Natural Awakenings of the NY Capital District - October 2013

October 2013 | NY Capital District Edition | AlbanyAwakenings.com

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

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Artful Kids

Creativity Nurtures Mind, Body & Spirit

Breast CancerSpotlight

Local Professionals Help Survivors

Trekking as Pilgrimage

A Literal Pathto Personal Growth

Shaping the FutureWe WantEncouraging New Eco-Commitments

PREMIERE ISSUE

2 NY Capital District AlbanyAwakenings.com

3natural awakenings October 2013


Natural Awakenings of the nY capital district

P.O. Box 38118, Albany, NY 12203PH: 518-729-0099FX: 877-741-4462

AlbanyAwakenings.com

PublisherCarolyn Coogan

editors Theresa Archer

S. Alison ChabonaisRandy Kambic

Lauressa Nelson

contributing writersWesley Delanoy

Kim SteeleLoreanna Thomas

contributing PhotographersAria Duff

Adrienne Money

design & ProductionStephen BlancettHelene Leininger

Michele Rose

webmasterLipera Web Design, Guilderland

office catRocky

multi-market advertising469-633-9549

Franchise salesJohn Voell: 239-530-1377

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letterfrompublisher

Great joy and gratitude accompany this premiere issue of the Capital District’s own Natural Awakenings edition. This free monthly magazine is your go-to resource for natural health and environmentally friendly living. Our mission is to help you improve the quality of your life physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Each month, you can expect to see cutting-edge information on natural health, wellness, fitness, nutrition, personal growth, creative expression and sustainability.

You’ll find valuable articles by well-known national and local experts, including area practitioners of integrative and alternative wellness and healing arts ready to address your questions. Community briefs target local news of interest, the Calendar enables you to network with others in our growing healthy living community, and our business and community spotlights introduce you to leaders in wellness and sustainability initiatives close to home. What began as a hometown newsletter in Naples, Florida, in 1994 has expanded into a growing family of 87 independently owned magazines reaching more than 3.8 million readers in communities across the country. Like me, I believe that you will find being part of this family is a blessing. I’ve been deeply touched and overwhelmed by the warm welcome Natural Awakenings has received in the Capital District. A huge thank you goes out to all the advertisers, community partners and fans that have helped launch this publication. Together, you have exceeded every expectation; please see our Thank You page for a shout out to some extra-special supporters. With a substantial initial run of 10,000 copies at more than 200 distribution sites, we may still fall short of demand because of the buzz. Remember you can also view a digital version at AlbanyAwakenings.com. I look forward to meeting more of you at many of the October events I’ll be attending around town this month where I’ll have copies for you to share with your friends and family. Look for me at the Saratoga Springs Holistic Healing and Spiritual Arts Expo, the Mind Body Spirit Health Expo, and the 5th Annual Ladies’ Night Out Health & Wellness Expo. This inaugural issue gives you a taste of many of our regular departments and is loaded with profiles of local healers, business owners and artists. This month we give a special nod to services supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The best part of my role as publisher is the opportunity to meet so many amazing people in our community that I now consider friends. When you pick up a copy each month you will get to know many of the wonderful people behind the articles and ads; I am pleased to introduce you to one another. Please support all those that make this free community resource possible. Although it may sound clichéd to say that this magazine is responsible for my own personal awakening, it’s the truth. Ever since the magazine came into my life, I have felt more alive and awakened in every way. It’s natural for me to help promote wellness and the potential for others to enjoy a positive life journey. I hope you will continue to join me each month as we learn, grow, become inspired and together realize an authentic awakening of body, mind and spirit. Here’s to you.

Be well,

Carolyn Coogan, Publisher


how to advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 518-729-0099 or email [email protected]. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

editorial submissionsSubmit articles and news or health briefs online at: AlbanyAwakenings.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due the 10th.

calendar submissionsSubmit calendar events online at AlbanyAwakenings.com within the calendar submittal section. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month.

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advertising & submissions


contents 6 newsbriefs

10 eventspotlight 1 1 healthbriefs

13 ecotip

14 globalbriefs 17 business spotlight 22 healerspotlights 27 community spotlight 32 wisewords 33 creativespotlight

36 naturalpet 39 calendar

44 naturaldirectory 47 classifieds

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

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16 all the time in the world Transforming Anxiety into Artistry by Marney K. Makridakis

18 imProve Your snooZe Sleep Aids versus Sleep Sappers by Judith Fertig

20 energY healing comes oF age A Historic Milestone in Complementary Medicine by Linda Sechrist

24 shaPing the Future we want Global Commitments to Catalyze Change by Brita Belli

28 trekking as Pilgrimage A Literal Path to Personal Growth by Sarah Todd

30 breast cancer awareness month sPotlight: Local Professionals Help Survivors

34 artFul kids Hands-On Creativity Nurtures Mind, Body and Spirit by Judith Fertig

36 holistic is best Natural Care for a Sick Pet by Dr. Shawn Messonnier


newsbriefsBaker-Porazinski Joins the Stram Center

The Stram Center for Integrative Health and Healing, in Delmar, welcomes its first Integrative Medicine Fellow,

Dr. Jennifer Baker-Porazinski. A specialist in integrative medicine, lifestyle counseling for stress reduction, and nutrition and care for chronic conditions with a holistic approach, Baker-Porazinski will conduct comprehensive physical exams at the center. While working for the Stram Center three years ago as a traditional medical doctor collaborating with Dr. Stram and the rest of the staff, Baker-Porazinski became interested in the whole-person approach practiced at the center. She is thrilled to be back and taking on her new role. She’s also about to embark on a two-year integrative medicine fellowship pro-gram through the University of Arizona, which begins this fall, that will augment her capabilities from her training with the Stram Center’s staff.

Location: 388 Kenwood Ave., Delmar. For more information or to schedule an ap-pointment, call 518-689-2244.

Full Day of Yoga and Music

Celebrating yoga and music with a focus on nourishing the body, mind and soul, the

Ahimsa Yoga Festival will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., October 26, at Windham Mountain Lodge. Traditional and emerging yoga styles will be introduced and practiced in a beautiful, natural set-ting just two-and-a-half hours from New York City.

Featured yoga instructors include Kia Miller, Tommy Rosen, Coby Kozlowski and Amanbir Singh. Music will be performed by Shantala, Gaura Vani, Ben Leinbach, Prajna Viera and others. A variety of vendors will be on hand offering products and concepts in yoga, music and natural health.

Admission: $55. Location: 33 Clarence D Lane Rd., Windham. For more informa-tion and to purchase tickets, call 518-779-3511 or visit AhimsaYogaFestival.com. See ad, page 9.

Paint & Sip Expands to Latham

The popular Saratoga-based business Paint & Sip recently added a new location in the Newton Plaza

at 584-596 Unit 4, New Loudon Road, in Latham. Owner Catherine Hover, originally from New Orleans, where similar businesses are more prevalent, brought the concept to Saratoga in 2012. Business is booming and Hover quickly decided that a second location was in order. “Latham is a nice fit because it is centrally located within the Capital District,” she says. Paint & Sip offers a unique way to spend an afternoon or evening. Attendees pour a drink, put on an apron and, under the guidance of a local artist, paint their own masterpiece. Each month’s calendar of events is packed with theme nights, often benefitting local charities, and open paint sessions, which give customers the opportunity to let their creative juices flow.

Location: The Shoppes at Newton Plaza, New Loudon Road, Latham. For more information, call 518-785-8244 or visit SaratogaPaintAndSip.com.


Easy Planning for a Green Nursery

During their earliest years, babies are exceptionally vul-

nerable to toxins in the environ-ment, so making healthy choices early on is critical. Customers can now register for healthy cribs, mattresses, floors, carpets, paints, skin care and even reusable diapers to keep babies sleeping peacefully in a non-toxic environment at Green Conscience Home & Garden, in Saratoga. Once considered a daunting task, planning a green nursery is simplified with the expert assistance of owner Karen Totino and her staff and their in-novative registry system. With Totino’s help, clients create a personalized list of desired items that is placed on an individual website. Registry cards are available for friends and family that visit the website and create personalized gift certificates for their loved ones.

Location: 33 Church St., Saratoga Springs. For more informa-tion, call 518-306-5196 or visit Green-Conscience.com. See ad, page 17.

IFP Films Launches Youth Fundraising Services

IFP Films, a leading

Saratoga-based studio for independent and branded media creation for more than 20 years, is of-fering photog-raphy services

to nonprofit, volunteer organizations in sports like soccer, baseball, football and basketball, plus community organiza-tions like Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The services include a flat fee for access to all the digital still photos captured during an event. Every package comes with unlimited digital downloads, so there is no waiting for prints. Events are recorded by multiple, experienced camera crews, ensuring that every angle is covered. IFP Films’ founder and Director Bob Manasier says, “Our ability to pivot and to create mutual opportunities and multipurpose experiences has always set us apart as a com-pany. This new division is just the next phase of our history of involving nonprofit causes for all of our projects. Our goal is to create added revenue-generating opportunities for youth nonprofits from their existing events and to offer cost-effective solutions to families to capture these wonderful experiences.”

Location: 3257 Rte. 9. For more information, call Manasier at 518-584-9737 or visit IFPFilms.com/sports.


newsbriefs I Can Do It! Tour Hits the Big Apple

The highly anticipated I Can Do It! tour, featuring many of today’s most

life-changing and powerful motivational authors, will stop at the Jacob J. Javits Convention Center, in New York City, October 26 and 27. Attendees will hear uplifting and positive messages from such headliners as Hay House founder and motivational teacher Louise L. Hay and international bestselling author Dr. Wayne Dyer, along with Cheryl Rich-ardson, Kris Carr, Gregg Braden, Doreen Virtue, Caroline Myss, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and many other popular authors and speakers. “The I Can Do It! conference provides an opportunity to step outside of the normal day-to-day life and leave feeling reenergized, refreshed and refocused on achieving goals,” says Reid Tracy, president and CEO of Hay House, Inc. “We handpicked the presenting authors to bring a wealth of knowledge, inspiration and enlightenment to attendees.”

Location: 655 W. 34th St., New York, NY. For more infor-mation or to make reservations, call 800-654-5126 or visit HayHouse.com. See ad, inside front cover.

Community Massage and Holistic Therapies Grand Opening

Community Massage & Holistic Therapies is a new wellness practice located at

255 River Street, in downtown Troy. A grand opening celebration will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., September 27. Featuring door prizes, a raffle, a tour and complimentary snacks and beverages, the event will allow attendees to meet the practitioners, learn about available services, try a sample treatment and enjoy a free chair massage. Available services at the practice include therapeutic massage, myofascial bodywork, Reiki energy, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, hot stone and hot compress massage, cold stone headache relief, pregnancy massage, aromathera-py and paraffin treatments. “It has been very exciting and satisfying to work with other people to bring a variety of alternative services that will improve the health of those in our community,” says owner and Licensed Massage Therapist Kathleen Vroman. “I’ve also been able to create an urban oasis atmosphere using plants and artwork to give people a chance to reconnect with na-ture and enjoy a slower tempo while they are here.”

For information or to make an appointment, call 518-272-1400. See ad, page 7.

Saratoga Expo Showcases Holistic and Spiritual Arts

Journey Within presents the Saratoga Springs Holistic Healing and Spiritual

Arts Expo, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oc-tober 5, at the Saratoga Hilton Hotel. Bringing together local and regional professionals in the holistic healing and

spiritual arts fields, the expo will feature more than 40 exhibitor booths, including

Natural Awakenings of the NY Capital District, free work-shops and demonstrations. Exhibitors and authors will represent a wide range of topics that include acupuncture, aromatherapy, astrology, aura photography, spiritual books, Chinese medicine, energy medicine, feng shui, healing oils, holistic healing, holistic dentistry, homeopathy, hypnosis, intuitive reading, jew-elry, life coaching, massage therapy, naturopathy, nutrition, Reiki, t’ai chi, theta healing, vitamins, whole foods, yoga and more. Door prizes will be drawn every hour.

Admission: $6/person, children under 12 are free. Location: 534 Broadway. For more information, call 518-368-9737 or visit HolisticSpiritualExpo.com. See ad, page 26.

Fall Osteoporosis Workshop

Meeks Method Osteoporosis Exercise Specialist and PMA

Certified Instructor Penny Shure will present an osteoporosis workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., October 19, at Healing with Movement Pilates,

in Albany. Attendees will learn preventative tips, methods to develop better balance and ways to create a safer living envi-ronment, free of hazards that could potentially cause a fall. Shure, owner of Healing with Movement Pilates, is a National Osteoporosis Foundation support group leader and has designed an Internal Alignment Awareness series of safe mat work for people with osteoporosis. She combines her training as a Pilates instructor with her knowledge of osteo-porosis prevention to raise awareness for adults and teens in the Capital District.

Location: 2021 Western Ave. For more information, call 518-669-9677.

Doreen Virtue

Wayne Dyer

Kathleen Vroman

News to share?submit information online at


Submittal deadline is the 10th of the month.

Penny Shure


kudosGreen Leaf Café, in Albany, is celebrat-ing one year of business this month. Known for its charming atmosphere and tasty menu, this neighborhood café has become a popular spot for residents and students alike. Green Leaf serves break-fast, lunch and dinner, from a Healthy Egg White Wrap to Peachy Pineapple Smoothies. The menu of fresh and delicious options is con-stantly evolving to include new and exciting choices, includ-ing many locally grown items. Co-owner Gary Singh says, “Since opening, the community has really embraced us. We’ve had our ups and downs this past year, but everyone in the neighborhood is so supportive.”

Location: 217 Western Ave. at Quail St. For more informa-tion, call 518-434-3663 or visit YourGreenLeafCafe.com.

Nick Pavoldi, owner of Bodyworks Professionals, with two locations in Latham and Saratoga Springs, was re-cently named one of the Capital Dis-trict’s 40 under 40, an annual award given by the Puget Sound Business Journal to the top 40 young profes-sionals in the region. Pavoldi has been practicing bodywork since 1996. After studying at the Guild for

Structural Integration, Pavoldi started Bodywork Profession-als. He remains committed to continuing his education, recently completing a two-month human dissection course in San Francisco, followed by a six-week training course in Kauai, which was taught by Rolfing expert Emmett Hutchens.

Locations: 578 New Loudon Rd., Latham, 518-389-2200; and 79 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, 518-389-2083. For more information, visit BodyworkProfessionals.com. See ad, page 12.

The University at Albany was included in Princeton Review’s Guide to 322 Green Colleges for 2013. The university was up against hundreds of other four-year schools that completed a 50-question survey on topics ranging from campus infra-structure to sustainability. The school was also recognized for using its recent New York State Energy Research and Devel-opment Authority grant through its Office of Environmental Sustainability to install solar panels on the university’s social sciences building.

Location: 1400 Washington Ave. For more information, call 518-442-3300 or visit Albany.edu/gogreen.

