december 2011

November 2011 | Tennessee Valley | Natvalley.com

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MEANINGFUL GIVING

Tips to Simplify the Season

NEW YEAR’S INTENTIONS

Wayne Dyer Shares Five Favorites

HEALTHY LIVINGHEALTHY PLANET

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December 2011 | Tennessee Valley | Natvalley.com

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD

How Giving Can Change Your Life

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3natural awakenings December 2011

contact us

publishersletter

© 2011 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wher-ever free publications are generally seen. Please call to fi nd a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we re-sponsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONSSubscriptions are available by sending $25

(for 12 issues) to the above address.

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy- based ink.

PublisherTom Maples

[email protected]: 404-395-9634

New Business DevelopmentAdvertising Sales

Cindy [email protected]: 256-476-6537

Design and ProductionKaren Ormstedt256-997-9165

Natural Awakeningsin the Tennessee Valley

14 Woodland Ave.Trinity, Alabama 35673Offi ce: 256-340-1122

Fax: 256-217-4274Natvalley.com

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” —Martin Luther King, Jr.

Donnell Koch of the Light of Christ Center taught a metaphysics class this Fall where we discussed

the many different forms, types and levels of psychic and spiritual energy that we both broadcast and

receive as embodied energetic beings, often without our knowledge or recognition. It is useful to learn to recognize those that we can, however, because they do affect us, all the time, in every possible way—in our moods, emotions, state of mind, energy levels, and overall sense of well being. Moreover, the energies we broadcast affect other people in profound ways, so it is important to develop an awareness.

The two broadest categories of energy are positive and negative. Since these are both Energy, it is easier than one might think to confuse the two, at fi rst contact. Donnell offered a simple and very useful guideline for sort-ing out energies into their two broadest buckets—

Positive energies uplift, negative energies drag down.

This basic barometer can help us decode even the most complex concoctions of energetic stew being offered to us, by others, or by our own minds, in almost every case. If it lightens, elevates, uplifts...then the energies are of one type; if it darkens, densifi es, downtreads...it is of another. Despite whatever package it is wrapped and delivered in.

So, what, then Uplifts? What energies, what emotions?

Emotions are direct manifestations of energies. Emotions are actually frequencies, and the higher, the better.

The higher, the more uplifting.

Love and Gratitude, together, represent the highest possible vibration. But Empathy, Compassion, and Altruism are not far behind. And according to our feature article, “Do Good, Feel Good: The Helping-Health-Happiness Connection,” there is a measurable link between these emotions, and especially in acting upon them, and physical health and longevity.

It's a fascinating article. I hope you enjoy it, and the rest ofDecember's issue.

4 Tennessee Valley Natvalley.com

23

advertising & submissions

HOW TO ADVERTISE Display Ads due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 256-476-6537 or email [email protected].

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS*Newsbriefs due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50-250 words. Content limited to special events and other announcements. No advertorials, please.

Articles and ideas due by the 5th of the month. Articles generally contain 250-850 words, with some exceptions. No advertorials, please.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONSCalendar of Events and Ongoing Calendar listings due by the 10th of the month. Limit 50 words per entry. Please follow format found in those sections.

ADVERTISE WITH US TODAY256-476-6537 -or- [email protected]

*All submissions are subject to editing and will be printed at the publish-er’s discretion. Article space often fi lls in advance. Deadline dates refer to the month prior to next publication and may change without notice due to holidays, shorter months, or printing schedules.

contents

www.Natvalley.com

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

17 EXPLORING THE LAST FRONTIER with Astronaut Edgar Mitchell by Linda Sechrist

18 TONGUE AND PULSE IN TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE by Kathy Reed

20 ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - RITA LOYD THE ART OF SELF-HEALING How Rita Loyd Learned to Love Herself Through the Process of Creating Art by Marie Walz

22 POSTURES Seated-Spinal Twist by Gatlianne

23 DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection by Lisa Marshall

26 ESSENTIALS Healing Oils of the Bible Part 1 (Frankincense and Myrrh) by Linda Hileman BS, CCA

28 MEANINGFUL GIVING Tips to Simplify the Season by Beth Davis

30 ART IS DEAD? by Jessica Muzzo

30 REIKI AND CANCER How Does Reiki Help Cancer Patients by Mary Morales

31 GOOD VIBRATIONS Sound Healing for the Soul by Erin Lehn Floresca

11 healthbriefs

13 ecotip

15 globalbriefs

17 wisewords

28 greenliving

29 inspiration

15

11

28

20

31

17


newsbriefs

Annual Natural Living Directory Coming in January Natural Awakenings

Natural Awakenings in the Tennessee Valley is pleased to announce the coming of the 2012 Natural Living Directory as part of the January issue. The Direc-

tory will consist of Community Resource Guide-style listings from area health and wellness business providers that include a description of their services and contact information. The Natural Living Directory will be a durable reference guide that readers will keep and use all year. If you would like to have your business or practice included in this directory please contact us at 256-340-1122 or 256-476-6537 for more information. The deadline for signup is December 10, 2012 and space is limited. Current Commu-nity Resource Guide advertisers are automatically included in the annual Natural Living Directory. See ad on page 33.

New Offerings at Hope for Life

Hope for Life now offers Lipo-Ex at their facility on Baily Cove Road in Creekside Corner. Lipo-Ex is

a technology that helps to break down fat quickly and comfortably, without drugs, needles, surgery or recovery time. Lipo-Ex has been shown to achieve remarkable results in all the following areas: Abdomen, saddle bags, cellulite, stretch marks, inner thighs, love handles, bra bulges, double chin, and other problem areas. Hope for Life also specializes in Colonics, Bio-Cleanse, Infra-Red Sauna, and the Vibra-Trim Machine. Walk-ins are welcome, as well as appointments. Gift certifi cates are now available for the holiday season. Amanda Mashburn is I-ACT certified. She owns

Hope For Life Colon Hydrotherapy located on 10300 Bailey Cove Road Suite-7A, Huntsville. Call 256-270-8731 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Please see her listing in the Community Resource Guide in Natural Awakenings and receive a discount on your first visit. See ad on page 10, CRG on page 38.

Riverwalk Yacht Club Parade of Lights Sponsored by the Riverwalk Yacht Club and Extreme Marine, the annual Parade of Lights will take to the waterway, illuminating Decatur’s Wheeler Lake, on Saturday, December 10, 2011. The free holiday maritime event features approximately 20 boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes, and other fes-tive trimmings for the holiday season. New for this year, the public is invited for a leisurely stroll around the docks for an up close look at the brightly lit boats prior to the parade. Beginning at 4pm, the docks at Riverwalk Marina open allowing the public for the fi rst time to admire the boats and their holiday decorations before they set sail. In addition, the Morgan County Humane Society will be on-hand with various animals available for adoption. With Christmas just around the corner, a new pet would be a wonderful present for someone. At 6pm the boat parade will take its usual route, making a circle from the entrance of Riverwalk Marina located on Highway 20, west to the Railroad Bridge,


Advanced Rolf Practitioner Susan K. Jeffreys

“I was the last person I thought that would benefit from this... ...ten sessions later I am telling everyone about rolfing.” S.H., Birmingham, AL

“My life and my comfort level have improved so much. I thank God for Susan.” K.S., Huntsville, AL

Free 30 min. consultation!Find out what Susan K. Jeffreys and Structural Integration can do for you!

Call (256) 512-2094 todaySusan K. Jeffreys, AL Lic.#2492336A Whitesburg Dr. • Huntsville, AL, 35801 Structural Integration in the method of Ida P. Rolf

east in front of Rhodes Ferry Park and then back into the Marina. The best viewing will be at Rhodes Ferry Park, the Hard Dock Café or the Marina entrance. Anyone interested in participating in the parade or for more information, contact Bob Namie at 256-306-0909. RiverWalkYC.org.

Successful Grand Opening of Reed Acupuncture

Reed Acupuncture Grand Opening was a great success

in sharing modalities with the community. Kathy Reed explained how traditional Chinese medicine diagnoses consist of viewing the

human body as an extension of the environment or land-scape. The conditions outside the body such as heat, cold, dry, damp and wind are similar to conditions on the inside of the body. Trudy Gardner spoke of color as having its own unique vibration of energy. A client who attended said, “Trudy gave me more of an understanding of how my body reacts to my surroundings as far as the emotions and the way I feel.” Ann Gebhart spoke about Maranda Nacole’s Salon on 2nd Avenue in Decatur and the personal care she gives each client. Ann recommended her personal favorite hair care line called Zerran. Zerran is 100% vegan, 100% paraben free, contains soothing essential oils, perfume and sulfate free, and cruelty free. Steve Kryzewski gave clients insights about Computer-ized Electrodermal Stress Analysis Testing (CEDSAT). Steve spoke of the benefi ts of the Bio-Mat, which is an infrared healing tool and detoxifying Ionic footbath. Susan Jeffreys explained how structural integration

is an educational process for the body. Susan spoke of her main goals in her sessions—to help the body to rebalance on its center line of gravity. Cindy Wilson of Natural Awakenings magazine and Marsha Mathes attended in support of Reed Acupuncture opening. Please contact Kathy Holmes Reed at Reed Acupunc-ture for an acupuncture treatment at 256-303-5729. See ad on page 7.

Paranormal Study Center Does "2012 by the Numbers: 12-12-12-12 & 12-21-12"

Paranormal Study Center welcomes Jeanne Mitchell on December 16, for a lecture entitled "2012 by the

Numbers: 12-12-12 & 12-21-12," featuring her insights, as a Numerologist, into the patterns of coming events hidden in the numbers of our times. The two dates listed above may prove uniquely important in human history. Jeanne Mitchell is a lecturer and facilitator who has been teaching self-empowerment classes for 24 years and has worked in the healing arts for 30. Jeanne has studied with many master facilitators and taught workshops on develop-ing, strengthening, and integrating a healthy mind, body and spirit. Numerology has always been her fi rst love, and through it, presents an empowering way to look at life. She has a rare gift for inspiring the mastery inside of her students to step forth in recognition.Please note that the meeting time for December is the third rather than the fourth Friday of the month, which is our usual meeting date. Admission will be $10 for this special event. Fellowship supper at 5pm for those interested. Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison. For more information, contact Greg Rowe at 256-326-0092. ParapsychologyStudyGroup.com.


December 31, 2011: World Peace Day at the Center for Spiritual Living

The Center for Spiritual Living in Huntsville will mark World

Peace Day, December 31, 2011 at 6am with a public gathering. At noon, Greenwich Mean Time, (6am our time) on this day people from around the world will join together in a global meditation for peace. World Healing day, also known as World Peace Day,

began on this date at that time in 1986. The day was created in order to unite people under the common bond of love and peace. People all over the world came together through prayer and meditation in hopes of spreading their own thoughts and feelings towards world peace. For the past 22 years, Reverend David Leonard, with the Center for Spiritual Living in Huntsville, has honored this day of meditation for world peace. The hour includes silent medi-tation, prayer and readings of poetry shared by participants. All are welcome to either bring a favorite poem or prayer, or, write a poem or prayer to share. The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 308 Lily Flagg Road, Huntsville. Contact Gloria Agrelius at [email protected] or phone 256-503-3083. See ad on page 15.

Past Life Regression with Marsha Mathes

A Past Life Regression (PLR) is the process of taking you

back through time into a life from the past on earth or possibly even another planet. First, you are induced into a very deep, relaxed state of alpha (day dreaming) or theta (right before falling asleep or upon waking). Then you are gently guided back into a past life (or several) to explore roles you played and their lessons. A PLR

session usually lasts between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your intentions for the session. A PLR can be for the curious, just to see if you believe in them or not. It can also offer answers to unresolved issues such as health, relationships, career and fi nancial concerns that keep showing up in your life, whether nega-tive or positive. You can benefi t from a PLR by re-experiencing key events of a past life and by reprocessing them. This can be helpful to bring closure to the events of that lifetime and can enable us to move forward more freely in this lifetime. It can


CLICK!Point Your Life ina Healthy DirectionVisit Our New WebsiteBrowse the local news, events calendar, resource guide, plus all the wonderfularticles that support and inspire a healthy, sustainable lifestyle. Now just a click away!

