November 2025 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties
RECLAIMING RADIANCE
Burnout Recovery Plan
CAROLINE MYSS
on Entering The Age of Unseen Energy
FEEDING OUR BRAIN POWER
What To Eat for Mental Acuity
MIND-BODY RECOVERY
Integrative Tools for Fitness Readiness
HEALING GENERATIONS
Transform Family Energy Patterns
Balancing Energy
203 TLC TRIBE TLC
Counseling, Readings
Meg Reilly, MS, CH
Creator of The Echoes Deck, a wisdom tool for inquiry, insight and guidance. Helping you live with compassion for yourself and others. EchoesDeck.com • MegReilly360.com 203-952-6272
Diane Nicosia, MBA, ibalanceLLC
forward toward your personal & business goals. In person or Zoom. NicosiaDiane@gmail.com ibalanceuthrive.com
203-858-5848
Beth Leas
30+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566
Gregg Kirk, Lyme Recovery Clinic & Detox Center
Heal from chronic illness through all-natural herbal treatments, intensive detox, cleanses & energy healing. 528 Post Rd, Darien Gregg.Kirk@gmail.com 203-858-9725
Ingrida Perri, Spirit In Training, LLC
Restore balance, boost joy, and reach your goals with coaching, meditation and group classes. ingrida@SpiritInTraining.com SpiritInTraining.com 475-291-1693
Salt Cave of Darien
555 Post Rd, Darien Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com 203-658-7667
November invites reflection. It’s a month suspended between motion and stillness—the year’s great exhale—when the pace of life begins to slow and gratitude finds its voice. And this is a wonderful fit for this month’s theme of Balancing Energy, one that that resonates with every layer of life: physical, emotional, environmental and spiritual.
Energy moves through us and around us, connecting and sustaining, often depleting and rarely replenished. Our health, relationships and even our sense of purpose are shaped by how well we nurture this invisible flow. To live in balance is to honor this rhythm—to listen when life calls for movement and when it asks for rest. Balance, after all, is not a destination; it’s a pulse, a dance of attention and intention.
Within these pages, you’ll find reflections on energy drawn from both ancient healing wisdom and modern approaches to renewal and resilience. Whether through mindful movement, quiet self-care or the sacred pause between breaths, each act becomes an invitation to realign with ourselves and the world around us. Yes, balance begins within, yet it ripples outward—to our relationships, our communities and the ways we share ourselves with others.
As you gather with your loved ones this Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll remember that the season of gratitude is not just about the food or even just the gesture of giving thanks. May gratitude find its way into the smallest of moments and linger there. For me, it’s about the traditions that anchor us. I revel in the recipes that carry stories, the familiar laughter around the table and the quiet comfort of being with people who know me best.
These small moments of connection become their own kind of balance, restoring what the busyness of life sometimes takes away. It’s time to laugh a little more, to not get caught up in the noise or the drama, but to be fully present in the simple grace of companionship and love.
May November bring you balance in all its forms: peace within change, vitality amongst stillness and a heart that is open to the quiet power of renewal.
Gratefully yours,
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
Erica Mills
Holistic Help for Happier, Healthier Pets
Pet parents in Fairfield and Litchfield counties—and across the nation—now have access to a fresh, holistic approach to pet health through Wild Roots Animal Wellness, founded by Allegra Jacobs, NAVC Pet Nutrition Coach. Her mission is to help pets thrive naturally and make health challenges like digestive issues, skin irritations, allergies, anxiety and behavioral ailments a thing of the past.
“If you believe all your pet’s problems can be solved with medications and a prescription diet, you might just be barking up the wrong tree,” explains Jacobs. “Now more than ever, pet parents are struggling with ensuring their animals are living the best quality life possible. I’ve dedicated my career to making more tails wag and cats purr than ever before, and I can’t wait to see what natural and often simple fixes I can do to help your pet.” Jacobs notes that many pet parents have historically fallen into one of two camps when it comes to their pet’s health: either relying solely on costly prescriptions or feeling like they’ve tried everything and must simply accept their pet’s ongoing struggles. “They didn’t know there was a third, holistic and powerful option to not just treat, but often to cure, chronic health problems. That’s what I do,” she says. “Talk to me about what’s going on with your pet for free.”
For more information, call 203-448-9390, email Allegra@WildRootsAnimal.net, or visit WildRootsAnimal.net. Mention Natural Awakenings and receive $25 off your first consultation and plan of action. See ad, page 17.
17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop
Santa and his three live reindeer return to Greenwich for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell of Compass Real Estate, at Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, in Greenwich, from November 28 to December 24.
Affectionately known as the “North Pole on North Street,” this cherished town tradition invites families to meet Santa’s reindeer, take photos with Santa, and enjoy the festive Santa’s Workshop, sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group. Families can visit the Reindeer Coloring Station, sponsored by Compass, and the Letter Writing to Santa Station, sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group.
A portion of all photo proceeds benefits Kids In Crisis, a nonprofit organization based in Greenwich that supports children and families across Connecticut. Visitors can also contribute through the onsite Kids In Crisis Giving Tree.
Dogs on leashes are welcome for photos with Santa, and those visiting Monday through Friday will receive a Doggy Gift Bag, courtesy of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Get Joy Food, and PetLabCo.
Hours for photos with Santa are Mondays through Fridays, noon to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Sam Bridge is closed on Sundays.
Location: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., Greenwich. For more information on photo pricing, event details and to view all sponsors, visit GreenwichReindeerFestival. com. See ad, back cover.
Allegra Jacobs
A New Wisdom Deck for Insight and Guidance
Meg Reilly has created The Echoes Deck, a 48-card wisdom tool created to spark meaningful conversations about every aspect of life, from the ordinary to the sublime.
“I designed the Echoes Deck as a way to open that conversation,” explains Reilly. Each card is illustrated with an original mandala and rooted in one of four Realms: Terra (body, home, workplace, community), Nous (beliefs, emotion, judgments, thoughts), Sanctus (spirit, sacred, oneness, divine), and Echoes (patterns, breath, ancestry, soul work).
Through these Realms, inquiries unfold in alignment with the cyclical energetic flow that shapes physical, inner and spiritual life, as well as the soul patterns that echo through it all. “All the echoes in your life begin with you,” Reilly says. “It is your voice that leaves a mark, and your voice that can lead the way.”
She encourages users to observe the choices they make, reflect on them as they look back and construct their history, and adjust as they move forward—creatively engaging with everyday life and following the energy that serves their highest good.
Like a trusted friend or adviser, The Echoes Deck invites reflection, helps clarify choices, and encourages intentional living.
Reilly is self-publishing a limited first edition of the deck for a soft launch. Decks are $45, and 100 signed collector’s editions are available for $100 each. Prices do not include shipping, handling and tax. Decks will be available in early November.
To reserve a deck, email EchoesDeck@gmail.com. For more information, visit EchoesDeck.com MegReilly360.com. See ad, page 2.
Holiday Cheer Meets Charity at the Annual Festival of Trees
Celebrate the spirit of the season while supporting a great cause at the 23rd annual Festival of Trees, benefiting Ann’s Place, from November 21 to 23 at The Summit in Danbury. This beloved community tradition brings holiday magic to life while raising vital funds to help local families facing cancer.
Guests can stroll through a dazzling display of themed trees, wreaths and holiday décor— all available through raffles and an online auction. The Festival Boutique offers an array of handcrafted gifts, ornaments and artisanal treasures perfect for holiday shopping.
Families will love the Children’s Winter Village, where kids can enjoy festive crafts, games and special activities. Throughout the weekend, visitors can also enjoy live entertainment from talented local performers, including choirs, dancers and musicians, adding a joyful soundtrack to the celebration.