Nick Pavoldi


eventspotlight

The Palace Takes a Healthy SpinThe Palace Theatre, built in 1931 in Albany

and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, will host an inaugural Mind, Body and Spirit Health Fair, from noon to 4 p.m., October 20. The free, community event, sponsored by Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, will promote healthy living with motiva-tional speakers and presentations on nutrition, as well as t’ai chi demonstrations, an interac-tive Zumba class and more than 40 exhibitor booths, including chiropractors, dietitians, life coaches, yoga studios and psychics. Exhibitor spaces are still available. The first 100 attendees to the event will receive a gift bag, and everyone that attends can be entered into a random drawing for two tickets to attend a live tap-ing of Rachael Ray, with round-trip transportation provided by Premiere Transpor-tation. Ronald McDonald House Charities will be onsite with its Care Mobile to provide free health services for children, and the YMCA will hold a random draw-ing for family memberships. The event marks a new direction in programming for the Palace Theatre, which is known mainly as a venue for classic movies and rock concerts. “While the idea of a nonprofit theater hosting a health expo may seem like a mismatched goal, it seems to fit right into the Palace’s revamped strategic plans,” says Director of Marketing Sean Allen, noting the new focus on educational community events. “Since Executive Director Holly Brown came on the scene in 2011, programming has increased by 60 percent, the financial situation is showing a surplus for the second year in a row, and the number of community events has grown drastically.”

Location: 19 Clinton Ave., Albany. For more information, call 518-465-3335 or visit PalaceAlbany.com. See ad, page 7.


healthbriefs

Dulse Seaweed a Heart Health PowerhouseDulse (palmaria palmata), a protein-rich red sea-

weed, could become a new protein source to compete with current protein crops like soybeans, ac-cording to scientists at Ireland’s Teagasc Food Research Cen-tre. Dulse harvested from October to January usually has the highest protein content. This functional food also contributes levels of essential amino acids such as leucine, valine and methionine, similar to those contained in legumes like peas or beans. It may even help protect against cardiovascular disease. The Agriculture and Food Development Authority reports that for the first time, researchers have identi-fied a renin-inhibitory peptide in dulse that helps to reduce high blood pressure, like ACE-1 inhibitors commonly used in drug therapy.

Grapes Grapple with Metabolic SyndromeIt’s high season for grapes, and

consuming any variety of this sweet fruit—red, green or black— may help protect against organ damage associ-ated with the progression of metabolic syndrome, according to new research presented at the 2013 Experimental Biology Conference, in Boston. Natural components in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for this benefit. Metabolic syndrome comprises a cluster of conditions—increased blood pressure, high blood sugar level, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol levels—that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Working with lab animals, researchers found that three months of a grape-enriched diet signifi-cantly reduced inflammatory markers throughout the body, most signifi-cantly in the liver and abdominal fat tissue. The diet also reduced the fat weight of the animals’ liver, kidneys and abdomen compared with those that were on a control diet. The grape intake also increased markers of an-tioxidant defense, particularly in the liver and kidneys. “Our study suggests that a grape-enriched diet may play a critical role in protecting against metabolic syndrome and the toll it takes on the body and its organs,” says lead inves-tigator E. Mitchell Seymour, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan Health System. “Both inflammation and oxi-dative stress play a role in cardiovas-cular disease progression and organ dysfunction in Type 2 diabetes.”

more Plastics, more obese kidsA causal link between the worldwide

epidemic of childhood obesity and phthalates commonly used in soft plastics, packaging and many personal care prod-ucts is becoming more evident. A Korean study from Sanggye Paik Hospital at the Inje

University College of Medicine, in Seoul, shows that the risk of childhood obesity increases with the level of DEHP (di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate) in the bloodstream. The study indicates that phthalates may change gene expression associated with fat metabolism. DEHP in particular is a suspected endocrine disruptor, or hormone-altering agent. Children with the highest DEHP levels were nearly five times more likely of being obese than children with the lowest levels. The scien-tists studied 204 children ages 6 to 13, of whom 105 were obese. A chemical commonly used to soften plastics, DEHP is found in some chil-dren’s toys, as well as myriad household items. Phthalates can be found in paci-fiers, plastic food packaging, medical equipment and building materials like vinyl flooring. Personal care products such as soap, shampoo and nail polish may also contain phthalates.

Acupuncture’s Growing AcceptanceOne in 10 American adults has received

acupuncture at least once and nearly half of them say they are “extremely” or “very” satis-fied with their treatment, according to a survey

sponsored by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Sixty percent of survey respondents readily accepted the idea of acu-puncture as a treatment option, and 20 percent have used other forms of Oriental medicine, including herbs and Chinese bodywork.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Day is observed on Oct. 24. For more information, visit aomday.org.


healthbriefs

mercurY raises risk oF diabetes and heart attacksExposure to mercury in young adult-

hood can trigger serious health issues later in life, according to two recent studies. New Indiana University research confirmed a link between mer-cury exposure and diabetes in young adults ages 20 to 32 at the beginning of the study in 1987, and was periodically reassessed six times through 2005. Those with high mercury levels at the beginning of the study were 65 percent more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes as they aged. Also, Swedish researchers report that high mercury levels from eating contami-nated fish leads to a higher risk for heart attacks in men. However, eating clean cold-water fish high in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, countered the increased risk from the mercury exposure, according to conclusions published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Natural Eye Care for Aging DogsMany owners of middle-aged and

older dogs worry about their pets’ declining eyesight. Cloudy eyes are of particular concern, but that is not necessarily a sign that a dog is going blind, advises Shawn Messon-nier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practicing in Plano, Texas. “While cataracts strike many older dogs, a more common condi-tion is lenticular or nuclear sclerosis, a thickening of the lens of the eye,” says Messonnier. He explains that this nor-mal change causes the eye to appear somewhat cloudy or gray, similar to a cataract. However, unlike a cataract, this type of sclerosis does not interfere with the pet’s vision. “Veterinarians can easily tell the difference between these conditions,” he says. “No treat-ment is necessary for lenticular scle-rosis; cataracts are often treated with carnosine drops or with surgery.” For prevention, Messonnier sug-gests minimizing toxins that can cause inflammation throughout an animal’s body, not just the eyes. This means using blood titer testing instead of an-nual vaccinations, reducing the use of flea and tick chemicals, using natural pet foods and minimizing the use of conventional medications. He also recommends feeding a pet nutrients that contribute to health and reduce inflammation and cellular damage, including fish oil, probiotics and antioxidants like bilberry, which supports eye health.


ecotip

Johnny AppleseedingTree-mendous Acts Grow Quality of LifeVolunteers will emulate Johnny Appleseed to ex-pand and restore local ur-ban green spaces and im-prove their quality of life and environment as part of October’s ninth annual National NeighborWoods Month program. Last year, local organizations and governments coordinated the planting of more than 45,000 trees by as many as 23,000 volunteers in hundreds of communities nationwide. In Massachusetts, Boston Parks & Recreation De-partment workers joined TD Bank employees and pub-lic volunteers to revitalize the East Boston Greenway with 50 new trees. In Goleta, California, 80 new trees took root via 12 planting and care events, and more than 500 elementary school students took a cellular-level look at tree leaves during three science nights. “Their shouts upon seeing the hair-like edges of some leaves that serve to absorb water and control evaporation were terrific,” says Ken Knight, executive director of Goleta Valley Beautiful. “We impress on them that they will act as stewards—what we plant will also be their children’s trees and onward.” The Alliance for Community Trees (ACTrees), the national nonprofit program coordinator, estimates last year’s efforts will capture 23.1 million gallons of stormwater, dispose of 660 tons of air pollutants and save participating cities and towns nearly $600,000 in water management and air pollution costs each year. Other tree-mendous benefits include beautifying the landscape, improving home property values, provid-ing a natural habitat and reducing home air condition-ing costs by supplying more shade. To date, ACTrees member organizations have planted and cared for more than 15 million trees in neighborhoods nationwide, involving 5 million-plus volunteers. Executive Director Carrie Gallagher re-marks, “People understand instinctively that trees are vital to creating safe and successful communities, and a livable, sustainable future.”

For more information and to participate, visit NeighborWoodsMonth.org or ACTrees.org.

October is National Spinal Health Month

A healthy spine is more than

the basis of good posture—it is a harbinger of sound emotional and physical health, according to prac-titioners of holistic chiropractic care. Those seeking relief from back pain and other

common spine-related conditions might do well to exchange pain-masking drugs for more lasting relief from professional adjustments. All chiropractic can be considered alternative medicine, because practitioners do not prescribe drugs or surgery. Instead, these doctors rely on man-ual therapies such as spinal manipulation to improve function and provide pain relief for conditions rang-ing from simple sprains and strains to herniated discs and sciatica. Yet, holistic chiropractors go beyond treatment of structural problems, like a misaligned spine, to address root causes. Michael Roth, a Ventura, California, chiropractor who has been practicing holistic methods for nearly 20 years, points out that, “Basic spinal manipulation does not address the mind-body connection. A holistic chiropractor recognizes that symptoms are the body’s way of adapting to some environmental stressor. If the spine is adapting to a stressor, that’s not the cause of the problem, simply the effect.” Holistic chiropractors typically can suggest complementary measures such as massage, yoga, naturopathy or physical therapy for a more integrated and comprehensive treatment approach. Beyond adjusting the spine, they may also prescribe adjust-ments to diet, exercise and other lifestyle elements, depending on their understanding of an individual’s optimum path to wellness. Before placing one’s care in someone else’s hands, ask for credentials and seek out reviews from former patients. Good health—and a happy spine—begin with an educated and empowered patient.

ChiroHealthy.com includes a database of licensed chiropractors, searchable by zip code. See Business Spotlight article on page 17 for information about local holistic chiropractor Dr. Joseph Gulyas.


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

Fossil-Fuel FreedomNew York State Could Achieve It by 2050

A new study lays out how New York State’s entire demand for end-use power could be provided by wind (50 percent), solar (38 percent) and geothermal

(5 percent), plus wave and tidal energy sources. This ambi-tious goal could be achieved by 2050, when all conventional fossil fuel generation would be completely phased out. The plan also generates a large net increase in jobs. Mark Jacobson, a co-author of the study and profes-sor of civil and environmental engineering at California’s Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, analyzes how energy technologies impact the atmosphere and how society can transition rapidly to clean and renewable en-ergy sources if we integrate production and energy use in a systems perspective. Robert Howarth, Ph.D., the senior co-author and a pro-fessor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell Uni-versity, in New York, has been tackling climate change and its consequences since the 1970s. He says, “Many pundits tell us that solar, wind, etc., are great conceptually, but that it will take many decades to start to make these technologies economically feasible.” However, “New York is one of the larger economies in the world, and New York City is the most energy-efficient city in the U.S.”

Eco-Power TowerMeet the World’s Greenest Office BuildingEven on cloudy days, the photovoltaic-paneled roof of the Bullitt Center, in Seattle, Washington, generates all the electricity the six-story structure requires. Inside, commercial office space is equipped with composting

toilets, rainwater showers and a glass-enclosed stairway to encourage climbing exercise over riding the elevator. The Bullitt Foundation, founded in 1952, has focused since the 1990s on helping cities function more like ecosys-tems. Seattle’s new building not only provides space for eco-conscious tenants, but also functions as a learning center, demonstrating how people and businesses can coexist more in harmony with nature. The Bullitt Center was constructed according to a de-manding green building certification program called the Living Building Challenge, which lists zero net use of energy and water among its many requirements. The standards far surpass those of the better-known Leadership in Energy and Environ-mental Design (LEED) program. Founder Jason McLennan says the challenge is to encourage others to build more enjoyable, sustainable and affordable structures around the world.

Source: Yes! magazine

Pivot PointSolar Panels Almost Breaking EvenAt current growth rates, solar energy could be harnessed to produce 10 percent of the world’s electricity by 2020. But the greater benefit of clean solar power relies on first realizing an efficient initial pay-back for all the energy needed to produce the panels. To make polysilicon, the basic building block of most solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, silica rock must be melted at 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, using electricity from mostly coal-fired power plants. Stanford University research-ers believe that a tipping point when clean electricity from installed solar panels surpasses the energy going into the industry’s continued growth will occur by 2015. As the industry has advanced, it’s required ever less energy and silicon to manufacture and install solar PV panels, along with less wasted silicon, according to Stanford Uni-versity’s Global Climate & Energy Project. Advances in solar cell efficiency requires fewer panels, and new thin-film solar panels leave out silicon altogether.

Source: Sustainable Business News

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oux


Krill KillCore Marine Food Source Faces Depletion Small, shrimp-like creatures that inhabit the world’s oceans, krill are one of the planet’s largest and least contaminated biomasses. The tiny crustaceans are the primary food source for a variety of fish, whales, penguins and seabird species. Krill are also used to make feed for live-stock, poultry and farmed fish and in nutritional supplements—krill oil is a rich source of omega-3 essential fatty acids and less likely than fish oil to be contaminated with mercury or heavy metals. Recent studies cited by National Geographic suggest that since the 1970s, Antarctic krill stocks may have dropped by up to 80 percent. Environmental groups and scientists worry that new fishing technologies, coupled with climate warming that removes ice algae, the crustaceans’ primary food source, could deplete krill populations and potentially devastate the Antarctic’s ecosystem. Denzil Miller, Ph.D., former executive secretary of the Commis-sion for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, advises, “There are a whole lot of dominoes that follow afterwards that just look too horrendous to contemplate.” Concerned consumers can opt to avoid farm-raised fish; choose organic, non-grain-fed meat and poultry; and substitute algae-derived omega-3 supplements for fish or krill oil capsules.

Source: Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (asoc.org)


inspiration

Ask American adults if they’re anx-ious about time and they’ll likely say yes. Our society even deems

it expected, acceptable and normal to experience such stress, but is it neces-sary? It’s helpful to explore what is at the root of our problems with time and why we believe we benefit from worry-ing and complaining about it. Both are good first steps to releasing ourselves from the drama of getting caught up in and blaming time as a convenient catchall. Which of the following ratio-nales apply to us personally? “If I can complain about being busy, I don’t have to examine other areas in my life.” “My schedule is wrapped up with my self-esteem; being ‘too busy’ means that I’m successful.” “Worrying about time gives me something to talk about.” “I don’t plan things I might enjoy because it can be too demanding or even scary—it just feels easier and safer to be bored.” “Worrying about time is a con-venient excuse for not following my dreams.” Once we identify the perceived payoffs from worrying about time, we can see them for what they are: illu-sions that keep us from living our true potential. Awareness allows us to make a different choice and to partner with

time, instead of working against it. Einstein proved that time is subjec-tive, illustrated every time we compare an hour in a dentist’s chair to an hour in the company of a loved one. Time behaves and feels differently based on many variables, like emotion, engage-ment, flow, desire, interest, pain and pleasure. Our perspective counts. With capricious factors dancing around in our every moment, we can see why time isn’t constant. Happily, we can use the relative nature of time to our advantage and choose what our relationship with it will be. Consider that with each instance we choose how we talk about, measure and experience time, we are actually creating a new paradigm of time for ourselves. We can relinquish general views and limitations of time that hinder us and emerge into the possibilities of time as anything but a defined line. It can be a vibrant, completely moldable, layered, multifaceted work of art that we may adapt as we wish, to custom design each and every day.