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256.539.2070www.BestIntegrativeWellness.com

Dr. George Gray, M.D. N.D.INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS CENTER

Are You Really Serious About Feeling Better?Treat Yourself to a Change that Works!

Check Out Our New Weight Loss and Health Programs and Get Started Today.

Option 1 Neutralize the Lethal Eff ects of Excess Calories!Option 2 Reverse Causes of Abdominal ObesityOption 3 Scientifi c Methods to Fight CelluliteOption 4 Reverse Age-Related Weight GainOption 5 Stop SmokingOption 6 Greatly Reduce Joint/Arthritic Pain and Rejuvenate Your SkinOption 7 Why Aging People Fail to Lose Weight

—The Best of Both Worlds—Alternative and Conventional Medicine

release old emotions, thus allowing our relationships to be more free and enjoyable. It can also allow for physi-cal or emotional issues to be released, therefore possibly providing substantial physical and emotional improvement. This is a very safe process to change and empower the quality of your life. Please contact Marsha Mathes, Certified Hypnotist, at 256-698-2151 to experience your past life regression today. See CRG on page 38.

Everything You Always Wanted to Know about Life But Were Afraid to Ask

Ever feel like you can’t really talk to anyone about life’s deepest

questions? If so, then here is a class for you. For eight weeks, we will be discussing life’s most persistent questions, including the following:


Dr. Linda Jarvis, NMD

JarvisClinic.com

256.837.3448

We treat the underlying causes, not just symptoms.

Testing Services

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Body Cleansing and Detox Services

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Jarvis Natural Health ClinicProvides Holistic Wellness Services

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w e l l n e s s n a t u r a l l y

• Is there a God or not? If there is, then why is there so much suffering in the world?• Is there any meaning to my life, or am I just an insignifi cant speck in the universe?• Is there life after death or do I just cease to exist after I die?• Is there any hope for a peaceful world or is it only a dream?

The classes will be held at the Unity Church on the Mountain on Governors Drive, just a half mile east of Cali-fornia Avenue. We will meet on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8pm starting January 11. There is no charge for the course, but a love offering will be taken after each class. For more information and to register, please call Debbie Preece at 256-337-8200. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Gov-ernors Drive, Huntsville. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com. See ad page 16.

Madison Drugs Hosts an Open House in its New Location

Madison Drugs held its open house on November 12, 2012 in its new location at 8 Parade Street, Huntsville. Tours of

the new store and goodies were provided to all who came. Upon entering Madison Drugs in its new building, one can tell immediately that this is not a regular drug store. In-deed, it is something more. The staff at Madison Drugs have a comprehensive approach to caring for their clients. They consider not just the physical needs of the client, but go be-yond that to take in consideration other alterative approaches to help enhance health. Upstairs at the new facility, there’s a large classroom for educational events and regular yoga classes. Private massage therapy suites are available, designed to promote relaxation and healing. Four licensed massage therapists are on staff, each of whom individualizes their treatments to better meet the needs of the client. Downstairs, in the main store, alongside well-stocked shelves carrying a comprehensive array of health-and-wellness products, are private counseling rooms, utilized for intensive one-on-one health history evaluations and


256-270-8731

AMANDA MASHBURN

offers gentle and effective ways to eliminate toxic accumulations, relieve symptoms, and increase your

overall health, vitality and resistance to disease.

Environmental and lifestyle stressors can create imbalance. When your body’s cells are in an imbalanced state, they do a poor job of ridding the body of heavy metals, parasites,

and other toxins. This can result in illness or disease.

Call or Email Us About Our Services. Visit Our Website.Rebalance and Return to Health!

wellness counseling, as well as instructions regarding medications and usages. Madison Drugs provides a full line of pharmacy compounding services, not only for people but for pets as well. They also provide hormone saliva testing along with hormone balance consultations. Madison Drugs Compounding Pharmacy and Natural Pharmacy is in its new location at 8 Parade Street in Hunts-ville. For more information, call 256-837-1778 or visit MadisonDrugs.com online. See ad on page 14.

"Intuition: Uniquely Yours" at the Light of Christ Center

Intuition is defi ned as "knowing without knowing why you know." Through questionnaires, meditation, and

other techniques, students can further develop their four "Clairs" (Clairvoyance, Clairsentience, Clairaudience, & Claircognizance). For 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, January 10, at 7pm, Rev. Faye Waite-Glasgow will teach a course entitled "In-tuition: Uniquely Yours (A Dynamic Power For Love & Healing)" at the Light of Christ Center. Connecting to these powerful forces of the Soul will help each attain greater transformation, healing, and joy for life. With assistance and practice, the intuition becomes a reli-able source of information and guidance, bringing a greater understanding of our connection and communication with Spirit. Call 256-895-0255 to register and for more infor-mation. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Avenue NW, Huntsville. See LoCC ad on page 5.

Happy Holidays?

The Holiday Season is a joyful time for many people. For some is Isn’t.

It can be a stressful, anxious time…and…for some people—depressing… and …then there is New Years, the time for New Year Resolutions (goal setting).

John Lambert can help with these issues, and what’s more...You can get a free 30 minute strategy session at any time on Tuesday, Wednesday, or

Thursday until the end of the year.

Give John a call or send him an email. John Lambert256-590-3824 [email protected] CRG listing on page 39.

newsbriefs cont’d


The Arts Relieve Holiday StressThe hustle and bustle of the holiday

season can leave us stressed, fa-tigued and even anxious or depressed. But according to studies sponsored by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, there are many art-ful ways to relieve these conditions: Painting, dancing, playing a musical instrument or even attending a theater

performance or concert may help us feel better, healthier and more upbeat. The researchers worked with more than 50,000 participants, using question-naires, interviews, clinical examinations, and blood and urine samples to assemble detailed health profi les. The data was controlled for chronic illness, social relations, smoking and alcohol. What most surprised the researchers was that the study fi ndings held true regardless of socioeconomic status; whether a truck driver or bank president, participating in the arts had a positive effect on the individual’s sense of health and well-being.

healthbriefs

Acupuncture Eases Unexplained SymptomsPatients that experience medically

unexplained symptoms might benefi t from acupuncture, according to new research by the Institute of Health Services Research, Peninsula Medical School, at the University of Exeter. The study involved 80 adults that had consulted their general practitioner eight or more times in the previous year for problems such as headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue or joint and back pain. Half received up to 12 sessions of fi ve-element acupuncture during a period of six months; the remainder received no extra treatment. The patients receiving acupuncture reported improved well-being and scored higher on an individualized health status questionnaire than the control group. They reported that their acupuncture consultations became increasingly valuable and that the interactive and holistic nature of the sessions gave them a sense that something positive was being done about their condition. Professor Andrew Gould, who led the study, says it is important to offer patients other options when conventional medicine isn’t working. “It’s soul-destroying for both the patient and doctor when there’s no clear reason for the symptoms patients are suffering from,” he explains. “We don’t know how acupuncture is making a difference, but it seems to be something to do with the treatment, rather than just a placebo or the one-to-one care the patients are getting.” The study was the fi rst of its kind in the United Kingdom. The research results were published in The British Journal of General Practice.

ZINC FIGHTS COLDSA new study confi rms that zinc can,

indeed, help reduce the severity and duration of the common cold, and high doses—at least 75 milligrams per day—work best. Depending upon the total dosage and composition of the lozenges, zinc may shorten the duration of a common cold episode by up to 40 percent, according to University of Helsinki research.

Source: Open Respiratory Medicine Journal

NUTTY HELP FOR DIABETESNew research from St. Michael’s

Hospital and the University of Toronto reports that consuming two ounces of nuts daily as a replacement for carbohydrates (muffi ns were used in the study) is effective in glycemic and serum lipid control for people with Type 2 diabetes. The research-ers concluded that all nuts—whether mixed, unsalted, raw or dry-roast-ed—offer benefi ts for control of both blood glucose and blood lipids and could be consumed as part of a strategy to improve diabetes control without weight gain.

Source: Diabetes Care


Cocoa Takes the Pressure OffFifteen scientifi c studies attest to the good news: For people with hypertension, eating dark chocolate or cocoa can signifi cantly dilate blood vessels and lower blood pres-sure. Researchers attribute the positive ef-fects to the fl avanol compounds in cocoa.

Source: BioMed Central Limited, 2010

Phosphates Not Heart-Healthy

Phosphates are commonly found in microwavable meals, soft drinks and other processed and pre-

packaged foods. Now, researchers at the University of Sheffi eld, UK, have demonstrated a connection between the high intake of phosphates and atheroscle-rosis, or hardening of the arteries, a leading cause of heart disease. The research shows that cholesterol deposits in the walls of arteries increase following a higher phosphate diet. This leads to narrowing of the arteries, the cause of most heart attacks and strokes.

Source: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology

Massage Beats Meds for Back PainA new study conducted by

the Group Health Research Institute of Seattle suggests that massage therapy may be better than conventional medicine alone for easing lower back pain. Researchers recruited 401 patients with chronic back pain and found that those receiving a series of either relaxation or structural massage spent fewer days in bed and were more ac-tive than those receiving “usual medical care,” ranging from painkillers, anti-infl ammatory drugs and muscle relaxants to physical therapy. Lead study author Daniel Cherkin, director of the institute, concluded: “If you’re having continuing problems with back pain, even after trying usual medical care, massage may be a good thing to do. I think the results are pretty strong.” Funded by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Call For More Information.

Becky Waters CHt, B.Msc.

256.348.52363322 S. Memorial Parkway, Suite 641

Huntsville, Alabama 35801

Creating Positive Change Through

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Center forInner Wellness

CenterforInnerWellness.com


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The Greenest TreeGo Natural for ChristmasThe star of many families’ seasonal décor, the annual Christmas tree does not need to become an environmental burden if selected with care. While some individuals have strong opinions about the virtues of a natural tree versus an artificial one, each can have pros and cons. The National Christmas Tree As-sociation points out that 85 percent of the plastic trees sold in the United States are imported from China and may contain toxic chemicals, while evergreen trees can be grown in all 50 states. Even with a real tree, however, there are factors to consider. How far did the tree travel? The distance traveled from its source impacts the carbon footprint, due to the fuel expended to transport it. Most vendors can tell you the state of origin, but how about pesticides? Conven-tional Christmas tree farms are reputed to use abundant pesticides to keep their product looking picture-perfect. Ask if the seller is the grower and/or knows the answer. Typically, a temporary sidewalk or street corner seller may not; a better bet can be a u-pick-it tree farm. Put a cut tree in water within a few hours after trim-ming the base a flat one-half to one inch; some people add an aspirin to the water to enhance absorption. According to the 2009 National Geographic Green Guide, Americans annually discard 30 million cut trees after the holidays, with the wood wasted in landfills. Alternatively, a program in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, collects them to combat coastal erosion. Locate tree growers by state and learn how to dispose of trees responsibly at PickYourOwnChristmas-Tree.org. GreenPromise.com publishes a list of organic Christmas tree farmers at Tinyurl.com/65oqh9. When choosing a live tree, keep it properly hy-drated and just repot it in the yard after the celebrations conclude. Find detailed steps for care and planting from WikiHow.com at Tinyurl.com/6dyauj and Tinyurl.com/3rj582n.

ecotip TAKE ADVANTAGE OFOUR HOLIDAY SPECIAL.