Since its founding, the Festival of Trees has raised more than $4.5 million to support Ann’s Place, which provides free counseling, support groups, and wellness programs to individuals and families navigating the challenges of cancer. Come share in the warmth, wonder and generosity that make this event a cherished holiday tradition.
Location: The Summit, 100 Reserve Rd., Danbury. For event details and updates, visit AnnsPlaceFestivalOfTrees.org. For more information about Ann’s Place, call 203-790-6568 or visit AnnsPlace.org.
Learn Herbal Medicine
This Winter
Herbs Love and Yoga, a state-certified herbal medicine shop and school in Sandy Hook/Newtown, is now enrolling for its popular Herbal Fundamentals Medicine Making course and winter Herbalist Certification trainings.
The six-week Herbal Fundamentals course begins January 10 and meets Saturdays from 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. ($275). Students will explore foundational medicine-making techniques and the physical and spiritual benefits of core herbs. Classes are held in person with a virtual option available.
Winter certification programs begin the first week of January. The 75-hour Level 1 course meets Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting January 8. The 100-hour Level 2 course meets Wednesdays from 3 to 5 p.m. starting January 7. The 150-hour Level 3 Clinical Herbalist Training meets Fridays from 3 to 5 p.m. starting January 9. Early bird registration by December 12, includes $500 in savings. All certification courses are also offered virtually.
In addition to herbalist training, Herbs Love and Yoga offers private herbal consultations, reiki healing sessions and certifications, and community events. “The free monthly Full Moon Plant Talk and Sound Bath, along with the Reiki Circle, invites the community into accessible healing, reflection and connection,” says founder and master herbalist Alyssa Mancini.
The shop also carries a wide selection of handcrafted herbal products—teas, tinctures, salves, vinegars, syrups, glycerites and CBD— made in-house by Mancini.
Location: Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd., Sandy Hook. For more information, call 917-267-8203, email Info@HerbsLoveAnd Yoga.com or visit HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Connect with Source Through Mass Energy Healing
Each Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to noon, Mass Energy Healing with Aggregata Zupanova, CEO of Aggregata LLC, takes place at The Granite Church in Redding. “This is more than a meditation—it’s a rare, in-person opportunity to connect directly and effortlessly with one’s Higher Self and Source energy to activate deep healing and rejuvenation,” says Zupanova.
Because these gatherings offer something many are actively seeking—a grounded, in-person space for spiritual connection, emotional healing and energetic renewal—they resonate deeply with those yearning to reset, realign and restore their inner peace. “In an increasingly fast-paced and disconnected world, the sessions provide participants with a direct, embodied experience of Source energy—not just theory, but transformation they can feel,” she says.
Held in the sacred, energetically resonant space of The Granite Church, each session invites attendees to observe, release and realign. Participants can effortlessly reconnect with their Higher Self, clear emotional and energetic blockages, and experience real-time healing and clarity in a supportive group environment. “This is more than a meditation,” says Zupanova. “It’s a space where you can truly reset, realign and restore your inner peace.”
Sunday sessions are also offered at 10 a.m. at The Farm Jibe-iT in Redding. Surrounded by a serene natural landscape, these gatherings weave nature and Source energy together to restore the soul.
Each session is $25. Locations: 5 N. Main St., Redding; 119 Sunset Hill Rd., Redding. To register, text the number of attendees to 845464-4676. For more information, visit AggregataEnergyHealing.com. See ad, page 5.
Alyssa Mancini
Aggregata Zupanova
The Healing
Power
of
Connection Returns to Unity Center of Norwalk
Unity Center of Norwalk’s beloved Healing Power of Connection fundraiser returns on Saturday, November 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., inviting the community to a full-day retreat of renewal, relaxation and inspiration in a welcoming atmosphere of shared energy and purpose.
This uplifting event features a beautiful blend of workshops, healing sessions, and opportunities to unwind and reconnect—all while supporting Unity Center of Norwalk. Attendees can look forward to meditation, sound baths, chakra balancing, creative expression, music, movement and time for reflection. A complimentary lunch and light refreshments will be served throughout the day, offering space for nourishment and conversation.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., and spaces tend to fill quickly. Upon arrival, guests can sign up for a complimentary chair massage and explore the day’s diverse offerings. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and blanket for the sound bath and shamanic journey sessions, along with a small item for the group altar and a journal to capture personal insights and inspiration.
This uplifting day invites attendees to unplug, reset and connect— within themselves, with one another, and with the healing power of community and shared intention.
Cost: $133. Location: Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St., 2nd Fl., Norwalk (please note: there is no elevator access). For more information, call 203-855-7922, email Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org. See
A Fresh Approach to Healing Body, Mind and Spirit
Alchemy Physical Therapy, founded by physical therapist Lisa Mammano, provides an integrative approach to healing that addresses both physical and emotional wellbeing. Mammano’s holistic style blends Integrative Manual Therapy, acupressure, EFT/tapping and gentle movement. Each one-to-one session is designed to uncover the root causes of chronic pain rather than only manage symptoms.
“Pain can be a wise messenger as emotional and physical healing are deeply connected,” explains Mammano. “By addressing both the body and emotions, we can help restore natural balance and mobility.”
Treatments address a wide range of conditions and may include myofascial release, cranial therapy, visceral mobilization, lymphatic drainage, strain and counterstrain, muscle energy techniques and neurofascial process. Mammano guides clients in processing and releasing tension to restore natural balance and mobility. Sessions last one hour and are tailored to each individual’s needs.
Mammano’s background includes extensive experience in traditional physical therapy as well as a lifelong connection to movement through dance and distance running. Alchemy Physical Therapy’s approach reflects her belief that movement and mindful bodywork can foster deeper, lasting recovery. Having completed multiple New York City Marathons and the Boston Marathon, Mammano also attests that these holistic techniques have allowed her to maintain peak physical function.
Locations: 38 W. 32nd St., NYC and Stamford, CT. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 203-464-0819, email Lisa@ AlchemyPhysicalTherapy.com or visit AlchemyPhysicalTherapy.com.
Lisa Mammano
Caroline Myss
on Entering The Age of Unseen Energy
by Robin Fasano
Caroline Myss has been a pioneer in the field of spirituality, healing and energy medicine for 40 years. Educated by nuns until the age of 29, she flourished under their tutelage and trained her mind to think about the world as more than herself. Myss is a medical intuitive and New York Times bestselling author of Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing and Sacred Contracts: Awakenings Your Divine Potential.
Why is now such an extraordinary, historic time?
We’ve entered the age of unseen energy. All change is happening in the immediate now. This is a turnaround from how society has previously functioned. The mystical laws are at work—all is one, all of life breathes together. The world of the five senses is having a hard time comprehending what’s happening, and it’s creating panic.
For the past 70 years, we’ve been incorporating a new consciousness with Eastern traditions and mysticism, practices like yoga and meditation, and global cosmic ideas. And blended into all this is the technology that unites us and is the “inner net.” And now we’ve duplicated our soul circuitry with the internet.
This is a time of transformation; we’re moving toward a psychic energy system. Unseen energy is our new frontier. It’s a new way of thinking and being. Similar to when we moved from the
agricultural age into the industrial age, and some people couldn’t make the transition. Transitions rarely go smoothly.
What can help to guide us?
Turn to your soul for guidance. You have to rely upon the mystical tools of your soul to do its work. Your soul is your compass. Trust your sacred self.
We co-create our reality with the Divine within us; we’re the engines of co-creation. This is about inner guidance leading the way. Guidance is coming to us all the time. But our value system in society is based on productivity—you have to produce—and it can be hard to listen because listening to inner guidance isn’t necessarily aligned with productivity.