Marney K. Makridakis of Dallas, TX, is the author of Creating Time: Using Creativity to Reinvent the Clock and Reclaim Your Life. She founded Artella magazine, the ARTbundance philosophy and the ArtellaLand.com community.

all the time in the worldTransforming Anxiety into Artistry

by marney k. makridakis

A Life Coach’s Tips for Reinventing

the Dayby annie gregson

Giving ourselves the gift of a few moments to reinvent our

day requires simply grabbing a pen and paper and posting a “do not disturb” sign on the door. Answer-ing each of the questions below with brave honesty will enable us to imagine, dream and begin to nurture a desire.

n Is my busyness draining me or fulfilling me?

n If I feel drained, how might I recharge my battery? List three self-care actions and schedule them into the day.

n If I could custom design a day for myself, how would it look and feel?

n What is one small step I can take towards that feeling, and when can I do it?

We can become clear about how we want to feel and what steps we can take to move toward that feel-ing. Start small, commit, enlist help and celebrate the changes. After all, this is our time, these are our choices, and this is our life to enjoy!

Annie Gregson is a life coach and Live Your Vision coach, certified by the Academy for Coach Training, in Seattle. She brings coaching, art and exuberance to Adirondack retreats and workshops facilitated in collaboration with her partners, Beti Spangel and Debbie Philip, collectively known as the Bona Fide Butterflies. Connect with her at 518-532-0275 or AnnieGregson.net. See ad, page 19.


businessspotlight

At Northeast Spine and Wellness, Dr. Joseph Gulyas, known as “Dr. Joe” to his pa-tients, uses modern chiropractic equip-

ment and technology, as well as complementa-ry therapies such as acupuncture, massage and nutritional counseling, to create an effective personalized care plan for each individual. He takes a whole-person approach to wellness, always keeping in mind what he calls “the three secrets to holistic health”—the meal, the move-ment and the mindset. “At our office, we believe that given the proper nutri-tion, your body has the amazing capability of keeping itself healthy,” says Gulyas. As part of each individualized plan, patients receive recommendations that include nutritional supplements and other healthy lifestyle changes. Regarding the movement aspect of health, Gulyas explains that while many people think that physical pain or problems can be resolved by simply going to the gym, exercise can be limited by the body’s range of motion. “Joint play cannot be improved with-out getting to the bottom of alignment issues through address-ing spinal health; this is where chiropractic techniques are essential,” he notes. “Mindset is probably the most important

of the three secrets to holistic health. No matter what the diagnosis, you must always have hope.”

A well-respected proponent of holistic healthcare, Gulyas serves clients of all ages at his main office, in Clifton Park, as well as a satellite office, in Guilderland. He is a gradu-ate of Skidmore College with a dual under-graduate degree in biology and chemistry. He

received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College, in Long Island.

Gulyas first opened his practice as the Center Road Chiropractic office in 1988, and changed the name to

Northeast Spine and Wellness in 2004 to acknowledge the addition of other practitioners, making it a full-service well-ness practice. Gulyas also hosts the radio show, “Hands on with Dr. Joe,” on 101.3 FM at 12:45 p.m., Sundays.

Locations: 1741 Rte. 9, Clifton Park, and 1873 Western Ave., Albany. For more information and appointments, call 518-371-4800 or visit DrGulyas.com. See ad, page 9.

Wesley Delanoy is a contributing writer to Natural Awaken-ings magazine who lives in Albany.

Northeast Spine and Wellnessby wesley delanoy


consciouseating

Can eating a whole-wheat pea-nut butter cracker or sipping tart cherry juice help us sleep?

Either is certainly worth a try, because most of us aren’t getting enough shut-eye. According to the nonprofit Na-tional Sleep Foundation, 64 percent of America’s adults frequently experi-ence sleep problems; nearly half wake up at least once during the night. This deficit of restorative rest can affect our health. “Lack of sleep can affect the im-mune system,” says Dr. Timothy Mor-genthaler, of the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center and an officer of the

American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “Studies show that people that don’t get a good night’s sleep or don’t get enough sleep are more likely to get sick after being exposed to a virus, such as the common cold.” A concept called sleep hygiene refers to good health practices that promote sleep. For example: Is the room dark or quiet enough? Is the mattress comfortable? Have we al-lowed sufficient time to wind down after daily activities to become re-laxed? What we eat or drink also can have a profound effect on getting a good night’s rest.

IMPROVE YOUR SNOOZESleep Aids versus Sleep Sappers

by Judith Fertig

Sleep SappersPhysicians, naturopaths and nutrition-ists generally agree that these key fac-tors delay or disrupt sleep.

Food and drink. According to Ja-mie Corroon, a naturopathic physician with Seattle’s Bastyr University, eating or drinking too much during the day may make us less comfortable when settling down to sleep. Also, spicy foods may cause heartburn, which can lead to difficulty falling asleep and discomfort during the night.

Caffeine. “Caffeine’s stimulant effect peaks in about one hour, and then declines as the liver breaks it down. So, if you go to bed by 11 p.m., you’ll have to stop your caf-feine intake by 2 or 3 p.m. to avoid insomnia,” advises bestselling author Joy Bauer, a registered dietitian and nutritionist in New York City. She also cautions about energy drinks that incorporate herbal caffeine that may include guarana seeds, kola nuts and yerba mate leaves.

Nightcaps. Although many people think of alcohol as a sedative, it actu-ally disrupts sleep, according to experts at the National Sleep Foundation.

Sleep AidsWhat helps us sleep may be either a food’s chemical properties or the psychological and physical comfort we associate with a certain food or drink. Options include some old reliables.


SUGGESTED SLEEP SUPPLEMENTS

Both valerian and melatonin have good scientific evidence backing them up as natural sleep aids, advises Sharon Plank, an integrative medicine physician with the University of Pittsburgh Medical School’s Center for Integrative Medicine. If the problem is falling asleep, the sedative effects of a valerian supplement can help. Because it has few adverse effects, it’s safe to try as a sleep aid, Plank says. If the problem is disrupted sleep, melatonin can help, and comes in two forms—extended release and immediate release. Plank notes, “If you tend to wake up in the middle of the night, you may want to take extended release before you go to bed. If you have trouble falling asleep, try immediate release.” If the problem is waking too early or restless leg syndrome, the problem could be a mineral deficiency. Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture found that copper, iron and magnesium deficiencies caused sleep issues with some subjects; the studies specify recommended daily supplemen-tation of copper (2 mg), iron (10 to 15 mg) and magnesium (400 mg).

Walnuts and tart cherry juice. Studies conducted by the University of Texas Health Science Center, in San Antonio, and published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that these two foods are great sources of melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. Tart cherry juice was found to be especially effective in reducing the time it took subjects to fall asleep.

Herbs. According to the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Univer-sity of Maryland, in Baltimore, some herbs have a mild, sedative effect. Three traditional herbs used for sleep are valerian, German chamomile and passionflower. The European practice of sipping a warm tisane, or herbal tea, made from these ingredients can be warming and soothing, preparing us to sleep. These herbs are also avail-able as supplements. Complex carbohydrates. “Enjoy a bedtime snack,” recommends Bauer, of about 200 calories or less; mainly complex carbohydrates, with a touch of protein, such as some banana with peanut butter, yogurt or a small amount of whole grain cereal with skim milk. “By combining an ample dose of carbo-hydrates together with a small amount of protein—such as yogurt or turkey—containing the amino acid tryptophan, your brain produces serotonin, known as a calming hormone.”

A warm, milky drink. Research scientists at the Massachusetts Insti-tute of Technology concluded that the chemical properties of milk—mainly protein and tryptophan—were not enough to ensure a good night’s sleep (American Journal of Clinical Nutri-tion). However, sleep and wellness expert Anna de Vena, who writes for SleepWellFeelGreat.com, observes, “I love curling up with any kind of warm milky drink before bed, espe-cially in the wintertime. There is a calming association with warm milk and sleep… from the time we were infants, when we drank milk and went to sleep.”

Judith Fertig celebrates healthy food at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.


Energy Healing Comes of Age

A Historic Milestone in Complementary Medicine

As recently as 2010, it would have been unimaginable for an annual medical conference including

allopathic physicians to hold a meet-ing themed Illuminating the Energy Spectrum. Yet it happened at the sold-out Institute of Functional Medicine 2013 annual international conference. Workshop topics ranged from bodily energy regulation to presentations by Grand Qigong Master Ou, Wen Wei, the originator of Pangu Shengong, and Medical Anthropologist and Psycholo-gist Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D., whose Four Winds Light Body School offers a two-year program on the luminous light body, also known as a local energy field, aura, life force, qi/chi or prana. The energy medicine practiced by acupuncturists and other health practi-

tioners that offer any one of the 60-plus hands-on and hands-off modalities de-scribed in The Encyclopedia of Energy Medicine, by Linnie Thomas, operates on the belief that changes in the body’s life force can affect health and heal-ing. The therapeutic use of any of them begins with an assessment of the body’s electromagnetic field. Then, a treatment specifically designed to correct energy disturbances helps recreate a healthy balance in its multilayered energy field, comprised of pathways, known as meridians, and energy centers (chakras) that correspond to related nerve cen-ters, endocrine glands, internal organ systems and the circulatory system. The objective for energy medicine practitioners is to uncover the root causes of imbalances—often from emo-

healingways

by linda sechrist

According to James Oschman, Ph.D., there is now enough high-quality research in leading peer-reviewed biomedical

journals to provide energy medicine the credence to transform from a little-known, alternative healthcare

modality into a conventional form of medicine.

breathe


tional stress or physical trauma—and harmonize them at a bioenergetic level before aberrations completely solidify and manifest as illness.

Clinical SupportJames Oschman, Ph.D., an academic scientist and international authority in Dover, New Hampshire, has conducted decades of research into the science of bioenergetics—the flow and transforma-tion of energy between living organisms and their environment. He explores the basis of the energetic exchanges that manifest via complementary and alternative therapies in his book, Energy Medicine: The Scientific Basis. According to Oschman, there is now enough high-quality research in leading peer-reviewed biomedical journals to provide energy medicine the credence to transform from a little-known, alternative healthcare modality into a conventional form of medicine. The progression to more widespread acceptance is similar to that experi-enced by acupuncture and massage.

Evolving PlatformFor more than 35 years, pioneers of en-ergy medicine like Barbara Ann Bren-nan, founder of the Barbara Brennan School of Healing; John F. Thie, founder of Touch for Health; and Donna Eden, founder of Eden Energy Medicine, have delved beyond conventional models of healing to confirm that our sensory experience of the world is as limited as our vocabulary to describe it. New language for new concepts is required, such as: nature’s drive for wholeness, resonance, a new band of frequencies, restructuring DNA, local fields and the non-local field, encoding, entrainment,

strings, strands, attunement, evolution-ary healing and vibration. Eden, who has had a lifelong ability to make intuitive health assessments later confirmed by medical tests, can look at an individual’s body, see and feel where the energies flow is interrupted, out of balance or not in harmony, and then work to correct the problem. “Very little of the natural world that human beings evolved in still exists. In addition, our bodies haven’t adapted to modern stressors or the electromagnetic energies associated with technologies that occupy our living and working environments,” says Eden. “Energy medicine is invalu-able because anyone can learn how to understand their body as an energy system and how to use techniques to restore energies that have become weak, disturbed or unbalanced.” Her teaching tools include her classic book, Energy Medicine, and Energy Medicine University, which she found-ed in 2006 in Sausalito, California. In a 2009 talk at the American Acad-emy of Anti-Aging Medicine, Oschman predicted that energy medicine will be-come prominent in anti-aging medicine. “When I review the history of medicine, there are periods in which things stay pretty much the same, and then there are great breakthroughs. I think that with the advent of energy medicine, another milestone is upon us.”

Learn more at issseemblog.org, the International Society for Subtle Energies and Energy Medicine website.

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAbout We.com for the recorded interviews.


healerspotlights

Reverend Avis A. Burnett, Ph.D., is a transformational counselor who practices a variety of energy healing modalities to

assist clients in overcoming blockages within the body’s energy field. Her practice, A Place of One-ness, is a nonprofit, spiritual organiza-tion that actively promotes peace and harmony between and within all beings. The office wel-comes visitors with a warm, calm ambiance. Numerous windows provide views of birds visiting feeders, and animal elements abound.

Burnett’s spiritual approach often helps clients to see life in a new way. “It doesn’t matter what a client’s belief system is,” she notes. “I help them connect with the inner and outer powers that they feel comfortable with and to ensure they receive the necessary guidance and loving support. Many times, life’s purpose becomes clearer and there is a better understanding of one’s role in balancing the good of the whole universe,” Burnett shares. “Sometimes there is even an ability to converse with divine beings such as angels or ascended masters during

Jack Treiber is a certified energy practitioner with offices in Clifton Park and Saratoga, who has done healing work for more than 20

years. His personalized approach and gentle na-ture puts clients at ease as he uses his intuitive ability to detect subtle energies, blending tech-niques such as energy medicine, energy psy-chology, Matrix Energetics, The Emotion Code and Chinese qi healing to help each client. He focuses on releasing the blockages and imbal-ances that contribute to physical and emotional pain and lack of well-being. The results of the sessions vary by individual, according to Treiber. “Generally speaking, people tend to feel relief, less emotional distress, more physical comfort and more relaxed,” he says. “The phrase I’ve heard most often from clients over the years, no matter the age, gender, issues, size or weight, is, ‘I feel lighter.’” Regarding long-term results, he notes, “It depends on how long someone has been coming,

and after a transformational experience.” Burnett holds a doctorate in transpersonal psychology from Summit University of Louisi-ana and brings more than 20 years of experi-ence with a variety of healing practices to her work. She fuses traditional psychotherapy tech-niques with guided meditation and energy heal-ing practices, such as Matrix Energetics. In her Quantum Transformation sessions, she applies the principles of quantum mechanics to help shift cognitive, behavioral and emotional pat-terns at a cellular level. Her focus is to release

past trauma and unconscious patterns of learned behavior to help the client feel whole and connected. Burnett is actively involved with the biannual Susan G. Komen retreat held at Peaceful Acres Horses (See article on page 30), where she can personally attest to the power of animal healing and the loving nature of horses.

Location: 639 Riverview Rd., Rexford. For more information and appointments, call 518-371-0579 or visit AvisBurnett.com.

avis burnettA Place of One-ness

Jack treiberEnergy for Health & Healing, LLC

the typical level of stress for that individual and the overall issues the person has been dealing with over the years.” Clients become healthier, feel better and are more resilient in handling life’s challenges. Many clients bring food or dietary supple-ments to be included in their evaluation, because Treiber has a method for identifying dietary sensitivities and perceiving when the body or a specific organ reacts to a particular substance negatively. Treiber trained with Donna Eden, a re-nowned energy healer and author of the book,

Energy Medicine, and studied at the Chinese Healing Arts Center in Kingston, New York, for several years.

