers a sustainable make-over by gifting homemade items. Getty observes, “useful, thoughtful homemade gifts can be really sweet… and green.”

A Jar for EveryoneWith a ribbon and label of instructions, inexpensive canning jars and glass con-tainers filled with homemade goodies can become creative and practical gifts for everyone on the list. Sugar body scrubs offer a simple and affordable home spa experience. Combine two cups of sugar with one cup of oil (sweet almond, grapeseed or olive) and add 10 to 20 drops of es-sential oils to scent. Try a combination of rosemary and peppermint for an invigorating morning scrub or lavender and vanilla to unwind later. Fill jars with ingredients for some simmering home aromatherapy. Labels instruct recipients to boil the contents in a small saucepan of water, and then reduce heat to simmer, adding water as needed. Combine evergreen sprigs,


photos by Stephen Blancett

There’s nothing so comforting as the scent and taste of home-baked treats. To fill a home with

cheer, try these delectably healthy recipes. Some are gluten- or dairy-free, others pack less butter and sweeteners (thus fewer calories) than their typi-cal counterparts, and a few are vegan (containing no animal products, includ-ing honey). All are perfect for holiday celebrations, hostess gifts or exchanges.

apple-Walnut Coffee CakeHere’s a favorite yummy treat for festive brunches. Guests and family will never guess that this decadent indulgence contains much less butter and sugar than a typical coffee cake.

Yields 16 servings (239 calories per serving)

¼ cup light brown sugar2 tsp ground cinnamon2¼ cups whole-wheat pastry flour (divided)¼ cup (½ stick) cold unsalted butter½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter at room temperature1 cup maple sugar 2 eggs¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp low-fat buttermilk (1 percent)2 tsp vanilla extract1 tsp baking soda½ tsp salt2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced½ cup walnuts, chopped and toasted

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. Butter pan sides and top of parchment.

In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon and ¼ cup flour. Cut in ¼ cup cold butter until mixture be-comes crumbly and resembles a streusel topping. Refrigerate until ready to use. In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together ½ cup room-tempera-ture butter and maple sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated. Beat in buttermilk and vanilla. Sift remaining 2 cups flour, baking soda and salt into egg-butter mixture. Mix until just combined. Fold in apples and walnuts. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle with streusel topping. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool before releasing from pan.

Vegan Trail-Mix CookiesThese crunchy-chewy cookies are per-fect for snowshoe hikes or cross-country ski trips.


¾ cup all-purpose flour¾ cup whole-wheat pastry flour1 cup carrot, shredded1½ cups unsweetened coconut, shredded1½ cups natural cane sugar1½ cups rolled oats1 tsp baking powder½ tsp salt½ cup water½ cup canola oil1 Tbsp vanilla extract1 cup grain-sweetened chocolate chips1 cup chopped pecans, lightly toasted1 cup cherries, dried

Preheat oven to 350° F. Mix together flours, carrot, coconut, sugar, oats,

consciouseating

baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, mix together water, oil and vanilla. Add wet mixture to dry. Mix to combine. Fold in chocolate chips, pecans and cherries. Scoop batter by 2 tablespoons each onto a baking sheet, pushing in any stray pieces. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool for 2 minutes and then remove to a rack to cool completely.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice MuffinsThese lightly sweetened, butter-free muffins evoke the scents and tastes of the holidays. With fewer carbs and calories than regular sugar, the concen-trated fruit-juice reduction also adds moistness; look for all-natural options, such as Wax Orchards’ Fruit Sweet.


1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour1 tsp baking soda ½ tsp salt½ tsp ground nutmeg1 tsp ground cinnamon½ tsp ground ginger½ tsp ground allspice1 cup pumpkin purée2/3 cup fruit-juice reduction (or light agave nectar)½ cup canola oil¼ cup coconut milk½ cup unsweetened coconut, shredded1 cup walnuts, chopped and toasted¾ cup dried cranberries

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with baking cups.

HEALTHY HOLIDAY BAKINGA Cornucopia of Delicious Treats


Sift together flours, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and allspice in a bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together pumpkin purée, fruit-juice reduc-tion or agave, oil and coconut milk. Stir wet mixture into dry until just incorporated (do not overmix). Fold in coconut, walnuts and dried cranberries. Divide batter evenly among muffin tins. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Healthy Red Velvet CupcakesThese moist cupcakes use spelt flour for a lighter texture, more protein and fewer calories than wheat flour. Avoid artificial colors by using vegetable-based food coloring, or make your own.

Yields 8 to 10 servings (352 calories per serving)

Cupcakes1½ cups white spelt flour1 tsp baking powder¼ tsp salt1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch-processed)½ cup natural cane sugar½ cup melted coconut oil (or safflower oil)2 eggs at room temperature¾ cup buttermilk at room temperature2 tsp vanilla extract2 tsp lemon juice3 tsp natural red food coloring

Agave Cream-Cheese Frosting8 oz Neufchâtel (reduced-fat) cream cheese at room temperature3 Tbsp plus 1 tsp agave nectar1 tsp vanilla extract2 tsp cornstarch

Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a muffin tin with 8 to 10 cup-cake liners or coat with cooking spray. Place flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl. Sift cocoa powder into the bowl. Whisk until well blended. Place sugar, oil and eggs in a separate large bowl. Whisk until smooth. Add buttermilk, vanilla, lemon juice and food coloring. Whisk lightly until combined. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir just until mixture comes together. Do not overmix. Gently spoon batter into muffin cups. Bake 10 min-utes and test with a toothpick. If it doesn’t come out clean, turn pans and bake another 3 to 5 minutes or until a tooth-pick comes out clean. Cool on rack for 2 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely before frosting. (Or store in an airtight container until ready to frost. Do not refriger-ate, which dries them out.) Beat cream cheese, agave and vanilla together. Sift corn-starch over mixture and blend until smooth. Frost cupcakes just before serving.

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Healthy-er Sugar CookiesYields 24 cookies

Ingredients:1½ cups white, whole wheat or spelt flour½ tsp baking soda½ tsp baking powder¼ tsp salt½ cup evaporated cane juice or cane sugar1 tsp pure vanilla extract3 Tbsp almond or skim milk¼ cup unsalted sweet cream butter1 cup fat-free plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened applesauce

Instructions:Combine wet ingredients. Cream/blend in sugar. Add in dry ingredients. Do not over-stir. Form into balls and smush onto cookie sheet (do not grease). Bake at 350 F for 7 to10 minutes (7 is chewy, 10 is crispy).Note: Wheat flour cookies tend to have a grainier texture. If batter is too dry, add more milk a splash at a time. For an added twist, add in 1 Tbsp of honey or cinnamon! Batter makes about 24 rounded teaspoonful cookies. Happy Holidays!

Contributed by Emily Schultz, community liaison for Natural Awakenings of Northwest Florida.


by Darby Neptune

Apocalyptic pre-dictions have been around for

centuries, and this year’s Mayan calendar “end of the world” scenario is no different. And yet, a new era is coming that could be as dramatic as the shift from the Dark Ages to the Renaissance. There have been many transitions that mark our progress as humans, including from tribal to agrarian, industrial, technological and information eras.

The current good news is the awakening of humanity to the next level of consciousness. In Spiral Dynamics, by Don Beck and Christopher Cowan, the next two levels of consciousness are expected to unfold very rapidly. These are the first two levels that

inspiration

Making the Next Leap in Consciousness

move us from survival mode to a more spiritual being state. Awakened humans with this consciousness are now able to understand, appreciate and com-municate with anyone still functioning at the prior levels. They also experience the world as an interconnected whole. Whether in medicine or family therapy, an issue is viewed as connected to and impacted by multiple factors. Thus, the solutions will be multi-pronged and more effective. For decades, futurist Barbara Marx Hubbard has predicted a new universal Human and a new consciousness that focuses on issues in new and creative ways. She notes that we are the genera-tion that is finally aware of our conscious evolution, and therefore capable of co-creating our next stage of transformation. In the Birth 2012 movement, Hubbard encourages people to participate in innovative solutions in one of the 12 sectors of her Wheel of Co-Creation. This sort of thinking permeates many seemingly divergent fields. The Center for Mind/Body Medicine, founded by Dr. James Gordon, uses natural remedies, food as medicine, stress management and guided imagery to restore health.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call 850-279-4102


victim-offender reconciliation reha-bilitates criminals, rather than punish-ing them. For example, The Restorative Justice Institute brings together victims and offenders of a crime for dialogue and reconciliation, greatly reducing the number of repeat offenses. Renewable power sources such as solar, wind and thermal energy promise unlimited energy to meet growing needs. For example, Oyster wave power technol-ogy from Aquamarine Power, harnesses the oceans tides for electrical energy off the northern coast of Scotland. One New York Times bestseller, Abundance: The Future is Better than You Think, by Peter H. Diamandis and Steven kotler, gives concrete examples of ways that humanity is being uplifted and how the seemingly insurmountable gap between the haves and have-nots is closing and quickly. If we believe that a new conscious-ness is being born and can change our world positively, our holiday to-do list should involve to include: explore the new possibilities; stay optimistic in

the face of present challenges; do our own spiritual development work; ask constructive questions, such as, “What would I like to see?” and take some time apart from the hectic pace of the season to listen to our inner guidance and be aware of answers coming from other sources. We are on the cusp of a new, exciting era. It is a time when we rec-ognize our interconnectedness and interdependence. We are finally able to see the complex answers to difficult issues. It is a time when those solutions are coming forth at a rapid speed. It is

time to give birth to this new awakened human and beautiful world. There is a new way of thinking, believing and becoming already in motion. It is time for individuals to join with evolution-ary thinkers such as Michael Beckwith, Corrinne McLaughlin, Deepak Chopra and Don Miguel Ruiz in creating a new human era.

