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There’s just something about the magical scents of spring that have a way of reaching back through time and reconnecting us with our seasonal rituals.
The fragrance of lilacs reminds me of our backyard on the northwest side of Chicago, where an old lilac grew back by the alley, just past the apple tree and the magnolia. Each May, we’d snip a few branches and bring them inside, setting them in a hand-blown green glass pitcher my mom bought in Colonial Williamsburg. I still use that vase. And I still stop to admire a lilac in bloom, bringing a few blossoms close to breathe them in, especially after the rain or on a humid morning, when the scent seems to linger in the air.
It’s also the subtle spiciness of tulips and magnolias, and the aroma of lily-of-the-valley, with their tiny bells just opening on stems in a small ceramic vase on the kitchen table. And then there was that same scent in another form, the original Coty Muguet de Bois, worn by my mother and grandmother and sometimes dabbed on my wrist, too. These scent memories have stayed with me and bring their own kind of personal vitality to each spring.
In this month’s Women’s Wellness issue, we explore Vitality Her Way, a theme that feels especially relevant today. It’s about coming back to center physically, emotionally and spiritually, and recognizing that well-being does not look the same for everyone. Our feature story, “Strong, Centered and Whole,” looks at what it means for women to truly thrive, not by doing more, but by aligning more deeply with who they truly are.
Across this issue, we explore wellness in ways that are both practical and deeply personal. In Healing Ways, Brendan Cournane explores how gratitude is more than a sentiment, and how its three principles can help rewire the mind and carry us through life’s challenges. In “Herbal Rituals for Women’s Health,” Shanna Bierman reminds us that simple, intentional daily practices can offer gentle nourishment and a way to reconnect with ourselves. And Piotr Pitera looks at emerging research on how sound and vibroacoustic therapy may help shift the nervous system into deep rest.
Then there’s the vitality of our outdoor farmers markets, which are opening again across Chicagoland. In our Local Food Dispatch section, Bob Benenson looks at how spring rains and warmer temperatures are shaping what’s showing up at the early markets—from the first asparagus and ramps to tender lettuces, greens and a few seasonal surprises. And ILFMA Executive Director Janie Maxwell offers us a fresh, simple, spring pasta recipe that captures the flavors of spring asparagus and other market finds.
May also brings peak spring migration, and in our Green Living section, Sheryl DeVore explores the healing effects of birdwatching. May 9 is also Chicago River Day, and in our Natural Chicago section, Sheryl looks at how rain gardens can help reduce flooding, filter pollution and bring native habitat back into our communities. And if spring has you ready to get moving, it’s a great time to get your bike tuned up or lace up your hiking shoes and head for the trails. In Fit Body, Ders Anderson explores the extensive trail systems across our state, including the Grand Illinois Trail, and some special events coming up this season.
As always, I encourage you to step outside each day, and surround yourself with the sounds, sights and scents of spring. Consider volunteering at a Chicago waterways clean-up or bird count on May 9. Visit the lakefront or a natural area. Dig in the garden soil. Sit in your yard and sing with the robins as dusk falls. Turn on the Merlin app on your phone and you may be surprised by how many bird species you hear in just a few minutes. And enjoy the two full moons of May.
Peggy Malecki
Photo by Peggy Malecki
Support Greater Energy and Alignment Through Complimentary Consultations
Joann Lysiak, an energy specialist, activator and gemstone energy artist with Joann Lysiak Gems, will offer free 20-minute Zoom consultations from May 4 through 21 to help participants explore personalized energy solutions.
“You are here to create the life of your dreams, and in order to do so, your vibration must be a match energetically to what you desire,” says Lysiak. “Maybe you desire to reduce your stress, to be in a state of inner peace, find your perfect mate or raise your spiritual consciousness. However, if you don’t have what you desire, there is something energetic blocking you that needs to be released or transmuted.”
During sessions, Lysiak uses energy testing to assess chakras, emotional triggers and other potential blocks. She then applies various energy modalities intended to “release the charge, transmute the energy and shift it to a higher frequency,” helping clients feel lighter and more aligned. She says that once emotional charge is diffused, individuals may find it easier to change habits and move toward desired outcomes.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, visit Calendly.com/joannlysiak/energy. For more information, visit JoannLysiakGems.com. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
FireHorse Activation Sessions Combines Meditation
and Energy Work at Edgar Cayce Center
The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, in Des Plaines, will host FireHorse Activation sessions from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 15, led by energy healer Eve Muir-Wilson. The method uses FireHorse energy—a symbol of passion, forward motion and inspired action—to help participants align intentions and clear obstacles.
Each attendee receives a personalized worksheet to record intentions and released patterns. Sessions include a conversation about what participants feel called to manifest, a guided meditation to visualize goals and a channeled light language activation. Intuitive symbols and transmissions are written on the worksheet as energetic keys for continued integration.
The activation is designed to help participants release old energetic patterns, ignite inner momentum and move forward with clarity, purpose and fire.
Location: 259 E. Central Rd., Des Plaines. For more information or to register, visit HolisticCenterChicago.com. See ad on page 16 and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Relax, Recharge and Reset With Mother’s Day Wellness Special
Health Clarified, in Northbrook, is celebrating Mother’s Day with a limited-time wellness experience designed to give moms a few hours to relax, recharge and enjoy some well-deserved attention. Combining soothing therapies with restorative support, the special offers a calming pause from the usual pace of daily life and is available for purchase through May 31, and must be used within 30 days of purchase.
The experience begins with a detox foot soak and brief foot massage to help release tension and ease the body into relaxation. Guests can then choose between red light therapy, which supports recovery and vitality or an energy room session paired with an AO face mask for a calming reset. A 30-minute infrared sauna adds warmth and quiet time to unwind, and the visit finishes with a customized, one-hour facial or back facial tailored to individual needs. Bonus perks include a discounted add-on for a friend, a take-home wellness gift bag, savings on packages purchased during the visit and entry into a wellness raffle.
Cost: $249 ($365 value). Location: 2165A Shermer Rd., Northbrook. For more information or to purchase the special, visit HealthClarifiedNow.com/headline/mothers-day-wellness-experience-limited-time-offering See ads on pages 11 and 41, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Joann Lysiak
Eve Muir-Wilson
Photo courtesy
Joann Lysiak
Photo courtesy Health
Photo courtesy Edgar Cayce Holistic Center
Experience Connection and Growth at Oneness Fest 2026
AWAKE: Oneness Tribe will host Oneness Fest 2026, a three-day immersive experience, from June 5 through 7 at Camp Tuckabatchee, near Starved Rock, in Ottawa. Now in its fourth year, the festival offers a guided journey of healing and inner alignment within a conscious, community-centered setting.
Designed as an immersive experience of connection, growth and transformation, the event features more than 100 offerings spanning yoga, breathwork, meditation, energy healing, personal development and conscious living.
Programming follows a natural progression—connect, ignite, experience and integrate—through opening circles, community gatherings, hands-on workshops and immersive environments, while allowing flexibility for personal exploration.
Organizers note that whether attendees arrive solo or with friends and family, many will leave with new connections, expanded perspectives and a renewed sense of belonging.
Natural Awakenings readers can receive 11 percent off registration with promo code NaturalAwakenings. Location: 1973 N. 35th Rd., Ottawa. For more information or to register, visit AwakeOnenessTribe.org/onenessfest See ad on page 21, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Midwest Cleanse Celebrates Five Years With a New Moon Wellness Fair in Chicago
Chicago’s Midwest Cleanse will host its New Moon in June Five-Year Anniversary and Wellness Fair from 2 to 5 p.m. on June 14, featuring local doctors and wellness professionals that will showcase offerings from colon hydrotherapy to personal training to nutrition and more. Attendees can explore modalities, ask questions and discover how each one supports overall well-being.
The center, known for its colon hydrotherapy services, also invites the community to experience its offerings beyond the event, including its signature 90-minute appointments designed to promote relaxation and a more personalized pace of care.
“We believe relaxation is essential to a great experience, which is why we offer the region’s only 90-minute appointment,” says founder and owner Maggie de Leon. “You’ll have up to 60 minutes of table time, with time before and after, so you never feel rushed. You can also enhance your visit with an ionic foot bath or infrared sauna wrap for a full-body reset in one trip.”
Midwest Cleanse also provides Spanish-speaking services, follows strict sanitation protocols and is highly rated online.
Cost: $10 suggested donation. Location: 5962 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-728-6800 or visit MidwestCleanse.com See ad on page 10, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Step Into Nature and Recharge at Spring Grove Wellness Retreat
A full-day wellness retreat that focuses on movement, education and holistic health will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on June 28 at the Shores of Turtle Creek, in Spring Grove. The Body & Mind Retreat offers a day of reflection, learning and renewal in a peaceful natural setting.
The event includes a nutrition presentation from Nic Geudtner of Living Roots Farm, a guided all-levels yoga session with Jeannie Christofalos of Nepenthe SUP and Yoga, stress management strategies from Ellen Corey of Coaching by Corey and a presentation on quantum body modification by Dr. Jeff Wells of Wells Family Practice. Attendees can also explore a holistic vendor market featuring herbal remedies, organic greens and herbs, sourdough breads and snacks, massage therapy, functional medicine services, natural body care products, crystals and more.
Hosted by the Shores of Turtle Creek, Living Roots Aeroponic Farm, Hometown Hug and Coaching by Corey, the event is open to attendees ages 14 and older. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., and free parking is available.
Cost: $33.85. Location: 7908 Winn Rd., Spring Grove. For more information or to register (required), visit Facebook.com/ events/1536455894665681 or Eventbrite. com/e/body-and-mind-retreat-tickets-1986681652302. See ad in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Photo courtesy Hometown Hug
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Train for a Career in Reflexology This Summer
The Professional Reflexology School will offer a five-month, 300-hour certification course starting July 9 in the Chicagoland area, providing comprehensive training for individuals interested in becoming certified clinical reflexologists. The nationally accredited program—the only one of its kind in Illinois—covers anatomy, physiology, reflexology techniques and client assessment, equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in this holistic healthcare field.
A burgeoning healthcare field, reflexologists are increasingly sought after for their abilities to relieve stress, reduce pain and support overall wellness.
The program offers flexibility through a hybrid of online and in-person classes. Instruction is led by Jasmin Jahal, an advanced professional reflexologist with extensive experience. Jahal works at the Lutheran General Hospital Cancer Survivorship Center, in Park Ridge, and operates a thriving private practice in Norridge. Her hands-on approach includes one-on-one coaching, making learning both thorough and enjoyable. Jahal’s passion for reflexology and commitment to student success inspires participants to reach their fullest potential.
For more information, to enroll in the certification course or to schedule a free consultation, call 773-979-5351, email JJahal@hotmail.com or visit JasminReflexology.com. See ad on page 27, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Learn Prenatal Massage Skills This Fall in Evanston
Zen Shiatsu Chicago is now offering coursework in holistic prenatal and postpartum massage led by Olga Chwa, a licensed massage therapist and certified practitioner of Bodywork for the Childbearing Year.
Offered twice each year, the course is open to massage therapists and holistic bodyworkers. The next session is scheduled to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on October 30 and November 6. Pregnant participants are needed on the morning of November 6 to receive treatments from students as part of the hands-on training component.
Location: 818 Lake St., Evanston (two blocks from both the CTA Purple Line and Metra North Line). Those interested in enrolling as practitioners can register at ZenShiatsu.edu/ce Individuals interested in serving as demonstration models may contact the Zen Shiatsu office at 847-864-1130 or Info@ZenShiatsu.edu. See ad on the back cover, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Jasmin Jahal
Photo courtesy Jasmin Jahal
Digestive Health Solutions Expands Care at Health Clarified
Reneé S. Barasch, LDHS, a certified digestive health specialist and founder of Digestive Health Solutions, is expanding her care offerings through a new collaboration with Health Clarified, in Northbrook. This added presence creates greater opportunities to support both her existing clients and individuals seeking services through the wellness center.
By working more closely with Health Clarified, Barasch brings the successful Digestive Health Solutions approach into a setting that offers a broader range of recovery, detoxification and wellness services. This integration allows clients to access additional tools that complement her work, including therapies that support circulation, detoxification and overall healing.
Current clients of Digestive Health Solutions will benefit from expanded access to services that enhance their ongoing care, while those visiting Health Clarified can receive helpful digestive health guidance as part of a more connected, whole-body approach.
This collaboration is an extension—not a relocation—of her practice. Her primary office and client relationships remain unchanged, while her involvement with Health Clarified allows for more comprehensive support across both settings.
Location: 2165A Shermer Rd., Northbrook. For more information or to make an appointment, call 847-207-2034 or visit TheTummyWhisperer.com See ads on pages 7, 33, 41, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Explore a Drug-Free Approach to Bone Health in Wilmette
OsteoStrong Wilmette is introducing LIMFA, a drug-free therapy that uses targeted electromagnetic fields to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and improve bone density. Having originated in Italy, the noninvasive technology is gaining attention as an alternative to pharmaceutical pain management.
This patented therapy supports the body’s own self-healing intelligence and is especially compelling for people seeking noninvasive options for pain relief, tissue recovery and regenerative support. LIMFA has successfully been applied to bone repair, soft-tissue recovery, pain reduction, edema and inflammation, with published case material and university testing supporting safety claims.
According to OsteoStrong owner Marc Malizia, what makes this method exciting is the broader science behind electromagnetic stimulation. Recent reviews and experimental research show that low-frequency electromagnetic signals can influence inflammation, stem-cell behavior, osteogenic differentiation and cartilage biology—key processes involved in healing bone, tendon, ligament and joint tissue. Published research has also reported promising effects in fracture repair, tissue inflammation and tendon healing, helping explain why this field is attracting growing interest in rehabilitation and regenerative medicine.
Location: 126 Skokie Rd., Wilmette. For more information or to make an appointment, call 224-487-8833 or visit OsteoStrongWilmette.com. See ad on page 25, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Photo courtesy Reneé Barasch
Reneé S. Barasch, LDHS
Chicago Male Clinic Welcomes New Practitioners in Men’s Health and Wellness
Chicago Male Clinic, founded in 2023, is expanding its team in May, adding practitioners with diverse backgrounds and expertise to support its mission of delivering an integrated, whole-person approach to men’s performance, recovery and longevity.