“The Bare Necessities” “Southern Essentials” “The Gourmet Edition” 6 fruits and vegetables 6 fruits and vegetables 10 fruits and vegetables

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

globalbriefs

Got Faith?Global Religion Remains Strong Despite RepressionIn a recent, nondenominational global survey of 18,000 people across 24 countries by UK research fi rm Ipsos Mori, 70 percent identifi ed themselves with a chosen religion. Thirty percent said that their religion motivates them to give time or money to people in need and 73 percent of those under age 35 said their religion or faith was important in their life. At the same time, Rising Restrictions on Religion, a recent report by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life, found that more than 2.2 billion of the world’s total population of 6.9 billion people live in countries where either government restrictions on religion or social hostilities involving religion rose substantially between 2006 and 2009. Most of the countries that experienced substantial increases already had high levels of restrictions or hostilities. “This survey shows how much religion matters and that no analysis of the con-temporary world, political or social, is complete without understanding the relation-ship between faith and globalization,” says former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, a patron of the Tony Blair Faith Foundation. “There is much to encourage the view that people can learn to respect those of another faith and live with them peacefully. Interfaith dialogue and action today is not just an interesting but peripheral minor subject; it is the essence, central to creating greater social cohesion and harmony.”

Sources: Christian Today (UK); PewForum.org

Bully BeatersCooperation is Key to Social HarmonyBullies seem to be made, not born. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, concludes that a cooperative school experi-ence, versus a competitive one, can play a ma-jor positive role in the socialization of students.

Researchers canvassed 217 students in grades three through fi ve, measuring how much they liked to cooperate or compete

with their peers, and how often they acted with aggression or kindness toward them. The youngsters also estimated how often their teachers put them in small groups to complete assignments together, a classroom strategy known as “cooperative learning,” because the students have to collaborate with one another to get their work done. Students that engaged in more frequent cooperative learning were more likely to say they enjoyed cooperating with others and reported exhibiting kind, helpful, pro-social behaviors. In contrast, students that said they preferred to compete were sig-nifi cantly more likely to act aggressively toward their peers and try to do them harm. The results suggest that cooperation begets cooperation. The researchers further concluded that cooperative experiences promote the development of the personality trait of cooperation. Based on their results, the researchers advocate more cooperative learning in classrooms as a way to promote positive behaviors and combat bullying, or harm-intentioned aggression.

Source: Greater Good Science Center

www.cslhuntsville.org

308 Lily Flagg Rd.883-8596

Rev. David Leonard

ONGOING SERVICES AND CLASSES!

A Spiritual Communitysupporting the practice of knowing God in the heart

of every person.

New Thought ClassesTuesdays, 6:30-9:00pm

Wednesdays,10:00am-12:00pm

Revealing ServicesSundays 9:45am

Celebration ServicesSundays 10:30am

MeditationTuesdays & Wednesdays

6:00pmSundays 8:30am

SatsangWednesdays 6:30pm

Transforming Livesand Making the World

a Better Place


1328 Governors Drive SE Huntsville, AL 35801Prayer - Spiritual Counseling - Weddings

Space Available for Workshops

UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com256-536-2271

Unity’s 5 Basic Principlesprinciple 1~

There is only one Presence and one Power activeas the universe and as my life, God the Good.

principle 2~Our essence is of God; therefore, we are inherently good.

This God essence, called the Christ, was fully expressed in Jesus.

principle 3~We are co-creators with God,

creating reality through thoughts held in mind.

principle 4~Through prayer and meditation, we align our heart-mind

with God. Denials and affirmations are tools we use.

principle 5~Through thoughts, words and actions,

we live the Truth we know.

Unity Church on the Mountain

Adult Sunday School: 9:30am

Sunday Service: 10:30am

Universal TruthsChinese Seek Happiness

and Justice

When the Chinese Internet portal Ne-tEase recently offered Open University-style lectures in English with seminars like Web 2.0 Marketing Communica-tions and Introduction to Robotics, managers were surprised that the most popular choices turned out to be two more contemplative courses; one on happiness and the other on justice. “We never imagined that the most successful topics would be those to do with people’s hearts and minds,” says NetEase spokesman Yang Jing. More than 3 million people have already watched the course on the concept of justice, led by Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel, author of Justice: What’s the Right Thing to Do? Sandel believes that the demand refl ects an awakening of ethical refl ection and debate in China. “The generation that came of age during China’s economic miracle now wants to engage with big questions about moral responsibility, justice and injustice; about the meaning of the good life,” he observes. Although China is proud of its economic advances, “There is also recognition that rising affl uence has brought growing inequality, that GDP (Gross Domestic Product) alone does not bring happiness, and that markets can’t by themselves create a just society.” Psychologist Tal Ben-Shahar, author of Being Happy, states that his positive psychology course acknowledges that, “The need for happiness, for meaning and pleasure, is universal, common to all people. However, what people fi nd meaningful or pleasurable often differs across different cultures.”

Source: Time magazine

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.

~Mohandas Gandhi


wisewords

The sixth of only 12 men to walk the lunar surface,

Apollo 14 Astronaut Edgar Mitchell had a life-changing experi-ence in 1971 as his spacecraft sailed back to Earth. Long before he fi rst published The Way of the Explorer, in 1996, he understood that the beautiful blue planet to which he was returning was part of a harmonious and whole living system and that we each participate in a uni-verse of consciousness. This expanded worldview led him to found the nonprofi t Institute of Noetic Sciences (IONS) in 1973, to support individual and collective transforma-tion and realization of human potential. Since its inception, IONS has conducted research in intentionality and prayer in healing; subtle fi elds and energy medi-cine; inner dimensions of the healing response; and emerging worldviews.Noetic means “intuitive mind” or “inner knowing,” and IONS looks deeply into phenomena that do not necessarily fi t conventional science models, while maintaining scientifi c rigor.

How would you describe the life-changing experience that happened on your way home from the Moon?The experience, which began with a startling recognition that the nature of the universe was not as I’d been taught, continued to unfold as I saw how my ex-istence was irrevocably connected with the movement and formation of planets,

stars and galaxies. I saw the connectedness, felt it and experienced it emotionally. The natural response of my body to the overwhelming sense of unity was an-other way of knowing; it felt as trustworthy as my world of rationality and physical precision. Today, the merging of many factors—in-cluding recent discov-eries in quantum phys-

ics, cosmology, biology, chaos theory and self-organizing systems—is pointing to the recognition of the fundamental interconnectedness and interdepen-dence of all things. It is also affi rming the powerful role that directed intention plays in shifting our worldview toward one that focuses on the need to serve the greater good of all nature.

Do you believe that if science and humanity focused more on the exploration of inner space and consciousness, we could discover sustainable solutions for our planet?Civilization’s understanding of the nature of reality and hence, our survival and future well-being, depends entirely upon the emergence of a completely different worldview: a new paradigm that properly addresses, in verifi able scientifi c terms, our collective relation-ship to one another, the environment, nature and the universe. Establishing this fundamental shift in common perceptions can lead to changes in thinking, values, behavior and actions based on concepts of intercon-

nectedness, cooperation and interde-pendence in all human endeavors. It can come about if a signifi cant portion of hu-mankind develops this new understand-ing and incorporates it into our individual and societal belief systems. Science can bolster this advance by providing reliable and credible empirical data that supports it as a basis for public education. The hypothesis of interconnected-ness, proposed by ancient sages from many pre-scientifi c cultures, has never been rigorously explored or tested by modern mainstream science. Achieving a truly sustainable civilization requires us to apply a more holistic view to the mac-roscopic world, one that encompasses living systems and social phenomena.

What is IONS doing to encour-age the desired transformation of consciousness?Worldview Literacy (WVL) for high school students and beyond is IONS’ latest consciousness-based educational program. Its curriculum explores the pivotal role that our personal and cultural worldviews play in how we perceive and process information, act and behave. WVL works to increase people’s awareness of our own largely uncon-scious worldviews by opening a con-versational space of exploration where diverse views are welcomed with curi-osity and wonder. Such recognition and joint engagement deepens individual and collective understanding and helps students better navigate life when they encounter differing perspectives. Such education can help people of all ages discover critical connec-tions between lived experiences and assumed habits of mind. It can help us develop greater cognitive fl exibility, comfort with unfamiliarity, appreciation of diverse perspectives, ability to hold multiple points of view simultaneously, creative problem solving and a capacity for discernment that relies equally on intellect and intuition. It changes the human paradigm.

For more information, visit Noetic.org.

Linda Sechrist writes and edits for Natural Awakenings and is a student of noetic sciences.

Exploring the Last Frontierwith Astronaut Edgar Mitchell

by Linda Sechrist


It is the manypractitioners andbusinesses who

advertise that make Natural Awakenings

possible.

They are providingyou with one of the

most valuableresources for healthy

living in Alabama.

Through theirdedication and

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by Kathy Holmes Reed

As Westerners, we understand the difference between

heatstroke and frostbite. The Chinese, in over 4000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), focused their attention on the incremental stages in-between. The Chinese observed the human’s body functioning in torturous conditions (climate changes, fi eld work, and factory work), then the behavior of the conditions, and treatment. What the country people studied were simple, yet complex, concepts called yin/yang theory and 5-element theory. These theories were considered because of their infl uence on Qi (life force energy) and blood. The Chinese developed two important tools for diagnosis within the above theories; such as tongue and pulse diagnostics. The tongue shows the depth and nature (hot, cold, dry, wet, etc.). The tongue also shows imbalances of the short-term effects of nervousness (emotions) and is useful in gauging the progression of a disorder. An acupuncturist looks at the geography of the tongue to include body colors and indications (red, purple, or pale pink), body shape (swollen, teeth marked, or thin), and the coatings (thick yellow, thin yellow, or white and non-existent coat). All the indications tell the acupuncturist what is taking place with the patient’s metabolism, fl ow or

stagnation of energy (fl uids or blood), and the depth of the pathology. Indications of the pulse may be wiry, fast, tight, superfi cial, slow, and soggy, which tell the acupuncturist of climate changes in the body. A superfi cial pulse may

indicate pathology where the body’s defense Qi is warding off external forces such as wind, rain, cold, heat, and humid climate changes. If preventative measures are not taken and the pathology goes deeper into the body, the pulse may indicate a wiry tight pulse. A long-standing digestion disorder may present a deep soggy pulse. The beauty of tongue and pulse analysis shows us that we have within our abilities to change the environmental climate, both external and internal. An acupuncturist facilitates the patient’s education of climate change sensitivities. Acupuncturist Kathy Holmes Reed is an advocate for stay-ing healthy with the seasons through offering nutritional consults, Qigong exercises (can be performed in stand-ing room only), and constitutional health evaluations).

Kathy Holmes Reed of Reed Acupuncture at 1803 Somerville Road Decatur invites you to click or call [email protected] or 256-303-5729 for a consult. Talk with Kathy to see if you and your family’s health may ben-efi t from nutritional changes, exercise, and or acupuncture. See ad on page 7.

Tong e and Pulsein Traditional Chinese Medicine


Rita Loyd is a professional watercolor artist and writer. The message of her work is about the healing power of unconditional self-love. Rita began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. Through this journey, the creative process became her teacher, healer and friend who would guide her to find the true meaning and experience of unconditional self-love. Rita writes about this experience and all that she has learned about unconditional self-love in her new book Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It's important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. You can purchase this book in Huntsville at Ruth's Nutrition, H. Raines Gifts or at www.NurturingArt.com, where you can view Rita's artwork and blog.

Expression

of Self-Love

When I speak to myselfI choose words

that are supportive, encouraging, kind,fair and respectful.

These loving wordsnourish me and

provide the internalsupport that I need

to reach mygreatest potential.

Artwork and Text by Rita LoydCopyright ©2011


The Art ofSelf-HealingHow Rita Loyd Learned to Love Herself Through the Process of Creating Art

by Marie Walz

Compassion

One of the toughest chal-lenges that any budding artist faces is the challenge of getting past his or her

inner critic—an inner voice tries to convince the artist that their work is not good enough or that they have no business claiming to be an artist. Huntsville author and watercolor-ist, Rita Loyd battled with her inner critic for years but then one day was able to dismantle its infl uence with a single epiphany. The ephiphany—the

revelation—came to Rita in a pointed question that she put to herself. She asked herself: “Since I have the temperament of a sensitive artist with my anxiety, panic attacks and depression, do I not also have somewhere inside of me, the talent of a sensitive artist? Why should I only suffer the negative aspects of being sensitive without experiencing some of the positive aspects of being sensitive such as having the ability to create beautiful art?”