Rev. Darby Neptune is the senior minister at Unity of Panama City, located at 1764 Lisenby Ave., Panama City, For more information, call 850-769-7481 or visit UnityOfPanamaCity.org

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the

ocean does not

become dirty.

~ Mahatma Gandhi

Integrative medicine is where East meets West and the best of both medical traditions are available to address life’s challenges and improve overall health. Facilitator Daralyn Chase is the publisher of Natural Awakenings Magazine for Northwest Florida.

In alignment with Natural Awakenings' mission our local experts will provide insights, information and simple traditions that support a healthier more balanced lifestyle. More information is available at NWFNaturally.com.

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Learn from Various Local PractitionersOriental Medicine • Acupuncture

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wisewords

A self-described “seeker

from the get-go,” Marci Shimoff, is an expert at help-ing others effect greater personal fulfillment and professional suc-cess. The noted transformational leader, speaker and author has written two bestselling books on hap-piness and unconditional love—Hap-py for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out and Love for No Reason: 7 Steps for Creating a Life of Unconditional Love, and co-authored six bestselling titles in the Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul series.

What is the old way of looking at love, versus the new paradigm shift you propose?We’ve been trained to think of love solely as energy between two people, usually experienced as conditional love—we feel love if the other person agrees with us, treats us a particular way or loves us back.

How Unconditional Love Harmonizes

Our WorldMarci Shimoff Explores its Transformative Power

by Judith Fertig

But love is actually the essence of who we are, and when we live in a state of unconditional love, what I call “love for no reason,” we experience our essence that is love, which doesn’t depend on another person, situation or romantic partner. It is the core of every

spiritual tradition.

Why do our ways of loving often seem inadequate?We each have a “love set-point,” the upper limit of our ability to give and receive love. We can’t feel more love by trying to change the outside—by relying on others to fill us up—because it will never work in the long run. We need to raise our love set-point higher; then we experience everything more through the eyes of love.

Do challenging economic times help us grow spiritually?We can use any life challenges to

help us grow and find fresh avenues of lasting fulfillment. Success and money don’t guarantee happiness, and I know that from my own wake-up call. In 1998, I had three of my Chicken Soup for the Soul books on The New York Times bestseller list at the same time. One day, I spoke to 8,000 people and autographed 5,432 books and felt like an author rock star. Yet when I returned to my hotel room that night, I burst into tears. All of the success was great, but it still hadn’t made me happy. That’s when I began my intensive study of happiness and love.

Does science support our capacity to daily experience and deepen a love for all things?Science is finding that there is a neu-rophysiology of love. Studies by re-searchers in major institutions world-wide show that we can do simple things like breathe more deeply, walk barefoot on earth, listen to uplifting music or practice meditation that will support us in experiencing more unconditional love. These activities create greater heart rhythm coher-ence and new neural pathways in the brain.

How does having a heart that’s open to unconditional love benefit us?The Institute of HeartMath has discovered that the magnetic field generated by the heart—what’s mea-sured on a magnetometer—is 5,000 times stronger than that of the brain. HeartMath research has also demon-strated that when we’re in a positive emotional state, our hearts beat in a coherent rhythm that causes all the other systems in the body—including the brain, immune system and hor-mones—to work more efficiently and harmoniously. Their research shows that experiencing this regularly leads


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by Brooke Hicks

Marci Shimoff’s reflection on unconditional love provides

seven access points to experienc-ing more love. The last one is, “Oneness, feeling connected with the greater wholeness of life.” This connection is very important for elders that live in senior and as-sisted living communities. Beyond the connection felt with inclusion in family life and socializing with

Blake residents prepare for wreath making class at Oriole Beach Elementary.

friends, research shows that seniors that feel a sense of purpose and learn new things are healthier, both physically and mentally. Glenn Barclay, owner and CEO of The Blake at Gulf Breeze, a retirement, assisted living and memory care community, has an understanding of what can make a difference for the seniors. Barclay has been involved with elder care for many years and feels that the primary factor for an enjoyable re-tirement is older adults’ health and wellness. Barclay believes older adults must be part of a community, and that means giving back. “One of the best programs we have is our service that bring together our residents with the many groups that need volunteers. Older adults have so much to contribute and their services are so appreciated. I think making a difference for others is what

Seniors Benefit from Community Connection

makes a difference in how connected they feel,” says Barclay. The Oriole Beach Elementary School program is an example of a Blake volunteer group. The Blake residents volunteer once a month at the school. “The children at the school and our residents love it when we come to visit and do crafts, read stories or play games,” says Stacey Se-cord, recreation therapist at The Bake. It can be a challenge to help seniors stay connected in the commu-nity once they make the transition to a senior or assisted living facility. This is best accomplished by a combina-tion of a variety of successful outbound programs and the commitment of both staff and family members.

Brooke Hicks is a director at The Blake. For more information, visit BlakeLiving.co. Contact Brooke Hicks at 850-934-4306 or visit BlakeLiving.com.

to better health, slows the aging pro-cess and brings us greater creativity, resilience and happiness.

What are the seven doorways to practicing unconditional love revealed by your own research?I’ve interviewed hundreds of people that are living examples of uncondi-tional love. I’ve found seven access points to experiencing more love: safety, being grounded and present; vitality, energy and well-being; un-conditional self-love, feeling empow-ered; openness, being comfortable giving and receiving love; communi-cation, listening and speaking with love; vision, seeing through the eyes of love; and oneness, feeling connect-ed with the greater wholeness of life.

How does one person’s loving larger bless our families, communities and world?The more we experience love, the more we spread love to others. Our feelings are contagious. This idea is beautifully expressed in an ancient Chinese proverb: “When there is light in the soul, there will be beauty in the person.

When there is beauty in the person, there will be harmony in the house.

When there is harmony in the house, there will be order in the nation.

When there is order in the nation, there will be peace in the world.”

Connect with Marci Shimoff at HappyForNoReason.com.

Judith Fertig, of Overland Park, KS, is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.


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Our Hawaiian Fusion grill serves fresh Hawaiian classics and unique creations such as the Mahi Taco, and saute salad. All dishes and sauces are hand crafted with only fresh ingredients.

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Cafe Organic is as Good as its Name

by Jude Forsyth

Cafe Organic,

in Fort Wal-ton Beach, boasts several reasons for

visiting. It may be to enjoy a healthy and delicious meal or to drink an organic juice, smoothie or coffee. Maybe it’s because the cafe offers gluten-free selections, or provides grass-fed beef or cheese home-delivered. Pop in for a ginger and wheatgrass shot after collecting a box of fresh vegetable and fruits at the Emerald Coast Organic Food Coop next door. Because they now offer organic produce and pantry items for sale, there are organic quinoa, beans, rice, tofu, tempeh, coconut water or milk, vegetable stocks, seaweeds and many other items for purchase. Because co-owner Amy Likins is a holistic nutritional consultant with a master’s degree in holistic nutrition, she is not only dedicated to superb food at the café, but also to the education of her guests. Likins leads seminars on raw foods, organic whole food preparation and cleansing and detoxifying our bodies with fresh juices, as well as giving personal consultations for nutrition and wellness. She keeps a fresh, organic pantry that will de-light anyone seeking good-tasting, healthy food and drink choices. Drop by to enjoy the Cafe’s daily special, like chicken or tofu with roasted sweet potato, kale, rice noodles, fresh herbs, garlic and ginger, all wrapped in rice pa-per and served with a sweet chili and ginger dipping sauce.

Location: 113 Truxton Ave., FWB. For more information, call 850-585-3645 or visit CafeOrganic FWB.com.