Medical Director Jerry Garcia, PA-C, welcomes Dr. Arturo Salgado, an internationally trained physician from Mexico with a background in sports medicine, and Andres Navas of Ecuador, who is currently serving in a clinic support role and emphasizes listening first to build trust and improve patient outcomes. Also joining the team is Diego Dugarte, a Venezuela-trained physician who focuses on lifestyle factors such as nutrition, exercise, stress management and sleep to support overall wellness and sexual health. In addition, Isaac Luna joins Chicago Male Clinic as the new business manager/clinic administrator, bringing his robust experience at several medical clin ics in Chicago area and a vitality to help manage and inspire their growing staff.
The clinic is also expanding its holistic offerings with Andretti Montalvo, DC, who incorporates chiropractic care, acupuncture, cupping and massage therapy; and Vidal Martinez, LMT, who brings 14 years of experience in therapeutic bodywork.
Altogether, the growing team reflects Chicago Male Clinic’s dedica tion to personalized, comprehensive care for today’s men.
Location: 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 15, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory of NAChicago.com
MAY 30 - CRYSTAL LAKE PEDALPALOOZA
JUNE 6 - FREEPORT FREE-AQUA-NA CYCLE
JUNE 13 - GALENA SPINTHE DRIFTLESS
AUG 22- OTTAWA DEBATE DAYS RIDE LEARN
Photo
(L-R) Isaac Luna, Andres Navas, Andetti Montalvo, Vidal Martinez, Diego Dugarte, Arturo Salgado
World Migratory Bird Day Highlights Spring Bird Migration Through Chicago
Every spring, millions of birds pass over the Chicago region, most traveling at night, unseen as they move along the Mississippi Flyway. World Migratory Bird Day (WorldMigratory BirdDay.org), observed May 9 this year, is a reminder that our area sits directly in the path of one of nature’s great seasonal journeys. In Chicago, spring migration typically runs from mid-March into early June, with peak movement building from mid-April into mid-May.
Some of these travelers become familiar summer residents. The return of Chicago’s beloved piping plovers to Montrose Beach drew headlines again this April, a visible reminder that even our most celebrated local birds are part of a much larger migration story. Many of the birds we see each summer have returned from wintering grounds in Central and South America, Mexico and the southern United States to breed here before heading south again.
World Migratory Bird Day focuses on awareness and action. The 2026 theme, Every Bird Counts – Your Observations Matter, highlights the role of everyday sightings in tracking migration patterns and population changes. Tools like BirdCast allow residents to see nightly migration estimates, often showing hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, of birds moving over Illinois in a single evening.
A 2019 study published in Science found that North America has lost about 2.9 billion breeding birds since 1970, roughly 29 percent of its bird population, with habitat loss, development, pesticides and other environmental pressures all contributing to the decline. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Birds.Cornell.edu), nighttime lighting remains a major migration hazard worldwide, because artificial light can disorient birds flying overhead and draw them toward buildings and glass, increasing the risk of deadly collisions.
Simple actions can help. Turning off nonessential lights during peak migration, supporting habitat restoration, creating a bird-friendly yard, participating in a spring bird count and simply noticing the birds passing through are small but meaningful ways to participate.
Less Stress, More Calm: An Experiential Evening in Chicago
Mental Health Awareness Month will provide the backdrop for More Calm, Less Stress: An Experiential Evening With Author Megy Karydes, taking place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on May 5 at Fabrik Chicago. Hosted by Allison Yates, owner of Read & Run Tours, the evening invites attendees to explore simple, science-backed ways to reduce anxiety and cultivate calm in daily life while connecting with others in a supportive, creative setting.
Karydes will share insights from her book, 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress, inspired by her time in nature and her discovery that there are far more ways to quiet a racing mind than yoga and meditation— many of them simple, science-backed practices that can be easily woven into everyday routines. The interactive format gives participants the opportunity to experience several of these techniques firsthand.
Workshops include floral therapy with Vanessa Flowers, founder of Flower Girls Meet, where participants create a take-home mini-bouquet; bookbinding with multidisciplinary artist Regin Igloria of North Branch Projects, guiding attendees in crafting pamphlet-style books; and a walking and nature experience led by Anthony Scott of Chicago Gents Who
HolisticCenter
Stroll alongside writer and nature educator Bonnie Tawse, highlighting the mental health benefits of movement, community and urban nature.
Tickets include three workshops, a copy of the book, a pamphlet-style book, light dinner, professional photos and a mini-bouquet, offering both a meaningful experience and tangible takeaways.
The event is produced by Read & Run Tours, founded by Yates in 2021. The company is known for its book-themed, guided running events set in the locations where stories unfold, transforming literature into immersive, movement-based experiences. In addition to its Chicago-based community and national Read & Run on the Road programs, the organization provides experiential event design, coaching and full-scale production services for authors, publishers, brands and nonprofits, with an emphasis on creativity, connection and audience engagement.
Location: Fabrik Chicago, 440 N. Wells, Chicago. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/ more-calm-less-stress-an-experiential-evening-with-author-megy-karydes-tickets1985328257261?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_ tld=true. For more information about Read & Run Tours, visit ReadAndRunTours.com
Saturday, May 2, 2:00-5:00 pm
Quantum Frequency Healing
You Have Questions. Angels Have Answers
Thursday, May 7, 7:00-8:00 pm
Sound Bath
Friday, May 8, 6:30-8:00 pm
Sonic Frequency Meditation
Saturday, May 9, 2:00-3:30 pm
Crystal Talk: Divine Feminine
Friday, May 15, 6:00-9:00 pm
Reflexology For Feet, Hands, Face New! FireHorse Activation
Saturday, May 16, 2:00-5:00 pm
Intuitive Readings
Saturday, May 30, 2:00-5:00 pm
You Have Questions. Angels Have Answers
Photo credit Megy Karydes
How Rain Gardens Reduce Flooding, Filter Pollution and Bring Nature Back
by Sheryl DeVore
Aformer eyesore in Niles is now a rain garden filled with colorful native plants. “It provides flooding and erosion control for the area and creates a haven for native vegetation and wildlife,” says Katie Schneider, assistant village manager for the Village of Niles.
The Niles Community Rain Garden, established in 2008 where two abandoned buildings once stood, is likely one of the first and largest of its kind in Cook County (VNiles. com/911/Community-Rain-Garden).
Today, rain gardens are increasing throughout the Chicago region at schools, municipalities, industrial corridors, water treatment plants, park and forest preserve districts—and even in backyards.
“Rain gardens remove pollutants as water filters through the soil to replenish the groundwater,” says Patrick Thomas, senior public affairs specialist for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (mwrd.org), a government agency that treats wastewater and manages stormwater in Cook County.
Rain gardens are depressions in soil filled with vegetation that allow stormwater to soak into the ground. They aren’t permanent ponds but rather places for water to flow more slowly before it reaches creeks, streams and other water bodies.
These gardens also contribute to local biodiversity. “The native plants attract beneficial insects and pollinators and provide beautiful flower displays throughout the growing season,” Thomas says. For example, a monarch butterfly might alight on a swamp milkweed in the rain garden to sip nectar or lay its eggs.
Rain gardens are relatively new in the arsenal of stormwater management techniques. Before settlement, rain filtered through soil, roots and plants in native woodlands, prairies and wetlands, helping maintain clean groundwater. These natural water-purifying ecosystems were removed to make way for
homes, roads, buildings and agricultural lands. Streams and rivers became degraded as water ran off the land instead of being filtered by vegetation.
In 1990, stormwater specialists in Maryland designed what they called bioretention systems, or rain gardens, to recreate the natural system of stormwater removal.
Illinois soon began establishing rain gardens in various places and ways. Among the first was the Red Oak Rain Garden, on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Created in 2006, it holds more than 60 plant
Courtesy MWRD
Stickney Water Reclamation Plant features a rain garden.
species, mostly native to the region (RedOakRainGarden.org). As a result, nearby sidewalks no longer flood, and a large red oak tree, once floundering, is healthy. The rain garden also serves as an educational tool to help visitors understand water flow and native plants.
The Niles Community Rain Garden contains more than 4,000 native forbs and grasses that absorb and naturally filter stormwater runoff from 36,000 square feet of nearby impervious surface.
In addition, Schneider says, “The rain garden project embodies the spirit of the Niles community. It’s a collaboration of corporate partners, small businesses, volunteers and local government working towards a common purpose to improve our community.”
The MWRD first launched a rain garden at its Stickney plant in 2009. Today, a 60,000-square-foot garden is filled with swamp milkweed, blue vervain, blue flag iris and other native plants that prefer wet conditions, but can also tolerate drought.
“The rain garden captures stormwater and snowmelt on site, so as not to overload the local infrastructure used to collect water at one of the largest reclamation plants in the world,” Thomas says.
He adds that, like most well-designed rain gardens, water is held for a short amount of time, which prevents mosquitoes from breeding.
The MWRD has helped construct rain gardens at more than 40 schools in the Chicago region. Other rain gardens established with MWRD assistance include the public works facility demonstration rain garden in Oak Park, Chamber Park in Wheeling, the Evanston Civic Center parking lot and along an industrial corridor on Pacific Avenue in Franklin Park.
Park districts, forest preserves and homeowners are also creating rain gardens. For example, the Waukegan Park District built a rain garden next to a parking lot to absorb stormwater runoff and pollutants before they go into its treasured ravine system.
A ruby-throated hummingbird visits a cardinal flower at a rain garden.
Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A rain garden was installed in Franklin Park to absorb stormwater runoff.
Courtesy MWRD
Courtesy MWRD
Courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
A monarch butterfly visits milkweed that grows in a rain garden.
Courtesy MWRD
Spiderwort, a native plant, blooms in late spring at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant.
Common Yellowthroat
Geothlypis trichas
The Common Yellowthroat, about 5 inches long, is indeed common and also has a yellow throat. But what’s most striking on the male of this species is its bold, black, Zorro-like mask. The female is mostly a dull yellow. The male sings “Witchety, witchety, witchety.” During migration, yellowthroats frequent fields and woodland edges. They can be found fairly low throughout the year while feeding and nesting. During breeding season, the male often launches himself 10- to 25-feet in the sky, then performs a courtship display flight while singing.
Distribution: breeds throughout most of the US, winters in southeastern U.S., Mexico and Central America.
Nesting: The female builds a nest low in vegetation often in densely forb-covered fields or in or near wet areas including marshes. She incubates three to five eggs for 12 days, giving wren-like chatter notes if disturbed. The young fledge in about 10 days.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Parulidae
Facts:
Tori Trauscht, president of the Indian Creek Watershed, installed a rain garden about a decade ago in her Mundelein yard to curb street flooding. Her neighbors did the same. “Now there is nowhere near the flooding we used to have,” Trauscht says.
In addition, they can watch nature right in their gardens, she says, including a hummingbird sipping nectar from blue lobelia.
Schneider says the Niles rain garden offers many places to sit and enjoy nature. “There’s a small bridge that the children have the most fun with,” she says. “It’s right off Touhy Avenue, a major state highway that runs through town,” she continues. “It gives a nice break of landscaped green space in the middle of the busy village.”
Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. She is co-author of an upcoming book, Birds of the Midwest, to be published by Timber Press. Learn more at SherylDeVore.WordPress.com
How to Build a Rain Garden
Though it takes some time, thought and funds, backyard rain gardens can protect water quality and ease flooding in the neighborhood. Once established, they require little maintenance and absorb 30 percent more water than turf lawns, draining completely within a day after an average storm, according to the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission.
• A nonmigratory subspecies of the Common Yellowthroat lives year-round in the Rio Grande valley in Texas.
• They are quite territorial, keeping migratory yellowthroats away with their songs and scolding.
A key step in creating a rain garden is choosing the right location with permeable soil at least 10 feet away from structures.
For more information on establishing a home rain garden, visit mwrd.org/sites/default/files/documents/green_guide_191220.pdf or LakeCountyIL.gov/3600/rain-garden
Residents at Beds-Plus, in LaGrange, now have a tranquil outdoor space thanks to the College of DuPage Horticulture program.
Amale northern cardinal sings “cheer, cheer, cheer” from a maple tree in a suburban neighborhood. Those that have heard or seen the common red bird know how such experiences can uplift the spirit. Birdwatching can help heal the mind and body, as well as enhance cognitive function, according to researchers. The activity, which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states has 96 million participants in the United States alone, also fosters connections with community, science and the natural world.
The Song of Healing
Holly Merker is a team leader for Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s eBird.org, an online database for reporting avian observations. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, she had already been an avid birder, traveling extensively to add new species to her list. Her birding style changed after the diagnosis.
“I sought solace in the birds,” she explains. “When I was bald from chemotherapy, I knew that the birds weren’t going to judge me. I could show up and be myself and not be the cancer patient. Birds became my wellness companions.”
On one Mother’s Day during her cancer journey, when she could barely lift her arms to hold her binoculars, Merker found strength at a nearby birding spot. Hearing a familiar birdsong, she spotted the crooner in its nest. “In that moment, I identified what feats of survival that cerulean warbler had gone through,” she recalls. “They spend their winters in South America and fly thousands of miles north through wind and rain to nest. These birds are survivalists to the utmost degree. We were no different from each other.”
Merker co-wrote Ornitherapy: For Your Mind, Body and Soul with acclaimed birder Richard Crossley and his daughter Sophie Crossley. The book champions mindful birdwatching as a form of nature therapy that enhances sensory awareness, relieves stress and improves mental and physical well-being. Now 56 and in good health, Merker offers mindful birding workshops through Ornitherapy.com
“One thing that really helped me in the first year after I finished my cancer treatment was tending to bluebird nest trails,” she remarks. “It got me walking and moving again. It gave me purpose. It was incredibly therapeutic. All the work I do with conservation, serving on boards and leading walks is because birds helped save my life, and now hopefully I am helping save them. I believe that when we start tuning into birds, we become better stewards of the environment.”
Finding Calm and Cognition
Birdwatching can be a balm for the anxious mind. “Instead of worrying about those problems that keep repeating themselves on a loop inside your head, watching birds can focus you outside yourself, as you search intently for a small movement in the trees, or a hint of color,” says Douglas T. Kenrick, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Arizona State University who began birding in earnest when he was 50
For John Elliott, the beauty of birds, whether seen from the window or in the wild, exudes a calming effect. “Studies have shown that adding birdwatching to a walk in nature increases positive feelings and decreases distress,” says the Chicago Bird Alliance board
member and retired naturalist and education manager for the Forest Preserves of Cook County, in Illinois.