Locations: 376 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 56 Clifton Country Rd., Ste. 103, Clifton Park. For more information and appointments, call 518-225-4692 or visit EnergyForHealthAndHealing.com. See ad, page 15.

Avis A. Burnett

Jack Treiber

local healing handsNatural Awakenings profiles local professionals that offer energy healing modalities

by Kim Steele


Joyce Willson, owner of The Art of Reiki, in downtown Troy, strives to provide a feel-ing of support, confidence and love to her

clients in a tranquil healing space that offers beautiful views of the Hudson River. Willson is a Reiki master teacher in Usui and Karuna Reiki, an Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) Master Instructor and a level two Therapeu-tic Touch practitioner. She also brings to her practice the benefits from more than 26 years of experience working as a registered nurse. The personal health challenges Willson faced in 1992 led her to discover holistic, alternative healing modalities. In 2002, she connected with Reiki while earning a certificate in complementary therapy program. Reiki, pleasant and relax-ing, is used for personal wellness, to ease tension and stress, and as a great tool of complementary medicine. In 2010, Willson learned IET, a healing technique that uses angelic energy to work directly with the body’s

Joyce willsonThe Art of Reiki

cellular memory and energy field. IET helps clients to safely and gently release limiting energy patterns from the past, to empower and balance their life in the present, and to embody their full potential in the future. With a sense of compassion and empa-thy, Willson teaches her clients how to create a personal care plan that includes maintaining a balance of proper nutrition, exercise and cop-ing mechanisms for dealing with daily stress. She offers private healing sessions and classes

in Reiki and IET for kids, teens and adults. Through her work, she seeks to share her philosophy, born of personal experience, that it is possible to gain balance, joy, peace, health and well-being in life, no matter what.

Location: 251 River St., Ste. 401, Troy. For more information and appointments, call 518-271-7802 or visit TheArtOfReiki.com. See ad, page 12.

Energy Medicine is a comprehensive series of techniques that represent a practical guide to managing the body’s subtle energies. It empowers the practitioner to correct im-paired energy patterns within the body to improve how the client feels physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Energy Psychology is a simple, yet powerful method to quickly release negative emotional and psychological patterns, change unwanted habits and behaviors and ad-dress physical discomforts.

Matrix Energetics, created by the chiropractor Rich-ard Bartlett, is a complete system of transformation that uses consciousness technology of focused intent, rather than a series of specific techniques. Matrix Energetics involves transforming one’s beliefs concerning healing, disease and the structure of reality to create a conscious shift and a new state of mind. For more information, visit MatrixEnergetics.com.

Reiki is healing practice originated in Japan as a way of activating and balancing the life-force present in all living things. Reiki literally means “universal life-force

energy.” Light hand placements channel healing energies to organs and glands and work to align the body’s energy centers, or chakras. Various techniques address emo-tional and mental distress, chronic and acute physical problems or pursuit of spiritual focus and clarity. Today, Reiki is a valuable addition to the work of chiropractors, massage therapists, nurses and others in the West. Learn more at Reiki.org.

The Emotion Code is a technique described in the book, The Emotion Code, by Dr. Bradley Nelson, a chi-ropractic physician, intended to clear trapped emotions that arise from damaging emotional life experiences and create pain, emotional stress, self-sabotage and subsequent physical disease. For more information, visit DrBradleyNelson.com.

Transformational Counseling comprises techniques that seek to transform an emotional condition from negative to positive by teaching the client to recognize limiting patterns and beliefs and to step beyond them; for example, transforming from despair to empowerment, unhappiness to joy or trepidation to courage.

glossary of terms— energy healing modalities

Joyce Willson

Kim Steele is a contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine who lives in Guilderland, NY.


“We don’t need another plan of action or more treaties; what we need

are people that will begin to implement the commitments and meet the goals that have already been created and es-tablished,” explains Jacob Scherr, direc-tor of global strategy and advocacy for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), about the new thinking that drove this year’s Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The June conference brought together international heads of state, business leaders, nonprofits and activ-ists to prioritize and strategize sustain-able development. Unlike the United Nations’ annual climate change confer-ences, which led to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997—a legally binding treaty that

set targets for greenhouse gas emissions the United States refused to sign—the United Nations Conference on Sustain-able Development is held once every 20 years. The theme of Rio+20 was simple and direct: The Future We Want. Moving away from political posturing and endless negotiating, the meet-up asked businesses, governments and charities to publicly declare their specific commitments and solicited the public’s ideas for realizing sustain-ability, all aligned with the priorities and opportunities of the 21st century. “With growing populations depleting resources, how do we keep increas-ing and ensuring prosperity while we are already using more than we have?” queries U.N. spokeswoman Pragati Pascale. “It’s a conundrum.”

Sustainable development, as defined by the U.N., includes fighting poverty, social inclusion (including advancing the status of women) and protecting the environment. Building a sustainable future for the planet, say those involved, means addressing all three simultaneously. It demands the kind of real, immediate action so evi-dent at Rio+20.

Real ResultsBy the end of the Rio conference, more than 700 voluntarily secured commit-ments, valued at more than half a trillion dollars, were earmarked to address ev-erything from protecting forests and re-ducing ocean pollution to building rapid transit bus systems and increasing the number of women entrepreneurs in the green economy. The NRDC launched CloudOfCommitments.org to track and publicize new pledges and make them easily searchable by region or category. Some commitments are breathtak-ing in scope:n International development banks

have pledged $175 billion to boost sustainable transportation in devel-oping countries;

n Bank of America promised $50 bil-lion over 10 years to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and energy access;

n The World Bank committed $16 billion to boost clean energy, access to electricity and cookstoves in developing nations;

n The New Partnership for Africa’s Development promised to achieve energy access for at least 60 percent of Africa’s population by 2040;

n The European Bank offered $8 billion by 2015 to support energy efficiency projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia;

n Microsoft pledged to be carbon neu-tral across all its operations by the end of 2013;

n The United States together with the Consumer Goods Forum (which represents more than 600 retail and manufacturing companies) commit-ted to achieve zero net deforestation in their supply chains by 2020.

“The real action, the real en-ergy, was the 21st-century aspect [of Rio+20],” advises Scherr. “I call it

Shaping the Future We WantGlobal Commitments to Catalyze Change

by brita belli


the ‘network world’, recognizing the number of players today. It’s not just national governments; it’s states and cities, corporations and philanthropists. In addition to the official meetings and negotiations, between 3,000 and 4,000 other gatherings were going on between business people, mayors, civil society organizations and others, pre-senting myriad opportunities to make specific commitments. We’re moving to a different dynamic.”

Sowing SeedsThe inclusive atmosphere is reflected in another new U.N.-sponsored inter-national sharing website, FutureWe Want.org, featuring visions and videos relating to sustainability and solutions to dire environmental problems, such as turning global warming-inducing methane from China’s farms into a us-able energy source; predicting periods of drought in Ethiopia to prevent humanitarian crises; and investing in solar power to bring electricity to 1.4 bil-lion people around the world. More than 50 mil-lion people worldwide have submitted ideas for a more sustainable world, ranging from ways to increase public education to plans for stopping in-dustrial pollution and better manag-ing waste. “The huge public engagement in the conference is exciting,” says Pascale, “because that’s really how progress will happen. People have to force their governments to take action.” The NRDC dedicated website

is part of a coordinated effort to hold governments, businesses and nonprofits accountable and inform the public. The new U.N. websites facilitate a thriving discussion of what sustainability means and how it can be put into practice. “We want to continue the over-all campaign and build upon it,” says Pascale. “Whatever frustrations people have with businesses, nongovernment organizations (NGO) or governments, we need to harness that energy and keep that dialogue going to give people a voice in making sustainability happen.”

Results-Oriented Role ModelsState-based examples of sustain-able development in action speak to widespread needs in the United States. Here are examples of five models worth replicating.

PlaNYC: New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s announcement of PlaNYC, on Earth Day 2007, signaled an his-toric moment. The people’s vision of a cleaner, healthier New York City, one that could accommodate 9 million predicted residents by 2030, aims to be a model for urban sustainable develop-ment. Its original 127 initiatives leave few sustainability stones unturned, including cleaning up brownfields, building more playgrounds and parks, increasing public transportation and

bike lanes, implementing ag-gressive recycling, enforcing

green building standards and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Two-thirds of the initial goals have

already been achieved; the latest up-date calls for 132 initiatives, including a new set of annual milestones. Speaking at the Museum of the City of New York in 2009, Daniel Doctoroff, the former deputy mayor of economic development and rebuilding for the Bloomberg administration, called PlaNYC “one of the most sweeping,

most comprehensive blueprints for New York ever undertaken.”

Most critically, all of its stated commitments

are achievable (see Tinyurl.com/PlaNYC-goals).

“With growing populations depleting resources,

how do we keep increasing and ensuring prosperity

while we are already using more than we have?

It’s a conundrum.” ~ Pragati Pascale, United

Nations spokeswoman

Evergreen Cooperative Initiative (ECI): Businesses and community groups in Cleveland, Ohio, determined that they needed to solve the problem of joblessness in low-income areas by creating living-wage jobs and then training eligible residents to fill them. They developed a new, cooperative-based economic model, based on green jobs that can inspire other cities with similar economic woes. The ECI is a community undertak-ing in which anchor institutions like the Cleveland Foundation, University Hospitals and the municipal government leverage their purchasing power to help create green-focused, employee-owned local businesses, which to date include a green laundromat, the hydroponic greenhouse Green City Growers, and Ohio Cooperative Solar, which provides weatherization and installs and maintains solar panels. The solar cooperative will more than double Ohio’s solar generating capacity from 2011 levels by the end of 2012 (see EvergreenCooperatives.com).

CALGreen: Updated building codes may not generate much excitement until we consider that U.S. buildings account for a lion’s share of carbon dioxide emissions (39 percent), and consume 70 percent of the electricity we generate. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) reports, “If half of new commercial buildings were built to use 50 percent less energy, it would save over 6 million metric tons of CO2 annually for the life of the buildings—the equivalent of taking more than 1 million cars off the road every year.” The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen), which took effect in January 2011, sets the highest green bar for new buildings in the country. It requires that new build-ings achieve a 20 percent reduction in potable water use, divert 50 percent of their construction waste from land-fills, use paints and materials with low volatile organic compound content and provide parking for clean-air vehicles. Multiple key stakeholders have been in-volved throughout the process, includ-ing the California Energy Commission and the Sierra Club. “We really tried to bring together an entire spectrum of people and


groups with different perspectives and expertise to build a consensus,” says David Walls, executive director of the California Building Standards Commis-sion. “If we were going to put some-thing in the code, we wanted to make sure it was right.” (See Tinyurl.com/CALGreen-Home.)

Renewable Portfolio Standard: Texas leads the country in electricity gener-ated from wind power. One complex, in Roscoe, features 627 turbines on 100,000 acres that cost $1 billion to build. Much of the rapid growth of the state’s wind industry can be credited to Texas’ Renewable Portfolio Stan-dard, legislation passed in 1999 that mandated construction of renewable energy, including solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, biomass and landfill gas, in addition to wind. It further mandated that utilities generate 2,000 megawatts of addi-tional renewable energy by 2009, then 5,880 MW by 2015 and 10,000 MW by 2025. The 10-year goal was met in six years, and Texas has added many green jobs, increased tax revenues and provided security against black-outs, which is critical in the event of extreme heat or drought (see Tinyurl.com/TexasStandard).

Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund: Clean technology is booming despite the economic recession and attracting serious investment funds. Ac-cording to a report by Clean Edge, Inc., venture capital investments in clean technologies increased 30 percent between 2010 and 2011, from $5.1 bil-lion to $6.6 billion.

Rio conference, dedicated her last blog post to considering the event’s impact. Titled “Green from the Grassroots,” the post stressed the priority of a multifac-eted approach to curbing emissions. “Decades of research demonstrate that a variety of overlapping policies at city, subnational, national and interna-tional levels is more likely to succeed than single, overarching, binding agreements,” Ostrom remarked. “Such an evolutionary approach to policy provides essential safety nets should one or more policies fail. The good news is that evolutionary policymak-ing is already happening organically. In the absence of effective national and international legislation to curb greenhouse gases, a growing number of city leaders are acting to protect their citizens and economies.” She reported that even in the absence of federally mandated emis-sions targets, 30 U.S. states have passed their own climate plans and more than 900 mayors signed a climate protection agreement essentially agreeing to reach the Kyoto Protocol goals the federal government refused to sanction. Rio+20 built upon such bottom-up commitments and pushed states and businesses to go further than they’d ever imagined. “There was an incred-ible amount of energized activity,” concludes Scherr. “Many people came away feeling empowered and encour-aged, because they saw that the sustain-ability movement is truly worldwide. That’s going to be the legacy of Rio.”

Brita Belli, the editor of E-The Environ-mental Magazine, reports for Natural Awakenings.

Sustainable development includes fighting poverty, increasing social inclusion

(including advancing the status of women)

and protecting the environment.

New Jersey entrepreneurs are upping their state’s potential in this arena with the Edison Innovation Green Growth Fund. The program proffers loans of up to $2 million for compa-nies, research facilities and nonprofits engaged in producing clean energy technologies, ranging from energy effi-ciency products such as LED lighting to solar, wind, tidal, biomass and methane capture. A condition of the loan is that a project must employ 75 percent of its workforce from New Jersey, or commit to growing 10 high-paying jobs (mini-mum $75,000 annually) over two years (see Tinyurl.com/NewJersey-EDA).