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healthykids

Mindful Holiday TraditionsSimple Ways to Add Meaning and Family-Centered Fun

by Barbara Amrhein

Too many winter holidays whiz by in a blur of presents, parties and rich foods, muting the season’s

true messages of love, hope and peace. By slowing down and refocusing on what makes this time of year so special, we can help our children—and our-selves—create fresh, meaningful tradi-tions and experience genuine joy. “If the spirit of the season at your home is more ‘Gimme, take me, buy me,’ instead of ‘Deck the halls,’ don’t despair,” advises internationally renowned edu-cator and child expert Michele Borba, Ph.D., author of The Big Book of Parenting Solutions:101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. “There are more subtle ways to encourage your kids to appreciate the greatest gifts of the holiday season. The simplest way is to focus on gifts of the heart and letting your kids be participants, not just recipients.” Try these tips for helping young-sters co-create traditions that celebrate family, friends, sharing with others and the holidays’ festive delights. Emphasize experiences, not things. Presents can never take the place of presence. Years from now, children will rarely recall what they unwrapped, but will remember special times spent together as a family. Take a nature walk to collect pinecones and other seasonal items for holiday décor. Designate a Family Night and let the kids choose the activity, like seeing a movie or a holiday performance such as The Nutcracker, playing a favorite board game or build-ing a gingerbread house. At dinner, ask youngsters to relate their favorite holiday memories, and then build upon their re-sponses to plan this year’s celebrations. Treat cards as treasured gifts. Gather the family ‘round when opening cards from others, catching up on their news and recalling funny or enjoyable shared moments. Skype calls and vid-eos offer pleasurable immediacy while mailed cards become an appreciated, permanent memento.

Encourage children to create handmade or personalized cards for grandparents and other relatives, en-closing photos or drawings and a short note describing the reasons that person means so much to them. Hand deliver other cards to neighbors, accompanied by a plate of homemade, healthy treats. Children can also send cards to military personnel overseas via a Red Cross pro-gram at Tinyurl.com/HolidayHeroMail. Practice creative giving. Adopt a less fortunate family or child for the holidays (local churches or social service agen-cies can provide information) and ask youngsters to be “Santa’s little helpers” by picking out and thoughtfully wrapping books, toys and other gifts. Help children research good causes and earmark a small amount of money for them to gift to the cause of their choice, such as an animal shelter or other local nonprofit. Honor the gift of time, as well: Youngsters that spend a few hours helping out at a food pantry, caroling at a nursing home or wrapping gifts for Toys for Tots will experience and remember the true joy of giving. Nurture a sense of the spiritual. Worship services aren’t the only venue for sharing family values and beliefs with children. On the night of the Winter Sol-stice, December 21—the shortest day and longest night of the year—enjoy dinner by candlelight. Afterwards, stargaze in the backyard and make some holiday wishes. On another evening, turn off all the lights except the Christmas tree, menorah or other special candles and talk quietly about your blessings. Listening to a CD of carols from around the world reinforces a spirit of unity and invites lively discussions about how other cultures observe their holidays. Celebrate the season’s sights, sounds and fun. Ask children to help choose a tree and make or buy an orna-ment with special meaning for them. Then join in an informal decorating par-ty with holiday tunes (kids get to choose some favorites), cocoa and cookies. Set aside an evening to walk or drive around

the neighborhood to admire holiday lights and displays. Those in northern climes can build a family snowman, forge a “snow angel” chain in the yard or go sledding at an area park. As a fun twist on traditional caroling, grab some kazoos and go humming with the kids and their friends. To capture these great holiday moments, ask each child to take turns as the official family photographer. Borba believes these types of shared experiences help children understand the true meaning of the season and bring back the heartfelt joy it represents. “In the end,” she advises, “remember that the holidays are really meant to be about love, togeth-erness and wonderful memories.”

Barbara Amrhein is a freelance writer and editor for Natural Awakenings.


BREATHE EASIER

fitbody

It’s easy to take breathing for grant-ed. But tune in to your breath—when, say, halfway through a sun

salutation or headed for a finish line—and you’ll find that it not only feeds muscles fresh oxygen, but also indicates whether it’s time to increase the intensity of the activity. To get the most out of every breath, follow these exercise tips from ac-knowledged experts.

RunningWith closed lips, breathe in sharply and deeply through the nose. Then purse the lips as if trying to blow out a candle and exhale through the mouth.

While running, breathe in for one step and out for two. “The rapid inhale and slower ex-hale in this technique fills lungs from the bottom,” explains Danny Dreyer, author of ChiRunning: A Revolution-ary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running. “Breathing exercises help take in more air when inhaling and empty lungs completely when exhal-ing. Muscles receive more glycogen, which lowers the chances of their cramping up.”

yoga use the Hindu breathing method called ujjayi, in which the lungs are

Try These Tips for Better Workouts

®

fully expanded. First, inhale once with the mouth open, and then ex-hale the same way, making a “Ha,” sound. Then close your mouth and continue making the same sound while inhaling and exhaling through the nose (it will resemble the rushing sound that Darth vader makes in Star Wars movies). “Your breathing is the barometer of all your poses,” says Elena Brower, founder and co-owner of virayoga, in New York City. If you’re gasping for air, back out of the pose. “Always give preference to deeper breath-ing over deeper postures,” advises Brower. This controlled breathing technique is largely responsible for the yoga buzz that helps keep stu-dents coming back for more.

Strength TrainingExhale through the mouth when lift-ing weights and inhale through the nose when lowering them. As a rule of thumb, take two seconds to raise weights and three to four seconds to lower them. “Focusing on your breath keeps your brain in the game, so you’re more likely to pay attention to over-all form,” says Tom Holland, an ex-ercise physiologist, personal trainer and fitness consultant in Darien, Connecticut.

Cycling “The key to breathing on a bike is to go in through the nose and out through the mouth, and to be as re-laxed as possible,” Holland counsels. As intensity increases on climbs or long rides, breathe more forcefully—deeper, quicker inhalations through the nose and rapid exhalations through the mouth. “The more relaxed your breathing is, the more relaxed your entire body will be,” says Holland. “Relaxed breath-ing conserves energy, prevents fatigue and improves endurance.” using force-ful breaths when you’re tired also sends more energizing oxygen to muscles to help counter fatigue.

Source: Women’s Health online © 2012 Rodale Inc. All rights reserved; used with permission.


Running Away With It

December 01 - Jingle Bell Run For Arthritis, 5K/10K, Fort Walton Landing

December 01 - Navarre Chamber Foundation 5K, Navarre

December 01 - Crestview Family Reindeer Run, 5K/10K

December 08 - 7th Special Forces Jingle Bell Jog 5K/10K, FWB

Your resource for local run/walk events

Join the FWB Run/Walk Community

Get acquainted with the local running community and meet some cool, positive people at Run With It

every Tuesday at 6 p.m. All ages and abilities are welcome; water at the

turn around and refreshments at the end. RunWithItFL.com

_____________

Helping Ourselves -Helping Others

December 08 - Luminaria Run for Shelter House 5K/9K, Baytowne Sandestin

December 11 - Saucony Night at Run With It

December 22 - Egg Nog Jog 5K, FWB

December 29 - Round the Bay Relay Race, Fudpuckers Okaloosa Island

Run With it carries a full line of Technical Running Shoes, Apparel and Accessories from Asics, Brooks, Mizuno, Pearl Izumi, New Balance, Nike, Merrell, Innov8, Saucony and Vibram 5 Fingers.

• Free Gait Analysis • Individualized Shoe Fitting

Our mission is to promote a healthy lifestyle in our community through running and walking while providing social interaction in a casual and enjoyable atmosphere.

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATEDM-F 11:00 - 6:30pm • Sat 10:00 - 6:00pm

(850) 243-1007142 Miracle Strip Pkwy • Fort Walton Beach

FOR INFO ON THESE RACES SEE EVENTS AT RUNWITHIT.COM


While dogs, cats, fish and birds populate most pet homes, other animals can be just as

much fun to own.

Rabbits“Rabbits are social and love routine. Be late with dinner and a bunny will show displeasure by stomping its feet,” says Pamela Hood, founder of Sweet Binks Rabbit Rescue, a state-licensed shelter in Foster, Rhode Is-land. Her four rules for happy, active bunnies are: Find a veterinarian that knows rabbits, adopt rather than buy, get a bonded pair and spay/neuter them.

Critter CompanionsAlternative Adoptions Fit for Families

by Sandra Murphy

Since 2000, Sweet Binks has res-cued more than 1,700 rabbits as recap-tured strays or from shelters meant for dogs and cats. Bunnies can live more than 14 years. “Rabbits eat more than just carrots. Pellets should be timothy hay-based, not alfalfa, for adult rab-bits,” explains Hood. “But limit the amount. Hay should be 85 to 90 percent of their diet, because the side-to-side chewing of hay keeps

teeth worn down to a livable length and en-

sures proper diges-tion.” Rabbits can

be litter box-trained and run free if the home is pet-proofed. For example,

keep electrical cords out of reach or covered with plastic tubing.

A lonely, bored bunny can be destructive, so provide wooden

and chemical-free wicker toys for chewing. Play with them daily, al-though most shy away from cuddling. Bonded pairs need to be in sight of one another.