And this is the collision point. You often can’t take all your stuff with you when you move onto the next stage of your life … there’s a letting go process. And it’s hard to let go.
How can we foster healing?
How you participate in the world affects the world. Every thought and action has an effect on all of creation—for better or for worse. All of your choices impact the world. There are no “small” choices. Never think you don’t have any power. It all matters—to your soul, to other people, to the universe.
Make choices that support yourself and others. Live consciously.
We’ve become so self-focused and narcissistic; it hasn’t served us. Narcissism leads to isolation and loneliness; we have more isolation now than ever before. The combination of narcissism and isolation creates a whole different type of crisis. We need to move out of narcissism.
What can we each do to make the world a better place?
I believe in the power of prayer.
Prayer is like getting a loving note from someone. The note can change the mood in a remarkable way. It’s the energy behind the note, not so much the actual note itself. Prayer is a conduit for love, thought, and grace. It’s how you become intimate with the world … just one prayer can shift your consciousness.
If you think you don’t know how to pray, just say “help me through this”—that’s a form of prayer. Even though you might think you can’t see the results and effects doesn’t mean they aren’t there; in life you can’t always see the results of everything you do. That’s where faith comes in.
Just like you can’t see when an angel has stepped in with assistance.
Robin Fasano is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.
Photo courtesy of Caroline Myss
Healing Across Generations
Transforming Family Energy Patterns for a Brighter Future
by Erica Mills
Every family carries stories—of love and laughter, loss and resilience. Some of these stories are spoken aloud, passed through generations as cherished memories. Others, however, live quietly beneath the surface, shaping emotions, beliefs and behaviors in subtle ways. In the field of energy healing, these invisible threads are known as ancestral or generational energy patterns—vibrations that ripple through family lines, influencing how we respond to the world around us.
Modern science now recognizes what ancient healing traditions have long understood: trauma can be transmitted across generations. Studies in epigenetics show that emotional experiences can affect gene expression, altering how future generations process stress or emotional pain. Energy medicine takes this understanding even deeper, viewing trauma not only as a psychological or biological imprint but also as an energetic frequency stored in the body’s subtle systems—within the meridians, chakras and energy fields that surround and animate us.
Understanding the Family Energy Blueprint
Every individual is born into an energetic landscape shaped by the family’s collective experiences. This includes both uplifting vibrations—such as joy, courage and creativity— and heavier imprints from grief, conflict or fear. These energetic “blueprints” can manifest as limiting beliefs (“I’m not enough”), repeating relationship challenges or patterns of selfsabotage that seem to echo across generations.
Energy healers trained in advanced modalities, such as those taught at institutions like Akamai University, often describe the human energy field as a multi-layered system that includes the hara line (our deep purpose and direction), the core star (our essence and divine spark) and the meridians (the channels through which life force flows). When generational energy becomes blocked or distorted, these channels can constrict, leading to imbalance or disconnection.
Clearing Generational Energy
Healing ancestral energy patterns begins
with awareness. Practitioners guide clients to explore family narratives not through blame, but through understanding and compassion. By observing where energy feels dense, stagnant or fragmented, individuals can begin to release inherited emotional burdens that no longer serve them.
This process often involves gentle, non-invasive energy work—such as Reiki, Healing Touch, or guided visualization—to help restore the natural flow of energy through the system. Clients may experience sensations of warmth, lightness or deep emotional release as stagnant energy clears.
In energy healing, this release is sometimes referred to as “clearing the lineage.” It’s less about changing the past and more about transforming how it lives within us. As energetic blockages dissolve, one gains access to greater vitality, creativity and peace. The effects often extend outward, improving relationships and creating new patterns of communication and connection across the family.
Re-Patterning Relationships
One of the most powerful outcomes of this work is the re-patterning of relationships. When a person heals the energetic residue of past trauma—whether personal or ancestral—they shift the energetic frequency they bring into every interaction. Family conflicts that once felt entrenched can soften, replaced by empathy and understanding.
Practitioners may use techniques like family energy mapping to help clients visualize where energetic entanglements exist—such as unresolved grief between generations or unspoken expectations carried from parent to child. Through mindfulness, affirmation and energy balancing, individuals learn to hold healthier energetic boundaries while staying connected to their loved ones with compassion.
As energy alignment improves, people often find that they can make choices from a place of clarity rather than reaction. The result is not just inner peace, but the ability to model healthier dynamics for future generations.
Lila Patel on AdobeStocl.com
The Ripple Effect of Healing
When one person heals, the energy of an entire family system begins to shift. This is often described as the ripple effect of consciousness. As old energetic knots loosen, space opens for forgiveness, gratitude and new possibilities. It’s not uncommon for clients to report that after their own healing work, relationships with parents or siblings naturally improve—even without direct conversation about the process.
This reflects a central principle of energy medicine: because energy is interconnected, transformation in one field influences the whole. Healing ourselves becomes an act of service to those who came before and those who will come after.
Building Resilience for the Future
Generational healing is not about erasing history; it’s about integrating it with awareness and love. By releasing outdated energetic imprints, we create room for authenticity and vitality to thrive. As individuals
reconnect to their core star energy—the light of their true nature—they build resilience that radiates through families and communities alike.
In a time when collective stress feels heightened, this work offers profound hope. It reminds us that balance is possible, even after generations of imbalance and that healing is not linear—it’s cyclical, ever-evolving, and accessible to all.
Energy healing invites us to become conscious stewards of our energetic inheritance. Through intention, compassion and aligned practice, we can transform inherited wounds into sources of wisdom and strength—creating a generational shift toward greater harmony, connection and wholeness.
Erica Mills is the publisher of two Natural Awakenings editions: Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess as well as Fairfield and Litchfield counties.
Brain Health and Wellness
Cereset® helps the brain to release stress naturally, helping you to flourish at your highest level of well-being!!
We help adults, teens and kids (5+) to:
• Overcome Worry & Anxiety
• Reduce Post-covid Symptoms
• Experience Restful Sleep
• Enhance Mental Clarity
• Increase Energy & Performance
• Restore Hope & Happiness
Healing the Family Energy Blueprint
What It Is: Energetic imprints passed through generations that shape beliefs, emotions and relationships.
Where It Lives: Meridians, chakras, core star and hara line—our body’s energetic map.
Signs You May Be Affected:
• Repeating family conflicts
• Limiting beliefs or self-doubt
• Chronic stress or emotional heaviness
Steps to Repattern:
Awareness: Notice inherited patterns with compassion.
Release: Clear stagnant or heavy energy from your field.
Repattern: Create new, conscious ways of relating to yourself and your family.
Why It Matters: Clearing generational energy boosts resilience, emotional clarity, and vitality while improving relationships and creating a ripple of healing across your family.
Takeaway: Transformation is possible, healing yourself can heal generations to come.
The Burnout Reset
Whole-Body Recovery for the Season Ahead
by Hannah Tytus
It’s six o’clock in the evening, and the sun has already set. The body is whispering for a warm cup of tea and rest, yet the to-do list stretches on: emails and carpools, fundraisers and school practices, appointments and dinner still to be cooked. The desire for rest is overridden by our self-imposed need to get it all done. The colder season, however, brings an opportunity to shift how we see rest and productivity, inviting us to move in harmony with the cycles of nature.
“Our culture has fed us the myth that we can grow and achieve ceaselessly,” explains Kari Leibowitz, Ph.D., a psychologist, speaker, workshop facilitator and author of How to Winter. “The idea that this growth is linear and steady, with no breaks, is a myth and a fantasy. So much of the winter woes and the burnout of the season comes from a mismatch between our natural rhythms, our expectations and the demands of the world. Winter is an invitation to slow down.”