A 2022 study published in Scientific Reports found that everyday encounters with birdlife were associated with lasting improvements in mental well-being in both healthy people and those diagnosed with depression. Another study, published in 2023 in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, reported that birdwatching among nursing home residents led to positive effects in mobility, cognitive function and mental health.
“When we are birding, we are actively engaging our minds and adding to our brain’s neuroplasticity,” Merker remarks. “I tell folks, instead of downloading brain games, watch birds.” A new study published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggests that expert birdwatchers possess superior brain cognition and structural brain differences compared to beginners, which may help protect against age-related cognitive decline.
Tips for Beginners
“Birding on your own is just fine if that suits you, but you can also visit a nature center, which may offer opportunities for birdwatching, including guided walks and feeder observations,” Elliott suggests. “You can also attend free bird walks led by local bird club members or buy a feeder and watch from your window.”
Fancy equipment isn’t necessary. “It’s just about noticing the birds around you and paying attention,” Merker says. “If people want to take it to the next level, a pair of binoculars will enhance their experiences. You’ll get a closer view from a distance. You can get a pair of binoculars on eBay for a good price, and lots of groups let you borrow some.”
Merker suggests finding a place to sit outside—in the backyard, a local park or near a pond. “Then let the birds come to you,” she says. “Whatever bird shows up is enough for you to find joy.”
An outdoors columnist and photographer for the Chicago Tribune, Sheryl DeVore has authored several books on nature. Reach her at SherylDeVoreWriter@gmail.com
Photo by Kim Lawrie for pexels.com
Explore Illinois Trails That Inspire Adventure
and Wellness
by Ders Anderson
Spring has arrived, and the call of the outdoors is irresistible. Hiking, biking and exploring Northeast Illinois’ trails offer endless opportunities to move, connect and marvel at nature. Thanks to decades of planning by forest preserves, conservation districts, park districts, municipal departments and county transportation agencies, the region now boasts one of the nation’s most extensive urban-suburban trail systems. With 800 to 900 miles of trails, each offers a unique experience—whether it’s the health benefits, time with family and friends or simply the beauty of diverse landscapes.
Trail Highlights Across Chicagoland
All northern counties in Illinois feature signature trails. In the greater Chicagoland area, main trails include:
• Cook County: North Branch Trail, Lakefront Trail, Cal Sag Trail, Burnham Greenway
• DuPage County: Illinois Prairie Path, West Branch of the DuPage River Trail
• Kane County: Fox River Trail, Great Western Trail
• Lake County: Millennium Trail, Des Plaines River Trail, McClory Trail
• McHenry County: Prairie Trail, Hebron Trail
• Will County: Old Plank Road Trail, I&M Canal Trail, Centennial Trail, Wauponsee Glacial Trail
Make it a goal to try out each of these trails over this summer and in the years to come. They’re all different—very different. You will experience Illinois like never before.
Planning Your Adventure
Most trails are well-mapped out on Forest Preserve, Conservation District and County Transportation Department websites. You can find trailhead locations, parking areas, printable maps and mileage details. The system is so extensive, you might consider turning your outing into an overnight adventure. Google Earth can help you locate nearby motels and, in some cases, campgrounds. For instance, a 35mile trip on the Prairie Trail from Elgin would extend to the McHenry County Conservation District campground north of Richmond near the Wisconsin border, from where you could return home the next day. You might be a bit sore from the miles, but thoroughly
gratified. Be sure to schedule some downtime at one of Richmond’s many restaurants, or in McHenry or Crystal Lake along the way.
Illinois’ Trails in a National Context
Forty-two thousand miles of multiuse trails have been built nationwide, mostly over the last 40 years, and the pace of trail building isn’t slowing. Illinois is doing its part. The northeastern Illinois trail system connects to the 500-plus-mile Grand Illinois Trail, which loops around northern Illinois through Rockford, Galena, the Quad Cities, Ottawa, Joliet and Lansing and up along the Lakefront Trail to Chicago. You can follow the Great River Trail along the Mississippi, ride old mule towpaths along the Hennepin Canal and I&M Canal Trails, take abandoned rail lines north of Freeport (Jane Addams Trail) and west of Rockford (Pecatonica Prairie Path) and across the southern suburbs on the Old Plank Road Trail.
The Grand Illinois Trail from Lansing to the Quad Cities overlaps two ocean-to-ocean routes. The 6,800-mile American Discovery Trail stretches from Point Reyes, California, to Cape Henlopen, Delaware, while the 3,700-mile Great American Rail Trail links the Olympic Peninsula in Washington to Washington, D.C. All three of these long-distance trails will take decades to fully complete. However, the 30-year-old Grand Illinois Trail is already 90 percent complete, with quiet backroads linking its segments. Openlands, Ride Illinois and the Rails to Trails Conservancy provide websites showing this overlapping route across Illinois.
Grand Illinois Trail Map
Endless Adventures Await
From quiet suburban backroads to scenic river paths, Illinois’ trail network offers endless opportunities to explore, stay active and connect with nature. Whether you’re venturing out for a short afternoon ride or planning a multiday journey along the Grand Illinois Trail, every path offers a new perspective on the state’s landscapes and communities. Lace up your hiking shoes, grab your bike and discover Illinois one trail at a time.
For more information, visit Openlands.org/ regional-trails/grand-illinois-trail
Ders Anderson served as greenways director at Openlands for 25 years and continues to volunteer with the Grand Illinois Trail Alliance and the American Discovery Trail Society. He can be reached at DAnderson@ Openlands.org or through Sara Egan at Openlands at SEgan@Openlands.org
This spring and summer, explore four communities along the Grand Illinois Trail and experience their unique trail segments. The hosts and dates are:
May 30 – McHenry County Conservation District and Naturally McHenry County: Crystal Lake’s Pedapalooza
June 6 – Greater Freeport Partnership and Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park
June 13 – Galena Country Tourism
August 21-22 – Ottawa Chamber of Commerce
For more information, see ad on page 13.
Strong, Centered and Whole
Women That Inspire Us To Thrive
by Marlaina Donato
Something in the air seems to change when a woman with strong vitality enters a room. Her undefinable life force draws us in, whether it is evident in her step or her smile. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, poet Maya Angelou and anthropologist Jane Goodall are all iconic examples, but the capacity to thrive is
inherent in each of us through small, consistent investments.
Globally, women are leading the way in consumer choices, eco-forward initiatives and sociopolitical awareness for a more sustainable and compassionate world. Whether on the frontlines fighting for worthy causes,
Courtesy Behati Hart
supporting local farmers markets or putting healthy meals on the table, prioritizing selfcare and learning from each other is vital. Here, four inspiring women from different walks of life divulge how they thrive in chaotic times.
Finding Her Authentic Self
Behati Hart served her country for a decade, switching between logistics, computer analysis and paralegal positions in the United States Air Force. As a woman of color in a male-dominated environment, she says she survived by crafting a persona to hide her then-undiagnosed attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
Today, Hart embodies what feels like a more authentic role as a multidisciplinary creator and coach. The author of Just BE:
A Memoir About Unmasking and Becoming Human Again designed The BETi Method (Becoming Empowered Through Intelligence) to guide people out of trauma and identity-focused ways of living that compromise the soul’s true calling.
“We allow the world to judge us, accept those judgments as fact and begin wearing masks, titles and labels that reflect others’ expectations of how they want to experience us,” she explains. “We become afraid to experience ourselves—the good, the bad and the ugly. Unmasking is embodying ourselves so that we feel safe with who we really are.”
Noting that trauma and passion are the same energy moving in opposite directions, she says, “Trauma turns fierce aliveness inward into hypervigilance, protection or freeze responses. Passion turns that same energy outward into creation, connection and joy.”
Numerous activities feed Hart’s soul. “My forever medicines—laughter and dancing—require no prescription and provide cathartic emotional release through physical expression,” she points out. “As an earth-oriented person, being outdoors nourishes my spirit the most. My sacred garden and porch are my grounding spaces where I practice earthing—direct skin contact with the Earth’s surface—because I believe that electrons from the earth may help reduce inflammation.”
Hart believes that we can learn from each other by sharing our experiences. “We don’t always celebrate our stories, especially the stories of other women—ancient and contemporary—who survived and taught us how to become who we are,” she says. “We need survivor stories, revolutionary stories and creator stories. To thrive, we must center the well-being of women and children, while embracing heart-led living—not feminine or masculine, but feminine and masculine, in sacred balance. That’s the future I work toward.”
Enjoying a Wild and Interesting Life
Maria Rodale seamlessly moves from the boardroom to the garden and from science to spirituality, carving out a distinctly unique life while preserving an impactful family
legacy. She served as chief executive officer of Rodale, Inc., the publishing company behind Prevention magazine and bestselling book titles, including An Inconvenient Truth, by Al Gore. As a passionate, third-generation advocate for health and Earth literacy, she has penned several books of her own, including Organic Manifesto: How Organic Food Can Heal Our Planet, Feed the World, and Keep Us Safe and Love, Nature, Magic: Shamanic Journeys into the Heart of My Garden.
“I have met enough rich and famous people to know that financial success or fame is no guarantee of happiness or thriving,” she says. “I define success as a safe and warm home, a comfortable bed, good homemade food, happy and healthy kids, family and friends who love me, loving myself, the freedom to create and, of course, good health.”
Rodale prioritizes eating in-season, organic, local food, in moderation. “I also think we create the future by what we
ingest—culturally and physically. Just like I avoid fast food and highly processed foods, I avoid horror movies and true crime stories,” she explains.
Her self-care habits include saying a prayer and 30 minutes of meditation in the morning, before doing anything else, lifting weights twice a week, going for walks and adding to her gratitude list before bed. “The direct relationship we each have with our true, ‘higher’ selves and with God is unique for every person and part of our life journey to figure it out,” she says. “I listen to my own inner voice, trust my gut, not getting distracted by rage bait, not dwelling too much on the horrors that I can’t fix or control, and focusing on the things I can do.”
These are mantras she lives by and offers to others: “Stop worrying about what other people think. Treasure your weirdness. Get over your fears and get out there. Do what you, and only you, were born to do.”
Career
Courtesy Maria Rodale
Modeling a Wholesome Lifestyle
Dr. Rebecca Hunton has always wanted to make a difference, and after dedicating two decades to functional medicine, her tireless efforts shine at Radiantly Healthy, her direct-care practice in central Florida, where patients benefit from unhurried appointments, advanced diagnostics and a collaborative partnership with their healthcare team. By listening closely to her patients— mostly women—she has been able to create a responsive, personalized standard of care that conventional institutions are slow to follow.
“Our culture—especially our workplace culture—is not designed for health or wholeness,” she remarks. “We’re beating ourselves up for failing to achieve something that’s genuinely impossible. Many of my female patients are burned out and demoralized— not because they’re failing, but because the target was never reachable. Step one is that awareness. Step two is adding one small, achievable action, and then another. That’s where momentum starts.”
In her integrative practice, one concept emerges with great regularity: there is no health without good mental health. “You can't separate emotional health from physical vitality. I make it a non-negotiable priority, which is part of my ‘just-10-minutes’ philosophy. When time is tight, I commit to
planking, the indoor bike or functional fitness, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. I maintain an affirmation and gratitude practice, and get outside on most days for some form of physical activity, often cycling.”
Because she believes that food is medicine, and one of the chief contributors to well-being, Hunton practices what she preaches to her patients. “I love to cook,” she explains. “I’m plant-forward, but not vegetarian, and legumes and beans find their way into nearly every dish I make.”
The healing power of community is also top of mind. “I’m thriving when I’m living in close alignment with the personal vision for my life, and that includes physical activity with friends, playing duplicate bridge to keep my mind sharp, as well as teaching and leading others for growth and fulfillment,” she says. “I try to be that person now for the younger women in my life—reaching back rather than just reaching forward.”
Teaching and Learning
Sarita-Linda Rocco’s journey into wholeness was forged from a crucible of deep grief, motherhood and a life-altering near-death experience during her mid-20s. These rollercoaster life events left her with debilitating panic attacks, and her search for stability led her to Ayurveda and yoga. Today, Rocco is a renowned teacher and founder of The
Nest Collaborative, a holistic haven in West Reading, Pennsylvania.
She is also an innovator and entrepreneur, continually searching for ways to help her students thrive in their body-mind fitness journey. One invention, The Original Superblock, is a specialized prop used to support students during yoga practice.
Rocco’s way of life is straightforward but powerful. She prioritizes foods that keep her blood sugar balanced, minimizing simple carbohydrates and focusing on clean proteins, healthy fats and seasonal vegetables. “I love cooking and find great joy in building meals around our weekly CSA [community supported agriculture] from a local organic farm,” she says. “Ayurveda spices and herbs are central in my kitchen, and hydration is foundational.”
According to Rocco, “Self-healing begins with setting boundaries with people and situations that deplete energy. I hope women remember their divine feminine power, shakti, from which their creative intelligence and life-generating energy flows. It does not compete. It creates. When women fragment that power through comparison and social pressure, something sacred is lost.”
Even now, hers is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. “Thriving is not perfection. It is honoring my energy moment to moment, knowing when to work with strength and when to rest without guilt,” she explains. “Conscious breathing stabilizes my nervous system more reliably than anything else. I practice regulating my nervous system and building resilience, not using yoga as a workout. I incorporate strength training with bands and weights to support bone health. I walk my dog twice daily most days. One of my most important rituals is fasting after dinner and going to bed by 9 p.m.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com
Courtesy Sarita-Linda Rocco
Courtesy
Dr. Rebecca Hunton
ENERGY & HEALING ARTS NETWORK
2026
NATURAL AWAKENINGS CHICAGO
Connect, share and grow with Natural Awakenings Chicago’s Energy & Healing Arts Network (EHAN) — a dedicated monthly section designed for local practitioners and businesses to spotlight offerings, connect with our readers and foster meaningful connections.