The logic of this made sense to her and it released the block that stood in her way of creating art. With the release of Rita’s inner critic she began painting in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness. Rita suffered from stomach and immune related issues. Her inspiration to paint was to fi nd healing for her life. Each painting was a message of encouragement for her spirit. But before she could paint images that were encouraging to her spirit, she

RITA LOYD, Inspirational Author, and Watercolor Artist

Art ist Spot light

21 December 2011

Embraced by

Mother Earth

Heart Of

Healing

A

Prayer

had to look at her life and see where encouragement was most needed. This meant looking inward in order to honestly examine her pain and fears. But honesty can be diffi cult to achieve because it can trigger self-defensiveness and self-defensiveness can shut a person down. To overcome this barrier, Rita learned to create a safe space of observation before looking inward; a space in which it felt safe to be honest with herself. This safe space of observation was created when she would promise herself to look inward with only kindness and understanding and not be critical or judgmental of herself or of her choices. Rita continued to paint in this way for years. Her art and creative process became her healer, teacher and friend. Rita experienced much healing through her art but the most profound lesson her art and creative process taught her was how to love herself. It did this by creating in her life a set-ting and a reason to look inward, to search for answers, to be kind to herself, to be patient with herself, to be positive and forgiving with herself, to allow herself a voice and the freedom to speak. When Rita realized that she had learned to love herself at least within the boundaries of creating art, it encouraged her to learn to love herself in all areas of her life. And to accomplish this goal, she did a personal study on self-love and writes about her journey in her new book entitled Unconditional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It’s Important, and How to Nurture It in Your Life. In Rita’s new book she defines for the reader the true meaning of

self-love. She explains that there are two kinds of self-love—ego-based and spirit-based self-love. Ego-based self-love is conditional love and its main concern is to boost the ego. Spirit-based self-love is unconditional love and its main concern is to love and heal the whole person—spirit, mind and body. Rita also describes self-love as the relationship that we have with ourselves and says that since

all relationships are based on how we speak, treat and see one another, self-love is about speaking to ourselves, treating ourselves and seeing ourselves with love and with all aspects of love. “Self-love” Rita adds, “is also about paying attention to what we need spiritually, physically and emotionally rather than avoiding, ignoring, neglecting or post-poning those needs.” In Rita’s book you will also fi nd her artwork and

affi rmations, healing exercises and steps to nurture unconditional self-love in your everyday life. “Love yourself,” Rita encourages, “And as you allow unconditional self-love to grow inside of you, you are accepting the love that God and Life want for you. You are experiencing the love that God and Life have for you. And as you do, you merge with the source of Life and Love itself.”

—View Rita’s artwork or purchase her new book at NurturingArt.com and visit her blog at NurturingArt.com/blog. Email: [email protected].

“As you allow unconditional self-love to grow inside of you, you are accepting the love that God and Life want for you. You are experiencing the love that God and Life have for you. And as you do, you merge with the source of Life and Love itself.”

Tree Pose


Seated-Spinal Twist

by Gatlianne

—PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEWIS METTS.

Gatlianne is an author and Yoga & Reiki practitioner based in Athens, AL.

For more information or to schedule a private yoga or Reiki session, please

contact her at [email protected] or visit Gatlianne.com.

The everyday barrage of occur-rences and experiences shock our system but are the grand labyrinth

we call Life. In life, we are assailed by criticism, judgment, anger and blame—just as we criticize, judge, anger and blame. When others criticize us or judge us openly it’s very easy to fall into that drama; to believe that what they say is true. Truth, it is not, though we believe it time and time again. When we believe these things—the lies that are criticism and judgment—we lose a bit of our power. When we are critical and judgmental of others, we lose a bit more of our power. When we lash out in anger against someone’s actions or blame some-one for our own choices, our own lives, we lose even more of our power. When we choose to not forgive, we give away our power. When we rely

on others to make us happy, we give away our power. When we don’t accept life as it is, wish it were different, sit in regret, resent ourselves and others for choices made and allow others to con-trol us, we are giving away our power. With so many parts of ourselves being given away it’s a wonder we have any

power left to carry on. The wealth of our power lies in our lower abdomen. Many feel anxiety and worry here and the energy gets bound

and cannot move. Seated-Spinal Twist stimulates our pow-

er, releasing blocked energy, suppressed

emotions, negative self-talk, anger and worry. This pose stimulates the liver and kidneys and stretches the shoulders, hips and neck. Seated-Spinal Twist is a tonic for the entire body opening,

lengthening, stimulating, nourishing and realigning the spine. It also fuels the nervous, digestive and reproduc-tive systems. To enter Seated-Spinal Twist, sit with knees bent, feet fl at on the fl oor. Slide your left foot under your right leg so that the heel of the left foot rests at the bottom of the right hip. Move the right foot over the left leg and place the right foot on the fl oor touching the out-side of the left thigh. Exhale and twist toward the right pressing your hand into the fl oor behind you for balance and stability. Place your left elbow on the outside of the right knee. Bring your torso and right thigh together. Lengthen the torso and turn your head to look out over the extended right hand. As you breathe, allow the body to twist deeper with each exhalation. Allow the ster-num, spine, shoulders, neck and hips to release any tension or tightness. Repeat both sides. (Do not perform this twist if you have recent or chronic hip, back or shoulder injury or infl ammation.) As you twist, feel the energy of the pose in the power center of your abdo-men. Allow the energy there to unfold and expand while allowing your Self to unfold and expand. With each inhale and exhale feel the energy release; let go of the things that take your power. Utilize Seated-Spinal Twist often and re-claim your personal power!


R

a

judge us openly it s very easy to fall into that drama; to believe that what they say is true. Truth, it is not, though we believe it time and time again. Whenwe believe these things—the lies that are criticism and judgment—we lose a bit of our power. When we are critical and judgmental of others, we lose a bit more of our power. When we lash out in anger against someone’s actions or blame some-one for our ownchoices, our own lives, we lose even more of our power. Whenwe choose to not forgive, we giveaway our power. When we rely

given away it s a wonder we have any power left to carry on.

The wealth of our power lies in our lower abdomen. Many feel anxiety and worry here and the energy gets bound

and cannot move. Seated-Spinal Twist stimulates our pow-

er, releasing blockedenergy, suppressed

emotions, negative self-talk, anger and worry. This pose stimulates the liver and kidneys and stretches the shoulders, hips and neck. Seated-Spinal Twist is a tonic for theentire body opening,

intoandthe torsthe ovebreawithnumrelebothyoushou

posemenandunfoandgo oUtilre-c

“Most powerful is he who has himselfin his own power.” —Seneca


Growing up on Long Island, New York, young Stephen Post often received an unusual prescrip-

tion from his mother when he was feeling grouchy or under the weather. “She’d say, ‘Why don’t you go out and help someone?’” he recalls. “I’d go out and help Mr. Muller rake leaves or help old Bobby Lawrence fi x his boat. Then, I’d come back feeling better, and feeling better about life.” Decades later, Post—a professor of preventive medicine at New York’s Stony Brook University—is among a growing contingent of researchers exploring just how such acts of gen-erosity and the feelings (empathy, com-passion, altruism) that prompt them may actually improve our mental and physical health. Recent studies have shown that people that volunteer live longer, suf-

fer less chronic pain, have bolstered immune systems, are more likely to recover from addiction, and experi-ence an in-the-moment sense of calm akin to that which people experience during and after exercise. Scientists have yet to fully understand what the physiological underpinnings are of such health benefi ts, but early studies credit a cascade of neurobiological changes that occur as we reach out to help a loved one, or (in some cases) even cut a check to a stranger in need. Could generosity be the miss-ing, often overlooked ingredient to a prescription for better health? Perhaps, says Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping: How the Power of Giving, Compassion and Hope Can Get Us Through Hard Times. “This is a young science, but what we have begun to discover is that there is something go-

ing on, physiologically, in this process of helping others that seems to make people feel happier and report greater health.”

Helping Hands Live LongerWe’ve all felt it: That blush of inner-warmth we get after we bring a plate of healthful, steaming food to a sick relative, volunteer to read to kids at a local preschool or help sort donations for a shelter. According to a 2010 survey of 4,500 Americans by United Health-care, 68 percent of those that volun-teered in the previous year reported that doing it made them feel physically healthier; 73 percent noted that it lowered their stress levels. Meanwhile, 29 percent of volunteers that suffered from a chronic illness claimed that giv-ing of their time helped them to better manage the illness. Other studies, by researchers at Boston College, found that when chronic pain sufferers volunteered to help others with similar conditions, they saw their own pain and depres-sion levels decrease. At least seven studies have shown that people that regularly volunteer or give of them-selves live longer—especially if they do it for genuinely altruistic reasons. Cami Walker, 38, of Denver, has experienced fi rsthand the physical benefi ts of being generous. After one sleepless night, lying awake and, “feel-ing sorry for myself,” due to a fl are-up of her multiple sclerosis, she decided to take the advice of a spiritual teacher that suggested she, “Give something away each day for 29 days.” On day one, she called a sick

The Helping – Health – Happiness Connection

by Lisa Marshall

DO GOOD, FEEL GOOD

Offering:

2336

35801

Since 1990


friend to offer her sup-port. On day two, she dropped $5 in a hat for some street per-formers. Another day, she treated a friend to a foot massage. By day 14, she recalls, “My body was stronger and I was able to stop walking with my cane. After months of being too sick to work, I was able to go back part-time.” Walker subsequently wrote the bestselling 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life. It has inspired a global giving movement, with participants blogging about their experiences at 29Gifts.org. As she recently explained to The New York Times, “It’s about stepping outside of your own story long enough to make a connection with someone else.”

The Helper’s HighUniversity of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath, Ph.D., has found that people engaging in acts that benefi t others tend to have more calming hormones like oxytocin and progesterone cours-ing through their bodies. If presented with a tough situation later, they are likely to react with a muted stress response, churning out fewer harmful stress hormones, such as cortisol and norepinephrine, and maintaining a calmer heart rate. Konrath is studying whether altruistic thoughts and behav-ior might also be associated with an anti-infl ammatory effect on the body. “Just thinking about giving seems to have a benefi cial physiological impact,” says Post. For instance, a late 20th-century study by then Har-vard Psychologist David McClelland found that when people watched a fi lm about Mother Teresa’s work with orphans in Calcutta, levels of immu-noglobulin A (a marker of immune strength) shot up. A more recent study found that people had higher levels of oxytocin in their blood after they

had watched a moving fi lm about an ill 4-year-old boy. Some research further suggests that the act of

giving may release natural

opiates, such as endorphins, into our system. One landmark analy-

sis of 1,700 people published in Psychology Today found

that more than 68 percent experienced a “helper’s high” when physically help-

ing another person, and 13 percent reported a decrease

in aches and pains afterward. It’s a concept that’s been documented many times since. Meanwhile, new brain-imaging research has shown that acts of giving (including making a charitable dona-tion) stimulate “reward centers” in the brain. This includes the mesolimbic pathway by which natural dopamine is released, leaving us feeling euphoric. On the fl ip side, “We found that people that are high in narcissism and low in empathy have higher cortisol levels,” advises Konrath. “They walk around with high stress reactivity, which is really hard on the body.” One other clear example of the health benefi ts of helping lies in the fi eld of addiction re-search. Recent studies by Maria Pagano, Ph.D., an associate profes-sor of psychology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, found that recov-ering addicts that volunteer to help other addicts stay sober are twice as likely to remain so themselves. That’s because narcissism and self-absorption are often at the root of addiction, and generosity is an antidote to narcissism, Pagano says. “The founders of AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) fi gured it out,” Pagano continues, noting that a primary focus is on serving others. “They fi gured out that this selfi sh root is there before the illness develops, and is sustained un-less you treat it. This is treatment; it is a way of continually weeding out the narcissism that made you sick.”