Lost Wisdom of Seasonal Living
As with every other living being, we are intimately connected to nature’s cycles. “We are animals, and we live on a planet. And almost every other living thing on this planet changes its behavior with the seasons,” observes Leibowitz. “Because we have electricity, artificial light and calendars, we have deluded ourselves into thinking that we can—and should—maintain the same routines and productivity levels year-round.”
This spirit of connectedness is echoed by Shamini Jain, Ph.D., adjunct professor at the University of California San Diego, founder of the Consciousness and Healing Initiative, and author of Healing Ourselves: Biofield Science and the Future of Health. “When we own that we’re part of a universe that has its ebbs and flows, we pay attention to the seasons,” she notes, adding that Indigenous medicine and wisdom have long honored natural cycles, seeking to answer the same question we ask ourselves today: “How can I show up and be most efficient in my service?”
This ancient orientation toward seasonal rhythms is not just a philosophical concept. Anthropological studies suggest that our ancestors likely slept more in the cooler months, falling asleep soon after sunset and rising before dawn. They got the most sunlight in the morning, aligning their body’s cycles with temperature and light cues provided by nature. Contrast this with modern life, where we stay active well after dark, are exposed to sleep-disrupting blue light, wake with alarms and regulate our environment with thermostats that erase natural temperature shifts. By structuring our lives around modern demands, we resist nature’s rhythms. The result, says Jain, is chronic stress, fatigue and burnout.
Modern Stressors
As autumn transitions into winter and the holidays approach, many of us face greater demands to cook, shop, perform, travel
Hamdi Kandi from Hamdi Kandi
or coordinate complex schedules, yet our resources of time and energy remain the same—or even ebb—as daylight hours shorten and our bodies naturally slow down and produce less vitamin D because of a decrease in sunlight exposure.
“Whenever demands exceed resources, we become stressed,” says Dr. Sharon Grossman, physician and author of The Burnout Solution. Chronic stress has a cumulative effect on our bodies, causing what is known as an allostatic overload, which, according to Yale Medicine, can lead to emotional exhaustion, cynicism, detachment, reduced creativity, brain fog, disrupted sleep, physical aches and pains, or even social withdrawal.
Improving Our Mindset
“We often think of stress as a thing that lives ‘out there’, but stress is actually an internal perception that we have. It’s not always about the circumstances themselves; it’s about what you’re telling yourself about the circumstances that creates the stress,” explains Grossman.
A 2016 study in Anxiety, Stress, & Coping examined the effects of altering our
perspective on stress. Participants were encouraged to see it as a potential source of energy and resilience, rather than harmful. Those that applied this change in mindset reported better moods, enhanced cognitive performance and healthier physiological responses during a stressful task.
Try this psychological exploration: Identify limiting beliefs by journaling about the specific fears and guilt that come with saying “no” to a request for help. Next time someone asks for something, politely decline and observe the outcome. Check if expectations of conflict or hurt were unfounded. This approach challenges limiting assumptions and helps us set healthier boundaries, thereby reducing stress and enhancing emotional well-being.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
We often have countless ideas about how we should behave, and many of these beliefs hold us back. Grossman emphasizes that every “yes” adds to our demands. “If you’re going to say ‘yes’, understand why you’re saying it,” Grossman cautions. “It should serve a purpose, because our
resources are limited.” In practical terms, we have to either lower the demands we accept or increase our resources, such as time or support, to meet them.
For Leibowitz, setting boundaries becomes easier when guided by values. If we want Thanksgiving to feel lighthearted and memorable, that might mean skipping elaborate dishes, accepting a less-than-perfect home and prioritizing rest so we can be present and joyful.
When a new request comes in, pause and reflect on how it aligns with personal values.
Spiritual Gifts & Statuary • Decks, Books & Cards • The First Shungite Room in the USA
Special events, classes, workshops and retreats in both our Shungite Room and at The Angel Wing (our spiritual center next door).
• Readings • Yoga - All Levels • Massage
• Reiki • Sound Healing
• Acupuncture
• Energy Work • Gong Baths • Certification Classes
Consider whether we are acting out of pressure. Release such commitments to make room for a new, better-aligned invitation.
Breathing Out the Stress
Simple breathing practices can profoundly calm the nervous system. “The point is to breathe—nice inhales, long exhales—and in letting out a long exhale, make a sigh of relief,” Jain advises, suggesting that sounds like “ooo” or “ahh” during exhalation enhance emotional release.
Just five minutes of intentional breathing can make a measurable difference. Studies have demonstrated that longer exhales stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the rest-and-digest system, while calming the fight-or-flight response. This reduces heart rate and blood pressure and signals the brain to relax.
Try this breathing exercise: Sit or recline comfortably. Inhale gently through the nose, then exhale through the mouth, allowing sound to escape—this can be a sigh, a groan or a vowel tone. With each round, allow the exhale to lengthen naturally, releasing tension.
Transformative Singing
According to Jain, “Singing, whether by yourself or in groups, helps harmonize the body’s rhythms, decreases inflammation and activates the nervous system’s rest-and-digest response.” A 2016 study by London researchers, published in ecancermedicalscience, demonstrated that just one hour of group singing reduced stress and improved mood, with saliva tests indicating lower levels of cortisol (the body’s main stress hormone) and changes in immune markers associated with resilience.
Bringing the benefits of song can be as simple as singing or humming a tune while washing dishes, showering or driving to work. Knowing the lyrics isn’t necessary; the vibrations alone create a positive resonance in the body.
Nature Therapy
Every breath we take is a dance between humans and plants. The oxygen they expel fuels us, and our exhaled carbon dioxide sustains them. This exchange is part of the deep bioelectric communication connecting us to the natural world.
“Fresh air, movement and connecting with nature are all natural antidepressants. Even a few minutes outside can be a powerful way to shift your experience,” says Leibowitz. A 2016 review of 52 Japanese studies found that spending time in nature measurably relaxes the body. Being around forests, plants or green spaces calms the nervous system, improves brain function, balances hormones and strengthens the immune system.
Try this outdoor palliative: Find a patch of earth and stand barefoot. With eyes closed, imagine releasing the day’s energies down into the ground. After a few breaths, visualize energy flowing back up, reinvigorating the body.
Calming Movement
Mind-body-spirit practices offer powerful ways to find inner serenity. “They are effective in harmonizing the nervous system, reducing inflammation and opening our connection with heaven and Earth,” asserts Jain. Tai chi and qigong, which blend flowing movements with focused attention, breath and relaxation, have been shown in studies to pacify the overactive sympathetic nervous system and promote deep relaxation. Yoga offers similar effects. A 2020 review of 12 studies with nearly 675 healthy adults found consistent reductions in perceived stress, confirming yoga’s power to ease everyday tension.
Practicing these modalities under the guidance of a professional helps reduce risk of injury. Look for a tai chi, qigong or gentle yoga class in the community. Many studios offer a free first class or sessions in a local park.
Rest as Wisdom
In a culture that glorifies hustle, reclaiming rest is an act of healing. Jain asserts, “We can move through the winter of our mind and body, allowing it to deeply rest so that when spring comes, we can move forward with more energy—for the right things, as opposed to everything.” Nature offers a model for this wisdom. Although the natural world seems to be still in winter, vital work occurs beneath the surface. Just as fruit trees need a cold dormancy period to bloom again, we also require periods of quiet renewal. Our cycles of stillness are as essential to growth, creativity and productivity as our cycles of action.