NEWS BRIEF
Agape House Expands Healing Services and Community Partnerships
The Agape House is expanding across the western and northwest suburbs through new partnerships, locations and opportunities for private healing work and group spiritual experiences. Founder Tina Santana, in continuing her mission of making reiki, intuitive guidance and energy healing more accessible to those seeking clarity, balance and renewal, has begun serving as a house practitioner at Sacred Ground, in Arlington Heights.
“I will offer expanded intuitive services and future healing events, including tarot and rune readings, oracle card insights, pendulum guidance and private reiki sessions by appointment,” says Santana.
She also offers reiki hours at Bright Shen Acupuncture, in Bloomingdale, from 4 to 6 p.m. on Mondays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays, except second Saturdays. Private reiki sessions and intuitive readings are also available at The Journey’s Path Metaphysical Center, in West Chicago, by appointment.
The Agape House is also expanding through a community partnership. “We’ll offer group healing events and private sessions with the First Congregational United Church of Christ of Elmhurst,” says Santana.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call or text 630-294-5225 or email TheAgapeHouse1977@gmail.com. Also visit TheAgapeHouseHealing.com. See listing in the EHAN Directory and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Energy Healing
METAMORPHIC RISE, LLC
Monica Rundell for in-person or virtual appointments
Usui Reiki Master with crystals & vibrational sound healing, Certified NLP and Hypnosis Practitioner, Psychic Medium Readings
Chakra Analysis & Healing, Reiki, Sound Healing, Crystal Healing, Guided Imagery, Core Belief Sessions. 5034 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago 773-271-3054
ChakraShoppe.com
Energy Medicine
HEALING HANDS BY ROSE
Reiki Master, Mary Magdalene Reiki, Divine Feminine Energy, Usui, Holy Fire and Karuna Reiki Healing Energy. Serving NW Chicago, Park Ridge & nearby 847-630-0455
HealingHandsByRose.com
EESystem Therapy
HEALING LIGHT WELLNESS CENTER
24-unit EESystem Therapy for immune function, anti-aging, pain relief, detox & more 810 S. Buffalo Grove Rd. Buffalo Grove 224-481-2055
HealingLightWellnessCenter.com
Photo courtesy Agape House
Tina Santana, founder and owner of The Agape House
More Than Soup
Lentils as a Modern Wellness Staple
by Maya Whitman
Humans have consumed lentils since the Bronze Age, and cultures worldwide, from the Middle East to the Mediterranean, have long valued them. These nutritious legumes gained popularity as a meat substitute in the United States during World War II and remain a cost-effective ingredient in modern kitchens, with the added benefit of being an eco-friendly, sustainable crop.
“Lentils require less water than many other protein sources, and they enrich the soil in which they’re grown,” says Cynthia Sass, a registered dietitian nutritionist and plant-based recipe developer in Los Angeles.
These small seeds from a legume plant are mild, easy to cook and offer endless possibilities for hearty soups, salads, plant-based “meatloaf”, veggie burgers, dips, stuffings and even sweet desserts. Lentils absorb any flavors added to them, effortlessly highlighting exotic
spices and fresh herbs, and can serve as a surprising flour replacement in delicious baked goods.
“When people discover lentils beyond soup, they often realize just how versatile and satisfying this tiny powerhouse can be. They are one of the most versatile foods in the plant-based kitchen,” says Tracy Gunter, a health strategist and owner of Original Origins Health & Wellness, in Columbia, South Carolina.
Vital Properties
According to the Cleveland Clinic, regular lentil consumption leads to healthier blood pressure levels than eating garbanzos (chickpeas), beans or peas. Their fiber content enhances good gut bacteria and sustains energy throughout the day. Lentils do not cause extreme glucose spikes, making them an excellent addition to a diabetes-management diet and helpful for reducing excessive systemic inflammation. Rich in selenium and zinc, they boost immune response and contain cardiovascular-supportive minerals like potassium. Lentils also provide iron and offer 25 grams of protein per three-and-a-half ounces. Their high polyphenols content also lowers the risk of cancer, cognitive decline and obesity.
Sass notes, “Lentils make a terrific post-exercise recovery food and can help athletes and active people replenish nutrients they’ve depleted during exercise and heal from the stress a workout puts on muscles and joints.”
Gunter loves lentils for their high nutrition and plant-forward flexibility. “They can easily replace meat in many dishes because of their hearty texture and protein content,” she explains. “They can be seasoned and used as a filling for stuffed peppers, layered into vegetable shepherd’s pie or incorporated into tacos and wraps.”
Varieties and Inspirations
Lentils vary in color and texture, each type cooking differently. Brown lentils are perfect for plant-based “meatloaf”, “meatballs”, vegetarian chili and sloppy joes. Red lentils cook quickly for creamy Italian, Moroccan or Indian-inspired soups, hearty hummus-like dips and curries. Tiny black lentils (Beluga) and French lentils (Puy) add a firm, nutty texture to food bowls and salads and pair well with roasted Yukon gold or sweet potatoes.
Lentils work well in combination with soft-to-medium-grade tofu for comfort food classics like stuffed shells or manicotti. Additionally, lentil-based desserts such as brownies are decadently moist, and lentil puddings are delightful when made with the addition of dried fruits like Medjool dates.
“Lentils can be incorporated into nearly every type of cuisine and can be included whole or pureed,” says Sass. “Cooked lentils can be
tossed with pre-made balsamic vinaigrette, olive tapenade, herbed tahini or vegan pesto and served over a bed of greens along with other raw or cooked veggies.” Although they cook within 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the variety, she suggests buying pre-cooked, steamed lentils in the produce section of many markets as a practical option. Canned organic lentils are another solid alternative.
“One of my favorite ways to prepare lentils is simply simmered with garlic, onion, fresh herbs and a splash of lemon,” says Gunter. “Sometimes the simplest preparations allow their natural flavor and earthy richness to shine.” She also praises the combination of lentils with spices like cumin, turmeric, coriander, smoked paprika and curry, as well as herbs like parsley, cilantro, thyme and rosemary, which aid digestion.
Helpful Tips
Soak lentils for a few hours to enhance digestibility. For perfectly tender lentils, add salt only after cooking. Cook a pot of lentils and store it in the fridge for use throughout the workweek. Freeze any unused, cooled portions for three to six months in airtight containers.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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MEDITERRANEAN LENTIL POWER SALAD
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
1 cup green or black lentils
3 cups water
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
½ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Rinse lentils and place in a pot with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer about 20 to 25 minutes until tender but still holding their shape.
Drain and allow lentils to cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine the cooled lentils with the cucumber, tomatoes, onion and parsley. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil and season with salt and pepper, then toss gently.
This salad is best served at room temperature or chilled. It keeps well for several days and becomes even more flavorful as it marinates.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Tracy Gunter.
CREAMY RED LENTIL GARLIC DIP
YIELD: 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
1 cup red lentils
2 cups water
2 garlic cloves
2 Tbsp tahini
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp sea salt
Pinch of smoked paprika or turmeric, optional
Rinse lentils and add to a saucepan with water and garlic.
Bring to a boil, then simmer about 12 to 15 minutes, until lentils are soft.
Allow to cool slightly, then transfer the lentils and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle paprika or turmeric on top, if desired. Serve with sliced vegetables, cucumber rounds or warm pita bread.
Recipe and photo courtesy of Tracy Gunter.
Tracy_Gunter
Tracy_Gunter
Spring Farmers Market Pasta With Fresh Asparagus and Peas
by Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
There is nothing quite like the beginning of the summer farmers market season. As the days turn warmer and May arrives, many Chicago-area markets begin to open. Markets follow their own schedules, and each one is unique, with most run by the communities that host them. A searchable map of farmers markets is available at ilfma.org/find-a-market.
When heading to a farmers market, it is recommended to bring a reusable bag and be prepared with the forms of payment vendors accept. Since COVID-19, many vendors accept electronic payments in addition to cash. For those eligible for a Link card through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), many markets accept Link and participate in Link Match. This program provides a dollar-for-dollar match for each dollar spent on a Link card, supporting additional fruit and vegetable purchases. For more information and a list of markets that accept Link and Link Match, visit ExperimentalStation. org/linkup-overview
Spring is an exciting time, with fresh products appearing every week. This recipe highlights early farmers market finds such as
asparagus and green onions. Enjoy the fresh flavors of the season. I often find local asparagus to be more tender, with little of the stalk going to waste. You may be lucky enough to find purple asparagus alongside the more traditional green variety. Roasting asparagus enhances its flavor.
SPRING FARMERS MARKET PASTA
YIELD: 6-8 SERVINGS
1 lb orzo, cooked according to package directions and drained 1 lb fresh asparagus*, trimmed
4 Tbsp butter or extra-virgin olive oil (plus additional for the asparagus)
½ cup fresh shredded Asiago or Parmesan cheese
1 package frozen peas (no need to cook) or fresh peas*, steamed if available
6-10 fresh green onions, chopped*
Fresh thyme*
Kosher salt and pepper to taste
* Items may be available at local farmers markets in May and June
Preheat oven to 400° F. To roast the asparagus, trim the ends and place on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and toss with clean hands until evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and roast until the tips begin to brown. Remove from the oven, cut into bite-size pieces and set aside.
Cook the orzo according to package directions, drain and set aside.
Support Local: Why Farmers Markets Matter
The Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA) helps make fresh, local food available across the state by supporting farmers markets and the people that run them. Shopping at farmers markets isn’t just about delicious farm fresh products—it’s about building stronger communities, supporting small farms and making healthy food accessible to all. Many Illinois markets accept SNAP and WIC benefits, thanks in part to ILFMA’s efforts. Local markets reduce environmental impact and connect people directly with growers. Every visit supports a more sustainable food system. For more information or to find a market nearby, visit ilfma.org.
Photo credit Janie Maxwell
Once all ingredients are prepared, combine the orzo, asparagus and peas in a large serving bowl. Drizzle with 4 tablespoons of olive oil or butter and add the cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.
Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN, is the executive director of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education and connections to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org.
Discover the Light Within You
Photo credit Janie Maxwell
Photo credit Janie Maxwell
Spring Market Finds:
Ramps, Asparagus, Leafy Greens and More
by Bob Benenson
While the first local crops of the outdoor season hit our farmers markets in April, it is usually May before we see a major influx of favorite varieties from Chicago region produce farms.
We say “usually” under advisement, though, because when those crops pop up is mostly a matter of spring weather conditions. And as Chicagoland residents know, the only thing predictable about our area’s weather— whether it’s year to year or even day to day— is its unpredictability.
Take ramps, the foraged wild onion prized by chefs and spring food lovers alike. Chicago’s name is widely traced to shikaakwa, an Indigenous word linked to the wild leeks,
onions or garlic that once grew abundantly here, later recorded by the French in forms such as chicagou
Ramps love cool weather, which is why they are typically the first local crop to arrive at our farmers markets in late March or early April. During a chilly spring, the ramp season is apt to last several weeks. In mid-April, when this article was written, Chicago and southwestern Michigan temperatures were anything but chilly. In fact, highs in parts of the region reached the upper 70s and even touched 80, raising doubts that growing ramps would even make it all the way to May. But then the weather shifted back to a more typical late-April pattern, so they might just sneak into May after all.
For local food fans that are not ramp devotees, it is not officially spring until vendors’ tables are piled high with asparagus—the first mass-consumed veggie to hit the region’s farmers markets. Most of Chicagoland’s asparagus comes from Michigan, which is by far the most prolific asparagus producer among the states.
Like many regional crops, the length of this versatile vegetable’s market season varies from year to year. Asparagus likes moisture, but not too much, and it hates extreme heat and cold. We have experienced years in which the asparagus season lasted only a few weeks—wrapping up by the end of May—and others that stretched the limits by starting in late April and lasting until around July 4. The recent warm weather wave that brought the first spears to Chicago markets by April 17 presages what could be a very long season.
The lower Lake Michigan farm region’s beloved strawberry season typically begins in mid-to-late May. But if asparagus can
Asparagus and Ramps from Mick Klug Farms at Green City Market.
Wholesome Harvest lettuce at Green City Market.
Photo credit Bob Benenson
Photo credit
Bob Benenson
be variable because of weather conditions, strawberries are downright finicky. A late, hard freeze when strawberry plants are flowering can be a devastating fruit killer. The berries are also affected by moisture, especially when too much rain causes rot and draws destructive insects.
As a result, a good strawberry crop can last for several weeks. In a bad year, the season can pass in a flash. For strawberry fans forever, best to grab them as soon as they appear at the market just to be safe. If it turns out to be a long season, that will mean more berry bliss.
A word to the wise: Strawberries are among the most fragile of fruits, even under the best circumstances. To help keep them intact from market to home, a hard-sided container prevents bouncing and bruising en route.
University of Illinois Extension publishes a useful guide to what’s in season. Other crops typically found in northern Illinois farmers markets in May include salad greens (including lettuce, mustards and endive), radishes, spring spinach and rhubarb.
But there are additional crops being grown indoors—usually in farm hoophouses and hothouses—that add to May selections.
Perhaps the best example is the rise of the spring hothouse-grown heirloom tomato. For many years, hothouse tomatoes had a negative reputation for hard textures and little flavor. But greatly improved indoor growing practices and technology have produced heirloom tomatoes that are ripe and delicious.
For many tomato lovers, nothing will surpass
SPRING FARMER’S MARKET PASTA RECIPE
by Janie Maxwell, MS, RDN Executive Director, Illinois Farmers Market Association
For a simple, fresh pasta with spring market finds, see Recipe From a Farmers Market Kitchen on page 34.
the juicy flavor bomb of a summer field-ripened tomato. But no longer do they need to go tomato-less in the many months between our region’s outdoor growing seasons.
Find a convenient market nearby in Local Food Forum’s Farmers Market Tracker, which is updated weekly through the season, and in the Illinois Farmers Market Association’s searchable market map at ILFMA.org/find-a-market.
Bob Benenson is the writer and publisher of Local Food Forum, a Chicago-based publication that maintains a regional farmers market tracker and covers the markets regularly. For more information, visit LocalFoodForum.com
Photo credit Bob Benenson
The author’s mid-April purchases from Green City Market.
The Grateful Brain
How Thankfulness Rewires the Mind and Restores the Heart
by Brendan Cournane
“Be sure to maintain an attitude of gratitude. It will lessen your stress and make you happier.”