Born to GiveStephanie Brown, Ph.D., an associate professor of preventive medicine at Stony Brook, is the daughter of an evo-

lutionary psychologist and a pioneer in the study of altruism’s neurobiological roots. In sharp contrast to what she describes as the long-held “self-inter-ested” assumption about human nature (that we help others only to help our-selves), she suggests that humans are biologically wired to be empathetic and generous. “It makes more sense from an evolutionary perspective for us to suppress self-interest,” for the benefit of the whole sometimes, she says. New research from the University of Washington suggests that babies as young as 15 months old exhibit fair-ness and empathy. So, why don’t we always stop to help? Our anxious, busy, modern-day lives get in the way, suggests Brown. “It could be that our natural, default state is to help when we see need, but what prevents that is our stress response.” That is, stress often gets in the way: Maybe we pass a stranded motorist on the road, but drive on by because we’re on a timetable. Perhaps our instinct is to offer a helping hand to a homeless person, but we fear that more will be asked of us than we are prepared to give. We wish to bring a meal to a dying relative, but are ap-prehensive about what to say when we visit. Brown’s recent federally funded studies show that at least some of the calming hormones and quietness of heart often seen in habitual givers may actually precede and enable their acts of selfl essness by interrupting their potential stress response before it stalls their helping hand. “I am suggesting that when you see helping going on, something benefi cial has already hap-pened to the giver’s body,” says Brown. When givers perceive a need, instead of fretting and fl eeing, they calmly stop to help. In the end, every-one walks away feeling a little more generous.

Lisa Marshall is a freelance health writer in Boulder, CO. Connect at LisaAnnMarshall.com.


Bellydance - Drumming - Yoga

Nomadic Tapestry

1219 B&C Jordan Lane, Huntsville256-318-0169

For class schedules and pricing go to:www.nomadictapestry.com

Jin Shin Jyutsu®

of HuntsvilleAiding Healing through

Body Harmony & Relaxation

SANDRA COPECertified Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner

(256) 534-1794 Office(256) 509-3540 Cell Huntsville, Alabama

How to Up Our Generosity Quotient

Focus on someone else for a change, whether it’s looking a store clerk in the eye or refraining from shouting at a referee at a sporting event. “People

can become more empathetic if they just practice taking someone else’s perspective,” says University of Michigan researcher Sara Konrath. “When encounter-ing a homeless person, for example, our inclination may be to not go there psychologically, because it is painful to imagine. Allow yourself to try.” Do something for nothing. “This idea that every-thing has to be paid back hangs over our lives,” says Stephen Post, author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping. “Just be generous and expect nothing in return. Pay it forward.”

Don’t reserve your generosity for people you know. Do some-thing nice for someone you don’t know or will never meet.

Be consistent. “Don’t think you can be kind in one domain and dastardly in an-other,” says Post.

Do something that you feel called upon to do, or that you are good at.

Slow down, take a deep breath and look around. Need abounds. Stop to help a stranger in some small way, even if you are in a hurry.

Don’t help just to get healthy, impress your friends or get a tax deduction. “Motivation matters,” says Konrath. “If you are volunteering just for self-interested reasons, research shows you aren’t going to live any longer than someone who doesn’t volunteer at all.”

Volunteer for a cause you really believe in, or help a person you truly care about.


essentials

“Until the day break and the shadows fl ee away, I will

get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense.” –Song of Solomon 4:6

Healing oils were part of daily living among Hebrews, Jews and the early Christians throughout Biblical times. In the Bible, 36 of the 39 books of the Old Testament and 10 of the 27 books of the New Testament speak of es-sential oils or the plants that produce them with frankincense and myrrh being the most frequently cited. It is clear from the scriptures that these plants and their oils were to be used for health and healing.

“On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food . . . their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine.” -Ezekiel 47:12

“. . . and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” -Revelation 22:2

Ancient uses for frankincense and myrrh were many including religious rituals, elevation of spiritual conscious-ness, all manner of healing purposes, transition after death, embalming, fl avoring food, skin care and perfume. Frankincense was used to anoint the newborn sons of kings and priests. Myrrh was used by pregnant mothers to anoint themselves for protection against infectious diseases and to elevate feel-ings of well-being. They also believed it would protect their unborn children from generational curses. (Exodus 20:5. 34:7; Numbers 14:18; Deuteronomy 5:9). During labor, women inhaled the vapors of myrrh to reduce anxiety and massaged the oil on their perineum to facilitate stretching. After childbirth, myrrh was used on the umbilical cord of the newborn to protect the navel from infection and on the mother’s

abdomen to heal stretch marks. It may have been for all of these uses that frankincense and myrrh were brought by the three wise men to Mary and baby Jesus.

“They saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshiped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” -Matthew 2:11

Myrrh was one of the fi rst oils to be received by the Christ child along with frankincense (Matthew 2:11) and the last to be offered as Jesus stood at the cross (Mark 15:23). It is the only ingre-dient that is part of the “holy anointing oil” (Exodus 30:23-24) and the “holy incense” (Exodus 30:34-35) given to Moses by God. Frankincense and myrrh are both components of God’s “holy incense” which is referred to many times in the Bible simply as “incense,” such as in (Numbers 16:46-50), where Aaron stops a plague using “incense.”

“And the Lord said unto Moses, take unto thee sweet spices, stacte (myrrh), and onycha, and galbanum , these sweet spices with pure frankincense . . . and make an incense.” -Exodus 30:34-35

Myrrh is an oil of beauty. Its aroma was celebrated by Solomon in his song of love. (Song of Solomon 1:13; 3:6; 4:6, 14; 5:1, 5, 13). Esther bathed in myrrh for six months in preparation for her marriage to the king (Esther 2:12) and David sings of myrrh as an oil of gladness (Psalms 45).

Linda Hileman BS, CCA is a Certifi ed Clinical Aromatherapist. For more information or to make an appointment, call 256-325-4444 or email [email protected].

References:Healing Oils of the Bible, David Stewart Ph.D.

Healing: God’s Forgotten Gift, David Stewart Ph.D.

Healing Oils of the Bible Part 1 (Frankincense and Myrrh)By Linda Hileman BS, CCA


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greenliving

’Tis the season, and a U.S. poll by Harris Interactive reveals that a majority of the stress 90 percent

of us feel about the holidays is related to gift-giving. So, solving this problem will set us well on our way to a joyeux noël. The same study found that given a choice, most of us prefer investing in good family relationships instead of more material things, anyway. Natural Awakenings has uncovered four ways that we can make the holidays less hectic and more relaxing and mean-ingful. First, says Barbara Kilikevich, author of A Mindful Christmas–How to Create a Meaningful, Peaceful Holiday, we have to stop buying into the notion that more is better and that extravagant, expensive gifts are equal to how much we care for one another. “We need to stop believing that doing it all is produc-tive and having it all is meaningful.”

Get CraftyHomemade gifts are always special. They carry a message of thoughtfulness and love, which is the heart of gift-giv-ing. Making a memorable gift can take less time than we’d spend earning the money for a manufactured gift, driving to the store and back and coping with checkout lines. Ideas are endless; these may stimulate your creative juices.

Gather favorite family recipes and copy them into a personalized binder.

Mix jars of tasty combinations of loose teas and/or bulk herbs that might include lavender, chamomile or mint. Add a mesh tea strainer to complete the package.

n Edible items are always a hit. Consid-er making something yummy that can be given to everyone on the list. Herbed olive oil, spiced nuts and homemade jams are favorites.

Attractive, reusable shopping bags, made from repurposed or recycled fab-ric, make practical gifts that can be used again and again. Sew on monograms or paint on designs to personalize them.

Fashioning painted pottery, custom artwork and decorated picture frames can engage kids in anticipating fun holidays with friends and family.

Non-Material GiftsThe Center for a New American Dream, a national nonprofi t organization that challenges a “more is better” defi nition of the good life, suggests giving of one-self—providing gifts of time or experi-ences that will be long remembered.

Invite loved ones to an outing to the zoo, a sporting event or an indoor/out-door picnic.

Give a friend her dream, based on an expressed interest and care-ful research. Sign her up for a class in cooking, sewing, photography or danc-ing—classes abound in most cities.

Purchase a gift certifi cate for a local massage, acupuncture session or other soothing therapy as a way to unwind during or after the holiday season.

Support the local art scene by giv-

MEANINGFUL

GIVINGTips to Simplify the Season

by Beth Davis

ing tickets to a community theater or a museum membership.

Previously Enjoyed GiftsNot every gift needs to be brand-new. Browse vintage and antique shops, estate sales, auctions and consignment stores for amazing treasures. Keep an open mind or go hunting for that certain something for that special someone. Online sources such as EstateSales.net, and gsalr.com can help locate garage, yard and estate sales in communities across the country. Look for items that are unusual or hold special signifi cance.

A childhood reminder—perhaps a favorite toy or comic book

Vintage jewelry

A silk scarf, unusual hat or fun bag

Classic books, movies and music

Unique housewares, from vases and candleholders to platters and teacups (Replacements.com can help fi nd missing pieces for sets)

For the FamilyFor large families or families with grown children, it can be expensive and time-consuming shopping for a gift for every relative. Try one of these ideas to take the pressure off.

Instead of giving gifts to each mem-ber of a family or a couple, think in terms of a single gift for the household.

Draw names. Have everyone in the family put his or her name into a hat and ask each family member to draw one name, so that each person needs to buy only one or two gifts.

Set a limit. In his book, Hundred Dol-lar Holiday: The Case for a More Joyful Christmas, author Bill McKibben sug-gests that families limit the amount they spend and instead, make the holidays as much fun as possible, fi lled with song and food, creativity and connection.

With a little planning and a lot of love and care, we can fi ll the whole holiday season with less stuff and more satisfying joy.

Beth Davis is a contributing writer to Natural Awakenings magazines.


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Intentions for the New Year

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5

inspiration

These daily practices will help you move toward Spirit in your thoughts and actions.

1Commit to at least one daily experience where you share something of yourself with no

expectation of being acknowledged or thanked. For example, before I begin my daily routine, I go to my desk and choose my gift for that day. Sometimes it’s just a phone call to a stranger that’s written to me, or perhaps I order fl owers or send a book or a present to someone that has helped me in a local store. On one occasion, I wrote to the president of the university I graduated from to start a scholarship fund; on another day, I took a calendar to the yard man; on another, I sent a check to Habitat for Humanity; and on another, I sent three rolls of postage stamps to my son, who had just started his own business. It doesn’t matter if this activ-ity is big or small—it’s a way to begin the day in-Spirit.

2 Become conscious of all thoughts that aren’t aligned with your Source. The moment you catch

yourself excluding someone or having a judgmental thought, say the words “in-

Spirit” to yourself. Then make a silent effort to shift that thought to match up with Source energy.

3In the morning before you’re fully awake, and again as you’re going to sleep, take one or two minutes

of what I call quiet time with God. Be in a state of appreciation and say aloud, “I want to feel good.”

4Remind yourself of this state-ment: My life is bigger than I am. Print it out and post it strategically

in your home, car or workplace. The “I” is your ego identifi cation. Your life is Spirit fl owing through you unhindered by ego—it’s what you showed up here to actualize—and is infi nite. The “I” that identifi es you is a fl eeting snippet.

5Dedicate your life to something that refl ects an awareness of your Divinity. You are greatness person-

ifi ed, a resident genius and a creative master—regardless of anyone’s opinion. Make a silent dedication to encourage and express your Divine nature.

Excerpted from Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling, by Wayne Dyer, with permission of Hay House, Inc.


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Art is Dead?by Jessica Muzzo

I recently heard on the radio that pop-star Lady Gaga shocked the country by wearing a dress made entirely

out of raw meat—shoes included. At fi rst, I was aghast (the smell must have been terrible!) but upon considering the motives, I gained some tiny, miniscule speck of admiration for her bold move. In my mind, the meat-dress was a poetic symbol for the objectifi cation of women, a commentary on the fact that popular attire transforms us into “meat.” I was content with my own critique until curiosity drove me to research her true reasoning behind this. There wasn’t any. It was nothing more than a publicity stunt. My heart sunk as I read page after page of commentary on the event, none of which called into question an artistic purpose. Most commenters sung praises for Gaga’s sexual appeal.