Grassroots LeadershipElinor Ostrom, the political economist who won a Nobel Prize in economics but passed on just before the start of the


communityspotlight

Set in a charming, historic brick building at the corner of Miller Road and Columbia Turnpike,

in Shodack, Jean’s Greens Herbal Tea Works & Herbal Essentials offers a warm, welcoming environment and an affectionate greeting by Sage, the shop’s resident canine. In 2004, Holly Applegate purchased the company, best known for offering hundreds of bulk dried herbs and teas, from its founder, Jean Argus, who continued to work in a supportive role until she passed away in 2008. Applegate strives to uphold Argus’ legacy by maintaining a high level of quality and service, as well as continuing to sell many of Argus’ original tea blends. “We have a personal touch,” notes Applegate. “When a customer calls, we often know who they are, and we try to stay in touch with them to make sure our products are to their satisfaction,” she explains. Staff members help custom-ers select herbs, create custom blends and gather what they need for projects. “We have do-it-yourself supplies for herb-alists of all kinds,” affirms Applegate. “Whether a beginner or a practitioner, a soap maker or an herbalist, the supplies are waiting for you, from bottles and jars to lipstick tubes, cocoa butter and beeswax. Some customers are in business for themselves, while others do it as a hobby.” Jean’s Greens carries fair trade and organic herbs, as well as prepared herbal tinctures and essential oils. More than an herb shop though, Jean’s Greens offers gift-worthy selections of locally produced honey and handcrafted soaps, body lotions, shampoos, jewelry and artwork, much of which is created by local artists and artisans. Specialty books and boutique pet products complete the broad inventory. During her journey as an entrepreneur, Applegate has been inspired by the symbolism represented in the com-

pany’s butterfly and goldenrod logo, which was designed by Patricia Murtha Friedman, one of the artists whose work is for sale in the shop. “It seemed too fitting, because in my early days as an owner, I was always encounter-ing butterflies, especially monarchs,” Applegate shares. “In his book, Animal Speak, Ted Andrews notes, ‘Butterfly medicine reminds us to make changes when opportunities present them-selves,’” she explains. Changes and opportunities were plentiful in the process of taking over

the business, Applegate recalls. “At the time, surrounded by a mountain of new things to learn, endless paperwork and all the responsibilities of the new venture, the butterflies reminded me that life is, after all, a dance.” Keeping this in mind, Applegate maintains a light attitude, remembering to laugh at herself dur-ing the process and striving to stretch her wings frequently. Applegate also appreciates the wisdom of herbalist Mat-thew Woods, author of The Book of Herbal Wisdom, who wrote, “The message of goldenrod is to endure to reach the goal.” Every time she encountered the goldenrod plant dur-ing the early years of her proprietorship, she was reminded to meet her challenges head on. Jean’s Greens brings the herbal community together regularly for classes, celebrations of solstice and more. The shop’s calendar of events and an online market are available at JeansGreens.com.

Location: 1545 Columbia Tpk., Schodack. For more information, call 518-479-0471 or visit JeansGreens.com. See ad, page 19.

Loreanna Thomas is a contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine who lives in Albany.

holly applegate, Jean’s greensBlending Herbs, Legacy and Community

by loreanna thomas


fitbody

TREKKING AS PILGRIMAGEA Literal Path to Personal Growth

For more than a millennium, seekers have made spiritual pilgrimages on the Way of St. James, beginning at

their chosen point in Europe, winding westward and ending in the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Today, as portrayed in the 2010 movie, The Way, the core route continues to attract both secular and devout trekkers. It’s fair to say that every pilgrim derives something from the journey, although it’s not always what they expect. Alyssa Machle, a landscape ar-chitect in San Francisco, imagined that walking The Way would be a quietly contemplative and solitary experience. Instead, she spent weeks bonding with fellow trekkers: an Ohio schoolteacher trying to decide whether to become a Catholic nun, and a German woman in her 30s unsettled by falling in love with her life partner’s best friend, a war veteran in his 70s. “Inevitably, each person had some internal battle that he or she hoped

to resolve,” Machle found. “My own ideological shift was about setting aside preconceived ideas about how I would experience the path, and focusing my energy on the community that I sud-denly was part of.” The diverse goals of the people Machle met on The Way speaks to the power of adventurous treks. From the Bible story of Moses and the Israel-ites crossing the desert for 40 years to young Fellowship of the Ring members hiking across Middle Earth, we like the idea of walking long distances as a way to get in touch with ourselves—and of-ten with something larger. In America, there are as many trails to hike as there are reasons to do it. For Cheryl Strayed, author of the 2012 bestselling memoir, Wild, hiking the Pacific Crest Trail at age 26 allowed her innate courage to blossom. A rank novice, she took to the trails solo, griev-ing the early death of her mother, and discovered a new kind of self-reliance.

by sarah todd

“Every time I heard a sound of un-known origin or felt something horrible cohering in my imagination, I pushed it away,” Strayed relates. “I simply did not let myself become afraid. Fear begets fear. Power begets power. I willed myself to beget power. It wasn’t long before I actually wasn’t afraid.” Other people on such journeys are inspired by their love for the envi-ronment, like Zen Buddhist priest and retired psychotherapist Shodo Spring, leader of this year’s Compassionate Earth Walk, a July-through-October protest of our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels. It has engaged a “moving community” of shared prayers, meditation and yoga along the path of the pending Keystone XL pipeline from Hardisty, Alberta, Canada, to Steele City, Nebraska. Spring emphasizes that the walk is intended to connect participants to the land and the people that live on it. “We’re going to small towns,” she says, “where many residents make their live-lihoods from oil. There’s a deep division between such people and our group. But when we listen to each other, that division gets healed.” Activist David Rogner says that long-distance walks don’t just raise awareness of political and social issues—they also give people hope. He spent 25 months walking across the United States in the first coast-to-coast roadside litter pro-gram, Pick Up America. “As we walked and picked up trash, we inspired people to believe there could be change,” he says. His trek gave him hope for his own future, too. He now believes, “If you commit your life to the healing and restoration of community and yourself, you are go-ing to be wholly provided for.” Whatever the purpose, there are many scenic long-distance walking trails to choose from. The Pacific Crest Trail, from the U.S.-Mexico border in Southern California to the uppermost reaches of Washington State, offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. The Appalachian Trail, which winds 2,200 miles between Georgia and Maine, provides 250 shelters and campsites. In Wisconsin, the 1,000-mile Ice Age Trail offers awe-inspiring views of glacial landscapes. Starting in North


Carolina, the Mountains-to-Sea trail extends from the Great Smoky Mountains to the crystal-blue waters of the Outer Banks. In Missouri, the Ozark Trail sweeps through moun-tains, lush valleys and tumbling waterfalls. Plus, overseas trails await, as well.

Sarah Todd is a writer and editor in Brooklyn, NY. Connect at SarahToddInk.com.

TIPS FOR A LONG TREK

by sarah todd

Pack light. In long-distance hiking, every ounce counts. Try to make sure everything in the backpack has at least two uses: socks that double as mittens or a fleece that transforms into a pillow.

Get in shape. Walk two hours a day in preceding months to help train for lengthy days on foot. Do a few test walks loaded with gear to see what it’s like to carry that amount of weight before hitting the trail.

Prepare for foot care. Expert trekkers smear jelly-like products like Waxelene on their feet before putting on their socks to help prevent blisters. It also soothes chafing and offers foot relief at the end of a long day’s hike.

Plan meals beforehand. Measure out all the ingre-dients for a healthy menu plan and put them in lightweight bags to al-low the exact right amount of food

needed—no more, no less—for the long haul between provi-

sioning stations (local acces-sible towns and holding spots for pre-shipped boxes).

Finding Hiking Paradise Locally

Beautiful hiking trails, nature preserves and state parks are not hard to find in New York. Here are a few gems in and

around the Capital District.

Albany Pine Bush Preserve Scenic, dramatic landscape and vistas; home to many at-risk species.195 New Karner Road, AlbanyAlbanyPineBush.org •518-456-0655

Grafton Lakes State Park Peaceful forest, colorful fall foliage, remote lake access, mod-erate hiking.100 Grafton Lakes State Park Way, GraftonTinyUrl.com/GraftonLakes •518-279-1155

John Boyd Thacher State Park (pictured above)Waterfalls, limestone cliffs, great views, easy walking.87 Nature Center Way, VoorheesvilleFriendsOfThacherPark.org •518-872-0800

Plotter Kill PreserveThree spectacular waterfalls, more than 600 species of plants, rugged with steep slopes.Mariaville Road, RotterdamTinyUrl.com/PKPreserve •518-386-2225

Up Yonda Farm Environmental Education CenterScenic vista, butterfly garden, hours of trail possibilities.5239 Lake Shore Drive, Bolton LandingUpYondaFarm.com •518-644-9767

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & ParkRolling sand plains, small wetland, home to endangered Karner blue butterfly.80 Scout Road, GansevoortWiltonPreserve.org •518-450-0321


organic hair treatmentsPure Elements An Organic Salon offers natural hair color services, free from toxic fumes and danger-ous chemicals. “We have several clients in various stages of cancer, some going through chemo-therapy, who had thought they’d never be able to color their hair again until they found us,” owner Kris-

ten Vesely shares. “We’re able to help them to continue to feel beautiful, even during a difficult time.” The Organic Color Systems' products offered at Pure Elements contain no ammo-nia, formaldehyde, sodium laurel sulfates or parabens. Instead, the blends contain a mix of healthy ingredients such as a full spectrum of vitamins and plant extracts, certified organic ingredients and antioxidants. The color line is vegan, cruelty free, eco-friendly and safe for women during pregnancy.

Location: 1724 and 1728 Western Ave., Albany. For more infor-mation, call 518-608-5405 or visit Pure-Elements-Salon.com. See ad, page 3.

equine guided healingPeaceful Acres Horses Inc., a 156-acre ranch that is home to rescued horses in need of emotional, physical and spiritual care, hosts biannual retreats designed especially for breast cancer survivors and funded by the Susan G. Komen Foundation of North-eastern New York. Nanci Bey-

erl, founder of Peaceful Acres, comments, “Interacting with horses can be very therapeutic, especially for women coping with breast cancer.” The horses serve as companions during the retreat weekends. “It is an amazing experience to watch the emotional healing that happens here through the horses,” Beyerl adds. The weekend retreats also feature vegetarian food, as well as a variety of activities that include massage, yoga, acupuncture and art therapy.

Location: 3740 Pattersonville-Rynex Corners Rd., Patter-sonville. For more information, call 518-887-3178 or visit PeacefulAcresHorses.com. See ad, page 15.

areola PigmentationWakeup with

Makeup offers areola pigmen-tation tattoo-ing for breast

cancer patients following breast recon-struction. Owner Laura

Spratt uses or-ganic pigments

that blend to match a client’s preferred color-ing. She then designs a new areola to their chosen specifica-tions, and pigments are tattooed permanently into the skin. “My work is very fulfilling because I can help to enhance self-esteem,” states Spratt. “My clients have been through so much, and this gives them that last step to look and feel good about themselves.”

Location: Wakeup With Makeup, 3434 Carmen Rd., Ste. 109, Schenectady. For more information, call 518-688-1490 or visit AWakeupWithMakeup.com. See ad, page 18.

nia dance classesThe Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB), a nonprofit founded in 1997, collaborates with Beth Foster, owner and instructor at The Joy of Nia Movement studio, to provide breast cancer survivors with something to dance about. “Nia is an energetic, expressive, joyful and fun way to exercise,” says Foster. “It allows us to become aware of our bodies and move in a creative way that feels comfortable to us personally. We’re awakening and connecting to our bodies, emotions, minds and spirit through movement. Combine that with soul-stirring music and a fun atmosphere, and you are sure to see smiles,” she explains. Free for survivors, these special Nia dance classes are held at The Court Club, in Albany.

Location: 444 Sand Creek Rd., Albany. For more informa-tion, call CRAAB at 518-435-1055, or contact Foster at 518-452-3679 or JoyOfNiaMovement.com. See ad, page 21.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Spotlight:Local Professionals Help Survivors

In observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Natural Awakenings profiles local professionals that offer services and special care to women in all stages of breast cancer treatment.

Pure Elements An Organic Salon offers natural hair color services, free from toxic fumes and danger-ous chemicals. “We have several clients in various stages of cancer, some going through chemo-therapy, who had thought they’d never be able to color their hair again until they found us,” owner Kris-

areola PigmentationWakeup with

Makeup offers areola pigmen-tation tattoo-ing for breast

cancer patients following breast recon-struction. Owner Laura

Spratt uses or-ganic pigments Kristen Vesely

Nanci Beyerl

Laura Spratt

Beth Foster


image consultingAuthentic Image Consultants, LLC, works to assist breast cancer patients and survivors as they regain confidence and sometimes require a brand-new wardrobe style following mastectomy. Owner and chief image consultant Jill V. Boyd, a licensed registered nurse and oncology esthetician, says, “Many times, women

in these circumstances are struggling to feel attractive and comfortable with the varied conditions they find their bodies in. They may be coping with a new shape, the texture of hair or tone of the skin may have changed, and they’re healing emotionally from a difficult experience. We help them to feel beautiful again.” This can mean anything from selecting different ward-robe styles that complement a woman’s eyes or personal features to assisting with a variety of makeup techniques that camouflage thin eyebrows or skin tone variations caused by treatments. “Cancer patients are in need of true care and gentle touch. Any modality that calms the spirit and boosts the immune system is highly beneficial,” says Boyd.

For more information, call 518-512-1777 or visit AuthenticImageConsultants.com.

mastectomy and oncology massageLicensed Massage Therapist and Registered Oncology Nurse Robyn Bortle offers specialized post-mastectomy and oncology massage ther-apy. Whether or not recon-structive surgery is involved, the chest has undergone sig-nificant trauma and scar tis-sue is typically present. Mas-sage keeps the lymph nodes from becoming stagnant so that muscles stay limber. “I rub the scar tissue and work

on encouraging mobility,” Bortle explains. “The sessions are deeply therapeutic on many levels. The vast majority of my clients have been poked, prodded, tossed around, chemo’d and irradiated. Through my work, I help them become more comfortable with their bodies and attain peace and a feeling of connectedness with themselves again.”

Location: 1 West Ave., Saratoga Springs. For more informa-tion, call Kinder Touch Physical Therapy Lymphedema Cen-ter at 518-587-5878, or contact Bortle at 518-682-9387.

breast thermographyBreast Thermography Inter-

national, a private practice owned by Patricia Luccardi, a certified thermography technician, offers safe and

non-invasive breast screenings for health through thermal imaging. This radiation-free, non-compression screening test is painless and detects

physiological changes pro-duced by pathology or dis-ease, sometimes years before a mammogram would

detect abnormalities. Luccardi says, “Early detection is key, and if discovered, certain risk markers can warn a woman that she needs to work closely with her doctor to monitor her breast health and make dietary and lifestyle changes now.”

For more information and appointments, call 518-689-2244 or 518-929-7579 or visit BtiScan.com.

healing touchThe Center for Complementary Therapies, at St. Mary’s Healthcare, provides an energetic approach to healing in mind, body and spirit through individual Healing Touch treatments and other therapies. Since 1998, its volunteers, or Healing Touch Buddies, have offered monthly Healing Touch treatments to women with breast cancer in various stages of recovery. The center’s director, Sister Rita Jean DuBrey, of St. Joseph of Carondelet, notes, “Healing Touch is a compassionate energy therapy in which practitioners use their hands in a heart-centered and intentional way to support and facilitate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health and self-healing. Healing Touch uses gentle, light or near-body touch to clear, balance, energize and support the human energy system in an effort to promote healing.” Proponents of Heal-ing Touch therapy notice that it reduces pain and promotes relaxation during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. It can be used in conjunction with traditional therapies.

Location: 380 Guy Park Ave., Amsterdam. For more informa-tion, call 518-841-7146.