For many people, this kind of advice lands differently in the middle of hardship. Divorce, career upheaval, grief and the fog of early recovery are the moments when gratitude can feel not just difficult, but impossible. Yet it is precisely in those moments that the practice matters most.
Gratitude is not merely a pleasant sentiment. It is a physiological event. When a person moves beyond mouthing the words and actually feels grateful, the brain responds in measurable ways.
Research shows that genuine gratitude activates the brain region associated with dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to reward and motivation. It also prompts the release of serotonin, which supports emotional stability, and oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, which deepens social connection.
Perhaps more importantly, gratitude works against cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress hormone. Cortisol triggers the fight-orflight response, elevating heart rate and blood pressure and keeping the nervous system in a state of alertness. Consistent, intentional gratitude practice dials that response down, creating space for calm, clarity and resilience.
Psychologists Michael McCullough and Robert Emmons, whose research helped establish gratitude as a serious field of study, have found that grateful people show increased prosocial motivation, demonstrate a greater desire to connect and contribute, and experience lower rates of depression, anxiety and envy. Gratitude also engages the principle of reciprocal inhibition, meaning the brain cannot hold two opposing emotional states at once. When gratitude is genuinely present, resentment and fear are crowded out.
A Practice Rooted in Wisdom Traditions
Gratitude has been woven into the spiritual and philosophical frameworks of cultures across millennia, including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Greek and Roman traditions. That such diverse worldviews have independently arrived at the same practice speaks to something fundamental about human nature: The recognition that what we have, and what we have been given, deserves acknowledgment.
Simple to understand does not mean easy to practice. Like any meaningful discipline, gratitude deepens with intention and repetition. Approaching it as three distinct but connected principles can help.
Three Principles of Gratitude
• Gratitude for What Is Present
The first and most intuitive dimension of gratitude is appreciation for what we currently have, such as our relationships, health, shelter and opportunity. Research by psychologists Giacomo Bono, Robert Emmons and Michael McCullough adds nuance to this: Gratitude runs deeper when a gift comes through a personal relationship and By Penny Lane for
when it involves genuine sacrifice on the part of the giver. A friend that shares a meal when they themselves have very little creates a different kind of gratitude than a routine workplace bonus.
Unexpected generosity also amplifies the effect. When a stranger anonymously pays for someone’s coffee and slips away before being identified, the dopamine response is heightened. It’s a small but real neurological reward for having been seen and cared for without expectation.
• Gratitude for What Has Been and What Is Yet to Come
The second dimension asks people to hold gratitude for what they once had but no longer do, and for what they hope to receive but have not yet. This may feel counterintuitive, yet memory is a powerful resource. Revisiting positive experiences—whether people, places or seasons of life—activates the hippocampus and amygdala, brain regions that
can reduce pain, improve sleep quality, and ease anxiety and depression. The good that was real does not cease to matter simply because it has passed.
• Gratitude Through Grief
Perhaps the most overlooked element of a gratitude practice is the role of grief. Every meaningful achievement carries a cost: the promotion that required time away from family, the award won at the expense of other pursuits, the relationship that ended to make room for something new. Acknowledging that cost, and allowing oneself to grieve it, is not the opposite of gratitude. It is part of it.
When something is lost, grief and gratitude can coexist. The sorrow of losing a person or a chapter of life is balanced by appreciation for the joy, effort and connection that were present.
Grief, when honored rather than suppressed, creates the conditions for renewal. It clears space for what comes next.
A Practice Worth Beginning
Gratitude does not require ideal circumstances. It does not demand that life be easy, loss be absent or struggle be resolved. It asks only for a willingness to look at what is present, at what has been, at what the hardest moments have cost and taught. That looking, practiced consistently, changes the brain’s chemistry, softens the nervous system and opens the heart.
The science and the wisdom traditions agree that genuine gratitude, felt rather than performed, is among the most powerful tools available for navigating a human life.
Brendan Cournane is a Chicago-based meditation coach and author of Seeking Serenity: Finding Happiness by Embracing Your Present Attitude, which explores gratitude, grief and the practical tools for lasting well-being. For more information, visit CoachBrendan.com
An ashram is a spiritual school, situated in a quiet and peaceful space, denoting a locus of activity centering on Yoga study and instruction.
Kula Kamala Foundation Ashram offers:
Herbal Rituals for Women’s Health:
Nourishment, Presence and Everyday Integration
by Shanna Bierman, RN, C-MNN
In today’s fast-paced world, women are often asked to move quickly, give endlessly and push through fatigue and stress. Yet, true wellness is often found not in doing more, but in coming back to simple, supportive rhythms—many of which have been practiced for generations.
Herbs offer one such pathway. Rooted in tradition and supported by modern understanding, they provide gentle, nourishing support for women’s health while inviting a deeper connection to the body, the earth and the present moment. Over time, they can be seen not simply as remedies, but as partners in daily wellness.
Supporting the Body, Naturally
A woman’s body moves through natural cycles, shifting not only month to month but throughout the seasons of life. Herbal support works in partnership with these rhythms, offering balance rather than force.
Mineral-rich herbs such as nettle and red raspberry leaf can be incorporated daily to help nourish the body, supporting energy levels, reproductive health and overall vitality. These herbs are often enjoyed as teas, but they also find their way easily into broths, smoothies or baked goods for an added boost of nutrition.
In times of stress or restlessness, calming herbs like chamomile, lemon balm and lavender may help soothe the nervous system and promote a sense of ease. They can be infused into honey, added to salads or used in desserts—small, simple ways to invite calm into the day.
For those seeking support with hormonal balance and detoxification, herbs such as dandelion root and milk thistle can be incorporated into meals. Roasted dandelion root can be enjoyed as a coffee alternative, while milk thistle seeds can be blended into smoothies. These plants are traditionally used to support liver function, an important part of hormone regulation, while also providing grounding nourishment.
By integrating herbs into both beverages and meals, they become less of a remedy and more of a way of life—quietly supporting the body day by day.
The Ritual of Tea: A Moment to Pause
While herbs can be incorporated in many ways, the act of preparing tea remains one of the most accessible and meaningful practices.
Making tea creates a natural pause. The process—heating water, measuring herbs and allowing them to steep—gently slows the pace, offering a few uninterrupted minutes away from daily demands.
In this space, something subtle begins to shift.
The warmth of a cup held in the hands, the aroma rising with the steam and the gradual unfolding of flavor all invite awareness. The breath deepens. The mind quiets. The body softens.
This daily ritual becomes more than a routine; it becomes a point of connection. Whether in the morning or at day’s end, it offers an opportunity to reset and simply be present.
Herbs in the Kitchen: Everyday Nourishment
Beyond tea, herbs can easily become part of everyday meals, turning ordinary dishes into something more nourishing and alive.
Fresh herbs like basil, parsley and chives bring brightness to meals while offering digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits. Edible
flowers such as violets and calendula can be added to salads or desserts, providing both beauty and gentle support.
Wild plants like dandelion greens or plantain can be sautéed, blended into pestos or added to soups, providing a simple way to reconnect with the natural abundance growing all around us.
Simple practices, such as infusing herbs into oils, vinegars or sweeteners like honey or agave, allow their benefits to be incorporated into daily cooking with ease.
These small additions enhance flavor, but they also deepen our relationship with what we consume—transforming meals into an act of intentional nourishment.
The Spiritual Connection
Working with herbs is not only physical but also deeply grounding and, for many, spiritual.
Plants carry a quiet, steady energy, rooted in the earth and shaped by the seasons. When we engage with them intentionally, whether through making tea or cooking, we connect with that rhythm.
Setting an intention while preparing herbs—whether for calm, clarity or balance—can shift the experience from routine to ritual. As the herbs steep or simmer, there is an opportunity to slow down, breathe
and reconnect inwardly.
This is where herbalism meets mindfulness—where nourishment becomes something more.
A Return to Simple Rhythms
Incorporating herbs into daily life does not require extensive knowledge or elaborate preparation. It begins with small, consistent choices—a cup of tea, a handful of herbs in a meal, a moment of pause.
Over time, these practices create a foundation of nourishment and balance.
In reconnecting with herbs, there is also a return to something deeper: the understanding that wellness is not separate from daily life—it is woven into the rhythms we honor and the moments we allow ourselves to simply be.
Shanna Bierman is a women’s health nurse, herbalist and founder of Intentional Teas LLC, a nurse-formulated line of small-batch herbal teas and wellness products. With more than 30 years of experience learning from plants, she blends clinical knowledge with traditional herbal wisdom to support whole-body wellness through education, ritual and everyday nourishment. For more information, visit IntentionalTeasLLC.com
Infinite options for
The Body Bath:
When Sound Becomes Touch
by Piotr Pitera
For centuries, humans have used sound to heal—from chanting monks to modern sound baths. Increasingly, attention is turning to the physical effects of sound, particularly how it is felt in the body.
Emerging research suggests that low-frequency vibration, when applied directly to the body, may stimulate the vagus nerve, ease muscle tension and shift the nervous system into deep rest faster than sound alone. Vibroacoustic therapy (VAT) represents a meeting point between physics and physiology, where sound becomes a fullbody conversation.
From Sound to Sensation
The session begins in stillness, eyes closed, lying quietly. A low hum rises through the table beneath the body, steady and rhythmic. Rather than entering through the ears, the sensation rises through the ribs, hips and spine. Sound is experienced not only as something heard, but as something felt.
This moment of somatic resonance is the bridge between traditional sound healing and the burgeoning field of vibroacoustic therapy. While both use frequency as a therapeutic tool, they speak to the body in fundamentally different languages.
Hearing vs. Feeling: The Nervous System’s Two Pathways
Traditional sound healing is a top-down experience. Singing bowls, gongs and binaural beats send sound waves through the air to the ears. The auditory system translates them into emotional or meditative states, calming the mind first, which then signals
the body to relax. It’s powerful, but indirect.
Vibroacoustic therapy, by contrast, functions as a bottom-up approach. Specialized transducers convert low frequencies—typically between 20 and 150 hertz (Hz)—into physical vibrations that travel through skin, muscle, fascia and bone. This creates what researchers call mechanotransduction—the process by which cells convert mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. In plain terms, it creates a more direct pathway to influence the nervous system.
Try this: Place one hand on your chest and hum a low “om” or deep “ah.” Feel that ripple in your sternum. This brief exercise illustrates vibroacoustic resonance in its simplest form. Now imagine that sensation, precisely tuned, flowing through your entire body for 30 minutes.
Why Frequency Matters
The body is remarkably selective about what it feels. We’re most responsive to vibrations
between 30 and 120 Hz—the same range where bass lives in music and where our tissues naturally resonate. Frequencies in this window may help stimulate vagal tone, loosen chronic tension in fascia and connective tissue, improve circulation and lymphatic flow, and reduce pain and anxiety.
But here’s the catch: not all vibration is created equal. Consumer audio equipment is designed for hearing, not feeling. Without precise frequency filtering, much of the energy is wasted on high frequencies the ears enjoy but the body ignores. Professional-grade vibroacoustic systems use amplifiers tuned specifically to the therapeutic range, ensuring every watt serves a purpose.
Surface material matters, too. Wood acts as a natural resonator, carrying vibration fluidly through its grain. Metal or hydraulic frames, by contrast, can rattle, dampen or distort the frequency—like trying to play a cello through a steel box.
Photo courtesy
Vibro Acoustic Solutions
The Equipment Landscape: From Cushions to Full Immersion
As VAT moves from clinical labs into homes and boutique studios, the options have expanded, including vibroacoustic cushions that are portable and modular, perfect for meditation or desk-side recovery; dedicated full-body sound beds found in high-end wellness centers; and DIY conversion kits that offer the most versatile and cost-effective path by transforming an existing massage table or recliner into a professional vibroacoustic system.
For those seeking the pinnacle of immersion, elite systems now combine tactile vibration with full-range audio speakers—creating a dual-layer experience where the body vibrates at therapeutic frequencies while the ears are enveloped in crystal-clear soundscapes. The result is a deeper meditative state than either could achieve alone.
The Accessibility Revolution
For years, vibroacoustic therapy was out of reach for many people, with systems priced between $5,000 and $10,000. That’s changing. Modular designs and focused engineering have made high-fidelity VAT accessible to independent practitioners, yoga studios and home users that want clinical-grade results without the luxury markup.
Sound as an Embodied Language
Moments of sound often extend beyond hearing alone, shaping sensation throughout the body. At concerts, drumbeats and bass frequencies can be felt as much as heard, creating subtle shifts in awareness and emotional state. These responses point to sound as an embodied experience—one that is both perceived and physically felt. As vibroacoustic approaches continue to evolve, this relationship between vibration and the nervous system is moving into the mainstream of everyday well-being practices.
Piotr Pitera is the owner of Vibroacoustic Solutions, a Chicago-based company that designs, assembles and tests systems that deliver precision without pretense. Its systems—from ready-to-use vibroacoustic beds to DIY kits that convert existing equipment—are designed for home use, startup massage practices and established wellness studios. For more information, visit VibroacousticSolutions.com/awakenings. See ad on page 3 and on the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Join us in welcoming new neighbors with a
Hometown Hug is more than a welcome basket. It’s a warm introductions to our community. Each year, we personally greet over 700 new homeowners in McHenry County, connecting them with local businesses and non-profits like yours, to build lasting relationships hometownhug@gmail.com www.hometownhug.com
Our entire biological system, the brain, and the Earth itself, work on the same frequencies.
—Nikola Tesla
Calendar of Events
Asian Pacific Islander American Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Friday, May 1
Int’l Workers Day
Beltane (Wiccan)
Full Moon - Flower Moon, Leaf Budding Moon
Joann Lysiak Gems Spring Sale – May 1-15. 10am-11:55pm. On all fine, handcrafted jewelry and high-vibrational gemstones online. Find Mother’s Day gifts and special gifts for yourself of beautiful gemstones that emit frequencies of love, peace, awakening, abundance and strength. Use code: NAS10 at checkout to receive 10% off. $29$275. JoannLysiakGems.com.