How superfi cial, I thought. The reaction to this putrid dress is a prime example of a trend I have no-ticed with increasing agitation. Artists are a dying breed, and no one seems to care. We merely replace them with over-paid celebrities, confusing beauty with talent. With the media so fi rmly rooted as the center of everything, it has become diffi cult to escape the pop-culture cesspool. We no longer observe the world around us with open eyes; the little things that make life enjoyable are being swept under the rub, stepped over and forgotten. An insatiable appetite for shock-value stands in its stead. Advances in tech-nology have created such a fast-paced culture that we forget to ponder anything. We have become an age of instant gratifi cation, swallowing whole the garbage we are fed without letting it settle on our palette. We fail to taste life. We savor nothing. We constantly look for the next cool thing, the next hot star, the next cheap thrill. If we slowed down, we could take time to gain understanding, both of ourselves and one another. We could concentrate on the deeper, more subtle essence (rather than the super-fi cial) and even see the world through the eyes of an artist. In so doing, we will inevitably extract greater satisfac-tion from our lives, and once again will we be affected by those little things so easily ignored. I urge readers to be aware of the world they live in. Embrace life and all the billions of amazing experiences it has to offer. Drink to the lees! Search for a deeper meaning and, if there isn’t one, create one. Find your happiness in ev-eryday situations; appreciate the beauty in everything. Don’t adopt any one inter-pretation; always fi nd your own. This is what it means to be an artist. Art is never dead as long as we are alive.

Jessica Muzzo is a 21 year-old English major at Calhoun Community College, who hopes to move on to UAH. Her dream is to one day travel the world and write about her experiences.

Reiki and Cancerby Mary Morales

How Does Reiki Help Cancer Patients?

The majority of cancer patients that have Reiki treatments, along with their traditional therapies,

claim that Reiki has helped with pain management, relaxation, and the side effects of treatment like nausea and stomach upset. Reiki is a form of en-ergy and has been evaluated in several clinical trials for treatment of anxiety and improvement of well-being in cancer patients. Besides the help with nausea, stomach upset and so forth, Reiki is an excellent source of stabilizing energy for the emotional well-being. Although there is no scientifi c data that fully supports these claims, patient testimo-nials and practitioner experiences, in support of Reiki's benefi ts as a comple-mentary alternative therapy for cancer, are numerous. Reiki treatments are offered along with massage therapy and other complementary therapies in some major cancer centers. It is important to note that Reiki is not an alternative cancer treatment. It is not used to cure cancer or in place of treatment. Reiki is a complementary therapy, used to ease the emotional and physical side effects of treatment. Talk to your center to fi nd out if they offer Reiki and Massage therapy.

Mary Morales is a Universal and Karuna Reiki Master with an energy healing practice based in Decatur, Alabama. You can contact her at 256-580-3108 or

email at [email protected] for more information. See ad on page 25.


Good VibrationsSound Healing for the Soul

by Erin Lehn Floresca

Many sounds associated with holidays instantly cheer us up, but why? We naturally respond

to sounds, because everything in the Universe is comprised of vibration—also referred to as resonance. When we are exposed to healing sounds, our bodies and minds begin to resonate in harmony with them, supporting our well-being. Fortunately, avenues of sound healing are readily accessible in our everyday lives. Engaging in activities such as singing, drumming or chanting often help us quickly reestablish a sense

of balance in the midst of our multitask-ing lives. Attending an uplifting musical event can render a similar effect.

Sound Healing TherapyPsychotherapist Meredith McFadden, a sound healing therapist in Medford, Oregon, observes that, “Receiving or creating intentional, healing sound vi-brations is proving to be one of the most direct, most relevant healing modalities available today.” McFadden appreciates sound for its immediate effect. She takes individual

healingwaysclients on sound journeys with the help of voices, crystal singing bowls, buffalo drums and other instruments. “When we bathe ourselves in healing sound waves,” she observes, “we open up a direct line of communication with our soul.” At the culmination of each session, she allows what she terms the “big music of silence” to envelope the one being healed. McFadden notes that not all healing sounds need to be calming. “Activat-ing music can be just as healing as soft and slow sounds,” she says. Whether we prefer listening to Lady Gaga, Native American fl utes or the sound of a heavy rainstorm, the key is to discover what especially resonates with us.

Crystal Singing BowlsMaster crystal singing bowl artist Ashana, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, couples angelic vocals with her massive collection of bowls for a musical healing alchemy recognized worldwide. “Listening to the bowls can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being,” says Ashana. Made from pure, crushed quartz, infused with precious gemstones, miner-als and metals, “The bowls vibrate at a very high, pure frequency,” she explains. “As we come into resonance with the bowls, mental chatter slows or stops and the mind quiets. Within minutes, our nervous system starts to unwind. In a state of peaceful stillness, the ‘dial up’ to our higher self becomes accessible. This is the optimum state for healing to occur.” Ashana emphasizes that we are all interconnected, so any healing work we do on ourselves affects all of humanity.

*Please remember to include your name and mailing address. Addtional contact info, such as Email address, is encouraged.

Make your $25 check payable to: Natural Awakenings 14 Woodland Ave Trinity, AL 35673


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“As we raise our personal frequency, we can become conscious tuning forks for divine energies to pour through us,” she believes. “We’re all holding a piece of the web.”

Healing Through Song“Since the dawn of time, humans have been sharing song in their tribe,” says Zurich, Switzerland, recording artist, educa-tor and fi lmmaker Michael Stillwater. “Pop songs are modern tribal songs, although we have mostly become a culture of

consumers and spectators, rather than participants.” The founder of Inner Harmony Music and Song Without Borders, Stillwater’s is a strong voice in an emerging grassroots global movement devoted to helping people reclaim their inner song. “As a vocal art, singing is unique,” he advises. “It’s deeply connected to our sense of self.” He also notes that if our voice or singing is criticized in our developmental years, we may shut down our creative expression. “We then become like cave dwellers, hiding our voice; there are millions of vocal cave dwellers in our world,” he says. Finding your song—or chant or mantra—almost inevitably becomes integrated with a pathway for rediscovering one’s authentic self. “It’s about letting your voice become part of your own healing medicine,” says Stillwater. His fi lm documentary, In Search of the Great Song, celebrates the use of creative vocal expression for healing and transformation.

Experience KirtanKitzie Stern, producer of the New World Kirtan podcast, notes that kirtan, or sacred chanting, is known for bonding everyone in the moment of co-creation between audience and artists, followed by quiet meditation in community. Originating in In-dia, kirtan is one of the oldest musical traditions in the world. The mantras used in kirtan open the listener to the experi-ence of peace. Stern explains, “The music that accompanies kirtan also helps our minds to turn off. As wallah (chant leader) Dave Stringer puts it, ‘The chant is the medicine, but the music is what helps it go down.’” One does not have to attend a live kirtan performance to reap its benefi ts. Stern’s podcast plays a variety of chants to help listeners tune into tranquility. She observes that, “Being able to access the quiet magnifi cence that exists within each one of us and live within it for some portion of the day helps us to stay sane in the turmoil of the modern world.”

—Learn more at SoundMovesWonder.com, AshanaMusic.com, InnerHarmony.com and NewWorldKirtan.com.

—Erin Floresca is a freelance writer in Portland, Oregon. Connect at ErinLehnFloresca.com.


JOURNEY TO GOOD HEALTHTake responsibility for your physical and mental well-being.

The people you meet in Natural Awakenings stand ready to take this journey with you.

Be a part of our special Health & Wellness January edition

Contact us at:Cindy Wilson [email protected]

AcupunctureAlternative HealingAromatherapy AyurvedaBodyworkChelation TherapyChiropracticCounseling/Therapy

Dental CareEnergy HealingFitness/Health ClubsHerbalistsHomeopathy

Physicians

Natural/Organic Foods

Retreats/Workshops

... and this is just a partial list


calendarofevents

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1

100 Years of Von Braun: His American Journey Exhibit – 9am-5pm through May 2012. Exhibit showcasing the life of Dr. Wernher von Braun, in honor of his 100th birthday on March 23rd, 2012. U.S. Space & Rocket Center, 1 Tranquility Base, Huntsville. Museum admission.

Southern Comfort: Regional Photography from the Collection – 11am-8pm through February 26. Southern Comfort will present selected photographs from the Museum’s collection that underscore the rich history of the South and tell compelling stories about its unique people, places and traditions. Hunts-ville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street Southwest, Huntsville. HsvMuseum.org.

Huntsville Christian Women's Connection Lun-cheon – 11am-1pm. Huntsville Country Club, 2601 Oakwood Avenue NW. $15. For reservations, call Betty at 256-837-8286 or Nancy at 256-883-1339.

Christmas in the Park – 5-9pm. Arab City Park will be decorated with ten's of thousands of lights for this walk through event each night of the holiday season. Visit Santa in the Park while here. Arab City Park, Arab.

Huntsville Gallery Tour – 5-9pm. Join Lowe Mill and the Flying Monkey Arts Center as Huntsville celebrates art with a tour of local galleries and the Huntsville Museum of Art. More info: 256-534-3968. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. LoweMill.net.

Galaxy of Lights – 5:30-9pm through December 31. Holiday light extravaganza. New this year—the entrance for Galaxy of Lights will be through the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. $20 per vehicle (up to 10 people); $3 per additional person (subject to change). We will accept your donations of toys, canned goods, paper products, dog/cat food and warm coats for our local charities; $1 off the price of admission with a donation. HsvBG.org.

Strictly Salsa Social and Free Salsa 101 Class – 7-10pm. Free Salsa 101 Dance Lesson from 7pm to 8pm. Salsa Dancing Party from 8pm to 10pm. $10. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. MadisonBallroom.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2

Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village – 3-8pm. The Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village will be held on Gates Avenue the fi rst three weekends in Decem-ber; hours are 3-8pm on Friday and noon-8pm on Saturday. The Arts Marketplace at Santa's Village is free to the public. Alabama Constitution Village, 109 Gates Avenue, Huntsville. EarlyWorks.com.

Nutcracker Ball – 6:30-10:30pm. The third annual Nutcracker Ball features special performances from

the Huntsville Ballet's production of The Nutcracker, silent and live auctions, delicious food, dancing and many surprises. Help expand Huntsville Bal-let's education and community outreach programs. Cost: $100 per person. Von Braun Center East Hall Ballroom, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville. Huntsvil-leBalletCompany.org.

A Christmas Carol presented by Fantasy Play-house – 7-10pm. Directed by Jeff White. Von Braun Center Playhouse, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville.

Monkey Speak – 8-11pm. Held the fi rst Friday of every month, Monkey Speak is Huntsville's most exciting spoken word open-mic night, an open stage for anyone to read perform or improvise poetry drama or prose or any variation of the spoken word. No experience is necessary. Mature audiences only. Admission $5. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift you in countless ways. Held each Saturday. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (Five Points). 256-534-1751. ECK-alabama.org.

Spiritual Wisdom on Prayer, Meditation, and Contemplation – 2-3pm. Free introductory pre-sentation and discussion for people of all faiths. Facilitators will share stories, tools, and techniques to help attendees see deeper truths within and apply them in their lives now. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, #3 (near Five Points). 256-534-1751. ECK-alabama.org.

Keep Christmas Alive! A Festival of Sacred Christmas Music – 2-4pm. Preshow starts 30 minutes prior to showtime. All tickets are General Admission $27 each. Von Braun Center, Mark C Smith Concert Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville.

Make Your Own Gourd Ornament – 10:30am-1:30pm. Join us for a fun morning as volunteers from the Huntsville Gourd Patch show us ways to paint and decorate miniature gourds that can be used as ornaments or to give as a gift. Elizabeth Carpenter Public Library of New Hope, 5496 Main Street, New Hope. 256-723-2995. [email protected].

Holiday Concert – 7-9pm. Special holiday concert by the U.S. Army Materiel Command Band and the Rocket City Jazz Orchestra. Free of charge. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Atrium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256-532-5975. [email protected].

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Reverend Grace Gifford will be back for a Sunday Service celebrating PEACE. 1328 Governors Dr.

SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOn-TheMountain.com.