Rest is more than sleep; it is a way of tuning in. “When we slow down, it’s not just about regeneration,” explains Jain. “It’s about listening to the body’s wisdom, slowing down enough to access deeper intuitions and guidance about our next steps.” Our cycles of rest serve as a teacher. By slowing down, we gain the wisdom, focus and resilience to fully embrace a life renewed.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.
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The Virtual Care Revolution for Pets
Tips for Navigating Telemedicine and Teleadvice Platforms
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Virtual care, including online consultations with licensed veterinarians and wellness professionals, has become essential in modern pet health. While many pet parents are familiar with telemedicine, teleadvice is less understood. Comprehending their differences and limitations is important.
Telemedicine
The American Veterinary Medical Association defines telemedicine as patient-specific medical care delivered by licensed veterinarians with an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship, which typically requires an in-person examination before a veterinarian can legally diagnose, prescribe or treat via virtual platforms. It complements in-person care, merging professional expertise with convenience.
Through telemedicine, veterinarians can diagnose common health concerns, recommend treatments, prescribe medications where permitted by law and provide follow-up care for ongoing conditions. Everyday issues such as skin irritations, minor allergies, digestive upsets, appetite changes and certain behavioral questions can often be addressed in a video
consultation, giving pet owners reassurance and a clear plan of action. For animals with chronic conditions, virtual check-ins provide a stress-free way to monitor progress without frequent clinic visits.
Telemedicine services are most trusted and valued when delivered by a familiar veterinary provider. A 2024 randomized, controlled clinical trial in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that pet owners are highly satisfied with telemedicine conducted by their regular veterinarian and prefer videobased recheck examinations after routine procedures. These findings support earlier research in Preventive Veterinary Medicine indicating that pet owners are willing to pay for telemedicine services provided by their own veterinarian.
Teleadvice
Any consultation with non-veterinary professionals or pet health experts is considered teleadvice. It is educational, offering guidance such as encouraging annual wellness exams, promoting year-round parasite prevention or supporting better nutrition and lifestyle choices. While it can enhance a pet’s well-being, teleadvice does not involve diagnosing, prescribing or treating an animal.
Complementary teleadvice can add real value to a pet’s well-being, especially when delivered by certified professionals. Recent research in Frontiers in Veterinary Science
demonstrated how video appointments improved cat parents’ understanding of their pet’s chronic mobility challenges and the application of at-home management strategies. Many pet health coaches deliver their services exclusively through online platforms. These virtual sessions can guide pet parents through dietary planning, safe exercise routines or stress reduction strategies.
Laura Muzal, a holistic intuitive animal practitioner and certified holistic pet health coach, offers virtual consultations focused on nutrition, lifestyle support and energy work. “Meeting with pet parents virtually allows me to understand their concerns in real time, support them from anywhere and help them create simple, practical steps they can follow at home to support their animal’s well-being,” she says.
From the pet parent perspective, online consultations can still be done with compassion while providing ample time to explain strategies and answer questions. Muzal says that pet parents describe feeling more confident and empowered to address their pet’s recurring health concerns after their virtual sessions. She also gets feedback that pet parents find their pets are calmer and more balanced with online meetings.
Making the Right Choice
With the convenience of virtual consultations comes the responsibility to stay informed. Not every professional offering advice online operates under the same legal or ethical framework. Before booking any virtual consultation, pet parents must confirm who they are speaking with and under what authority they operate. Verifying whether the provider is a licensed veterinarian or a certified pet health expert helps ensure the advice given is appropriate and trustworthy. This clarity allows pets to receive the right care from the right expert at the right time.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.
Start Strong
Morning Rituals for Energized Kids
by Christina Connors
Mornings set the tone for a child’s entire day. When rushed or chaotic, they can cause stress, fatigue and difficulty focusing in school. By using simple, intentional routines, mornings can become a source of grounding, positivity and energy, helping kids feel calm, nourished and mentally prepared for the day ahead.
The Science Behind Structured Mornings
Research confirms what many parents intuitively know: Consistent routines significantly impact a child’s development. “Morning routines create rhythm and predictability, which lower stress and help kids feel safe,” says Dr. Joel Warsh, an integrative pediatrician in Los Angeles. “A calm start sets the tone for better focus, mood and energy throughout the school day.”
A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Family Theory & Review found that childhood routines are linked to improved cognitive ability, self-regulatory and executive function skills, enhanced social and emotional skills, and better academic outcomes.
Building a Nutritional Foundation
The morning meal is vital for sustaining vitality and focus throughout the school day. To stabilize blood sugar and support steady energy, Warsh recommends combining protein, healthy fats and fiber, such as eggs with avocado, chia pudding with berries or a smoothie with spinach and nut butter. This nutritional approach aligns with research showing that proper breakfast consumption directly impacts classroom behavior and academic performance, with
students demonstrating improved attention and participation when well-nourished.
The Movement Connection
Incorporating gentle movement into morning routines achieves more than physical activity. “Short bursts of movement like stretching, yoga or dancing help release nervous energy and signal to the body that it’s time to focus. They also regulate mood and attention,” notes Warsh.
But too much too quickly may not have the desired effect. “Movement will get the blood moving and support in transitioning. But I wouldn’t go from no movement to awake to ‘let’s hustle’. The shift cognitively can become overwhelming,” advises Dr. Isaura González, a clinical psychologist and educator. She suggests a gradual approach, using an alarm with lighting options that slowly transition from dark to bright, and soothing music that supports the nervous system, rather than overstimulating it.
The Sleep-to-Wake Connection
Successful mornings begin the night before. “Good sleep hygiene is the foundation for calm mornings,” emphasizes Warsh. “When kids sleep enough, their mood, focus and cooperation improve dramatically. Set out clothes, prep breakfast, pack lunches and keep backpacks by the door. These small steps prevent chaos and free up space for connection in the morning.”
Organizing a child’s activities takes this preparation further. “Getting a calendar with the month’s school activities is crucial.
You don’t want to miss the green T-shirt day, and then we have a meltdown,” says González. She suggests placing a calendar in a common area such as on the refrigerator so children can independently reference upcoming events.
Fostering Teamwork and Joy
Sustainable morning routines thrive on cooperation, rather than forced compliance. “Add playfulness and use music, countdowns or games to get tasks done,” recommends Warsh. “Kids are more engaged when mornings feel fun, rather than rushed.”
Involve children in routine creation. “Empowerment is the long game. By doing this, you are scaffolding the behavior, letting them do with your support,” adds González. “Children will often surprise even the most involved parent when you include them in asking for their ideas. As they grow, they will need less and less support, and that’s okay because they will always need you.”
Age-Appropriate Implementation
When developing a routine, ensure that it adapts to the child’s age and developmental stage. Warsh offers a simple template: “Wake up, open blinds for morning sun, make the bed, brush teeth, get dressed and eat a nourishing breakfast. End with a hug as you head out the door.”
Creating Connection, Not Conflict
Both experts agree that successful morning routines require patience and creativity, but the investment pays off in a child’s daily energy, mood and school readiness. With a little effort, families can transform their mornings from sources of stress into launching pads for successful, joyful days.
Christina Connors is a writer, keynote singer and head of music and SEL integration for the Kind Mind Education Program. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
Tools for Fitness Recovery
Modalities That Prioritize the Mind-Body Connection
by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
In today’s fitness landscape, recovery extends beyond rest days. Holistic therapies are revolutionizing the way we approach physical restoration by integrating mental clarity, emotional resilience and energetic balance. From ancient techniques to cutting-edge innovations, these modalities offer comprehensive support for restoring harmony to body and mind. Selecting the best modality depends on personal preference and availability. Here are some popular recovery techniques.