Miniature HorsesMiniature horses are not to be con-fused with Shetland ponies. Minis are fully grown horses, bred for pulling carts, not riding. They require the

same care as a larger horse and make good therapy animals. An adult mini is about the same size as a standard-sized horse’s newborn foal—about 34 to 38 inches tall at the withers (be-tween the shoulder blades), although some are smaller. “Trained minis are good, gentle interpreters of emotion,” says vero-nique Matthews, founder of Hearts & Hooves, a nonprofit equine therapy organization in Austin, Texas. “We visit abused or autistic kindergarten-age children with a ratio of one child, one horse, one handler.” Walking on a handheld leash, a mini can help a child to cope with fear and anxiety.

AlpacaA few years ago, alpacas were re-garded as the next moneymakers when breeding and sales brought high prices for fleece, along with their waste, sold as soil-enriching manure. After the trend peaked, many herds were sold, often to ill-suited owners, and some needed rescuing. Michelle Zumwalt, a job con-sultant for people with disabilities in Spanish Lake, Missouri, has hosted rescued alpacas for eight years; the number fluctuates, based on new arrivals and adoptions. “There are enough of them to help supply local organic farms with fertilizer,” says Zumwalt. “These gentle creatures feel safest in numbers; when in danger, they will kick or spit.” Hermit CrabsHermit crabs are likeable for their social, nonaggressive character, ease in handling and low maintenance. All crabs are born in the ocean, although some species leave the water as adults. Pet crabs in the united States are either Caribbean land crabs or the faster and more agile Ecuadorian crabs, which require access to both salt and fresh water. A 10-gallon fish tank with sand of a consistency suitable for castle build-ing that’s three or four times deeper than the height of the largest crab works well. Crabs can grow to six inches in length

naturalpet


and live 10 years or more, although they don’t reproduce in captivity. As colony animals, they’re much happier in a group. Hermit crabs periodically need to replace the shell they carry on their back. Provide a shell that is 10 to 15 percent larger and watch as the crab tries it on for size. When crabs molt their underside ectoskeleton, they burrow beneath the sand for four to eight weeks; place these crabs in a separate tank. “Because crabs are scavengers, we feed them chicken, turkey, seaweed, scrambled eggs and fish. They love car-rots, bell peppers, kiwi and coconut,” says Christine Richards, a maintenance management analyst and hermit crab caregiver in Montgomery village, Mary-land. “Crabs are nocturnal, so use a small flashlight to watch their antics,” she adds. “They love to climb.”

ChinchillasChinchillas,

another night crea-ture, can live up to 20 years. A round body, tiny

hands and large ears make them easy to love, remarks

Christina Pierce, a federal examiner of financial institutions in Little Rock, Arkansas. “My chin, Gizmo, wants to be where the commotion is and likes to travel,” she laughs. A specialty vet is required for chinchillas, with attention given to their teeth, which grow throughout their life. Give them things to chew on and fresh hay to help file down teeth. Gizmo’s favorite chews are willow twigs, peanuts in the shell, alfalfa sticks and lava blocks. “A twice-daily dust bath keeps his fur clean,” notes Pierce, “plus, it’s fun to watch.” It seems that everyone can find a pet that’s perfect for them. It’s just a matter of thinking outside the litter box.

Sandra Murphy is a regular contributor to Natural Awakenings.

An individual has not started living until he

can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic

concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

~ Martin Luther King Jr.

WUWF is an important source of local news and information about our community—past and present.

From Rick Harper’s reports on our regional economy, to the light Jocelyn Evans frequently sheds on local

and national politics, or Enid Sisskin’s Eco Minute, UWF experts are helping to keep our community

informed on 88.1 FM—and don’t forget Unearthing Florida! Educating our community is one important

reason why I pledge my support. WUWF 88.1 is My Public Radio

and I Make it Possible.

Dr. Judy Bense Listener, Member and Contributor

Local Produce & Farm Resources

CSAS & FOOD CO-OPS

EVER’MaN NaTURaL FOODS CO-OP315 West Garden Street, Pensacola 850-438-0402 Everman.org

We offer a large variety of natural and certified organic products, vitamin supple-ments, natural groceries, local and organic produce and environmentally friendly products for the community. Mon-Sat. 7am-9pm, Sun 10am-7pm.

FLORIDa FRESH MEaT COMPaNY 850-374-2181 OffTheVine.org

We produce USDA inspected, hormone & antibiotic free, gourmet 100% grass fed Angus beef, grass fed lamb and natural pas-tured pork & pastured chicken. This beef is a product of the Angus cattle ranches located in North Central Florida. These exceptional animals feast on a salad bar of pesticide-free “gourmet” forage including clover, wheat, oat & rye grass, millet and more.

SUPERGaNIC FaRMS BUYING CLUBWest PensacolaSuperganicfarms.comCertified Superganics. Join this Buying Club for $10 and have access to a variety of fresh harvest and superganically grown pro-duce. Every Saturday between 7am-11am beginning May 19, 2012. No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically modified organism(GMO). Seasonal produce prices available online.

OFF THE VINE ORGaNIC PRODUCE 850-374-2181 OffTheVine.orgWe are the original Organic Box Program. All organic - all the time! 100% Guaranteed. Celebrating 10 years of bringing the farmers market to you. Simply check our weekly list every Friday and place your produce order over the weekend. Pick up locations available across the Gulf Coast or for delivery. Like us on Facebook and read our OTV Blog.

FARMS AND FARM TOURS

aNITa & MaRK’S HaPPY BOVINE & SWINE FaRM8770 Redfish Point Rd., Lillian, AL 36549 251-942-2126

All natural beef and hogs, free roaming grain and grass fed. Meet the farmer, know exactly what you getting and choose your dinner. Taking orders now.

BaRTLETT MEaDOWS CUT FLOWER FaRMFarm Fresh Flowers in Pace, FL850-390-5361 [email protected]

Pick up fresh cut flowers form out farm or other locations in Pensacola. Flowers are perfect for all occasions including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries and events. Whole-sale accounts offered. Call for availability.

CaMBRIDGE FaRMS3200 Deloach Ln, Milton, FL 850-855-6420 [email protected] CambridgeFarms.web.com

As a certified grower for the State of Florida, we grow and sell pesticide free, safe to eat right off the bush or vine, all natural fruits and produce. Farmer Market Program with ongoing classes and education. Visit our website to learn about the Food Safety Act that will impact the way food is grown.

TWIN OaKS FaRMS3207 creek roadBonifay, FL 32425850-547-5636 Cell: [email protected]

We raise chickens and ducks for eggs and meat. They roam freely on pasture, grass, bugs and sunshine is part of the diet. They are fed certified organic real grain without soy.We are USDA certified organic and 100% soy free farm.

HaSTING’S FaRM40701 Pine Grove Rd, Bay Minette, AL 36507 251-937-8728 [email protected]

Local farm raising certified organic 100% grass fed cattle and lamb. Raising all natural Rotakwa Red Devon cross cattle with no hormones or antibotics. You will find the meat from the Red Devon cattle to be very tender and lots of taste. Indi-vidual cuts, quarter, half or whole. Call for availability.

MOONLIGHT MICRO FaRM6618 Beach Dr., Panama City Beach, FL 850-624-7075 [email protected]

Moonlight Micro Farm is dedicated to community building, environmental stew-ardship and the cultivation of real food. We offer open pollinated and organic gardening seeds, sprouting seeds, gardening accesso-ries & gifts, and garden design. Visit us at Seaside Farmers Market. We ship!

ROaMIN’ ROaN aCRESMilton, FL 850-621-2296RoaminRoanAcres.web.com

Raw goat milk and products from healthy, Nubian dairy goats. Licensed in Florida for milk sales; not for human consumption per Florida law. We also offer soaps, lotions, and locally made bath & body products.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

CRaZY FaRMER HYDROPONIC GaRDENING & FaRMER MaRKET1308 W. Government St. Pensacola, FL (G st & Govn.) [email protected]

As your local farmers market, we grow organically and hydroponically in a sus-tainable and responsible method. Avail-able currently: Tomatoes, Swiss chard, basil, mint, bok choy, cabbage, mustards, collards, honey, eggs & homemade bread. Open daily 8am-5pm. Mon,Wed, Fri. 8am-1pm. Tues & Thurs.

SEaSIDE FaRMER’S MaRKETEvery Sat. Morning Year Round [email protected] or facebook us

The Seaside Farmers Market is com-prised of local growers and crafts people who offer locally grown produce and farm products that are healthy and en-vironmentally conscious. We are located in downtown Seaside behind “Raw & Juicy” at the amphitheater. Please come and support your local community. Sat-urdays 9am-1pm.

MEET UP GROUPS

REaLFOOD, PaNaMa CITY Meets Every 3rd Saturday, 850-532-4633Unity, 1764 Lisenby Ave, Panama CityMeetup.com/RealFood-Group-Panama-City

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calendarofeventsAll Calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Limited to approximately 50 words. See exact character count on website. Submit from our website at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per regular listing. $50 Save the Date ad.