Holiday Ornament Making: “Stained Glass” Angels – 1-2:30pm. Participants will create their own stained glass-like angel ornament using Scratch-Lite® (an array of luminous translucent colors printed on plastic sheets) and other materials for embellishment. Recommended for children ages 3 and up. Huntsville Museum of Art, 300 Church Street Southwest, Huntsville.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5

Small Business Lunch & Learn – 12-1pm. "Simple and Smart Ways to Grow your Business" by Tra Williams, Vice President of Appleton Learning. "Part 3 – Executing the Plan." Develop a strategic plan focused on your target market and funnel your growth through a monetized process. Bring a sack lunch. No registration required. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library, Second Floor Meeting Room, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256-532-5975. [email protected].

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6

Celebrating Native American History: A Special Author Event – 6:30-8pm. Book-signing event with three authors who have written important books that highlight Native American history and culture: Charles Moore, author of Come Tell Me How You Lived, Butch Walker, author of Warrior Mountain, and Wheeler Pounds, author of Histories of Chero-kee Hideaway. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. [email protected].

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Friends of the Main Library – 10-11am. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Main Library. Hunts-ville-Madison County Public Library, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. [email protected].


Thursday Evening Concert – 6-7:30pm. Aspire String Quartet and Oakwood Adventist Academy Choir. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library Auditorium, 915 Monroe Street, Huntsville. 256-532-5975. [email protected].

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9

Friends of the Bailey Cove Library – 10-11am. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Bailey Cove Library, 1409 Weatherly Plaza SE, Huntsville. 256-881-0257. [email protected].

2011 Nutcracker On Ice – 7-9pm. Benton H Wil-coxon Municipal Ice Complex, 3185 Leeman Ferry Rd, Huntsville.

Christabel & The Jons sponsored by Huntsville Swing Dance Society – 7pm lesson, live music/dance at 8pm. Admission $10 general, $7 students.


Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville.


Rocket City Marathon – 8am-2pm. Downtown Huntsville. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.

Riverwalk Yacht Club Parade of Lights – 4pm, docks open, 6pm, boat parade. Featuring approxi-mately 20 boats of all types and sizes decorated with lights, holiday themes, and other festive trimmings for the holiday season. Riverwalk Marina, Decatur. 256-306-0909. RiverWalkYC.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11

Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Reverend Carol Landry will be leading our service today celebrating LOVE. Potluck following service. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com.

Write Out Loud – 10am-2pm. Writing/perfor-mance/spoken word workshop. $5 suggested do-nation. Contact Molly at 256-323-8199 or Kim at [email protected]. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. LoweMill.net.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

Ladies Craft Night – 6:30pm. Gurley Public Library, 225 Walker Street, Gurley. 256-776-2102. [email protected].

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13

South Huntsville MOMS Club – 10-11am. This meeting is a monthly meeting that is open to pro-spective members and is free. Membership for the year is $25 and gives access to a large variety of events centered around stay-at-home moms and their kids in the following zip codes: 35801, 35802, 35803, 35805, 35808, 35898, 35741, 35754, 35763. Trinity Methodist Church, Room 269, 607 Airport Road, Huntsville..

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14

“Journey into Possibility” - 7pm. A monthly ceremony of allowing the possibility that the peace within may become a reality, a focus, a truth. Led by local shaman, non social, very individual and experiential. About an hour, in town Huntsville location. Email or call for directions and/or request to participate. KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com.


Meridianville Area MOMS Club Meeting and Open House – 10-11am. Stay-at-home moms that live in the 35759, 35761, and 35750 zip codes of North Alabama, please join the MOMS Club of Meridianville Area for our monthly business meet-ing and open house. Kids welcome. Flint River

Baptist Church, 12945 HWY 231/431, Hazel Green. [email protected].

Strictly Salsa Social and Free Salsa 101 Class – 7-10pm. Free Salsa 101 Dance Lesson from 7pm to 8pm. Salsa Dancing Party from 8pm to 10pm. $10. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. MadisonBallroom.com.

Coffeehouse Music Series – 7-9pm. Christmas Special Members Open Mic Night. Burritt on the Mountain, Old Country Church, 3101 Burritt Drive, Huntsville. BurrittOnTheMountain.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16

Asperger's/HFA Support Luncheon – 11am-1:30pm. The Meteor is at 751 Highway 72 East, which is the corner of HWY 72 and Memorial Park-way North, Huntsville. 256-852-8998. They know us at the door, just tell them you're with "the Group."

Family Movie Night at Monrovia – 6-8pm. A Christmas Carol starring Jim Carrey. Monrovia Public Library, 254 Allen Drake Drive, Huntsville. 256-489-3392. [email protected].


Winter Solstice Concert with the Huntsville Fem-inist Chorus – 3:30-4:30pm. Flying Monkey Arts Theater at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18

Unity Church on the Mountain – 10:30am. Carol Zukosky (RScP) will be back for a Sunday Service celebrating JOY. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19

New Hope Friends of the Library – 12:30-1:30pm. Monthly meeting for the Friends of the Elizabeth Carpenter (New Hope) Library, 5496 Main Street, New Hope. 256-723-2995. [email protected].

DRAW! – 2-4pm. Presented by the K.I.D. Artist Collective, Admission $5. Practice drawing live models with interesting outfi ts. No Pictures please. All levels welcome. Last Sunday of every month. Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, Flying Monkey Arts Center, 2nd Floor, 2211 Seminole Drive, Hunts-ville. Contact [email protected] for info.


Hospice Family Care New Year's Eve Gala – 7:30pm-1am. Hospice Family Care is Huntsville and Madison County's only not-for-profi t hospice. If you or a family member has been touched by hospice care, please consider joining us for the New Year's Eve Gala. Cost: $100 with dinner; $50 without dinner (arrival after 9pm). Von Braun Center North Hall, 700 Monroe Street, Huntsville.

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Coming in January


sundayMeditation – 8:20am. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

A Course in Miracles Study Group – 9:15am. Shared reading and group discussions. Extra books available. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

Unity Church On The Mountain Service – 10:30am. Adult Sunday School at 9:30am. Practic-ing Oneness with God in a positive light of love for all. 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnTheMountain.com.

1-Hour Mystery School – 11am. A different service each week including ritual, music, and a message in an open, loving environment. Light of Christ Cen-ter, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255. LightOfChristCenter.org.

Social Dance Class – 3-6pm. Social Dance Class taught by Sandra Watts. Combination of ballroom and country/western dance. Prepares you to dance anywhere. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. $6.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886.

Power Yoga – 4:30-5:30pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. Call 256-653-9255 or 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Zumba Dance – 6-7pm. “JAK”arta. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Beyond Basic Bellydance – 5-6pm. Michelle. No-madic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Keys of Compassion Support Group – 6-7pm. There is a higher perspective to your pain. Free. Natural Elements, 1874 Suite M, Slaughter Rd, Madison. 256-922-8454.

mondayLevel 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle First Monday Weekend Trade Days – Fri-Mon of the fi rst weekend of each month. One of the Deep South’s oldest and largest trade days, believed to have been begun in the 1850s. A true blend of antique shows, craft fairs, and rummage sales. Jackson County Courthouse Square, Scottsboro.

Level 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Hunts-ville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 5-6:15pm. Work at a faster pace incorporating exercises that will challenge one’s strength, flexibility

and coordination. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Learn new school belly dance with an old school fl air. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com.

Beginner Couple/Partner Dances – 6-8pm. Sandra Watts will be teaching Sweetheart Schottische along with other partner dances. Social dancing after the class. If you have never danced, this is the class to learn how. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886.

Beyond Basics – 6:45-7:45pm. For those with less than 75 hours of class time training. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com.

Yoga Class – 6:30-7:45pm. Iyengar-based yoga focuses on form, technique and alignment. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Hunts-ville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Level I Yoga – 6:30-8pm. All levels. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Hunts-ville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

The Art of Spiritual Peacemaking – 6:30-8pm. Weekly forum with Wanda Gail Campbell, Peace Minister with The Beloved CommUNITY. In each 1.5-hour session we will experience Peace Prayers, a short video lesson by James Twyman, and a discussion of key precepts. Love offering. Please call 256-539-0654 for location and more details.

tuesdayPilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. No-madic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Huntsville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com.

Pilates – 5:30-6:30pm. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Line Dancing – 6-8pm. New and old line dances taught by Diane Martin. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886.

Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Beginner/Intermediate Mat Class – 6-7:15pm. This class adds more exercises from the series and will challenge one’s mind/body connections. Body Language Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Hunts-ville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com

Toastmasters: Redstone Toastmasters – 6-7:30pm. The Apollo Room, Radisson Hotel, 8721 Madison Boulevard, Madison. Guests always welcome. Redstone.FreeToastHost.net.

Science of Mind Classes – 6:30-8:30pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Yoga with Mitzi – 6:45-8:15pm. Candlelight Yoga. All levels welcome. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500 Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-361-YOGA or MitziConnell.com.

Basic American Tribal Style (ATS) – 6:45-7:45pm. Lea. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Back to Basic Drumming – 8-9pm. Darbuka Dave. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Hunts-ville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com.

Face2Face Improv Comedy – 7:30-8:10pm. Comedy in the style of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” Adults $5.00, Ages 8 and under free. Sam and Greg’s Pizzeria Gelateria, 119 Northside Square. Huntsville.

wednesdayLevel 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Hunts-ville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Creamery Tours – 9am, 10am, 1pm, 2pm. Find out where and how the goat cheese recommended by Oprah, Food Network, and Southern Living is made. Belle Chevre Creamery, 26910 Bethel Road, Elk-mont (Huntsville). $8 adults, $4 kids, free for 6 and under. 256-423-2238. [email protected].

Science of Mind Classes – 10am-12pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Beginning Belly Dance Classes – 5:30-6:30pm. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 C Jordan Lane NW, Hunts-ville. 256-637-9979. NomadicTapestry.com.

Meditation – 6pm. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Course in Miracles Class at Unity Church on the Mountain – 6:30pm. 1328 Governors Dr SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnThe-Mountain.com.

Power Yoga – 6-7pm. Marcy White. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

ongoingevents


West Coast Swing Dance Class – 6:30-8:30pm. West Coast Swing Dance Class taught by Stephane Schneider. One hour class with practice dancing to follow. No partner needed. $5.00. Gee’s Place, 2274-A Highway 72 East, Huntsville. 256-682-7886.

Satsang – 6:30pm. Satsang with Gangaji. Center for Spiritual Living, 308 Lily Flagg Rd, Huntsville. 256-883-8596. CSL-Huntsville.org.

Searching? – The Red Mountain Study Group of Huntsville invites inquiries from men and women, no matter what their beliefs, who are still searching for the meaning of their lives now and here. Our work includes meditation, practice and study based on the teaching of G. I. Gurdjieff. We are affi liated with the Gurdjieff Foundation of New York. 256-361-9575. Email: [email protected].

thursdayFusion Pilates – 9-10am. A fusion of Pilates and Hanna Somatic work teaching one to access and strengthen one’s deepest connections bringing bal-ance to one’s spine and overall posture. Body Lan-guage Pilates, 305 Jefferson St, Ste C, Huntsville. 256-704-5080. BodyLanguagePilates.com.

Pilates – 9-10am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Level I Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. Annette Beresford. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-658-9748. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Lunchtime Belly Basics – 11:30am-12:30pm. Shahala Liz. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Dance Basics– 5:30-6:30pm. Amber. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Align and Wine – 6-7pm. Align your body every Thursday at 6pm in the Museum’s beautiful spaces, then proceed downstairs for wine and light hors d’oeuvres at the delicious Pane e Vino cafe. Pre-sented by Yoga with Mitzi and The Huntsville Mu-seum of Art, 300 Church Street South, Huntsville. More info: 256-361-YOGA or MitziConnell.com.

Spiritual Awareness Class taught by Rev. Grace Gifford – 6:30-8pm through December 8. Living the truth through the Christ within all of us. Unity Church on the Mountain, 1328 Governors Dr. SE, Huntsville. 256-536-2271. UnityChurchOnThe-Mountain.com.