Jill V. Boyd

Sister Rita Jean DuBrey

Robyn Bortle

Patricia Luccardi

image consultingAuthentic Image Consultants, LLC, works to assist breast cancer patients and survivors as they regain confidence and sometimes require a brand-new wardrobe style following mastectomy. Owner and chief image consultant Jill V. Boyd, a licensed registered nurse and oncology esthetician, says, “Many times, women

breast thermographyBreast Thermography Inter-

national, a private practice owned by Patricia Luccardi, a certified thermography technician, offers safe and

non-invasive breast screenings for health through thermal imaging. This radiation-free, non-compression screening test is painless and detects

physiological changes pro-duced by pathology or dis-

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world;

indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.~Margaret Mead


wisewords

The common wisdom goes like this: that

the myth of “some enchanted evening,” when all is awash with the thrill of connection and the aliveness of new romance, is actually a delusion… a hormon-ally manufactured lie. That soon enough, reality will set in and lovers will awaken from their mutual projections, discover the psychological work involved in two people trying to reach across the chasm of real-life separateness, and come to terms at last with the mundane sorrows of human existence and intimate love. In this case, the common wisdom is a lie. From a spiritual perspective, the scenario above is upside down. From a spiritual perspective, the original high of a romantic connection is thrilling because it is true. It is in fact the oppo-site of delusion. For in a quick moment, a gift from the gods, we are likely to suspend our judgment of the other, not because we are temporarily insane, but because we are temporarily sane. We are having what you might call a mini-enlightenment experience. Enlighten-ment is not unreal; enlightenment—or pure love—is all that is real. Enlighten-ment is when we see not as through a glass darkly, but truly face-to-face. What is unreal is what comes after the initial high, when the personal-ity self reasserts itself and the wounds and triggers of our human ego form a veil across the face of love. The ini-tial romantic high is not something to

outgrow, so much as something to earn admittance back into—this time not as an unearned gift of Cupid’s arrows, but as a consequence of the real work of the psychological and spiritual journey. The romantic relationship is a spiritual assign-ment, presenting an opportunity for lovers and would-be lovers to burn through our own issues and forgive the other theirs, so together we can gain

re-entrance to the joyful realms of our initial contact that turn out to have been real love after all. Our problem is that most of us rarely have a psychic container strong enough to stand the amount of light that pours into us when we have truly seen, if even for a moment, the deep beauty of another. The problem we have is not that in our romantic fervor we fall into a delusion of oneness; the problem is that we then fall into the delusion of separateness. And those are the ro-mantic mysteries: the almost blinding light when we truly see each other, the desperate darkness of the ego’s blind-ness, and the sacred work of choosing the light of mutual innocence when the darkness of anger and guilt descend.

Marianne Williamson is an internation-ally noted speaker, author of 10 books, Unity Church minister and a teacher and student of A Course in Miracles. Her most recent workshops focus on the topic of Enchanted Love: Building the Inner Temple of the Sacred and the Romantic.

Intimate Relationships and the Spiritual Path

by marianne williamson


creativespotlight

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

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Join the largest database of health-conscious, eco-minded, spiritual singles now and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Visual Storytelling with Ira Marcks

by lauren hittinger

Ira Marcks is an illustrator and cartoonist who

teaches at The Arts Center of the Capital Region. This fall, he will conduct a Visual Storytelling work-shop for adults, as well as Game Design and Com-ics Club workshops for pre-teens 10 to 12. “I know many of my students will come to class and be making a comic for the first time!” he enthuses. “We have a blast because often, their ideas are fresh and exciting. I’m really looking forward to all the fun.” Marcks first became interested in art through old picture books he found as a little kid. “They just fascinated me,” he recalls. “The way they sparked my imagination felt magical. Since then, I have been trying to create something that would give that feeling to others, and I guess that’s the motivation my works grows on.” Marcks focuses his work on what he calls “visual sto-rytelling,” featuring drawings and words that are designed to complement each other, often in the form of comics. In 2012, Marcks published the graphic novel, Witch Knots. He’s currently writing and illustrating a book. “It’s a post-apocalyptic adventure story, set in the underworld,” he says. “It draws from Greek mythology and vintage sci-fi, two of my favorite things.” Marcks has been teaching for more than 10 years in a variety of environments, an opportunity that gives him a sense of both responsibility and inspiration. “Being an artist can be lonely,” he admits. “Teaching is a great excuse to take a break from my own work.” When asked how he stays creative, Marcks replies, “Sur-prisingly, planning my workshop projects has inspired my own work. It’s reminded me how important context and clear goals are to creating good work.”

Location: 265 River St., Troy. For class registration and infor-mation, call 518-273-0552 or visit ArtsCenterOnline.org. For artist information, visit TigerTrapStudio.com.

Lauren Hittinger is the director of communications and spe-cial events at The Arts Center of the Capital Region.


Kids’ active participation in the creative arts helps them develop physically, men-tally, emotionally and socially—whether

they are painting, drawing, shaping pottery, performing in plays or musicals, dancing, storytelling, or making music. Studies culled by educators at Arizona’s Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts confirm the multiple benefits, ranging from higher SAT scores to increases in self-esteem and improved ability to handle peer pressure. Yet, with shrinking school budgets, cutting back on what are considered non-core subjects such as music and art is the path that many school districts are forced to take, explains Anne Bryant, Ph.D., executive director of the National School Boards Association. Communities, in turn, must find new ways to counter this new financial reality. For example, an elementary school music or art teacher, once devoted to a single school, now may have to travel to several throughout a district. “Schools are under so much pressure due to dwindling resources and the No Child Left Behind legislation that some-

times the children who most need the arts are put in remedial classes instead,” says Susan Tate, a former teacher who is now executive director of Kansas’ Lawrence Arts Center. Add in our digital culture—where hands-on most often means a computer keyboard or phone-texting device—and domestic situations in which busy parents aren’t keen to clean up messy finger paints and other craft supplies, and the result is, “These days, kids also are less likely to do hands-on art at home,” adds Tate. At young ages, children are likely to be more passive than active learners, says Sharon Burch, a music educator in Mystic, Iowa. They may listen, for example, to whatever tunes their parents play, instead of simpler, more age-ap-propriate songs. Burch has helped fill the need by providing interactive Freddie the Frog resources for use by parents, as well as in music classrooms. Fortunately, communities across the country have rallied to offer afterschool and weekend arts and crafts programs. Many simple arts participation activities are easy for parents, grandparents and caregivers to do along with the kids.

Developing Mental Abilities“Current studies of brain imaging and mapping show that the active making of music creates synapses in all four parts of the brain,” Burch says. By active, she means physically tapping out a rhythm with sticks, singing a song, dancing to a beat, marching, playing patty-cake or engaging in other age-appropriate, physical movement. “To really light up the brain, you have to do something, not just passively listen.”

Making music helps kids think, create, rea-son and express themselves, adds Burch. Practicing the art of simple story-telling, as well as having adults regularly

reading children’s literature with youngsters, can also have a profound impact. A 2003

study published in the American Edu-cator, based on exhaustive research by

Ph.D. psychol-ogists Todd Risley and Betty Hart,

showed that by age 4, a huge gap in vocabulary

skills exists between children of different economic levels. Those growing up in a household of educated,

professional people hear a cumulative 32 million more spoken words (1,500 more per hour) during these early years—and thus have a greater vocabulary—than those from welfare families. The researchers fur-ther documented more than five times

the instances of encouraging feedback. They discovered a direct correla-

tion between the intensity of these early verbal experiences and later

artFul KIDS

Hands-On Creativity Nurtures Mind, Body and Spirit

by Judith Fertig

healthykids


achievement. Risley and Hart attrib-uted the meaningful difference to the increased interaction—more storytell-ing, reading and parent-child discus-sions—that typically takes place in more affluent households.

Firing Imagination“Our culture is so linear and lingually driven that it often doesn’t tap into the vastness of a child’s imagination,” observes Anne Austin Pearce, assistant professor of communication and fine art at Missouri’s Rockhurst University. Pearce often works with school chil-dren through library events that couple art and storytelling. “Also, there’s pres-sure to measure results in a culture that tends to label you either a winner or a loser, but art is not quantifiable in that way; art allows kids to develop ideas through the creative process that they can’t do any other way. “When kids are drawing, they often talk as they are doing it,” she says. “You can then engage in a differ-ent kind of conversation with kids, just letting things happen and asking open questions. Kids tell their own stories.”

Confidence-BuildingKids that study and perform at least one of the arts such as dance, playing an instrument or acting in a play, “... will have an edge up that’s so critical as an adult,” concludes Verneda Edwards, executive director of curriculum and instruction for the Blue Valley School District, near Kansas City. “Kids not only benefit academically by engaging in the arts, they also have the ability to get up in front of people and per-form. That builds increasing confidence.”

Judith Fertig celebrates the craft of cooking at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com.

create


The best course of action for any pet that appears to be sick is to see a holistic vet early, before a disease can progress or before the pet has been made even more ill

by improper conventional treatment.

Downsides of Conventional TreatmentMany sick pets brought to a holistic vet’s office may not have been formally diagnosed, even if they’ve been receiv-ing medical treatment by a conventional doctor for weeks or months. In most cases, the standard blanket prescriptions of antibiotics and corticosteroids—regardless of the cause of illness—have failed to produce positive results. Worse, such drugs carry side effects that can make the pet even sicker; indiscriminate use of antibiotics, for example, has led to antibiotic resistance in bacteria, making it harder to treat serious infections when antibiotics are the only viable treatment option. So by the time the holistic doctor sees them, the condi-tion of these pets may have worsened. The good news is that with precise diagnosis of the underlying issues, most sickly pets can be treated with good success. Because a holistic approach to healthcare relies on individual factors, the exact treatment will vary according to the patient and situation. A cookie-cutter treatment will not be very helpful.

Holistic is BestNatural Care for a Sick Pet

by dr. shawn messonnier

naturalpet


Holistic Nutrition Therapy HelpsOwners can take several steps to provide relief for a suffering pet right away while awaiting the results of proper diagnostic tests. In my practice, three vet-supervised nutrition therapies have been shown to be effective in stabilizing a sick pet for the 24 to 48 hours needed to return test results before the appropri-ate treatment can be initiated. Ask the attending veterinarian for other safe, comforting measures he or she likes to recommend. First, most sick pets benefit from receiving fluid therapy (intravenous or subcutaneous) in a veterinary hospital. The fluids rehydrate and help detoxify the pet by causing increased urination that flushes out cellular toxins. Second, injectable vitamins C and B complex added to the fluids often have a temporary pick-me-up effect, reducing lethargy and improving appetite. Third, using supplements selected to restore homeostasis also helps make the pet feel better and encourages healthy eating. I like to use a natural immunity support I developed called Healthy Chi, which contains amino acids, potassium, green tea, ginseng, gotu kola and the herb astragalus. Ho-meopathic combinations also can be useful; I’ve developed a natural remedy combining gallium, colchicum, hydrastis, anthraquinone and glyoxal.

Case Studies Exemplify SuccessTwo recent cases illustrate the benefit of an informed holistic approach. Gus, a 7-year-old male standard poodle, had a history of inflammatory bowel disease and gastrointestinal cancer. He did well immediately following cancer surgery, but then became lethargic and showed a disinterest in food. So, we conducted a fecal analysis and complete blood pro-file. While awaiting test results, I prescribed the recommend-ed nutrition therapies, along with a special diet. The next morning, the owner reported that Gus was feeling and acting much better, including showing more interest in eating. His owner was pleased with this rapid response and relieved to avoid unnecessary medication. A young Persian cat arrived in our office with a chronic herpes virus infection. Percy’s owner made an appointment because the feline had a congested nose and wasn’t eating as much as normal. Natural treatment for the herpes virus began with the amino acid lysine and the herb echinacea, both also helpful in preventing cold and flu. Supportive care for the general malaise and lack of appetite relied on the same recommended nutrition therapies and again resulted in overnight improvements in the pet’s attitude and appetite; the nasal congestion left during the following week. While antibiotics and corticosteroids can be helpful in properly diagnosed cases, using natural therapies can pro-vide quick relief without the harmful side effects often seen from the use of conventional medications.

Shawn Messonnier, a doctor of veterinary medicine practic-ing in Plano, TX, is the award-winning author of The Natural Health Bible for Dogs & Cats and Unexpected Miracles: Hope and Holistic Healing for Pets. Visit PetCareNaturally.com.

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calendarofeventsNOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and ad-here to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at AlbanyAwakenings.com (within advertising section).

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21Natural Awakenings Magazine Launch Party – 4-6pm. Join us in celebrating the launch of Natural Awakenings Magazine in the NY Capital District! Ribbon cutting by the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce. Come meet the publisher as well as some of our amazing advertisers. Cash bar. Com-edy Works, 500 Northern Blvd, Albany. Carolyn: 518-729-0099. RSVP: NALaunchPartyAlbany.eventbrite.com.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 Grand Opening Celebration: Community Mas-sage & Holistic Therapies – 5-8pm. Celebrate the grand opening of Troy’s new urban oasis. All welcome. Free. 255 River St, Troy. For more info, Kathleen: 518-272-1400.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28 Health & Wellness Expo – 10am-3pm. This one-day, full-service health fair is open to families and packed with an incredible lineup of free health ser-vices and events. Open to the public. Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, 106 New Scotland Ave, Albany. Acphs.edu/HealthExpo.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1Gaining Traction with Law of Attraction/Numi-nous – 7-9pm. Learn highly skilled biofeedback techniques that train your nervous system how to attend to the world in a manner that facilitates joyful flow and accelerated manifestation. $20 donation re-quested. Shenendehowa Adult Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. 518-424-0406.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2 Knitting for Newbies – 10:30-11:30am. 3-wk ses-sion. Parents with pre-crawlers, come join us and learn to knit a snuggly blanket for your baby. Feel free to bring along your favorite pre-crawler for this 3-session class. $60. The Bundle Store, 35 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa. 518-557-8809.The 5th Annual Ladies’ Night Out: Health &

Wellness Expo – 5:30pm-8pm. Sponsored by the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce, this casual evening out for women offers a health and wellness theme this year. Free and open to the public. Italian American Community Center, 257 Washington Ave Ext, Albany. For more info, Erika: 518-456-6611.Mandala Meditation – 7-8 pm. Discover the power of mandala meditation during this relaxing evening. Materials provided. Provided on a love offering basis. New Thought New York, 2 Imperial Ln, Charlton. 518-423-3569

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5Saratoga Springs Holistic Healing and Spiri-tual Arts Expo – 9am-4pm. Over 40 exhibitors and ongoing presentations by speakers from the holistic healing and spiritual arts community. $6, free/children under 12. The Saratoga Hilton, 534 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. For more info, 518-368-9737.