Sauna Therapy: Infrared and traditional saunas can reduce inflammation; improve oxidative stress; alleviate pain, stiffness and muscle soreness; and improve perceived readiness or recovery time. In addition to its benefits for recovery, research suggests that regular sauna therapy may reduce high blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, stroke and neurocognitive diseases.
Contrast Therapy: Exposing the body to alternating hot and cold temperatures, such as sauna therapy followed by a plunge in a
cold-water bath, has become a staple in many athletic and integrative wellness settings. A 2023 systemic review published in PLoS One found that contrast water therapy significantly reduces muscle soreness.
Massage Therapy: Regular massages can support athletic performance. A 2020 systemic review and meta-analysis in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine involving more than 1,000 participants in 29 studies reported that massage improves flexibility and delays muscle soreness. It also benefits emotional well-being by lowering stress and anxiety while improving mood and self-image.
Self-Myofascial Release: This technique uses foam rollers to massage the fascia—the connective tissue that wraps around muscles and organs. A 2024 review of 25 articles, conducted by researchers in Spain, found it improves flexibility and range of motion, decreases muscle soreness and enhances perceived recovery.
Chiropractic Care: This modality includes spinal manipulation, joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to manage the health of athletes and non-athletes. By focusing on the musculoskeletal system, chiropractic adjustments promote optimal function and pain relief, while reducing muscle stress. This type of care is effective in treating common conditions, such as lower back pain, muscle strain and joint dysfunction, caused by fitness activities. Chiropractic care and spinal manipulation also support the regulation of the autonomic nervous system to ease depressive symptoms.
Acupuncture: A pillar of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture uses fine needles to stimulate energy points along the body’s meridians, decreasing muscle soreness and tension while increasing muscle activation to prevent injury. “Acupuncture helps relieve inflammation by lowering the levels of oxidative stress in the body,” explains Ayako Mizuno, a doctor of acupuncture and oriental medicine in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. “It also stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems, which can help create calming and relaxing effects that reduce stress.”
Float Therapy: Also known as sensory deprivation, flotation involves a tank filled with magnesium-rich Epsom salt water, allowing the body to float effortlessly, free from external stimulation. This results in deep physical and mental relaxation. A 2024 randomized controlled study found that multiple sessions of float therapy were well-tolerated, safe for anxious and depressed individuals, and induced positive emotional experiences in individuals with anxiety and depression.
Compression Garments: These specialized elastic garments apply consistent, firm pressure to a body area to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and support recovery. A 2017 New Zealand metaanalysis found that compression garments benefited strength recovery following exercise. A 2022 study in Scientific Reports found that compression tights worn after exercise enhanced blood flow and recovery. Another systemic review and meta-analysis in 2025 concluded that these garments reduced the decline in muscle strength after exercise-induced muscle fatigue.
These therapies support the body’s natural healing abilities while honoring the deep connections between physical health, emotional regulation and energetic alignment. Integrating one or more of them may enhance physical recovery, emotional well-being and vitality. Listen to the body’s needs and explore the modalities that resonate most.
Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.
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Balancing Act
Blood Sugar Stability for Better Health and Mood
by Marlaina Donato
Approximately 34 to 36 million people in the United States live with Type 2 diabetes, yet many cases go undiagnosed. Additionally, about 88 million individuals have prediabetes, a reversible condition marked by higher blood sugar levels that have not yet reached diabetic status. Glucose stability is crucial for everyone and can be the root cause of symptoms like low energy (especially in the afternoon), mood swings, increased belly fat, food cravings, brain fog, hormonal imbalances and loss of libido.
Fluctuating blood sugar levels affect all of us, especially after high-carb meals or skipping meals. Our diet directly influences our metabolic processes. By choosing nutrient-dense foods, replacing high-sugar and high-carbohydrate snacks with healthier options and timing meals wisely, we can achieve balance. Incorporating blood sugar-stabilizing spices and herbs into daily meals can also have a positive impact.
Blood Sugar Basics
“Because glucose is a crucial fuel of the brain and body, there are many backup systems and ways to create glucose,” explains Iginio Stoppa, a naturopathic doctor at Sonoran University of Health Sciences, in Tempe, Arizona. “The absorption of glucose from our food, the production of glucose mainly from the liver and the breakdown of the storage form of glucose called glycogen is what contributes to what we see as blood sugar.” Stoppa also notes that we may notice when our blood sugar is off. Low blood sugar, for example, is often felt through symptoms like anxiety, weakness, tingling, sweating and palpitations.
“Everyone experiences natural rises and dips throughout the day. Skipping meals, leaning on caffeine for energy, eating a lot
of refined carbohydrates or grabbing quick, processed snacks can all cause sharp spikes, followed by sudden crashes,” says Jennifer Ribaudo, a clinical herbalist, educator and owner of Desert Moon Botanicals, in Gilbert, Arizona.
It is advisable to avoid high carbohydrate and sugary foods, especially in the morning or before bed. Instead, opt for complex carbohydrates like lentils, beans, sweet potatoes and oats to provide essential macronutrients and prevent glucose spikes. Sonoran University recommends eating certain foods in a specific order, such as eggs or avocado before bread and roasted vegetables with olive oil before pasta, to manage glucose levels.
Eating and Snacking To Thrive
Jacqui Garrison, a San Diego-based health coach, suggests eating most calories before dinner and having an earlier, lighter evening meal to reduce overnight blood sugar spikes that can negatively affect sleep quality. She recommends 30 to 40 grams of clean protein per meal; if animal protein is included, five ounces or the size of a loose fist is ideal. Aim for two servings of leafy greens, colorful veggies or whole fruit per meal, equivalent to half the plate or two open hands. Add one to two thumb-sized portions of healthy fats such as avocado, olive oil or nuts to complete the meal.
For snacks, Garrison suggests a hard-boiled egg or hummus with a handful of carrots, a cup of edamame in the pod or nitrite-free turkey slices in the afternoon. For an evening boost, she recommends “something light and protein-forward like half a cup of cottage cheese with cinnamon and berries.”
Stoppa supports high-quality protein and naturally low-glycemic index foods like wild blueberries, blackberries and chickpeas, which provide polyphenols and saponins that slow glucose absorption.
Herbal Help
Ribaudo emphasizes that blood sugar-supportive herbs can smooth out fluctuations. “Using herbs for blood sugar balance doesn’t have to be complicated. A little cinnamon can be stirred into oatmeal, blended into a smoothie or sprinkled into roasted vegetables or beans. Fenugreek seeds work beautifully in soups, curries and lentil dishes, while moringa leaf powder blends smoothly into salad dressings, sauces or soups.”
Ribaudo also recommends Gymnema sylvestre tincture for pancreatic support and long-term glucose balance, making sugary foods less tempting. Stress-reducing holy basil (tulsi) tea is beneficial during afternoon slumps. She stresses the importance of consulting a professional, especially for those on blood sugarlowering medications or prone to hypoglycemic dips, as effects can accumulate.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
ASIAN SALMON POWER BOWL
This delicious, nutrient-dense meal is packed with healthy fats, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
YIELD: 1 SERVING
4 oz salmon
½ cup whole grain brown rice
½ cup edamame
½ cup carrots, shredded
½ cup cabbage or bok choy, shredded
½ Tbsp sesame seeds
1 Tbsp coconut liquid aminos
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp scallions, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Cook the rice according to package instructions. Steam and shell the edamame. Sauté the cabbage or bok choy, if using. Grill the salmon and season to taste.
Layer cooked rice, edamame, carrot and cabbage or bok choy in a bowl. Add salmon.
Whisk coconut aminos and rice vinegar together then pour over the contents of the bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Top with scallions and cilantro.