Advanced Studies Program - Dragonfly Yoga 2012Dragonfly Yoga offers extensive, comprehensive, and enriching yoga workshops

tailored to both teachers and serious students of all levels

clASSeS :: workShoPS :: trAiningSThe Four Diaphragms of the Body - DEC 1 8–1pm

Thai Yoga Bodywork and Traditional Yoga: Opposites attract - DEC 8www.DragonFlyYoga.com ::: 850-244-0184

Located Downtown Ft Walton Beach, Florida :: 184 Brooks St SE

Sa

ve

th

e D

ate

SaTURDaY, DECEMBER 1Reiki I & II Class – Dec 1-2. Ft Walton/Destin Area,. CE’s for LMT & RN available. Learn what Reiki is & how to use it for self healing & others; for pets, plants, everyday living. Learn 3 symbols to enhance your Reiki. $350. Register at 850-217-5419.Navarre 5K Jingle Bell Run – 8am.This family friendly, non-timed 5K fun run/walk is great for kids and adults. Participating child runners may take a shortcut to grandma’s house for refreshments.$20. Fire Station, 8618 Esplanade St, Navarre.

SUNDaY, DECEMBER 2Learn to Meditate – 3-5pm. On 3 Sundays: Dec 2, 9,16. Learn a powerful method to quiet your mind & turn inward to your own blissful essence.This course will make meditation easy & accessible even for brand new meditators. $65. Blossom Yoga, 315 A Racetrack Road, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046.

FRIDaY, DECEMBER 7Stress Buster – 6-8:30pm. Feel great again with yoga, breath,relaxation & simple organic beauty treatments with healthy ingredients in your kitchen. Pure therapeutic grade essential oils, fresh prepared organic juice elixirs, and light organic raw food snacks. Cafe Organic, 119 Truxton Ave, FWB. 850-585-3645. AllOneYogaFWB.com.

SaTURDaY, DECEMBER 8LED Light Therapy – 10am-noon. Presentation/20 min complimentary LED session. LED is a state-of-the-art, non-invasive advancement in increasing circulation, controlling pain, reducing stress & increasing overall wellness by using light & sound therapy. Avalon Light Keepers, LLC. The Golden Almond, 339 Racetrack Rd. NW, FWB. 850-424-8261. AvalonLightkeepers.com.

SUNDaY, DECEMBER 9Healthy Holidays Workshop – 2-5pm. Cooking class & healthy holiday recipes. Build strategies

to stay healthy & fit during this Holiday season. Enjoy a full dinner sit down meal with nutrition-ist Amy Likens & Chef Christian Echele. Cafe Organic, 119 Truxton Ave, FWB. 850-585-3645. AllOneYogaFWB.com.

WEDNESDaY DECEMBER 12Meet the Artist Night – 6:30-8:00pm. Local Artists will be at the gallery to help you find a unique gift for a special someone. Special discounts, great food and drinks at this special place. Fiddly Bits & Tea Art Gallery-Cafe, 222 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB. 850-226-7375. FiddlyBitsAndTea.com

THURSDaY, DECEMBER 13Metaphysical Café – Noon. Join us as we muse on the metaphysics of life. Free, Unity of Panama City, 1764 Lisenby Ave. 769-7481. Introduction to Tai Chi – 6-7:15pm. New begin-ners’ class offers gentle moving meditation with gentle instruction only for beginners. 7-8:30pm. All other levels of students welcome. Eastern Traditions, Heritage Village, across from VinnieRs, Navarre. 850-226-9355. BlueWillowWellness.com.

FRIDaY, DECEMBER 14It’s All About You Day Spa – 9am.Visit us for our two day open house for complimentary services & refreshments.We will have special offers, inc.$50 Gift Certificates for $35 and 20% off retail items. 850-314-6642.

SaTURDaY, DECEMBER 15Introduction to Tai Chi – 9-10:15am. New begin-ners’ class offers gentle moving meditation with gentle instruction only for beginners. 10am-Inter-mediates; 11:15am-senior level. St Simon’s parish hall, 28 Miracle Strip Pkwy, FWB. 850-226-9355. BlueWillowWellness.com.

SUNDaY, DECEMBER 16Eckankar Worship Service:Maintaining Harmony and Balance in Our Lives – 11am. Every 3rd Sunday. All are welcome. Presented by local members of ECKANKAR. Free.Hampton Inn, 7710 Navarre Pkwy, Navarre.850-862-0446.

SaTURDaY, DECEMBER 22Unity Birth 2012 Celebration – 11am-3pm. Help us celebrate the birth of a new consciousness. Love offering, Unity of Panama City, 1764 Lisenby Ave. 769-7481.

SUNDaY, DECEMBER 23Christmas Service – 11am. Christmas music and message. Love offering. Unity of Panama City 1764 Lisenby Ave. 769-7481.

SaTURDaY, DECEMBER 29Restorative Yoga wi th Fel ic ia McQuaid – 10am-12pm. $25 adv. The poses of restor-ative yoga are soothing, relaxing and well-supported. Take the opportunity to soak in the experience and enjoy the simplicity of it. Drag-onfly Yoga. 850-244-1084. FeliciaMcquaid.net.

SUNDaY, DECEMBER 30Sunday Service – 11am. Concert at 1pm. Be pre-pared for an extraordinary spiritual message with music. Featuring Armand & Angelina. Love offer-ing. Unity of Panama City, 1764 Lisenby. 769-7481.

MONDaY, DECEMBER 31Yoga Begin or Renew – 9-11am.You can always choose to approach the world as a beginner.This 2 hr immersion covers building a yoga practice at home or in the stu-dio.$25.Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Market Str, Panama City Bch, 415-596-2832. [email protected].

UPCOMINGTUESDaY, JaNUaRY 1A New Year’s Yoga Cleanse Class & Vision Board Workshop – 11am Yoga, 1:30pm Workshop. Life changing tools used to release the unwanted & manifest the future you envision. Laura Tyree & Ed Daily will teach, inspire & support transformation. $20 adv/$25 day of. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com.

FRIDaY, JaNUaRY 4Foundations of Svaroopa® Yoga – 1/4 -1/8. Leslie John-son & Elizabeth McKenty, leading teachers & trainers for Master Yoga Foundation present a 5-day yoga immersion offering a profound experience to deepen your yoga practice as well as prepare you to share it with others. $695. Blos-som Yoga, 315 Racetrack Rd, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046. BlossomYogaFL.com.

savethedate

SaTURDaY, JaNUaRY 12New Year, New You Workshop – 1-4pm. Join Tammy Binkley & Amy Likins for an inspiring workshop & yoga practice; set & attain your 2013 health goals with diet, yoga & meditation. With over 25+ yrs combined exp. you’ll get the tools to make your new year the best ever! $45. Balance Health Studio, 3547 E. County Hwy 30A, Seagrove. 850-231-9288. Balance30a.com.

Drop in.

Dragonfly Yoga850 244 0184downtown brooks stft. walton beachdragonflyyoga.com


All Calendar events must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publica-tion. Limited to approximately 25 words. See exact character count on website. Submit from our website only at NWFNaturally.com. $10 per entry.

ongoingevents

S u n c o a s t H e a l t h c a r e P r o f e s s i o n a l s mondayYoga Fundamentals Yoga Basics – 9-10:30am. $15, Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Market St, Panama City Bch. YogaElements108.com.Yoga for Beginners – 10am. Here’s a class at the right pace for those just starting to enjoy yoga. Simple and fun. DragonflyYoga.com.Pilates Mat Class – 11am. Bring a mat, lose some fat. $10. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, St 6, (across from VinnieR), Navarre. 850-217-6341.Kids Martial Arts Combat Class – 4:45pm (ages 4-8); 5:45 & 6:45pm (ages 9-13). Mon/Wed/Fri. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Great for fitness, confidence, & camaraderie. Free introductory class. No contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.Reiki Share – 6:30-8:30pm. 3rd Mon. A time to experience Reiki energy in a group setting with other Reiki practitioners. All Reiki students welcome. Love offering. Mana Lomi Reiki and Massage, FWB. 850-217-5419. A Course in Miracles – 7-8pm. Unity in FWB, 1797 Hurlburt Rd. FWB. 850-864-1232.