Beltane Wheel of the Year Celebration – 7-9pm. With Kate. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Saturday, May 2
Lake Renwick Migratory Bird Viewing –8am-12pm. See the dazzling spectacle of nesting herons, egrets and cormorants, and maybe even see one of our resident bald eagles. Free. Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Nature Preserve, 23202 W Renwick Rd, Plainfield. ReconnectWithNature.org
Meet a Beekeeper – 10am-12pm. Meet local beekeeper Dade Bradley to discuss the art of beekeeping. Ask questions, chat and troubleshoot. Pick up specific beekeeping tips or simply learn more about the world of bees. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. ReconnectWithNature.org
Deer Park Art Show – May 2-3. 10am-5pm. Thousands of original works of art from 75 artists. There’s something for everyone-live painting classes, the Kids’ Art Zone art projects, face painting, live music, refreshing lemonade, delicious snacks, selfie stations and much more. Free. Deer Park Town Center, 20530 N Rand Rd, Deer Park. AmdurProductions.com
Table Thai Shiatsu – May 2-3. 10am-5pm. Workshop includes therapeutic and clinical applications using table shiatsu as its focus. The training’s goal is for the therapists to integrate movement, energetic channels and anatomical specificity into their existing work. 12 CEs. $360. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Quantum Frequency Healing – 2-5pm. Eve Muir-Wilson works in the quantum field using intuitively channeled, high-dimensional frequencies such as light and sound frequencies, Lemurian light language and light codes, and more. Includes setting intentions, guided meditation and energy healing. $50/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
You Have Questions? The Angels Have Answers – 2-5pm. Your angels are waiting for the questions you have for them. An angel reading with Lin Boffeli will provide angelic guidance on your questions as well as matters of the heart. May choose an angel reading or an astrology reading as Lin is a professional astrologer. $50/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Sunday, May 3
World Press Freedom Day
SAVE THE DATE
Holistic Health Fair
10am-4pm
Explore holistic health and metaphysical topics, local natural health practitioners and service providers, energy workers, makers of natural products and a wide range of products and services. $5/online advance; $25/keynote includes admission, advanced sales only. Chicago Marriott Naperville 1801 N Naper Blvd, Naperville HolisticHealthFair.org
Seated Yoga and Seasonal Sights – 11am12pm. A 30-35-min all-levels seated yoga session and 25-30-min natural world exploration. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by May 1: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
SAVE THE DATE
Connie Warrior of Light Psychic Medium 7-9pm
Prepare to be inspired as Connie connects with the other side, delivering messages of love and guidance from departed loved ones. With her compassionate and uplifting presence, Connie creates an atmosphere of love and healing. $55/advance, $75/at door. Classic Cinemas Charlestowne Theatre 3740 E Main St, St Charles app.gopassage.com/events/39100
Monday, May 4
Myofascial Release for the Shoulder Girdle – 9am-6pm. Work smarter, not harder, during your massage therapy session by learning to incorporate Myofascial Release techniques. This approach works without lubrication, using intention and patience to provide a gentle, slow, sustained pressure into the fascial restriction barriers. 8 CEs. $240. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Tuesday, May 5
Cinco de Mayo
More Calm, Less Stress: An Experiential Evening – 6-8:30pm. With Author Megy Karydes. An interactive evening featuring floral therapy, bookbinding and a walking and nature experience, all centered on simple, science-backed ways to reduce stress and cultivate calm. Fabrik Chicago, 440 N Wells, Chicago. Tinyurl.com/yhhr69f5
Free Community Meditation – Held weekly. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Wednesday, May 6
Soul Care Days – 9:30am-2pm. Since you make a difference for others, we want to make a difference for you. Designed by Soulful Prairies with a particular population in mind where we see the need for connection and care: mental health professionals, nonprofit workers and all those who contribute to taking care of others. Individuals pay $65 and the rest of the cost will be subsidized by our Sovereign Souls Grant. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/ Crystal%20Lake
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Spiritual Beginnings 101 – 7-8:30pm. Your path to discover, awaken and build your spiritual foundation. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Thursday, May 7
Soulful Prairies’ Informational Open House – 4:30-7pm. Have you been curious about Equine Gestalt Therapy? Take some time to explore the property, walk the paths, see the accommodations and meet our horses. Geared towards mental health professionals who are looking for extra resources and clients, but all curious souls are welcome. Free. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Sound Bath – 7-8pm. Join Frances Murphy, certified sound healer, for a guided sound bath where you will hear and feel the sounds and vibrations of crystal singing bowls, crystal singing pyramid, chimes and other sound instruments wash over you. Experience rest, relaxation or a soothing meditative state. $25. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Astrology: Intro to the Language of the Stars – 7-9pm. 4-wk class. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Friday, May 8
Gua Sha Class – 10am-5pm. A rubbing technique applied to the surface of the skin with a smooth tool resulting in drawing out stagnation and stimulating the connective tissues. Class reviews the benefits and different procedures, as well as protocol for treating a variety of diseases. 6 CEs. $180. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Sonic Fusion Meditation – 6:30-8pm. With Andre and Barb Peraza. A sacred sound experience designed to help you realign your energy, deepen your intuition and reconnect with your Inner Light. Through a fusion of crystal singing bowls, gongs drums and harmonic instruments, Andre and Barb create a multidimensional soundscape that supports energetic healing and spiritual awakening. $55. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Saturday, May 9
World Fair Trade Day
World Migratory Bird Day
World Migratory Bird Day – All day. This global event highlights the peak of spring bird migration, with opportunities throughout the Chicago region to observe migratory species at forest preserves, lakefront sites and local nature centers. Free. WorldMigratoryBirdDay.org
Wake Up with Warblers: Birding and Bird-Friendly Coffee – 7-9am. Start your morning with a delicious cup of bird-friendly coffee and a light treat as we welcome spring migration. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by May 7: 815-722-9301 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Birds and Blooms – 8-9:30am. Walk with a naturalist to spot brightly colored warblers in the trees above and vibrant wildflowers on the forest floor. Free. McKinley Woods, Frederick’s Grove, 27110 S McKinley Woods Rd, Channahon. Register by My 8: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Migratory Bird Day: Early Bird Hike – 8:3010am. Learn about the species that are migrating through our area while listening and looking for our feathered friends. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by May 7: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org
River Day – 9am-12pm. Friends of the Chicago River’s annual volunteer cleanup and stewardship day brings people together at 80-plus sites across the Chicago-Calumet River system to help restore local waterways and surrounding habitat. Free. ChicagoRiver.org.
Plant Sale & Garden Bazaar – 9am-3pm. Aside from the professionally grown plants we’ll be selling a variety of artisan-made, garden-related items. We focus on native perennials, annuals, herbs and vegetables, but offer a wide array. Bartlett Log Cabin, 102 N Eastern Ave, Bartlett. Facebook.com/TriVillageGardenClub
Reiki for Mental Health Professionals – 9am-5pm. How might the system of reiki benefit your personal growth and your professional practice? Find out with this 1-day introduction to basic Traditional Japanese reiki practices and concepts. $300 early bird; $375. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com
Northbrook Art in the Park – May 9-10. 10am-5pm. Enjoy unique art from 80+ artists. Make your masterpiece at our live painting class or plan a stop at the Kid’s Creation Station. Be sure to look for kid-friendly tent and live art demos and get interactive with the artists. Free. Village Green Park, 1810 Walters Ave, Northbrook. AmdurProductions.com
Migration Celebration – 12-3pm. Take a stroll around the preserve and add your sightings to the day’s count. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. 815-722-9470. ReconnectWithNature.org.
Crystal Talk: Divine Feminine – 2-3:30pm. With Janel, crystal consultant and lightworker. Bring your questions about crystals and she’ll answer them. Learn how to tune into your higher knowing and intuition through working with crystals. $25. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Sunday, May 10
Green Dreamer Day
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day Appreciation – Times vary. Get out of the house and unwind in the great outdoors by fishing or hiking. Locations vary: ReconnectWithNature.org
Feed Your Soul Gestalt Group – 2-4:30pm. 2nd Sun thru Nov 8. Share joys and disappointments in a safe environment without judgment. As the horses support you through the process, participants experience the life changing, deep healing of Gestalt therapy. $55. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Monday, May 11
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Tuesday, May 12
Green Drinks Libertyville – 7:309:30pm. 2nd Tues every other month. Gatherings for those who share an interest in the environment, sustainability and our community. Pizzeria DeVille, 404 N Milwaukee Ave, Libertyville. Facebook.com/greendrinkslibertyville.
Wednesday, May 13
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See May 6 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
MenLiving: Where Men Find Connection and Support – 6:30pm. 2nd Wed. With Dan Bulf. Provides in-person spaces for men to craft healthier, more fulfilling lives. Free. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. Tinyurl.com/MenLiving2026
Circle of Light: A Monthly Gathering with the Ascended Masters – 7-9pm. May’s Guide: Hathor. A monthly community gathering where we slow down and connect with the wisdom of Ascended Masters—enlightened guides who represent the highest qualities of love and peace. $44. Sacred Ground, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Thursday, May 14
Sensory Night Hike –7:45-9pm. Join a naturalist on a hike through the forest, test your senses and enjoy an after-hours evening in the preserve. Free. Hammel Woods, Rte 59 Access, Shorewood. Register by May 13: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Friday, May 15
Where the Wildflowers Are – 5-6:30pm. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties got their names, their uses through time, and other lore and legends. Free. O’Hara Woods, 1034 W 135th St, Romeoville. Register by May 13: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
FireHorse Activation – 6-9pm. With energy healer Eve Muir-Wilson. The FireHorse is a powerful symbol of passion, forward motion and inspired action. Eve will work with FireHorse energy to help you align your intentions and energetically support what you want to create now. $55/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Reflexology For Feet, Hands, Face –6-9pm. Anna Para, licensed reflexologist, provides this popular hands-on therapy by massaging pressure points on the feet, hands and face. Reflexology for the face requires a 60-min session. $50/30 mins., $90/60 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Saturday, May 16
New Moon - Moon of Great Ripening of Berries
Where the Wildflowers Are – 8:30am12pm. Join a naturalist for a hike to find wildflowers and hear stories of how these beauties got their names, their uses through time, and other lore and legends. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by May 14: 815-722-9470 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Kinesiology Taping Fundamentals – 9am5pm. Spend a day learning about the “special tape” that is seen all over many athletes and others. Discussion of the benefits, contraindications and precautions, as well as research and more. Work with different tensions of tape and how to target specific areas, creating desired effects on tissue. 7 CEs. $260, materials included. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Lincoln Roscoe Art + Craft Fair – May 1617. 10am-5pm. Features art for the home including fabulous paintings, sculptures and fiber pieces, as well as décor, jewelry and more; all handmade by artists and artisans. Live music all weekend long, painting classes, selfie stations, festival food, interactive art activities for kids. Free. Lincoln Ave between Roscoe and Melrose sts, 3329 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago. AmdurProductions.com.
Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication Day – 11am-12pm. Sponsored by Darien Garden Club. Blue Star Memorial Markers extend thousands of miles across the U.S. and honor all our Armed Forces of the United States. On Armed Forces Day, we will gather with local elected officials, officers of the Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc, members of the Darien VFW Post 2838, and the community for the dedication of the marker. Free. Darien Community Park North Pavilion, 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd, Darien. DarienGardenClub.com
Intuitive Readings – 2-5pm. Bobbi Williams’ intuitive readings speak to your soul’s journey to provide guidance and understanding. She opens portals for communication from loved ones in Spirit (mediumship reading), and provides spiritual guidance on the Earth plane (psychic reading). Bobbi will access Akashic Records for greater clarity and support on your soul’s journey. $50/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Sunday, May 17
Endangered Species Day
World Turtle Day
Living History Encounter: Powerful Plants – 12-3pm. Learn all about the different uses of plants with historical hands-on activities. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org
Monday, May 18
Qigong Microcosmic Orbit – 9am-4pm. Microcosmic Orbit has been a kept secret in Mainland China exclusively within the monastery community and a special elite class for ages. The practice facilitates the opening of sacral and cranial points, along with other key energy points along the path/orbit. 6 CEs. $180. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Horse, Yoga, Gong + Meditation – 6:458:30pm. Horses move through the world with a beautiful and balanced vibration. While meditating in their presence to the sound of the gong, the horses bring participants into a space of wellbeing. $50. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Tuesday, May 19
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Wednesday, May 20
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See May 6 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Ocean of Light: WhaleBreathing & Reiki Journey– 7-9pm. May Theme: Spring Reset & Return of the Light. Facilitated by Mary Rondenet; Reiki by Dan and Tina Santana. Enter a soothing, heart-centered evening designed to awaken your inner light, expand your breath and gently open you to new possibilities. $48. AVU Collective, 6 Executive Ct, South Barrington. TheAgapeHouseHealing.com
Thursday, May 21
Stress-Reduction Hour: Acupuncture + Reiki – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Thur. Curious about acupuncture and/or reiki? We invite you to join us for this informational and experiential event. Discover for yourself the deep relaxation that is possible with these modalities. $10 suggested donation. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. 312-796-3965. CalandraAcupuncture.com
Friday, May 22
World Biodiversity Day
SAVE THE DATE
Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference Weekend
May 22-24
This spring, join us for a nourishing gathering of the feminine with acclaimed herbalists and speakers, pre-conference immersions, incredible workshops, plant walks, and topics including holistic immune support, storytelling, herbal traditions from around the world, wise woman ways and much more. Camp Helen Brachman, Almond, WI MidwestWomensHerbal.com
Sacred Creations – 7-8:30pm. A monthly creative and spiritual gathering. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Saturday, May 23
World Turtle Day
Barrington Art Festival – May 23-24. 10am5pm. Unique art from 125+ artists at this long-cherished community tradition. Make your masterpiece at our live painting class, or plan a creative stop in the Kids Art Zone. Free. Downtown Barrington, S Cook St & E Station St, Barrington. AmdurProductions.com
Sunday, May 24
Solar Magic Sun Printing Workshop –10-11:30am. Discover how to harness the power of the sun to create brilliant blue nature sun prints. Free. Plum Creek Nature Center, 27064 S Dutton Rd, Beecher. Register by May 22: 708-946-2216 or ReconnectWithNature.org
Monday, May 25
Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 26
Eid Ul-Adha begins at sundown (Islam)
Wednesday, May 27
Spiritual Beginnings 101 – 7-8:30pm. Your path to discover, awaken and build your spiritual foundation. Sacred Ground, 19 E Miner, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See May 6 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Thursday, May 28
SAVE THE DATE
Peruvian Shamanism Training with Jose Luis Herrera May 28-31. 1:30pm, Thurs-1pm Sun. Peruvian teacher Jose Luis Herrera leads a 4-part training exploring Peruvian shamanic traditions. Participants create a medicine bundle (mesa) used as a map for transformation and healing. Additional sessions: July 23-26; Sept 10-13; Nov 12-15. $799/session; meals included. Golden Light Healing, 7102 Sundew Rd, Sobieski 920-428-0588. GoldenLightHealing.net
Friday, May 29
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Saturday, May 30
Wellness Day – 9am-1pm. A day to connect with nature, and yourself, while unplugging and focusing on the present. Free. Hickory Creek Preserve, 10537 W La Porte Rd, Mokena. Register by May 26: 815-727-8700 or ReconnectWithNature.org
The Magnificent Mile Spring Art Fest – May 30-31. 10am-5pm. Showcases the original art of 60 juried artists from around the country in a variety of mediums, highlighting jewelry, fashion, glass and functional art, as well as painting and photography. Free. Plaza at 875 N Michigan Ave, 875 N Michigan Ave, Chicago. AmdurProductions.com
Sunday, May 31
Full Moon - Blue Moon
Plan Ahead
Friday, June 5
Spring Pasture Release – 8:30-10:30am. Experience the joy. Come join us for one of my favorite times of year at the prairie. The horses have been cooped up for the winter months; the pastures have finally dried out, and the fresh fluorescent green grass is ripe for the munching. We will gather on our pasture deck as the horses’ excitement ramps up for the opportunity to run the stretch behind the barn to the fresh new spring grasses. $55. Soulful Prairies, 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Oneness Fest 2026 – June 5-7. A 3-day immersive festival featuring yoga, breathwork, meditation, energy healing, personal development and conscious living in a community-centered setting. Camp Tuckabatchee, 1973 N 35th Rd, Ottawa. AwakeOnenessTribe.org/onenessfest
SAVE THESE DATES
Sunday, June 14
“New Moon in June”: 5-Year Anniversary & Wellness Fair 2-5pm
Featuring local doctors and wellness professionals that will showcase offerings from colon hydrotherapy to personal training to nutrition and more. $10 suggested donation.