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Rock Gardening for Women – 10am-2pm. In-crease strength, creativity and create deep peace. Easy-to-follow interactive instruction. $45. Uni-

versal Pathways. To pre-register, Paul Jensen, Jr.: 518-366-4429.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6Creating Health, Harmony & Balance Retreat – 8:30am-4:30pm. Discover natural approaches to wellness and healing through nutrition, healing arts and fitness. Learn about natural nutrition and easy ways to create balance in your life; move your body, and relax in a comfortable environment with new friends. $225. Red Robin Song Guest House, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, West Lebanon. To register, Inspir-ing Wellness Solutions: 888-581-5526.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 7Introduction to Energy for Health and Healing – 6:30-9pm. Learn about your energy system and why it is so important for your physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Instructor, Jack Treiber, will teach a powerful acupressure tapping technique and perform individual energy assessments on interested students. $11. Pre-registration required through the Saratoga Springs High School-Continuing Educa-tion Program: 518-583-4782.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8One Hour Women’s Health Workshop – 6pm. A fun-filled hour of learning. All new attendees are eligible to receive a free initial consultation ($125 value). The Natural Improvement Center, 357 Bay Rd, Queensbury. More info: 518-745-7473.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9Thriving with Joy Workshop with the Ahowan Ministry – 6:30pm. Each participant will have the op-portunity to experience and work with tools that allow us to continuously remove the illusion of separate-ness, and balance all areas of our lives with the flow of the Divine. Provided on a love offering basis. New Thought New York, 2 Imperial Ln, Charlton. 518-423-3569. For more info on Ahowan: Ahowan.org.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10Aura Drawing & Interpretation – 7-9pm. This workshop with Brenda Jenks will teach you how to “see” auras, how to draw them and how to interpret what you have drawn. This is an excellent boost for your intuitive skills and creativity. You will need to bring pastels, colored pencils or crayons. No artistic talent required. $11. Pre-registration required through the Saratoga Springs High School-Continuing Education Program: 518-583-4782.


proven techniques are used in this group setting. Topics such as emotional eating, stress, exercise, goals, and habits are also addressed. $20. Key2Joy, 145 Vly Rd, Ste 6, Niskayuna. Pre-registration required: 518-598-6968.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16The Artist’s Way, In your Hands – 8-9pm. 12-wk tele-class. A guided and personalized tour of Julia Cameron’s renowned creativity block breakthrough program. $97. For complete details & to pre-register, Christine Kidder of Your Creative Purpose: 518-421-2091.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17Infant Massage for Parents and Caregivers – 6-7:30pm. Parents with babies 6 wks to pre-rolling. Learn simple and practical massage techniques as well as movements and exercises to encourage baby’s motor development. $40/family. The Bundle Store, 35 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa. 518-557-8809.Stop Painting Your Walls! American Clay Workshop – 6-7:30pm. Learn a new “green” way to add color and texture to your home with American Clay plasters. Learn how to apply the clay yourself and leave with a self-made sample board. $20, supplies included. Green Conscience Home, 33 Church St, Saratoga Springs. Reservations required, Karen: 518-306-5196.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 18Potluck and Movie Night – 5:15pm, dinner; 6pm, movie. Austin Vickers’ powerful movie, People vs. the State of Illusion, followed by discussion. Provided on a love offering basis. New Thought New York, 2 Imperial Ln, Charlton. 518-423-3569.2013 Annual Awards Gala and Fundraiser – 5:30pm. Join the Pride Center of the Capital Region in honoring those who work hard locally for a more welcoming environment for LGBT people in the area. $95. Pride Center, 997 New Loudon Rd, Latham. 518-462-6138.FUSION! Wine & Dine for the Arts – 7pm. Albany Barn, with the Albany Chefs’ Food & Wine Festival, present a signature anti-gala called “FUSION.”

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 1216th Annual Tent Sale & Open House – Oct 12-14. 10am-5pm, Sat; 12-5pm, Sun; 10am-6pm, Mon. Preview all the newest holiday ornaments. Free refreshments. Daily door prizes. Bargains galore under one huge 40x60 tent. The Cross Eyed Owl Gift Shop, 3143 U.S. 9, Valatie. 518-758-6755.

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13Creative Self-Discovery for You and Your Child – 2-4pm. Have fun making hand prints with your child. Decode some really cool things from them that will help you understand each other better and enhance communication. Take home a one-of-a-kind art piece created by you and your child. $50/one parent & one child; supplies included. Kaivalya Spa, Saratoga Springs. To pre-register, Christine Kidder of Your Creative Purpose: 518-421-2091.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15Doing it Naturally – 10am-12pm. Learn how to achieve your health, weight and life goals with Holistic Health Coach, LisaMarie Tersigni. $20. Inspiring Wellness Solutions, 100 N Mohawk St, Cohoes. To register: 888-581-5526. American Red Cross Blood Drive – 10am-3pm. Donation types: double red cells, blood. Mildred Elley-Austin’s School, 855 Central Ave, Albany. 1-800-RED-CROSS. SlingBabies – 10:30am-12:30pm. Bring your kids, look at babywearing options, bring your own carrier to get some tips, check out one from the lending library (small fee). All welcome. Free. Sage-Femme Midwifery, 527 Western Ave, Albany. 518-813-9290.Releasing Weight Monthly Group Sessions – 7:30-8:30pm. Learn how to make permanent changes in your life and become empowered to be healthier, happier and fitter. Hypnosis and other

Proceeds will benefit Albany Barn’s Raise the Barn campaign. $60. The Lake House in Washington Park, Albany. Info/tickets: 518-935-4858.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19Fall Osteoporosis Workshop – 11am-1pm. Featured topic of National Osteoporosis Foundation support group meeting. Discussion will focus on developing balance and creating a safe living space. Free and open to the public. Healing With Movement Pilates, 2021 Western Ave, Albany. Penny: 518 669-9677.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20Reiki Master Teacher Training (RMT) 2-Day Class – Oct 20 & 27. 9am-5pm both days. You will receive the master attunement and master symbols, and learn how to give all Reiki attune-ments for all level classes including the healing at-tunement. Upon completion you will have met the criteria to teach Reiki. Class size will be limited, so register early. Pre-requisite is completion of Reiki I, II, ART. Must attend both days. $650 (plus $20 fee for manual). The Art of Reiki, 251 River St, Ste 401, Troy. To register, Joyce: 518-271-7802.

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Mind, Body & Spirit Health Fair – 12-4pm. The Palace Theatre presents its first annual Mind, Body & Spirit Health Fair. This family-friendly event will fea-ture a host of businesses and activities geared towards health, fitness and wellness including massage therapy, interactive Zumba classes, card readings, clinics, product demonstrations, a healthy farmers’ market and more. Free. 19 Clinton Ave, Albany. 518-465-3335.Meditation for World Peace – 6:30-7:30pm. Join together to fill the universe with the energy of light-ness, radiance and peace. Together, send peace, love, and care to the entire world. For new and experienced meditators alike. Free. Peace Village, Haines Falls. 518-589-5000.


MONDAY, OCTOBER 21Money, Mindset and Manifestation – 7-9pm. It is time to change your experience with money. Come join this life enriching, sister bonding fun and motivating coaching circle, just for women. $20. Lifesytylized Success Center, 444 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Space limited; reservations re-quired: 518-290-6690.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 22Stress and Fatigue Workshop – 6pm. A fun-filled hour of learning. All new attendees are eligible to receive a free initial consultation ($125 value). The Natural Improvement Center, 357 Bay Rd, Queens-bury. 518-745-7473.Open Beginner Night of Nia Dance – 6-7pm. Learn the basic Nia moves to get started and begin connecting to the joy and healing of Nia Dance. No experience necessary. Relaxed, comfortable studio. Space limited. $5. Joy of Nia Movement. RSVP to Instructor, Beth Foster: 518-452-3679.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23Green Moms Meet – 10-11am. We will discuss new green products, recharge on Joe, and swap parenting woes. Babies and toddlers welcome. Free. The Bundle Store, 35 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa. 518-557-8809.Spiritual Living Circle – 7 pm. Join us for a discussion of the October issue of Science of Mind magazine. Provided on a love offering basis. To sign up for a free 60-day online subscription to this inspirational publication, contact New Thought New York, 2 Imperial Ln, Charlton. 518-423-3569.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24Green Building & Design Mixer – 5-7pm. Enjoy food, drink, and music while mingling with builders, contractors, realtors, bankers, attorneys, designers, architects, alternative energy providers, suppliers and educators. Network and feel the energy of being around new ideas, concepts and products related to green building and design. Free. Hosted by Green Conscience Home & Garden, 33 Church St, Sara-toga. RSVP, Karen: 518-306-5196.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 I Can Do It! ® 2013 in NYC – Oct 26 & 27. This is it: the conference you’ve been waiting for! A weekend that’s sure to energize your mind, body, and spirit. Enjoy a host of dynamic speakers who will entertain and educate you. Visit the on-site store with a variety of books, CDs, DVDs, and other products from your favorite Hay House authors. Book-signing opportunities will be held after each session. Pre-registration required: 800-654-5126.

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Ahimsa Yoga and Music Festival – 7am-11pm. A one-day festival to celebrate yoga and music, promote traditional and emerging yoga styles, pro-vide beautiful music in a green setting, and educate consumers by spotlighting emerging companies and innovations in yoga. $55. Windham Mountain Lodge, 33 Clarence D Lane Rd, Windham. For tickets/info: 518-779-3511.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27Metaphysical Book Discussion Group at Wood-lawn Commons – 6pm. Join us for a discussion of The Isaiah Effect by Gregg Braden. Provided on a love offering basis. Sponsored by New Thought New York. 156 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs. 518-423-3569.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Newborn Babywearing – 5:30-6:15pm. Learn information on safe and healthy babywearing given by pediatric occupational therapist and babywearing mom, Amber Chaves. We’ll discuss the benefits of babywearing, safety guidelines, and what to look for when purchasing a carrier. Babies are welcome to accompany parents and caregivers. Free. The Bundle Store, 35 Milton Ave, Ballston Spa. 518-557-8809.Gaining Traction With Law of Attraction/Nu-minous – 7-9pm. Learn highly skilled biofeedback techniques that train your nervous system how to attend to the world in a manner that facilitates joyful flow and accelerated manifestation. $20 donation requested. Shenendehowa Adult Com-munity Center, 6 Clifton Common Court, Clifton Park. 518-424-0406.

plan aheadSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9Cool Conscious Business Event – 9am-6pm. Discover a proven, conscious-business success formula that allows you to live your dreams, make more money and reach more people in your cur-rent business, all while staying true to your core values. $97 early bird special. Open to all business owners. Gideon Putnam, 24 Gideon Putnam Rd, Saratoga Springs. To register: 518-290-6690.

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16VEGFEST – 10am-6pm. Albany VegFest brings together the global health benefits of green sus-tainable living, environmental awareness and compassion for animals and all beings. Spon-sored in part by Natural Awakenings Magazine of the NY Capital District. Free admission; sug-gested $5 donation. Polish Community Center, Washington Ave Extension, Albany. For details: AlbanyVegFest.org.

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ongoingcalendarNOTE: All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review guidelines and submit entries online at AlbanyAwakenings.com (within advertising section).

dailyVisit Peace Village – 9am-6pm. Peace Village is a place where relaxation comes easily. People visit to learn new things about themselves, enjoy silence and solitude, and find peace of mind. Meet others who are interested in integrating a spiritual dimension into their lives. Tours available daily. Peace Village, Haines Falls. Please call ahead: 518-589-5000. Local Art Show at Community Massage – 11am-7pm, Mon-Fri (call for Sat hours). Explore a con-tinually changing exhibit of local artists’ works in a peaceful and unique gallery setting. Community Massage & Holistic Therapies, 255 River St, Troy. Kathleen: 518-272-1400.

sundayMedium, Psychic or Animal Communication Readings – Walk-ins welcome, but appointments suggested. $45/30 mins, $90/60 mins. Peaceful Inspi-rations, 384 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. 518-439-7039.Sunday Meditation – 9:30-11am. Deepen your spiritual practice through this seated meditation practice held in a relaxed and comfortable atmo-sphere. Readings and group discussion follow the meditation. Free. American Meditation Institute, 60 Garner Rd, Averill Park. More info: 518-674-8714.Dr. Joe on the Radio – 12:45pm. Dr. Joseph Guylas of Northeast Spine & Wellness gives his weekly radio show including tips for better health. Tune in to 101.3 FM.

mondayNew Beginnings Meditation Course – 6-7:30pm. Oct 7, 14, 21, 28. Learn to see and experience yourself filled with only positive energy like peace and love. Bring happiness back in your life, no matter what is

happening. Establish and strengthen your relationship with The Source of all goodness. Free. Peace Village, Haines Falls. More info: 518-589-5000.Creative Self-Discovery Mondays – 7-9pm. Oct 7, 14, 21, 28. Discover what fascinating information your hands have to say about you through scientific hand analysis. Then use that as a starting point for a creative project, leading to a deeper personal un-derstanding. $50 supplies included. Kaivalya Spa, Saratoga Springs. To pre-register, Christine Kidder of Your Creative Purpose: 518-421-2091.

tuesdayMommy/Daddy & Me Yoga – 11:30am-12:45pm. Classes consist of breathing exercises, stretching, strengthening, dancing and meditation all with your children at your side. $15. Family Life Center Midtown, The Holistic Network, 485 Western Ave, Albany. 518-465-0241.Pet Psychic Message Circle – 7-8:30pm. 2nd Tues. Receive a message from your beloved animal, as well as your own good luck, wise, Native American animal totem message. Rather than bringing your pets, feel free to bring their picture or a memento $10. Venture Inward, 568 Columbia Trpk, East Greenbush. Reservation suggested: 518-477-6566.

wednesdaydōTERRA CPTG Essential Oils Class – 7:30pm. Learn how to transform your medicine cabinet shelves, become your own family healer, learn about proper nutrition, cook and clean your home with nature and less costly essential oils. Take care of your skin with Essential anti-aging products. Help your horse, dog or cat with many concerns. Free. Malika International Boutique, 10 Phila St, Saratoga Springs. 518-584-5931.Guided Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. Practice and experience the deep state of meditation. These sessions serve as an introduction for beginners as well as a practice for experienced individuals in the cultivation of clarity and mindfulness. Free. The Stram Center for Integrative Health & Healing, 388 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. 518-689-2244.

thursdayCDPHP Farmers’ Market – Thru Oct. 11am-1:30pm. Stop by for some of the area’s best pro-duce, flowers and specialty items from the region’s top farms. Open to the public. 500 Patroon Creek Blvd, Albany.

fridayFree Reiki – 7pm. 1st Friday. Energy healers and Reiki practitioners work together to help balance and regenerate those who attend. Free. Venture Inward, 568 Columbia Trpk, East Greenbush. 518-477-6566.

saturdayMedium, Psychic or Animal Communication Readings – Walk-ins welcome, but appointments suggested. $45/30 mins, $90/60 mins. Peaceful Inspi-rations, 384 Kenwood Ave, Delmar. 518-439-7039.“Swing Me to the Moon”: Parental & Me Gravity Yoga – Learn tools for relaxation and stress man-agement along with breathing techniques and trust exercises. Great parent- and child-bonding time while utilizing the unique gravity swings. $22. Good Karma Studio, 3 Vatrano Rd, Albany. Space limited; register: 518-512-9929.