tuesdayPersonal Nutritional Consultation – 1st & 3rd Tues. monthly. Dr. Kenawy, Ph.D. provides in-depth nutritional evaluations and consultations. $50. 634 W. 23rd St, Panama City. Call for an appt. 850-763-8871. OliveLeavesPC.com.Green Awareness Taskforce – 8:15am. 1st Tues. Monthly meetings. Open to the public. FWB Chamber. 850-586-0501. GoGreenOkaloosa.com.Svaroopa® Yoga – 10am. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Road, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046. BlossomYogaFL.com.Pilates Mat Class – 6pm. Bring a mat, lose some fat. $10. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, St 6, (across from VinnieR), Navarre. 850-217-6341.Women’s Depression Group – 5pm. Stepping Stones Professional Counseling, Mary Esther. SteppingStones-Counseling.org.Weekly Walk/Run – 5:30 or 6pm. Choose the time best for you & meet at Landing Park, behind Run With It store. All ages and abilities are welcome at a very relaxed & non-competitive get together. Free. 142 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, FWB. 850 243-1007. RunWithIt.com.Open Mike at Crestview Library – 6-8pm. 2nd Tues. Poets and musicians are invited to a free, open-mike po-etry reading and music improvisation. Crestview Library, 445 Commerce Dr., 850-682-4432 or visit the library’s Facebook page.Personal and Planetary Peace – 7pm. Meditation, stress release, energy work, Reiki sharing and certification, networking, healthy food support. Free. Crystal Cottage, 7338 Hwy. 2301, Panama City. Darce Blakely, Reiki Master. 850-763-4504.Zumba Class – 5:30pm. Tues,Thur. Ditch the workout, join the party. Gloria Overfield combines Latin & International music with a fun & effective workout system. Free Introduc-tory Class. No Contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-865-0438.Teen and Adult Martial Arts Combat Class – 7pm. Tues,Thur. Ages 15 and up. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Defense techniques, fitness, confidence, and camaraderie. Free Introductory Class. No Contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.

sundayFree Yoga Event – 4:30pm. $5 donation to Paws. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. DragonflYoga.com. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com. Metamorphosis Book Club – 4:30pm. First Sunday monthly. Free. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St, Se, FWB. 850-244-0184. DragonflyYoga.com. wednesday

New QiGong Healing Movement Body Classes – 8am. Gentle way to facilitate healing in the body. Open to all levels. $10. 119 Truxton, FWB. AllOneYogaFWB.com.Gentle Flow Yoga with Felicia McQuaid – 9am. Start the weekend off right, beginner friendly. Drag-onfly Yoga. 850-217-2771. FeliciaMcquaid.net. Beginner’s Yoga with Felicia McQuaid –10am. Founda-tional postures, breath awareness, meditation. Dragonfly Yoga. 850-217-2771. FeliciaMcquaid.net.Svaroopa® Yoga – 4:30pm. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Rd, NE, FWB. BlossomYogaFL.com. 850-420-6046. Community Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. $20. Great way to sleep better, quit smoking, & de-stress. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy, Ste 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.PTSD Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. Improves sleep & emo-tions for military and other victims of trauma. Eastern Tradi-tions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy suite 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.Meditation Class – 7pm. Free. All One Yoga, 119 Truxton Ave Bld 2, FWB. Sonny, 850-314-0321.

thursdayPTSD Acupuncture Clinic – 5-7pm. Improves sleep & emotions for military and other victims of trauma. Eastern Traditions, 7552 Navarre Pkwy suite 6, Navarre. 850-554-3464.Yoga for Beginners – 5:30pm. Here’s a class at the right pace for those just starting to enjoy yoga. Simple and fun. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St. FWB. DragonflyYoga.com. Mood Management with Essential Oils – 6-7pm. 2nd Thurs monthly. dōTERRA’s, Amy Gouker, presents the Mood Matrix. Free. The REACH Institute, 870 Mack Bayou Road, Suite D, SRB. RSVP. Ann Rector, 850-622-227.Svaroopa® Yoga – 6:30pm. A relaxing and therapeutic style of yoga. $12. Blossom Yoga, 315 Racetrack Road, NE, FWB. 850-420-6046. BlossomYogaFL.com..

saturdayAerial Yoga – 9am. Experience Yoga off the ground. 90 min. $25.Yoga Elements, 108 Carillon Mar-ket St, Panama City Bch. YogaElements108.com. Calm Water Tai Chi Class – 9am. Designed for self-defense, realize the health benefits, stress reduction and strength improvement with gentle movement. New class. All ages & levels. Free introductory class. No contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.Teen and Adult Martial Arts Combat Class – 10:30am-12pm. Ages 15 and up. Friendly family oriented with small classes, all levels. Defense techniques, fitness, confidence, and camaraderie. Free introductory class. No contracts. Martial Arts Combat Academy, 1605 N. Partin, Niceville. 850-797-9430.12 Dimensions of Wellness –1:45-3:00pm. Third Sat. monthly. Take inventory of where you are in each dimen-sion and build a wellness plan to overcome resistance to change. $45 for assessment. FWB. Jude 850-226-9355. BlueWillowWellness.com.Gentle Flow Yoga – 9am. Gentle movement, restorative poses, breathe work, and meditation for balance & health. Dragonfly Yoga, 184 Brooks St SE, FWB. 850-244-0184. .

classifiedsBUSINESS OPPORTUNITYHIGHLY MOTIVATED, SELF RELIANT, TEAM PLAYER for publicly traded $3B Green Energy Company. Apply at EnergyBusinessConsultant.com. Go-getter? Call Debby McKinney 850-598-0200.

EDUCaTIONTHE MONTESSORI SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS – Niceville. Teaching peace & the love of learning. Limited openings for preschoolers; private or small group tutoring for older children. Elena Roser 850-678-7011. [email protected].

FOR SaLE

CALLING ALL RE-PURPOSERS – FWB Flea Market has 14,000 square feet of inventory with tons of items for your projects, all at affordable prices. Call 850-301-3729.

HUGE JEWELRY SALE – 15-40 percent off. Best prices in the area for lightly worn gold & silver jewelry. Every piece is 100 percent guaranteed in writing. Call 850-301-3729.

VINTAGE GUITARS –FWB Flea Market has over 50 vintage guitars by all makers. Prices range from $50-$1200. We also repair damaged guitars. Call 850-301-3729.

PRODUCTS

LOCAL HONEY AVAILABLE – FWB Flea Mar-ket’s bees produced 245 pounds of Wildflower honey this year. Harvested 12 August...it will not last long. Call 850- 301-3729.

SCIATICA? BACK PAIN? POOR POSTURE? – If you suffer with any of these symptoms the Sacro Wedgy® could be a simple solution to a not so simple problem. Relax 20 minutes daily and let gravity do the work of relaxing tight muscles to help correct a problem rather than treat the symptom. Spend $29.95 once to use for years of prevention. This has helped when all else failed. For info: 800-737-9295 or SacroWedgy.com.

SERVICESBE MORE COMFORTABLE IN YOUR BODY! –Find relief from injuries, pain, movement restrictions and postural/structural imbalances with ROLFING. Sharalee Hoelscher, Certified Rolfer™, RCST®, (Lic. #MA34039). 850-450-8508. HealingWith-Bodywork.com.

WaNTEDSCRAP GOLD & SILVER – FWB Flea Market pays top dollar for your scrap. Honest buyer; metals will be tested & weighed in your presence. The entire process will be explained to you. Call 850-301-3729.


naturaldirectory

ACUPUNCTURE

BLUEWaTER CHIROPRaCTIC WELLNESS CENTERApril Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com

Natural and holistic health care. Offer-ing chiropractic care, acupuncture, lumbar decompression, physical thera-pies, nutritional education and supple-mentation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

DR. SHERYL ROE Acupuncture Physician850-225-3460 • DrSRoe.com

Acupuncture Works! Learn how it can work for you at either office (Mary Esther Blvd. or Navarre Healing Cen-ter in Harvest Village). Treating all types of pain, addiction, sleep disor-ders, stress, fibromyalgia, PTSD. Feel better soon. See ad page 27.

EaSTERN TRaDITIONS Katherine Semmes, Acupuncture Physician7552 Navarre Parkway, Ste 6. Navarre850-554-3464

Restore your family’s health using simple techniques to stimulate the body’s own healing capacity; safe and effective for common childhood and parenthood com-plaints. Acupressure, reflexology, organic herbs also utilized. See ad page 4.

THE TORTOISE CLINIC Acupuncture and Herbal MedicineWaterside Business CenterSanta Rosa Beach 850-267-5611 • TheTortoiseClinic.com

Serving the Emerald Coast for over 20 years. Currently offering multiple styles of acupuncture, bodywork, hypnotherapy, diet counseling, and the area’s largest raw herb pharmacy. See ad page 16.

AIR CONDITIONING

PEaDEN HEaTING aND aIR CONDITIONING Panama City - 850-872-1004 Ft Walton Beach - 850-362-6646Gulf Breeze - 850-396-6126 Peaden.com

Licensed, insured residential and commercial air

conditioning, heating, plumbing, and electrical contrac-tor. NATE-certified, Comfort Institute Certified, and NADCA technicians, consultants, and customer service professionals with a primary focus to provide quality service and installation combined with the best products in the industry.

BEAUTY

SaLON VEDaT114-B Benning Dr, Destin 850-837-2690; cell: [email protected] SalonVedat.com

Organic Salon Sys-tems has started a revolution of health-ier, cleaner, natural,

organic, and better performing professional salon products. Beauty without sacrificing health. Coloring and smoothing treatments for silky, healthy hair. No SLS, ammonia, parabens or plastics. See ad page 15.