Level I Yoga – 6:45-8:15pm. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Beyond Basic Zils – 6:45-7:45pm. Sallye. Nomadic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Beginning Yoga – 7pm. Holly Dyess. Beez Fitness, 7495 Wall Triana Highway, Madison. $8 at the door for non-members. IronHorseFitness.com.

fridayLevel 1 Pilates – 7-8am. All levels. Michelle Camper. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Bellydance Blast – 4:30-5:30pm. Shahala Liz. No-madic Tapestry, 1219 B&C Jordan Ln, Huntsville. NomadicTapestry.com.

Concerts on the Dock – 6-9pm. Friday nights, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, 2211 Seminole Drive. Picnics, coolers and pets on a leash are wel-come. 256-533-0399. LoweMill.net.

Public Clearance Session – 7pm. Third Friday each month. Learn effective healing through re-ception and application of Divine energies. Light of Christ Center, 4208 Holmes Ave, Huntsville. 256-895-0255.

Paranormal Study Center – 6:30pm, fourth Friday each month. Meets at Radisson Hotel/Olympus Room, 8721 Madison Blvd, Madison. For more information, contact Greg Rowe, 256-326-0092.

saturdayLevel I Yoga – 9-10:15am. Pam Herdy. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Huntsville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Your Yoga with Casey – 9:45-11:00am. Inter-mediate class (not for beginners) with Casey, $14 session or $45 for 4 class pack (valid one month from purchase). Studio 258, 2nd Floor, Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Dr, Huntsville. YourYogaSite.net. 256-679-7143.

Cardio Ballroom – 11am. Mega calorie burning dance fun! No more treadmill! Madison Ballroom, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. GabrielaDance.com.

Level I Yoga – 11:30-12:45pm. Bobbie Brooks. The Yoga Center of Huntsville, 500-A Pratt Ave, Hunts-ville. 256-533-7975. YogaCenterOfHuntsville.com.

Artist Market – 12-4pm. Local artists and others are invited to set up a booth and sell their wares to the public. There will be art, jewelry, vintage clothing, records, and more interesting things for sale inside our facility. Safe from rain. Free admission. Flying Monkey Arts Center at Lowe Mill, 2211 Seminole Drive, Huntsville. FlyingMonkeyArts.org.

Community HU Song – 1:30-2pm. Join others in singing HU, an ancient love song to God that can help and uplift one in countless ways. Huntsville ECK Center, 900 Wellman Avenue, Ste 3, Five Points. 256-534-1751. Eck-Alabama.org.

Ballroom Dancing – 7pm Beginner Group Class, 8pm Dance Party. Madison Ballroom Dance Studio, 9076 Madison Blvd, Madison. 256-461-1900. MadisonBallroom.com.

coverartist

Awakenby Rita Loyd

Professional watercolor artist and writer Rita Loyd began to paint in 1996 as a way to cope with chronic illness and depression. As she continued to paint through the years, the creative process became a teacher, healer and friend, guid-ing her to fi nd the true meaning of self-love. Today, her boldly colored, fl u-idly drawn images explore themes of inner strength and healing, as well as compassion for self and others. She writes of Awaken: “Awaken to the light of unconditional self-love.” Loyd recounts her journey of self-discovery in a book, Uncondi-tional Self-Love: What It Is, Why It’s Important and How to Nurture It in Your Life. “My goal for my art and writing is to nurture spiritual whole-ness,” she advises. “As this nurturing place of self-love and appreciation expands within us, so does our abil-ity to love and nurture other living beings in a more authentic way.”

View the artist’s portfolio at NurturingArt.com and visit her blog at NurturingArt.com/blog. Her book, Unconditional Self-Love, is available online. [email protected].


BIO-FEEDBACK TESTING

HEALTHY CHOICES LLCSteve Krzyzewski2225 Drake Avenue, Suite 18Huntsville, AL [email protected]

Steve Krzyzewski provides Ad-vanced Bio-Feedback Testing, the Amethyst Bio-Mat Infrared Therapy, and the Ionic Foot-bath. The Bio-feedback un-covers root cause(s) for health challenges and develops natural protocols allowing the body to heal itself. The Amethyst Bio-

Mat uses infrared, negative ions, and the natural healing of amethyst to bring the body back into balance. (RichWayUSA.com) The Ionic footbath helps the body to detoxify.

ENERGY HEALING

CENTER FOR DIRECTIONAL HEALING Susan Spalding, Director 256-882-0360DirectionalHealing.com Free the energy within you! Take your health and your life to a new level with Directional Healing. Clears, cleanses, balances, rejuvenates through resonance healing.

ESSENTIAL OILS

YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILSBonnie MinardDistributor ID# 1245976256-520-7028YoungLiving.org/[email protected]

I HAVE AN OIL FOR THAT! Experience the highest qual-ity Essential Oils in the world. Amazing Massage Oils, Nutri-tional Supplements, Skin Care, Diffusers...and much more! Call for your “HOME SPA EXPERI-ENCE.” For Individuals, Spas, MassageTherapists and Holistic

Healers. Ask about our Free Oils!

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

CENTER FOR OPTIMAL WELL BEING7910 S. Memorial Pkwy, Suite F-2, Huntsville256-489-9806 phone 256-489-2873 fax866-488-9806 toll freeThe Center for Optimal Well Being is dedicated to improving your health with colon hydro-therapy and body empowerment services. Sessions are con-ducted in clean, comfortable and relaxing private suites with soft lighting and aromatic fragrances. Our staff is clinically trained and certifi ed by the International Association for Colon Therapists.

HOPE FOR LIFE COLON HYDROTHERAPYAmanda Mashburn, owner/colon hydrotherapist10300 Bailey Cove Road, Suite-7A Huntsville, AL 35803256-270-8731hope4lifeal.com

Our goal is to live long and live strong. Young or old, male or female, healthy or sick, will benefi t from an internal cleans-ing. Mention“Natural Awaken-ings” and recieve 10 dollars off your fi rst colonic visit.

JARVIS NATURAL HEALTH CLINIC1489 Slaughter Road, Madison256-837-3448I-ACT Certifi ed Colon Hydro Therapists. Do you know that 80% of your immune system is in your colon? Bathe your body from the inside to improve health. Colon irrigation aids in soothing and toning the colon, which makes elimination more effective.

communityresourceguide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To fi nd out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email [email protected] to request our media kit.

FAMILY MEDICINE

PROGRESSIVE FAMILY MEDICINEChad Gilliam, M.M.S. PA-C1230 Slaughter Road, Suite C, Madison, AL 256-722-0555ProFamilyMed.com

Progressive Family Medicine provides medical care for pa-tients of all ages and uniquely blends Natural and Prescrip-tion medicines together to help speed the patient’s recovery. Progressive Family Medicine is the patient’s clinic of choice when they would like to un-derstand how natural medi-

cines work along with prescription drugs.

FENG SHUI

FENG SHUI BY TRUDI GARDNERTrudi Gardner, [email protected]

An interior design philosophy that invites serenity and reduces stress. Feng Shui design con-cepts brings positive energy into your home and offi ce to encourage Prosperity, Well Be-ing, Harmony, and Balance.

HYPNOSIS

MARSHA MATHESCertifi ed Hypnotist, LMT #1885, Esthetician3313 Memorial Parkway, Ste 116Huntsville, AL 35801256-698-2151MarshaMathes.SkinCareTherapy.net

Hypnosis is a tool to assist you in countless ways to heal your past, empower your present and create your future:• Quit smoking• weight loss • Nail and lip biting• Teeth grinding

• Insomnia • Anxiety and stress relief • Phobias and fears • Pain relief • Sports enhancement • PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) • Current and Past Life Regressions • Much more…

All you need is love.

~John Lennon


NATUROPATHIC DOCTOR

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE ASSOCIATESDr. Deb Gilliam, N.M.D.1230 Slaughter Road, Madison, AL256-722-0555Dr. Gilliam treats a variety of health problems with chronic fatigue, fi bromyalgia, heart disease, hormone replacement and thyroid issues being at the forefront. Dr. Gilliam sees patients from around the world due to the reputation she has earned by treating hard to treat medical conditions. Dr. Gil-liam works to fi nd the cause of medical conditions and does not simply treat the patients’ symptoms.

PILATES

BODY LANGUAGE, INC.305 Jefferson St., Ste. C256-704-5080sybil@bodylanguagepilates.comBodyLanguagePilates.comOur goal is to teach individuals how to take control of their health and well-being through the Pilates method, creating a wholesome person of sound mind, body, and spirit. Private, semi-private and group training on the equipment is available along with group mat classes.

REFLEXOLOGY

JIM BARNES, CERTIFIED REFLEXOLOGISTREFLEX ACTION124 14th St. Suite D3, Decatur, AL 35601256-227-2920256-309-0033

SHAMAN HEALER

KATY GLENN [email protected] KatyShamanHealer.blogspot.com

Spiritually Assisted Intuitive Readings, Energetic Healing and Balancing for People and Pets, World Culture Shamanic Train-ing, Spirit Midwife: Assistance for individual and caregivers dur-ing Death & Dying Process. Forty years of training and experience.

IN-HOME MASSAGE

CLOUD NINEEvening and Weekend Appointments256-337-6989Finally, someone who makes housecalls! Swedish, Ortho and Deep Tissue massage in the privacy of your own home. Gift Certifi cates also available for any occasion.

JIN SHIN JYUTSU®

JIN SHIN JYUTSU OF HUNTSVILLESandra Cope Huntsville256-534-1794256-509-3540Certifi ed Jin Shin Jyutsu Practitioner. An easy, ef-fective way of restoring health and well-being by balancing the body’s energy pathways to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities.

MASSAGE

CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE AND BODYWORK1634 Slaughter Rd., Madison256-430-9756Our vision is to provide professional massage services in a comfortable clinical environment to Madison and the surrounding area. Student massages available for 1/2 the regular rate. Lic. E1311.

MASSAGE SCHOOL

MADISON SCHOOL OF MASSAGE THERAPY, LLC1634 Slaughter Rd, Suite C Madison, AL 35758 256-430-9756MadisonSchoolOfMassageTherapy.comOur training will change your life forever in a new career as a Professional. Student massages avail-able for 1/2 the regular rate. AL Board of Massage School Lic# S-117 AL State Board of Ed. School Lic# 1200I.

MUSIC THERAPY

HEALING SOUNDS MUSIC THERAPYStephanie Bolton, MA, MT-BC256-655-0648ImageryAndMusic.comHuntsville, AL- based music therapy practice focused on improving personal health and well-ness using guided imagery and music techniques. Currently providing workshops and individual consultations.

SMALL CHANGE COACH / NLP

SMALL CHANGE WORKSJohn LambertCullman, AL [email protected]

I offer personalized change work sessions that are alterna-tives to traditional counseling and therapy. I do this because I have found that most therapy —“is ineffective, much of it is harmful, and all of it is expen-sive.” (Steve Andreas)

I offer sensible approaches to what can be diffi cult problems.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

JACI [email protected]

A complete system of body edu-cation that balances the physical body, improves posture, and helps resolve chronic pain. Created by Dr. Ida P. Rolf in the 1950s, Structural Integration has been scientifi cally validated and has withstood the test of time, as millions of people have enjoyed the remarkable benefi ts.

SUSAN K. JEFFREYSAdvanced Practitioner Lic.#249Dr. Ida P. ROLF method2336A Whitesburg DriveServing Huntsville since 1995256-512-2094 RolfGuild.org“When the body gets working appropriately, then the force of gravity can fl ow through. Then sponta-neously, the body heals itself.” Ida P. Rolf

All you need is love.

~John Lennon

Among its otherbenefi ts, giving liberates

the soul of the giver. ~Maya Angelou

Progress Towards Wellness & Prevention with

Progressive

FamilyMedicine

Alternative Medicine Associates

Ask About Our IV Nutritional Therapies!

Customizing Solutions For Your Individual Health Needs & Concerns

Treatment is Available For

CompleteHealth Care

For YourFamily!

256.722.0555

december 2011

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