Connecting you with local businesses and experts in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Natural Directory, email [email protected].

acuPuncture

northeast sPine and wellness1741 Rte 9, Clifton Park1873 Western Ave, Albany518-371-4800 • DrGulyas.com

All-natural care providing pain relief and wellness care through acupuncture, massage therapy, laser therapy and acupressure. Experience in women’s health, insomnia, stress, migraines and fibromyalgia. See ad, page 9.

aromatheraPY

malika international boutiQue, inc10 Phila St, Saratoga Springs518-879-5284 MalikaInternational.us [email protected]

dōTERRA Cer t i f i ed Pu re Therapeutic Grade® (CPTG) essential oils represent the safest, purest, and most beneficial essential oils available today. See ad, page 15.

bodYwork

bodYwork ProFessionalsNick PavoldiStructural Integration Practitioner, Proprietor578 New Loudon Rd, Latham • 518-389-220079 Washington St, Saratoga Springs • 518-389-2083BodyworkProfessionals.com

Bodywork Professionals are sk i l l ed , ded ica ted , ca ree r therapists who specialize in the art and science of effective soft tissue massage therapy and a variety of bodywork moralities. See ad, page 12.

good medicine: mYoFascial bodYworkAbi’l-Khayr, [email protected]

Myofascial Bodywork is a gentle and effective form of hands-on therapy. This technique provides profound relaxation, and relief from most forms of chronic pain. Locations in Albany, Troy & Malta. See ad, page 14.

chiroPractic

dr. JosePh s. gulYasNortheast Spine and WellnessOffices in Albany & Clifton Park518-371-4800 • DrGulyas.com

Dr. Gulyas is a 25-year veteran of holistic health. A graduate of Skidmore College and New York Chiropractic College, Dr. Gulyas received the dist inction as Clinician of the Year during his internship at Greenvale Outpatient Facility. See ad, page 9.

energY healing

the art oF reikiJoyce Willson, RN BSN251 River St, Troy, NY518-271-7802TheArtOfReiki.com

Joyce brings to her Reiki practice her knowledge and experience in dealing with chronic and acute health issues as well as her passion for focusing on the health and wellness of the individual. See ad, page 12.

energY For health & healing, llcJack Treiber, [email protected]

Over 20 years of energy healing experience. Jack uses among the most advanced, deep and powerful techniques in the area to help clients feel better and achieve balance. Practicing in Clifton Park and Saratoga. See ad, page 15.

lYnn nealInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Lynn is a certified fitness instructor, healing touch practitioner and Reiki II practitioner. She also teaches energy yoga classes. See ad, page 21.

naturaldirectory Fair trade

malika international boutiQue, inc10 Phila St, Saratoga Springs518-879-5284 MalikaInternational.us [email protected]

Your local source for fine-quality, handmade i tems including clothing, jewelry, gifts, home décor and healing supplies. See ad, page 15.

Fitness

rebecca riFenberg, m.ed. Inspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Certified instructor of Group Fitness, Ballettone, Kettlebell and Group Cycling. Licensed Zumba instructor. Rebecca maintains two master’s degrees in education and has extensive experience in designing fitness and exercise programs. See ad, page 21.

JoY oF nia movementBeth FosterOwner & Licensed Nia Instructor3 Denny Rd, Guilderland518-452-3679JoyOfNiaMovement.com

Exper ience the energe t ic , expressive and joyful way to exercise. Free your spirit and move with passion as you connect to your body through the movement of Nia. Small, year-round classes in a comfortable

studio open to all ages and levels. See ad, page 21.

green living

green conscience homeKaren Totino23 Church St, Saratoga Springs 518-306-5196Green-Conscience.com

Specializing in green home renovation for families and businesses. Supplier of non-toxic interior finishes for walls, floors, counter tops. Showroom features natural and organic mattresses, and bedding. See ad, page 17.


healing

a Place oF one-nessAvis A. Burnett, PhD639 Riverview Rd, Rexford518-371-0579 • AvisBurnett.com

Your Spiritual Mentor for individual transformational counseling, energetic healing sessions and workshops. Using principles of quantum mechanics to shift patterns of thinking, behaving and feeling at the cellular level.

sandra marnell, rn, ma Duanesburg & Schenectady, [email protected]

C e r t i f i e d H e a l i n g To u c h Practitioner, Addiction Counselor, Recovery Coach and Trainer. Support for withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. Immune system strengthening. Healing and pain relief. Decrease depression and anxiety.

herbs

Jeans greensHerbal Tea Works & Herbal Essentials1545 Columbia Turnpike, Schodack518-479-0471 • JeansGreens.com

Gifts from the Earth for you and yours. Offering quality organic and wild-crafted herbs, teas, tinctures, essential oils, books, gifts , and bath and beauty products, as well as a variety of supplies for making your own

products. Free catalog available. See ad, page 19.

holistic health counseling

lisamarie tersigni, chhc, aadPInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

LisaMarie unites her education in nutrition, counseling and healing arts with 25 years of workers’ compensa t ion hea l th ca re experience to develop sustainable multidisciplinary wellness and fitness programs. Specialties:

cancer patients, perimenopause and weight concerns; men and women. See ad, page 21.

liFe coach

annie gregsonServing the Capital District and Beyond518-532-0275AnnieGregson.net

Personalized, inspirat ional coaching to joyfully move you in the direction of your dreams. Start living the life you want to lead today; because life is more than a four-letter word. See ad, page 19.

liFe PurPose

Your creative PurPoseChristine Kidder518-421-2091Christine@YourCreativePurpose.comYourCreativePurpose.com

Scientific hand analysis is a system that can give you profound insight about yourself from the markings in your hands. See ad, page 17.

massage

albanY theraPeutic massage & sPorts PerFormance centerPaul Jensen, Jr, MS, LMT17 Computer Dr East, Albany 518-366-4429 • PerformAtYourBestNY.com

Therapeutic massage, bodywork, energy work, personal training and life coaching. 16 years of experience helping clients eliminate pain, optimize recovery and maximize performance. See ad, page 10.

communitY massage & holistic theraPiesKathleen Vroman, NYS LMT255 River St, Troy 518-272-1400 • TroyCommunityMassage.com

Offering therapeutic massage, myofascial bodywork, craniosacral t h e r a p y a n d r e f l e x o l o g y, individually customized in a p rofess iona l and peacefu l atmosphere, enhanced with local art and natural foliage. Relax and

renew at your urban oasis. See ad, page 7.

For more information about advertising and how

you can participate, call

000-000-0000

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

518-729-0099

Coming Next Month

Personal Growth

Live the Life of Your

Dreams

Natural Awakenings’ November Issue

Provides You the Resources

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin.

~William Shakespeare


nutrition coach

david sPina, rPhInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Holistic health, lifestyle and nutrition coach with extensive experience in the pharmacy fi eld. Specializing in the needs of men in mid-life and weight concerns for men and women. See ad, page 21.

organic salon

Pure elementsAn Organic Salon & Wellness Shop1724-1728 Western Ave, Albany518-608-5405 or 518-621-7984Pure-Elements-Salon.com

Providing a healthy alternative to the traditional salon and spa experience using only the highest quality natural and organic products in our services. Let us help you look beautiful and feel your best while nurturing your health. See ad, page 3.

Pet care

the PamPered Pet415 US Hwy 9, Schodack Landing 518-732-2724 • [email protected]

We love pets and are certain your cat or dog will leave our salon happy, healthy and looking great. Holistic pet food also available. See ad, page 36.

Pilates

healing with movement PilatesPenny Shure2021 Western Ave, Albany518-669-9677 • HealingWithMovement.com

Intimate, neighborhood studio, specializing in individual attention and fracture prevention. Class sizes limited to 10 people. Private or duet sessions also available by appointment. Penny is a Pilates Method All iance Cert i f ied

Instructor, Meeks Method Osteoporosis Exercise Specialist and Foot Management Professional.

music instruction

michael wardGuitar Instructor518-369-6365GuitarDreamer131@yahoo.comMikeWardGuitar.com

Professional, full-time instructor of 60+ students per week. Specializing in teaching kids ages 6 and up, and teenagers in various styles. Private and group lessons. Teaching at Patrizio Center for the Arts (Latham) & Rocky’s Music

Studio (North Greenbush). See ad, page 35.

natural beautY

nYr organicLisa Small, Independent Consultant/[email protected]/Shop/LSmall

Certifi ed organic, non-GMO Project Verifi ed, Fair Trade skin and body care, cosmetics, essential oils, massage, aromatherapy, home fragrance, unique gifts and more. Products for the entire family. Discover organic.

wakeuP with makeuPLaura Spratt518-688-1490AwakeUpWithMakeup.com

Permanent makeup using organic, hypo-allergenic pigments. Areola pigmentation and scar camoufl age. Eyebrows, eyeliner, lips. Now you can have the confidence of knowing you look your very best every morning, without having

done a thing. See ad, page 18.

new age retail

PeaceFul insPirations384 Kenwood Ave, Delmar518-439-7039PeacefulInspirations.net

Your local, holistic and wellness store dedicated to enriching the spirit, mind and body. Gifts for all ages, workshops and Psychic, Crossover (Medium) and Intuitive Animal Communication readings available by appointment. See ad, page 6.

regina m. ePP, lmt, e-rYtInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Regina is an NYS licensed massage therapist, registered yoga teacher, personal trainer and spinning instructor with years of successful experience in healing arts and fi tness. See ad, page 21.

midwiFerY

heartsPace midwiFerYHeidi Ricks, LM 518-588-7122Maureen Murphy, CPM 518-229-6541406 Fulton St, Ste 513, Troy HeartspaceMidwifery.com

Empowering women through knowledge, experience and heart. Offering gynecology, preconception counseling, homebirth midwifery services and lactation counseling. See ad, page 33.

sage-Femme midwiFerYKelly McDermott, CNM, LM527 Western Ave, Albany518-813-9290 • Sage-FemmeMidwifery.com

At Sage-Femme Midwifery, we believe women should be empowered to create their own birth experiences as well as be educated to be actively involved in decision making and self-care. Kelly has been serving the Capital District since 1987.

NA Fun Fact:Natural Awakenings

prints 1,537,000 magazines nationwide

each month.To advertise with us call:

518-729-0099Choose a job you love, and you will never

have to work a day in your life.~Confucius


classifiedsFor fees and info on placing classifieds, email [email protected]. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

PsYchotheraPYBRYON KOSHGARIAN, PhDInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Bryon is a psychotherapist and spiritual counselor specializing in stress and anxiety disorders, PTSD, bereavement, depression and spiritual concerns. See ad, page 21.

sPiritual growth

new thought new YorkRev. Joanne McFadden, Minister 2 Imperial Ln, [email protected]

Inner peace. Joy. Abundance. This spiritual community offers the tools and support to change your l i f e . C la s se s , workshops , meditation, book discussion groups and spiritual cinema.

thermograPhY

breast thermograPhY For healthPatricia Luccardi, LMT, CNMT, CTTChatham and Delmar518-929-7579 • Btiscan.com

Detect changes at the cellular level years before a mammogram. Clearer results, fewer additional tests, allowing for dietary and lifestyle changes.

wellness

insPiring wellness solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Specializing in disease prevention and management, Inspiring Wellness Solutions offers Corporate Wellness Programs, Individual Counseling and Group Nutrition Coaching to support their clients to live a healthy and fit lifestyle. See ad, page 21.

northeast sPine and wellness1741 Rte 9, Clifton Park1873 Western Ave, Albany518-371-4800 • DrGulyas.com

Full-service wellness facilities offering non-drug solutions for your health care concerns. Our practitioners each have over 25 years experience in the field of holistic health. See ad, page 9.

HELP WANTED

GUITAR CENTER, COLONIE – Hiring Sales As-sociate. If you have the passion to help people make music and are interested in working for a rocking team, we want to hear from you! Stop by to complete an application in person. 145 Wolf Rd, Colonie.

LAUGH MORE

COMEDY WORKS FRIDAY AND SATURDAY SHOWS – $15 in advance, $20 day of the show. Dinner & Show: $39.95 in advance, $44.95 day of the show. 500 Northern Blvd, Albany. 518-512-4075.

MAIL ORDER

AZUREGREEN.NET – Herbs, books, mortars & pestles, bumper stickers, jewelry, incense, gift items, gemstones, amulets, statuary. 8,000 items. Wholesale & retail.

PET CARE

MARY BETH JOHNSON, RN – No ticks, no fleas, no chemicals. 518-466-8127. PetProtectorNY.com.

SALES OPPORTUNITY

LOOKING FOR HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS & ENTREPRENEURS – To be pioneers & launch our brand of Neal’s Yard Remedies (NYR) in the U.S. This is an award-winning, family-owned, ethi-cal company with an established 32-year-old brand and reputation for excellence worldwide. To learn more, Lisa: 518-755-2170.

SPACE FOR RENT

RECENTLY RENOVATED RETAIL SPACE FOR LEASE – Open floor plan. Located in prime location at busy intersection near Crossgates Mall in Guilderland. 1726 Western Ave, Albany. Tom Carins: 518-466-0726.

VACATION RENTAL

ADIRONDACKS VACATION LOG CABIN RENTAL – 3 bed, 2 bath, fully equipped. Centrally located to Whiteface Mountain, Lake Placid or a day trip to Montreal. 1-800-715-1333 x 3292.

VOLUNTEER

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES – At The Arts Center in Troy. Alana: 518-273-0552 x 221.

WEB DESIGN

ROGER LIPERA WEB DESIGN & CONSULT-ING – Guilderland. 518-248-4175. Lipera.com.

workshoPs/retreats

bona Fide butterFlies518-532-0275BonafideButterflies.com

Empowering workshops and rejuvenating retreats for women. Unveil your authentic self, explore your dreams and create the joyful life you were meant to live. Workshops held in the

Adirondacks or at your location. It’s time to spread your wings.

Peace village learning & retreat center54 O’Hara Rd (at Rte 24A), Haines Falls, NY518-589-5000 [email protected]

Experience the tranquility of weekend retreats, vegetarian food and special day events for the Capital District. Learn to meditate, expect life changing experiences and inner peace and power. Relax, refresh and renew.

Yoga

irene (renie) croninInspiring Wellness Solutions1-888-581-5526Info@InspiringWellnessSolutions.comInspiringWellnessSolutions.com

Renie is a certified yoga instructor who teaches beginner and exper ienced yoga c lasses , specializing in alignment and mind, body, spirit principles. See ad, page 21.

soluna Yoga studio2317 Balltown Rd, Niskayuna518-429-1455SolunaYoga.com

Offering private and group yoga lessons for all abilities and ages. Soluna focuses on education, individual attention and providing a safe environ-ment to enhance each student’s personal and physical growth

in their yoga experience. See ad, page 20.

Yoga theraPY

ebb & Flow YogaEuropa Baker-BrathwaiteDelmar & Troy518-522-2740 • [email protected]

Discover a fulfilling practice that will build your strength and self-trust. Work one-on-one with Europa to begin, deepen or refine your yoga practice.

Natural Awakenings of the NY Capital District - October 2013

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