BODYWORKERS

INTEGRaTIVE CaRE Downtown Fort Walton BeachFelicia McQuiad (MA61060)850-217-2771 EvolveYoga-Reiki.com

Professional, compassionate, experi-enced care for your body, mind and spirit; specializing in Massage/Reiki Integrative Sessions. Ninety minutes to perfect balance, peace and health. See ad page 6.

NaNETTE SaVaGE CERTIFIED aDVaNCE ROLFER850- 621-6101 MA-0028169

Let me help you achieve greater bal-ance and mobility by creating a more lifted and symmetrical alignment. Appointments made for 75-minute session. See ad page 6.

THE REaCH INSTITUTE Ann M. Rector, LMT, MMP, BA850-622-CARE (2273) TheReachInstitute.com

NW Florida’s solution for Medical Massage Therapy and Kinesiology. Dedicated to providing quality care to clients to resolve specific conditions and improving quality of life.

URBaN OaSIS Laura Tyree, LMT (MA68035)Downtown Ft Walton Beach850-244-0184 or 850-642-1015UrbanOasisHealth.com

A unique environment for relaxation and healing of body, self, and soul. Revel in relaxation and enjoyment. Find the relief and good health you have always wanted.

CHIROPRACTIC

BLUEWaTER CHIROPRaCTIC WELLNESS CENTERApril Lee, DC 4400 Hwy 20 E, Niceville 850-897-1177 • BluewaterChiropractic.com

Natural and holistic health care. Offer-ing chiropractic care, acupuncture, lumbar decompression, physical thera-pies, nutritional education and supple-mentation. Allow the body to heal the way it was designed.

HENaRD FaMILY CHIROPRaCTICDr. Karen Henard, DC4566 Hwy 20 E, Ste 205, Niceville850-897-1105 • HenardChiro.com

As a second generation chiropractor, D r . H e n a r d i s c o m m i t t e d to lifetime chiropractic wellness c a r e f o r t h e e n t i r e f a m i l y, improving their health naturally. Over 16 years’ experience in pedi-atr ics, sports and automobile

i n j u r i e s . M o s t i n s u r a n c e a c c e p t e d a n d affordable cash plans.

COLONIC THERAPY

SKINDEEP CLINIC WELLNESS CENTRECindy Butler, Owner/Therapist4012 Commons Dr W, Ste 120, Destin 850-269-1414 • SkinDeepDestin.com

Colonics, ionic footbaths, infrared saunas. Organic non-surgical face-lift, weight loss (lose 20 lbs in 40 days), body wraps, massage, teeth whitening, airbrush tan, makeovers.

DENTISTRY

DR. DaYTON HaRT, DMDIAOMT Protocol 225 W Laurel Ave, Foley, AL 36535 251-943-2471 • DrDaytonHart.com

Free book for new patients: Mer-cury Free Dentistry. Ozone, Laser No-Suture Gum Surgery, Test for compatible materials, cavity-caus-ing bacteria. Examine for gum disease bacteria Laser Cavity Di-agnoses, Saliva, pH Check, Oral

Galvanic Screening, no fluoride.

ENERGY CONSERVATIONDEBBY MCKINNYEnergy Gone GreenerMarketing Representative850-598-0200 • Energygonegreener.info

Guaranteed savings on electricity for residential/commercial applications without reducing electrical consump-tion. Advanced technology backed by largest green energy provider in the world; one of 2012 Forbes Magazine’s best business ideas. Save energy while


ensuring a safer environment in your home or business by reducing harmful Electromagnetic Fields (EMF). Qualifies for green certification for home or business. See ad page 8.

ENERGY HEALINGBaCK TO BaSIC WELLNESSSusan Giangiulio MEd, CECP, CLP 850-240-2279 • Back-To-Basic-Wellness.com

Certified Lifeline Technique™ and an Emotion Code Practitioner applying kinesiology, known as muscle testing, to communicate with the subconscious. One or more s e s s i o n s r e l e a s e t r a p p e d emotions, helping to eliminate

personal obstacles and limiting behaviors.

ESSENTIAL OILS

LaURIE aZZaRELLa, LMT, CRRYoung Living Educator, Sponsor #327923 850-380-4943 • [email protected] WellnessPurposeAbundance.com/YL/123

Experience the healing, uplifting and detoxifying benefits of therapeutic-grade essential oils and supplements. Contact us for personal consultations, in-home classes, household products,

health supplements, diffusers, group presentations and business training.

FAMILY COUNSELING

STEPPING STONES PROFESSIONaL COUNSELING, INC.REGINA BRIGHT, MS, LMHC850-226-6430 • [email protected]

Stepping Stones Professional Counsel-ing provides individual, group, cou-ples and family therapy for both children and adults experiencing a wide variety of developmental and emotional problems.

FITNESS & TRAINING

MaRTIaL aRTS COMBaT aCaDEMY 1605 N. Partin Dr, Niceville850-797-9430MartialArtsCombatAcademy.com

Adul t and teen modern day self-defense. Kid’s classes tourna-ment base with an emphasis on “Stranger Danger” and “Bully Defense”. Tai chi classes. Free i n t r o d u c t o r y w e e k a n d n o contracts

FOODS & SUPPLIMENTS

BODY-B-HEaLTHY 2227 Ferdon Blvd, Crestview850-682-8893 Find Us on Facebook

Knowledgeable staff and cutting edge digital health assessments. Dairy free and gluten

free food items, supplements, homeopathic solutions and anti-aging products, plus delicious nutritional smoothies. See ad page 17.

GOLDEN aLMOND HEaLTH FOOD STORE339 Racetrack Rd NW # 3 (850) 863-5811 GoldenAlmond.comHours: Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat. 10-4, closed Sun.

We offer natural and or-ganic foods and the largest selection of herbs and sup-plements in the area. Enjoy our new fresh juice bar

(Mon-Fri 10am-4pm) while shopping for your health needs with the help of our knowledgeable and per-sonable staff. See ad page 41.

ORGaNO GOLD Dave & Becky Scholtes850-324-5336 Dscholtes.organogold.com

Drink healthier Coffee. 100% Arabica coffee infused with 100% organic Ganaderma Lucidum, a Chinese herb noted for healing propert ies . See ad page 20.

HEALING ARTS

HEaLING PaTH, aLICE MCCaLLTransformational Energy Healer and Counselor BS Psychology, MBA, Hypnotherapist 850-585-5496 HealingPath.info

Phone sessions to heal serious health issues, unwanted patterns, and more. Authored Wellness Wisdom on natural health and healing; inspired by her journey with cancer.

HOLISTIC HEALTH

BLUEWaTER NaTURaL HEaLTHDawn M. Dalili, N.D.850-897-11774400 Hwy. 20E, #207, NicevilleBluewaterNaturalHealth.com

Look better, feel better, and func-tion at your very best without pharmaceut ica ls and wi thout spending a fortune on supplements.

GaRRY HENDRICKS, NDGolden Almond 850-736-5700 [email protected]

Helping you with all your health care needs. Seeing clients and of-fering complimentary heath lec-tures at Golden Almond Health Food S to re , FWB. Ca l l fo r appointment.

NITIN BaWa, MD DrBawa.comDestin 850-424-7320Panama City 850-534-4170 Santa Rosa Beach 850-534-4170

General medicine with a holistic wellness approach and specialized services in Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy, weight loss, food aller-gies, nutritional analysis and anti-aging procedures. Most Insurance Accepted. See ad page 19.

HYPNOSIS

BRENDa Q. BISCHOFF, CLC, CHT CIHypnosis, Hypnobliss™, Life Coaching, NLP 850-637-1631, [email protected] TransformYourLife.net

Time Line Therapy, Certified NGH Hypnosis Instructor. Imag-ine living the life you have al-ready dreamed of. Take the first step now. Call for a free consul-tation. See ad page 11.

INTUITIVE/MEDIUM

ERICKa BOUSSaRHaNEProfessional Psychic Medium850-941-4321 ColdCasePsychic.com

As an internationally known psy-chic medium, Ericka has been featured on national TV and radio stations across the country. She studied through the Astrological Institute of Integrated Studies where John Edward received

training in Psychic Development.

TERESa BROWN3 W Garden St, Pensacola 850-206-1853 TeresaBrown.net

Experienced intuitive medium, public speaker, and author. Find peace, healing and renewal of energy through energetic clear-ing, past l ife regression and spiritual counseling. Consulta-tions in person or phone.


LIGHT THERaPY

LIGHT FOR LIFEBuddy Bowman, Quantum Light Energy Coach315-A Racetrack Rd, FWB850-582-4929BuddyBowman.com

Come experience the soothing heal-ing light and energy photons to gently reduce stress and bring your body into balance. This promotes the natural healing of the body by itself, the way it was designed to do and nature intended. Located inside

Blossom Yoga, this treatment is painless, convenient, affordable, noninvasive and drug-free. See ad page 9.