Midwest Cleanse 5962 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago 773-728-6800
MidwestCleanse.com
Thursday, June 18
Peaceful Resonance 5:30-7pm
Enjoy the calming combination of sound bath, guided mediation, stress reduction ear seeds and reiki session. Presenters: Victoria Kowalska and Teri Calandra, LAc. $55 by June 1, $65. Inner Peace Psychological Care 999 N Plaza Dr, Ste 380, Schaumburg 847-230-4242
InnerPeacePsych.com
Friday, July 10
Quantum Healing for the Soul Retreat July 10-12. 4-8:30pm, Fri; 9am-8:30pm, Sat; 9am-12pm, Sun. A weekend retreat focused on soul alignment, healing and personal transformation through holistic practices including energy healing, breathwork, meditation and journaling. $333 includes meals; lodging options available.
Golden Light Healing 7102 Sundew Rd, Sobieski 920-428-0588
GoldenLightHealing.net
Thursday, July 23
Peruvian Shamanism Training with Jose Luis Herrera July 23-26. 1:30pm, Thurs-1pm, Sun. Four-part training exploring Peruvian shamanic traditions. Participants create a medicine bundle (mesa) used as a map for transformation and healing. Additional sessions: Sept 10-13; Nov, 12-15. $799/session; meals included.
Golden Light Healing 7102 Sundew Rd, Sobieski 920-428-0588
GoldenLightHealing.net
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Saturday, August 1
The Herbal Apprentice Aug 1-2. 9am-4pm.
2-day intensive exploring the foundations of botanical medicine, combining practical application with the science and philosophy of herbalism. Topics include top North American herbs, herbal preparations, apothecary basics and natural approaches to modern stressors. Suitable for beginners and those with prior study. $333; lunch included. Lodging available.
Golden Light Healing 7102 Sundew Rd, Sobieski 920-428-0588
GoldenLightHealing.net
Friday, August 28
8-Day Yoga, Self-Inquiry & Meditation Retreat: This Being Human
This meditation retreat takes place near the beautiful Lake Atitlán, Guatemala and focuses on emotional intelligence as an essential foundation in approaching meditation.
Kawoq Forest Retreat Center Lake Atitlán, Guatemala 224-300-0499
CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Sunday, October 11
Vaishno Devi/Shakti Peetham Pilgrimage Oct 11-20
A 10-day small-group experience for those drawn to sacred travel, devotion and inner transformation. Traveling from Delhi to Katra, visit several revered temples along the route and receive darshan, culminating in the powerful pilgrimage to the Vaishno Devi. $3,900. For more info, Casey: 484-509-5073 x 1 or KulaKamalaFoundation.org
Friday, October 30
10-Day Self-Inquiry & Meditation Retreat: Seeing Through the Solidity of Thoughts Oct 30-Nov 9
This retreat holds a dedicated space for a deep and introspective immersion into life below the surface and into a mind-body significantly more subtle than form.
Vajra Vidya Retreat Center 3203 Camino Baca Grande, Crestone, CO 224-300-0499
CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Ongoing Events
Daily
1:1 Private Yoga Tune Up Instruction –Roll Model Method, Mental Performance and Functional Movement Screening. Virtual or In-Person (Wheaton or Chicago). JulieMackey.com.
Chicago Park District Flower Shows –Thru May 10. The Lincoln Park Conservatory will host Jewels of Spring, while the flower display at the Garfield Park Conservatory is Showers of Flowers. Each conservatory offers a unique interpretation of the spring. Lincoln Park Conservatory, 2391 N Stockton Dr, Chicago; Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N Central Park Ave, Chicago. ChicagoParkDistrict.com/conservatory-flower-shows
Mother’s Day Wellness Experience – This experience offers dedicated time for her to step out of constant doing and into restoration. Every part of this experience is designed to help her body unwind, her mind settle, and her system reset, so she can leave feeling more like herself again. Limited availability. $249 ($365 value). Health Clarified, 2165 A Shermer Rd, Northbrook. 224-344-8668. Book by May 8: HealthClarifiedNow.com
Wild Onion Market Co-op – 8am-8:30pm. Offering fresh, local and sustainably sourced food 7 days a week. Wild Onion Market, 7007 N Clark St, Chicago. WildOnionMarket.com
Healing Music Sessions – 1-6pm, Sat/Sun; 9am-6pm, Mon-Thurs. Life Rhythms helps those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level 7 days a week. The 1-hr sessions, inclusive of all instruments, improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate cognitive abilities and promote wellness. LifeRhythmsInc.com
Naturally Purifying and Supercharging Your Body Podcast – 7-7:45pm. Matthew Hazen is the owner of Human Consciousness Support, a company that produces a unique nutraceutical product called MasterPeace. Free. BuzzSprout. com/1206776/14236700
Sunday
Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship Services – 9am, Energization Exercises; Kirtan held the 4th Sun, 9-10:40am; 9:30-10:40am, Yoga Meditation; 11am-12pm, Reading Service. 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-366-0140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org
Revive and Restore – 10am. With Dan Bulf. Burn Boot Camp Evanston, 9412 Skokie Blvd, Skokie. Tinyurl.com/y9avumwf.
Kundalini Yoga & Meditation – 10-11:30am. Join us for weekly Kundalini yoga classes to work your body, relieve your mind and uplift your spirit. Schedule: Mon & Wed, 9:30am; Sat: 6pm; Sun: 10am & 4:30pm. All levels. $21. Inspire Yoga & Wellness Center, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village. 312-593-4366. InspireYogaWellness.com
Farmers Market+ at the Dole Mansion –May 25-Oct 26. 10am-2pm. Not held June 29 or July 6. 401 Country Club Rd, Crystal. FarmersMarketAtTheDole.org
Musical Brunch – 11am-2pm. Also Sat. Featuring local talents. Madame Zuzu’s, 1876 1st St, Highland Park. Details: LifeRhythmsInc.com
The Way of Eternal Becoming: Energetic-Spiritual Cultivation Session – 2-3:15pm. Raising, brightening and engaging your unique true whole self and inherent gifts for a more present and fulfilling way of maneuvering through life’s challenges, successes and day-to-day experiences. Free. Zoom. EternalBecoming.com
5Rthyms Ecstatic Dance – 1-2:30pm. With Clay Henley. A dynamic practice to both workout and meditate in the same breath. Class pass or $30/drop-in. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com
Hot Power – 3pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd.
Live Music at The Fat Shallot – 3-6pm. $10 suggested donation. The Fat Shallot, 2902 Central St, Evanston. LifeRhythmsInc.com
C1 Foundations – 4:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Monday
Healing Touch Sessions – Also Wed. With Tara. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/ thenest
Open-Level Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Agnieszka Poniedzialki. In Polish and English. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com
ONLINE: Ascension Tribe Weekly Monday Night Energy Tune-Up – 8pm. Zoom. Register for free: TryAscensionTribe. com
Tuesday
Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health, following our intuition, herbalism and functional medicine to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. Tinyurl.com/CultivatingG
Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847-207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions.com
Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes – 5pm. Also Thurs. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery
Dinner With the Doctors: Health Classes – 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. New to our practice and wanting to see if we are the right fit? Returning patient wanting to understand more deeply what you’ve been experiencing? Enjoy demonstrations and time for Q+A with the docs to learn and experience how they work. Free dinner provided; RSVP required in order for food to be prepared. Free. Be Optimal Holistic Health Center, 5225 Old Orchard Rd, Ste 31, Skokie. 847-486-8000. BeOptimal.com
Group Silent Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm & 7:35-8:35pm. Silent group meditation in a quiet, secular space that welcomes all walks of life. The center is our labor of love and your presence is deeply appreciated as we share an hour of silence together. Optional donation. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Different topics each week. Facilitator changes weekly. Walk-ins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
The Power of the Subconscious Mind –7-9pm. Find out how the mind really works and answer questions such as: What is the exact definition of the subconscious mind? How does it inflict unwanted feelings and anxiety in you? What determines how much pressure it exerts on a person? Plus more. 650 S Clark St, Chicago. Scientology-Chicago.org
Be your own artist and always be confident in what you’re doing. If you’re not going to be confident, you might as well not be doing it.
—Aretha Franklin
Monthly Women’s Circle – 7:30-9pm. 1st Tues. A monthly gathering to celebrate the Sacred Feminine, to unite in sisterhood and community. We create a safe circle of compassion, healing and joy. Where we open our hearts to life and one another, share anything that needs to be shared, provide generous listening to our sisters, meditate, sing, dance, and create community and friendships. Free; graciously accepting donations. RSVP preferred but not required. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-430-3115. NSHealing.com.
Wednesday
Green City Market: Lincoln Park – May 6-Nov 18. 7am-1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org
Ravinia Farmers Market – June 3-Oct 28. 7am-1pm. 486 Roger Williams Ave, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com
Farm on Ogden Market – 11am-5pm. WedSat. Indoor year-round market. 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago. ChicagoBotanic.org/ urbanagriculture/farm_on_ogden
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Open-Level Yoga – 7-8:15pm. With Gosia. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. NSHealing.com
Thursday
What Do You Like to Eat? – 8am-5pm. Persons who live in Chicagoland, ages 20-79 years who can be counted as members of 13 cultural communities, are asked to meet with a researcher for both a 1-to1 interview and a survey on what they like to eat. The researcher will meet you in your community. Total time will not exceed one hour. Free. For details, Carey: PayneWellnessCenter.abmp.com
Shiatsu Student Clinic – 9:30 & 10am. At our popular Advanced Student Clinic, clients can receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. Availability limited; call for appointments. Sessions must be paid in advance. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsu.edu
Layers of Dementia – 12-1pm. Layers of Dementia was created to offer the opportunity for people to come together and share their experiences, support one another and learn. Offering 5 Informational Zoom meetings with guest speakers, 2 Support and Share Zoom meetings to create connections, and 2 in-person gatherings at Soulful Prairies. Come to all or any of the offerings that resonate with you. Free. 847-366-6743. SoulfulPrairies.com
Mobility and Mental Performance for Athletes – 5pm. With Julie Mackey. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Register: MajorSportsIL.com/recovery
Hot Power – 5:30pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Guided Self-Inquiry – 6-7:30pm. Through guided prompts and open discussions, each session invites participants to pause, reflect on their inner landscape and ask meaningful questions that enhance emotional intelligence and the understanding of meditation. Suggested donation: $20$30. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
CoreRestore – 7pm. With Dan Bulf. CorePower Yoga Winnetka, 850 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka. Tinyurl.com/zrx62jbd
Group Silent Meditation – 7:30-8:30pm. Silent group meditation in a quiet, secular space that welcomes all walks of life. The center is our labor of love and your presence is deeply appreciated as we share an hour of silence together. Optional donation. Camino Wellness Center, 401 S Milwaukee Ave, Ste 230, Wheeling. 224-300-0499. CaminoWellnessCenter.com
Friday
AstroAshtanga – 8-9:15am. Do you love strength, stretching and astrology? Try this strong physical and energetic practice. $25. Kaizen House, 1321 Emerson St, Evanston. KaizenHouse.org
Reiki Sessions – 11am-2pm. With Rose. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Saturday
Green City Market: Lincoln Park – Thru Nov 21. 7am-1pm. Lincoln Park, 1817 N Clark St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org
Evanston Farmers Market – May 2-Nov 21. 7:30am-1pm. University Pl at Oak St (behind Hilton Garden Inn), Evanston. CityOfEvanston.org
Rise and Radiant Vinyasa Flow – 8am. With Dan Bulf. Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston. 847-475-1500. HeavenMeetsEarthYoga.com.
Green City Market: West Loop – Thru Nov 21. 8am-1pm. 900W Monroe, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org
Slow Flow Yoga – 10am. With Rebecca. Ash & Willow, 610 Devon Ave, Park Ridge. 847-696-7560. AshWillowSalon.com/thenest
Classifieds can help you sell goods and services and even attract employees for your business.