Recipe courtesy of Jacqui Garrison.
Holistic Community Professionals
Our professional team of holistic and natural businesses provides community outreach and education. We are committed to improving the health and wellness of body, mind, and spirit in the communities we serve.
Naturopathic Physician
Dr. Nicole Klughers, ND, PharmD, MSAc Vis Wellness Center. Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncture Provider. Rocky Hill, CT & TeleMedicine Statewide • DrNicoleKlughers.com info@DrNicoleKlughers.com • (234)2-ACU-DOC
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Vibrational Healing
Rev. Bradford W. Tilden, MM, CMT, UWT Starseed Support, Universal White Time, Crystal Healing, Sound Healing • Sessions and Trainings crystalmusichealing.com • linktr.ee/bradfordtilden 860-830-5841
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Indoor Oasis
How Houseplants Transform the Winter Blues
by Maya Whitman
As winter draws near and we seek refuge indoors, many of us notice a dip in physical energy and emotional well-being. Houseplants offer more than aesthetic appeal in our homes and workplaces; they rebalance our indoor environments and foster inner calm. Whether it’s a lush philodendron cascading from a bookcase or an elegant orchid on a coffee table, plants infuse life into any space.
With a variety of colors, sizes and maintenance levels, a green thumb isn’t required to create inviting, mood-lifting corners of greenery. Caring for plants can be an enjoyable, calming and uplifting experience, but simply being around them enhances our well-being. Research indicates that spending time with houseplants lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduces worry and improves post-surgical outcomes in hospital patients.
Indoor plants transform the ambience wherever they are placed. “Their presence alone lifts mood. My home feels softer, calmer and more alive when plants are around me in winter. Even one thriving plant in your space can shift the energy,” says Dana Carpenter, a horticultural advisor and founder of the Fancy Plants Club, an online resource for successful houseplant management.
Practical Beauty
Plants add moisture to dry indoor air, benefiting skin and respiratory health during the cold season. Varieties with broad, large leaves have a greater humidifying effect. For lush appeal and moisturizing benefits, choose dracaena, ficus benjamina, philodendron,
peace lily, areca and bamboo palms. A 2005 study presented to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology suggests that English ivy is ideal for allergy sufferers because of its potential to reduce airborne mold spores.
“Plants are sensory by nature and stimulate the senses through touch, sight, sound, smell and taste,” says Alicia Green, a horticulturist and coordinator of Buehler Enabling Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. “Tending to a plant also subtly promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability that can contribute to emotional grounding.”
Carpenter agrees, stating, “When I am watering, pruning or just checking on my plants, my senses are engaged as I notice the texture of the leaves, the smell of soil, even the sound of water trickling. Caring for my plants offers a natural break in the rhythm of my day.”
A Refuge From the Winter Blues
Plants provide solace for those that find the colder months challenging, particularly individuals with seasonal affective disorder. “In the winter, when the light feels scarce and the days drag, even one corner filled with a few thriving plants, a cozy chair and maybe a grow light disguised as decor can change the energy of a room,” Carpenter reflects. “Just sitting near your green zone with tea in the morning turns it into a place you look forward to, especially during gray months.”
Plants add comfort, warmth and support in spaces where we practice mindful meditation, prayer or yoga. Beautiful blooms beside photographs of loved ones celebrate happy memories. A group of plants in varying shades can transform a cozy reading nook, enliven a kitchen corner, add vibrance to a kids’ playroom or lend an exotic touch to a sunny bathroom.
Choosing the right plants that fit our individual lifestyles makes it easy to follow our bliss. “Snake plant tolerates very low light and can be placed in almost any room with a window. It also has very low watering requirements, thus making it a very low-maintenance houseplant,” advises Green. “Pothos and peace lily can also be placed away from a window, as they are very tolerant of low light.”
Green also recommends using flowering plants such as amaryllis bulbs during winter months to add color to a room, and she encourages novice indoor gardeners to consider succulents and phalaenopsis orchids for their beauty and low-water requirements. Festive-blooming cyclamen is also a favorite for its tendency to thrive in autumn and winter.
According to Carpenter, all plants are joyful additions to the home, including fragrant herbs on a windowsill. “Brushing your hand across rosemary releases that fresh, grounding scent, which feels especially comforting when the world outside is cold and bare.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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Calendar of Events
Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before November 12 (for the December 2025 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings. com for guidelines on how to submit listings.
Saturday, November 1
Holistic Wellness Summit – Join global leaders in energy medicine, quantum healing and integrative wellness for a transformative day of connection, inspiration and growth. com. 66 Hale Ave, White Plains. Register: WEQHSummit.
Sunday, November 2
12th Annual New Age & Craft Expo – 10am5pm. Tarot & intuitive readings, handcrafted gifts, health & wellness, Tibetan bowls, aura photos, crystals, reiki and so much more. 2 Rooms of Dynamic Speakers & Guided Meditations. Health & Wellness.. and Much More! $6 with $1 off if you mention Natural Awakenings. Wyndham Southbury, 1284 Strongtown Rd, Southbury.
Root + Release: Sound Bath & Therapeutic Art Experience – 2-4pm. Experience a nurturing evening of sound and art designed to help you release, reflect, and renew with the rhythm of the season. $65. Wakeman Town Farm, 134 Cross Highway, Westport. Tinyurl.com/rrsbtae.
Mark Your Calendar
Center for Spiritual Development
In-Person Service • Every Sunday • 11am November 9: Memorial Service
Virtual Class: Spiritual Mediumship with Rev. Hoy & Rev. James November 3, 10, 17 & 24 • 7-9pm • $100
Student Visit Day – 8:30-11:30am. Children will engage in active learning in our screen-free Grades classrooms and experience strong academics integrated with art, music, and movement, while parents tour the classrooms and see the curriculum’s progression (registration required, ages 7+). Free. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-1113. Tinyurl.com/5n94pkeu.
Friday, November 7
Harvest Festival: Sip & Shop – 5-9pm. Sip and shop with local artisans and handcrafted gifts. $5/ entrance fee. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-1113. WaldorfCT.org.
Universal White Time Healing Level 1 – 6-6:30pm. 11/7: 6-9pm; 11/8 & 11/9: 9:30am-6:30pm. Discover UWT, a transformative energy healing modality designed to expand your abilities, accelerate spiritual growth and support deep soul-level healing for yourself and others. $525. Sanctuary of Crystal Music Healing, 92 North Summit St, Studio West, Southington. Contact Bradford: 860-830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com. Tinyurl.com/ ClassDeposit50.
Full Moon Circle with Plant Talk, Sound Bath + Meditation – 7-8pm. Connect with lunar energy, healing plants and sound. Free. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Saturday, November 8
Healing Day Fundraiser – 10am-4pm. Join us for a day of relaxation, renewal and community. Enjoy restorative practices, uplifting energy and opportunities to give back. Early Registration: $111 Regular Price: $133. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
Harvest Festival – 11am-4pm. Crafts, activities, food and fun for the whole family. Puppet Shows at 12pm & 1pm. Plus, visit our Local Artisans Vendor
Market to shop Handcrafted Gifts. Rain or Shine. Free entry, ticketed activities. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-1113. WaldorfCT.org.
Tuesday, November 11
11:11 Ascension Portal Arch Angel Experience – 6:30-6:30pm. Master Energy Healer Bradford Tilden teams up with Archangel Raphael, to offer a truly transformational healing and empowering experience for you within rapid cellular regeneration chamber. This event is a book signing, sound healing and experiential healing workshop. Space is limited. $111. Sanaré Wellness, 92 N. Summit St, Southington. 860-600-0106. Tinyurl.com/ AARaphaelExperience2025.