REFLExOLOGY

LaURIE aZZaRELLa, LMT, CRR251-625-0080 or 850-380-4943 [email protected] WellnessPurposeAbundance.com/YL/123

Certification in Ingham Reflexol-ogy through the International Institute of Reflexology. Phase I & II. 16 CEUs per workshop. Daphne, AL. Available to every-one, workshops provide educa-

tion in better health naturally.

REIKI

FLORIDa CENTER FOR REIKI TRaININGSandra Trimble850-217-5419 • ReikiInFlorida.com

Reiki Master and Licensed Massage Therapist. Reiki classes and Reiki ses-sions for relaxation, stress reduction & healing. Over 18 years experience with Reiki. 11 years experience in massage. Florida & National CEUs provided. Monthly Reiki shares and classes.

RETIREMENT LIVING

THE BLaKE aT GULF BREEZE Brooke Hicks 850-934-4306 BlakeLiving.com

A retirement, assisted living, and memory care community in-spiring wellness in an enriched environment. Also, short-term

respite program for caregivers to have their loved one stay as a guest; enjoy the many services and personal-ized care. See ad page 5.

SCHOOLS

NWF SCHOOL OF MaSSaGETHERaPY aND BODYWORKSMatthew Wilson1031–A West 23rd Street, Panama [email protected]

Enroll NowNext Class Begins January 23, 2012

Source Instituteof Massage and Bodywork

1 Hour Student Massage$35.00

30 Beal Pkwy, FWB850.598.0738

www.SourceInstitute.com

Join today. No credit check. In house financing available for all students. MYCAA approved. Day and eve-ning part time classes.

SOOTHING aRTS HEaLING THERaPIES SCHOOL OF MaSSaGE12605 Emerald Coast Pkwy W, Ste 2 850-269-0820 SoothingArts.com

Have a new career in as little as 5 months. Massage Therapy program and Skin Care program. Day and night classes available. Approved for V.A. benefits and MY-CAA.

SOURCE INSTITUTE OF MaSSaGE THERaPY aND BODYWORKMatthew Wilson30 Beal Parkway SW, FWB 850-598-3633 Sourceinstitute @gmail.comSourceInstitute.com

Join today. No credit check. In house financing available for all students. MYCAA approved. Day and evening part time classes. See ad page 17.

SKIN CARE

OCEaNa NaTURaLS, LLCMichael J Russ866-242-3776PureSunscreen.com

MelanSol® is certified chemical free skin care that brings hope and peace of mind to everyone who wants to enjoy a safe relationship

with the sun. See ad page 30.

SPa RETREaTS

ESCaPE aT WINDCREEK1-855-EZ-ESCAPE (1-855-393-7227)EscapeatWindCreek.com

Escape at Wind Creek boasts over 15,000 square feet of pure ah! Including a world class spa, culinary studio, fitness center, discovery programs and adventure experi-ences. See ad back page.

SPIRITUaL CENTER

UNITY IN FORT WaLTON BEaCH1797 Hurlburt Road, FWB850-864-1232 • UnityInFWBFL.org

We welcome all interested in seek-i n g a n i n n e r a w a r e n e s s of God. We promote love, joy, and peace through our thoughts, words, and deeds. See ad page 41.

UNITY OF PaNaMa CITY1764 Lisenby Ave., Panama City 850-769-7481 [email protected]

Committed to helping people find the way to their own un-derstanding and experience of God and offering positive, practical resources for an

abundant and meaningful life. See ad page 3..

WELLNESS CENTERS

SKINDEEP CLINIC WELLNESS CENTRECindy Butler, Owner/Therapist4012 Commons Dr W, Ste 120, Destin 850-269-1414 • SkinDeepDestin.com

Colonics, ionic footbaths, infrared sauna. Organic non-surgical facelift, weight loss (lose 20 lbs in 40 days), body wraps, massage, teeth whitening, airbrush tan, makeovers. MM27113. MA49032.

THE WELLNESS CENTER Thomas Easley, Clinical Herbalist850-994-5656 PaceWellnessCenter.comFacebook/The-Wellness-Center

Offers supplement/herbal wellness; as-sessment practices: iridology, tongue/fingernail/pulse analysis, glandular body typing. Healing therapies: ionic footbath, hot house, chi machine and massage therapy.

WELLNESS CENTER aT NaVaRREPam Svendsen. MD7552 Navarre Pkwy, Ste 21850-936-8343 • NavarreWellness.com

Committed to patient centered care as well as disease focused treatment, we offer family practice, weight loss, anti-aging, skin solutions and events. See ad page 29.

Love and compassion are necessities, not

luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.

~ Dalai Lama


WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS

aVaLON LIGHT KEEPERS850-424-8261 AvalonLightKeepers.com

Light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are used to apply concentrated doses of lights and healing sound fre-quencies to help increase circula-tion, control pain, reduce stress and increase overall wellness. Ongoing

sessions are given at The Golden Almond Health Food Store. Contact us to learn about our free pre-sentations. See ad page 4.

BLUE WILLOW WELLNESS850-226-9355 • BlueWillowWellnes.com

Working with individuals and groups to promote wel lbe ing through a s s e s s m e n t a n d t r a i n i n g to overcome resistance to change. Ask about our Tai Chi classes.

EMERaLD COaST RELaxQuantum Wellness TechnologyINDIGO Quantum Biofeedback Device and Quantumwave Laser Therapy & Sales850-803-6459 • EmeraldCoastRelax.com

L i b b i e H a m b l e t o n , C e r t i f i e d Biofeedback Technician, providing sessions at a variety of locations. Devices to assist with stress, pain, r e l a x a t i o n , i n f l a m m a t i o n , rejuvenation, sleep, wellness.

YOGA STUDIOS

BLOSSOM YOGa315 A racetrack Road, NE, Ft Walton Beach 850-420-6046 • [email protected] BlossomYogaFL.com

Offering classes in Svaroopa® yoga, yoga therapy and meditation. Also offer Migun Thermal massage. MM123789. See website for yoga schedule. See ad page 16.

DRaGONFLY YOGa STUDIESDowntown Ft Walton Beach 850-244-0184 (MM16502)DragonFlyYoga.comDrop in.

Dragonfly Yoga850 244 0184downtown brooks stft. walton beachdragonflyyoga.com

A professional yoga studio offer-ing a serene environment for the study and practice of Hatha yoga. Certified instructors. Owner/Di-rector Laura Tryee, E-RYT 500. See ad page 36.

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2012 Holiday GiftsConscious Giving: Meaningful gifts for the most meaningful people in your life. This holiday season give gifts of health, well-being and sustainability.

Perfect Gift—Medicinal Herbs for Life. Along with color photos, the book describes 98 herbs, plants and weeds - how to grow them, their medici-nal properties and how to use them. Particularly written for the Florida Panhandle area. Makes a great gift for those concerned about improving and maintaining their health. Medicinal-HerbsForLife.com. [email protected]. 850-381-9191.

GIVE THE GIFT OF HEaLTH! Special Holiday pricing for Reiki & Massage Sessions! $55 (1) hr. $75 (90) Min. Integrative Care with Felicia McQuaid. 850-217-2771. EvolveYoga-Reiki.com. MA61060.

MINT TO BEE GIFT SHOPGive a unique gift this holiday season! Features local raw honey, Wil-lowtree figurines, sterling silver jewelry, children’s toys and clothing and handcrafted gifts. Everything 50% off for entire month of De-cember. Hrs: Tue-Sat;10 a.m.-5 p.m. Corner of Beverly St. and Green Acres Rd.850- 864-4735.

PILaTES CORE TRaINING—Align your new year with a new body. Gift certificates make excellent gifts - they can be used for Pi-lates classes or private sessions, bodywork, essential oils, equipment or apparel. 850-287-5836. 2130 Summit Blvd., Pens.

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D idier became interested in yoga as a teenager, practicing Yoga Asanas in Casablanca, Morocco,where he grew up. In the early eighties, Didier traveled to India and Asia. In 1985, he met Gurumayi Chidvilasananda in Ganeshpuri, India.He spent the next ten years living in Her ashrams (monasteries) in India, France, and the United States. While living in the ashrams, Didier had the opportunity to study Hatha Yoga with several teachers, notably John Friend - the founder of Anusara Yoga. At one time, Didier was an Anusara affiliated teacher. He is presently certified through the Sivananda and Sri Mahesh Schools of Yoga. In 2000, Didier created his own yoga school that he named “Two Suns Rising Yoga”. Rumi, a great Sufi poet saint (1207-1273) wrote a beautiful poem which alludes to this same theme.

Rejuvenation YOGA Retreat

• Includes 2 night stay on Level 15, a four diamond boutique hotel in a hotel

• 6 healthy meals

• Healthy snacks

• Unlimited meditation and yoga classes by Didier

• Discovery classes

(855) 393.7227 • www.EscapeAtWindCreek.com

Documents

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