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Akashic Consultation
AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate. Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com
For Hire
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
For Rent/ Space Available
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Help Wanted
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Services
HEALING REMEDIES FOR YOUR SOUL –
Multiple Reiki Master Teacher with 17 years of experience, blending Vedic/Ayurvedic astrology, Akashic Records, mediumship, tarot and shamanic traditions. Distance sessions available: yviRMT@gmail.com
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Peggy@NAChicago.com to request our media kit. Community Resource Guide
Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine
CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT
830 E. Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg 312-796-3965
Facebook @CalandraAcuChi CalandraAcupuncture.com
We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless. Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.
NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Lana Moshkovich, LAc, ND, MSOM 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, Deerfield 60015 847-715-9044
NirvanaNaturopathics.com
We specialize in resolving chronic pain including Fibromyalgia and Peripheral Neuropathy; severe chronic allergies for adults and children; fertility; autoimmune conditions; anxiety/depression; cosmetic acupuncture (anti-aging). To learn more about our clinic, you can follow us on our YouTube channel: Dr.Lana@Nirvana AIM and Instagram: @nirvanaacu. Major insurance carriers accepted. Call 847-715-9044 to schedule your consultation so we can help you feel your best!
Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when you have no control over the outcome.
—Brené Brown
Animal Communication
ANIMAL COMMUNICATOR
CAROL SCHULTZ
815-531-2850
Carol@CarolSchultz.com
CarolSchultz.com
Animal communications and intuitive healing for over 25 yrs. Carol provides compassionate and insightful consultations along with creator-based energy balancing for all animal species. Assistance with emotional, behavioral, health, harmony, end-of-life, grief support and connections with animals in spirit. Professional phone sessions, barn visits and special events. Optional MP3 recordings. Gift certificates. Lectures, Basic/Advanced workshops.
Bodywork
ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO
825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202
847-864-1130
ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available. See ad on back cover.
Coaching & Counseling
BELIEF REDESIGN
Rebecca J. Robbins, PhD Info@BeliefRedesign.com BeliefRedesign.com
Rebecca J. Robbins, PhD, helps clients move beyond anxiety, stress and emotional reactivity by working with how the mind actually changes. Her approach supports deep, lasting shifts rather than surface fixes, helping people feel more grounded, resilient and at ease in daily life.
Colon Hydrotherapy
MIDWEST CLEANSE
5962 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago 60659 773-728-6800
MidwestCleanse.com
Colon Hydrotherapy is a safe and comfortable method of gently cleansing the colon. Our highly trained, certified therapists are focused exclusively on your care throughout your session. As Chicagoland’s leader in Colon Hydrotherapy, we provide professional service, personalized support, and the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation. We are open daily to best serve our community. Se habla español See ad on page 10.
Community & Practitioner Communities
AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE
Suburban Chicagoland AwakeOnenessTribe.org
A nonprofit hub where seekers in the local community can come together, be heard, be seen, and be valued. AWAKE is a place where people can communicate freely, without fear of judgment, and participate in events to improve all aspects of health: physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual. AWAKE acknowledges the value of being part of an open-minded community of people who are eager to learn and grow together. See ad on page 21.
CRUNCHY
CULTURE
Jane Ulitskaya
Jane@CrunchyCulture.com
CrunchyCulture.com
@CrunchyCultureCHI
Created by a Chicagoland mom, Crunchy Culture is a local community built around natural living and holistic wellness. Guided by a mission to help folks make meaningful connections, Crunchy Culture hosts in-person events throughout the Chicago area and has a network of local businesses and partners that align with the group’s interests.
Dance
TIME
TO DANCE
@ North Shore School of Dance 505 Laurel Ave., Highland Park 847-432-2060
Time-To-Dance.org
Discover the healing art of dance, ballet, modern and tap for adults 50+.
Digestive Health Specialist
RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS
Telehealth and In-Office
847-207-2034
DigestiveHealthSolutions.com
Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis? Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/ enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7, 33 and 41.
Education
CONCORDIA
UNIVERSITY WISCONSIN
School of Pharmacy
CUW.edu/NPS
Take the next step toward a career that makes a difference! Discover your future in Natural Product Sciences with our flexible graduate programs. Choose from a 30-credit online master’s degree or a 12-credit graduate certificate, both designed to fit your life and goals. Specialize in medical cannabis or nutraceuticals, and prepare for exciting roles in healthcare, pharmacy, research and development, manufacturing, business and beyond. See ad on page 35.
Energy, Reiki & Sound Healing
JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST/ ACTIVATOR
847-596-0274
Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com JoannLysiakGems.com
If you’re not living the life of your dreams or not getting the results you desire, you can change that with Energy Healing/Clearing. You most likely have stuck energy, trapped emotional traumas, emotional blocks or dysfunctional patterns in a constant loop that can be released and transmuted. Scheduled your free 20-min Consultation with Joann on Zoom. Use this link to schedule your session to set yourself free to get the results you desire: Calendly.com/ joannlysiak/energy.
YVONNE E. NIEVES, RMT 773-693-5139
YviRMT@gmail.com linktr.ee/YviRMT
Soul Solutions: Integrative Spiritual Healing, Insight & Transformational GuidanceYvonne E. Nieves, RMT, blends Reiki, Vedic Astrology, Ayurveda, Tarot, Akashic Records and mediumship support, informed by initiations in Eastern and West African spiritual traditions. With 16+ years of integrative practice, she offers tailored, personalized healing, clarity and growth for new clients and reiki students.
Equine Gestalt Therapy
SOULFUL PRAIRIES
Linda Bruce 4706 Alden Rd, Woodstock 60098 847-366-6743
SoulfulPrairies.com
Soulful Prairies uses the powerful experiential model of Equine Gestalt Therapy to help individuals move through trauma and emotional wounds. We host events and retreats on our 80-acre farm; you can also rent and create your own | 1:1 Sessions | Couples | Team Building | Retreats | Healing Events | Facility Rental | Overnight Accommodation.
Functional Medicine
DR. ALLA ARUTCHEVA, MD, PHD, ND Antalee Wellness 1352 Patriot Blvd, Glenview 60026 847-486-1130 • AntaleeHolistic.com
If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your whole-body health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.
Garden and Native Plant Resources
POSSIBILITY PLACE NURSERY
7548 W Monee-Manhattan Rd, Monee 60449
708-534-3988
PossibilityPlace.com
Environmentally focused. Ecologically minded. Possibility Place Nursery has been Chicagoland’s native plant purveyor since 1983. We specialize in growing native plants from locally sourced ecotypes to increase biodiversity and improve ecological function of vast wild areas to small urban backyards, alike. We look forward to building habitat with you.
Holistic & Airway Dentistry
THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING
Dr. Alla Aver, DDS & Dr. Irina Ganzman, DMD
2400 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025
847-998-5100
GlenviewSmiles.com
Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards and partials.
ESSENTIALLY PURE DENTAL
Dr. Andie Pearson 1535 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 108, Northbrook 847-977-1655; text: 773-456-8632 EssentiallyPureDental.com
Holistic dentistry involves an awareness of care that relates to the entire person. Essentially Pure is a full-service practice using the most biocompatible dental options. Our services range from nonsurgical gum care to mercury-and-PBA-free restorations, crowns, bridges, partial and full dentures, children’s dentistry, braces, implants, dental homeopathy, and CranioSacral Therapy.
INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH
87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177
847-888-9109 | IDH4U.com
Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From biocompatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Cutting-Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings.
K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES
1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069
847-884-1220
1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A, Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 | KBoehmDDS.com
Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.
SIMONA BAREKET, DDS
HP SMILES
DENTAL
489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035
847-432-6501
HPSmilesDental.com
We are a holistic dental team focused on whole-person wellness rather than just your teeth. Dr. Simona works with empathy, care and a gentle touch. Services include cleanings and comprehensive exams, material biocompatibility testing, safe amalgam removal, ozone therapy, BPA-free restorations and non-metal crowns and implants.
WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL
3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657
773-975-6666 • WrigleyvilleDental.com
Chicago’s premier biological holistic dentists. Offering the latest technology, we provide ozone, lasers, same-daycrowns and BPA/fluoride-free nontoxic products. Several dentists on staff with unique specialties provide safe amalgam removal, PRF facials, orthodontics, TMJ, sleep/airway, children’s dentistry and countless other treatments. One home for all your dental needs. Free garage parking.
Rediscover the person beneath the noise. Working with you, I integrate depth psychotherapy and evidenced-based wellness practices to help you build a better relationship with yourself, liberate yourself from unconscious limitations and create a more meaningful life. Together, we get curious about what it looks like to engage life with authenticity and clarity.
Ellen’s 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist integrates a conscious approach to healing old patterns through a mix of trauma and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, HMR, Lifeline, The Work (Byron Katie), energy medicine and somatic awareness. Join Meetup.com “Inner Balance Meditation” for updates on her events, and visit her at EllenKatz.net.
You can be gorgeous at thirty, charming at forty, and irresistible for the rest of your
—Coco Chanel
Integrative Wellness Center
COPPER WELLNESS
1654 W North Ave, Chicago 60622
872-267-1717
Hello@CopperWells.com
CopperWells.com
Copper Wellness is an integrative clinic in Wicker Park/Bucktown neighborhoods offering acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, pelvic floor physical therapy and more. Our collaborative team provides professional holistic care with a warm, neighborhood vibe—helping patients feel supported while enjoying the journey of healing.
HEALTH CLARIFIED
Dr. Kimberly Henderson, DC 2165A Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 224-344-8668
HealthClarified.com
We take wellness to a deep level by combining alternative medicine modalities aimed at removing the obstacles that get in the way of your body's ability to heal. Therapies include red light, SoftWave and BrainTap; plus comprehensive bodywork and exercises, functional medicine, HBOT, Lymphatic Enhancement, EWOT, PEMF, footbaths, holistic skincare treatments and Synchronicity Wave System. See ads on pages 11 and 41.
Are you ready for transformation? The energy shifts are rapidly advancing. Let me assist you in discovering your true authentic self. I provide Intuitive Empowerment Coaching sessions for individuals wanting change and growth or experiencing challenges as a spiritual being having a human experience. Are you ready to live your best life right now? Also offering home/business smudging and energy cleansing services.
Intuitive Consultation
HEATHER FAUN BASL
Intuitive, Medium & Healer
312-502-1539
Heather@HeatherFaunBasl.com
HeatherFaunBasl.com
Heather offers phone and text readings, mediumship and remote energy healing to help you find clarity, peace and direction. She bridges the spiritual and physical realms, offering connection, insight, support, healing and guidance tailored to your soul’s unique journey. 22 years of experience.
Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth
THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE
At Unity Northwest Church
259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535
AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com
Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 16.
Meditation & Spiritual Centers
CHICAGO MEDITATION CENTER OF SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest 60305 ChicagoMeditationCenter.org/ srflessons.org
Experience the power of spiritual community. All are welcome to join weekly inspirational services with yoga meditation each Sunday. Paramahansa Yogananda (18931952) founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millennia ago in India. See ad on page 35.
Medium, Psychic & Chakra
PSYCHIC MEDIUM NICOLE
866-378-9069 (Text)
PsychicMediumNicole.com
Are you grieving the loss of someone close to your heart? Nicole Pearson, Psychic Medium and Energy Healer, offers Spirit Communication/ Mediumship readings that bring you healing, peace and comfort. Love never dies — it only changes form.
PSYCHIC READINGS GLENVIEW
2834 Golf Rd, Glenview 60025
847-470-0049
PsychicsReadingsGlenview.com
Discover the transformative power of psychic healing. In one session, Psychic Sarah can unlock your dormant healing energy and guide you towards a path of true rejuvenation and self-discovery. 30+ years’ experience in psychic, tarot and astrology readings, chakra balancing and spiritual counsel. New clients save 50% on first visit.
Men’s Health & Wellness
CHICAGO MALE CLINIC
Jerry Garcia, PA-C
4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago 60646 773-414-9900 • ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Chicago Male Clinic (CMC) is a holistic health and wellness center for men providing a natural integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. CMC offers therapeutic massage, exercise and stretch therapy, men’s yoga classes, patient coaches and trainers. CMC offers a natural approach to treating erectile difficulties (ED) with its Acoustic Wave Therapy. Call for your complimentary, in-person consultation (valued at $225). Book your first appointment at ChicagoMaleClinic.com. See ad on page 15.
Reflexology
JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY
773-979-5351
JJahal@hotmail.com
JasminReflexology.com
Reflexology is a wellness protocol that stimulates the nervous system by applying precise, alternating pressure to the feet or hands. It helps your body relieve stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, balance hormones and reduce chronic pain. Jasmin is nationally certified and a recognized educator. Call for a free consultation. See ad on page 27.
Retreats/Retreats Center
GOLDEN LIGHT HEALING
RETREAT CENTER
Tiffany Dorton
920-428-0588
GoldenLightHealing.net
Offering workshops, sessions, group and personal retreats in shamanism, mediumship, reiki, psychic development and more.
Skeletal Strengthening
OSTEOSTRONG
126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091
224-487-8833
195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195
224-487-8881
OsteoStrong.me
OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system, triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 25.
Thermography
ILLINOIS THERMOGRAPHY
Map And Track Your Health! 50+ locations in the Chicago area 847-363-3314
IllinoisThermography.com
The highly sensitive thermal scan is crucial in prevention and early screening for breast and body health. Thermal imaging can show precursors to heart disease, vascular obstruction, lymphatic congestion, autoimmune disorders, skeletal dysfunction and neural dysfunction in anyone. Early detection and prevention are always less complicated than treatment. See ad on page 31.
Trauma Coach
CHANDI ASHA
Inner Light Healing
Hello@CoachingByChandi.com
CoachingByChandi.com
Break free from what once controlled you! At Inner Light Healing, we help you move from survival to self-trust through holistic trauma coaching. Using neuroscience, mindfulness, and compassion, Chandi guides you to heal your nervous system, release old patterns, and rediscover the peace that’s been within you all along.
Tree Care
BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS
Serving Chicagoland 877-227-8538
Bartlett.com
Expert tree care for 117 years and growing. Specializing in pruning, fertilization, cabling and bracing, insect and disease management, tree inspections, storm damage repair, lightning protection and removals. Visit our website to schedule your complimentary appointment with a Bartlett Arborist Representative. We’re here for every tree.
Yoga & Movement
FLEX/JULIE MACKEY
JuleMackey.com
Mental Skills. Yoga. Mobility. Meditation. 1:1 and Team Packages Virtual & In-Person.