Wednesday, November 12
Kinder Morning: Sample Class – 9-11am. Caregivers and children are welcome to come experience a morning as a student in our Early Childhood Classroom. Registration Required. Free. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-1113. Tinyurl.com/ mwhmfvyy.
Gentle Yoga – 6-7pm. A gentle yoga session that ends with a sound bath and herbal tea. $18. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Thursday, November 13
Morley Robbins Book Tour: 2nd Edition Cure Your Fatigue – 6-8pm. Meet author Morley M. Robbins for a book signing on Cure Your Fatigue, exploring mineral balance, energy restoration and wellness. $21.95. Barnes & Noble, 1145 High Ridge Rd, Stamford. 475-832-5278.
Friday, November 15
The Healing Kitchen: Mineral Rich Vinaigrettes and Oxymels – 1-2pm. Learn to boost your everyday salad with a healing, mineralizing herbal vinaigrette. Free. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Sunday, November 16
Vibrational Sound Bath – 12:15-1:30pm. Join master vibrational healer Bradford Tilden, while he uses his voice and crystal singing bowls for a deeply restorative and soul-energizing meditation. We kindly ask that you bring a yoga mat. $30 per person. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
Photo by Erica Mills
Cosmic Shamanic Sound Bath – 4-5:15pm. Join master vibrational healer, Bradford Tilden for deeply restorative and energizing sound healing meditation featuring his voice and crystal bowls. He channels angelic, shamanic and cosmic healing frequencies creating a ceremonial space for relaxation, healing and transformation while integrating gemstone therapy and UWT energy into the other-worldly experience. $50. Hummingbird Healing Center, 57 Main St, 2nd Fl, Westport. 203-550-3390. HummingbirdHealingCenter.com.
Tuesday, November 18
Energy-enhanced Crystal-sound Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. Meets every third Tuesday. Join Sanaré Wellness and Bradford Tilden to connect with higher aspects of your soul, balance and clear your mind and recharge and heal your body at the cellular level with sound, crystals and White Time energy inside a scalar wave and photonic healing chamber. $99. Sanaré Wellness, Southington. 860600-0106. Tinyurl.com/EES-Crystal-Sound-Series. Drum Circle – 7-8:30pm. Experience the power of rhythm, self-expression and deep connection with others through this fun and transformative drum circle led by Kevin Makarewicz. No experience needed. Bring your own drum or use the ones provided. $20 per person. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
Wednesday, November 19
Kinder Morning: Sample Class – 9-11am. Caregivers and children are welcome to come experience a morning as a student in our Early Childhood Classroom. Registration Required. Free. Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, 40 Dodgingtown Rd, Newtown. 203-364-1113. https://tinyurl. com/mwhmfvyy.
Gentle Yoga – 6-7pm. A gentle yoga session that ends with a sound bath and herbal tea. $18. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Firday, November 21
Ann’s Place 23rd Annual Festival of Trees –11/21: 12-7pm; 11/22-11/23: 10am-5pm. Enjoy festive trees, holiday shopping, children’s crafts, live music and special events while supporting families facing cancer. The Summit at Danbury, 100 Reserve Rd, Danbury. AnnsPlaceFestivalOfTrees.org.
Reiki Circle – 6-7pm. A welcoming haven to explore the transformative power of energy healing for practitioners and newcomers. Free. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917-2678203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.
Ongoing Events
Daily
17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop – 9am-6pm. Celebrate the season with live reindeer, festive photos, children’s activities, and joyful holiday memories for the whole family to cherish. Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St, Greenwich. 203-2731166. GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.
Sunday
Sunday Healing Sessions at the Farm Jibe-iT – 10am-12pm. Experience energy clearing, inner stillness and renewal in harmony with nature, animals, and Source. $25. Farm Jibe-iT, 119 Sunset Hill Rd, Redding. Jibe-it.com.
Sunday Celebration Service – 10:30-11:30am. Bring whatever faith you are currently experiencing and join us to celebrate the Spirit within. All are welcome. We meet every Sunday from 10:3011:30am. Love offerings gratefully accepted. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. UnityCenterNorwalk.org
Online Meditation Practice Session – 10-11am. Online meditation practice sessions and Dharma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.
The Awareness Project Co. Monthly Support Call – 5-6pm. Second Sunday. This conference call is for people affected by targeted harassment and electronic monitoring. We provide a safe, judgment free environment for survivors to rediscover their voice, share and find resources. Dial in number: 774-290-2200. Conference ID: 3733840.
Monday
TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning –8:30-10am. 2nd Mon. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).
Kundalini Yoga with Janet Aspen – 11am12:15pm. Kundalini yoga is a comprehensive ancient practice that combines movement, mantra, breathwork and meditation to facilitate the most efficient use of our innate energy. It clears blocks, increases vitality and creates alignment in body. $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.
Tuesday
Rise and Shine: Guided Meditation – 7:30-8am. Second & Fourth Tuesday. Take 30 minutes to fuel your morning with a refreshing burst of calm and clarity. This guided meditation will help you start your day grounded, focused and ready to go—no experience needed. $10. SpiritInTraining.as.me. TLC Networking Breakfast in Norwalk – 8:30-10am. First Tuesday. We are a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many affordable marketing opportunities and fun! $20. Valencia, 164 Main St, Norwalk. 203TLC.com.
Gentle Yoga with Christy Abate – 10-11am. This class offers the benefits of a yoga practice while being conscious of injury and limitations. Class size limited to 10. Open to all levels. First class free (Code: CHRISTY). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-4312959. TheAngelCoop.com.
Self-Care for Caregivers – 2-2:45pm. Second Tuesday. You spend so much time caring for others—this circle is a chance to care for you. Breathe, unwind and reconnect with yourself, in the company of others who understand. You’ll leave with simple, supportive practices to carry into daily life. Free. SpiritInTraining.as.me.
TLC Holistic Networking Evening in Newtown –6-7:30pm. Last Tuesday of each month. Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners. Tribe TLC is a group of like-minded holistic practitioners and wellness entrepreneurs with a common mission to help and heal. Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203TLC.com.
Drop In and Connect: Guided Meditation – 7:308:20pm. Second & Fourth Tuesday. Take a mindful pause at the end of your day with simple, guided meditation to help you relax, recenter and reconnect—with yourself and what matters most. We’ll close with a little time for quiet or shared reflection—whatever feels right for you. $15. SpiritInTraining.as.me.
Wednesday
Mass Energy Healing with Aggregata – 10am12pm. A chance to gather with others in a safe, high-vibrational space and receive deep energetic renewal, emotional clarity, and alignment with Source energy, guided by seasoned healer Aggregata Zupanova in the sacred setting of The Granite Church. $25/suggested donation. The Granite Church, 5 N Main St, Redding. Tinyurl. com/3cd276dm.
Gentle Yoga with Christy Abate – 11am-12pm. This class offers the benefits of a yoga practice while being conscious of injury and limitations. Class size limited to 10. Open to all levels. First class free (Code: CHRISTY). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.
TLC Networking Happy After Hours in New Milford – 4:30-6:30pm. Second Wednesday. Opportunity to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere and make connections and celebrate good times. The Abbey, 132 Danbury Rd, New Milford. 203-856-9566. 203TLC.com.
TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening –6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday of the month. We are a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many marketing opportunities and fun. Online via Zoom. For logon info please RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. 203TLC.com
Ongoing Events
International Association for Near Death Studies – 6:30-8pm. Third Wednesday. Join a supportive monthly gathering for those exploring spiritual or transformative experiences, featuring guest speakers and open, healing conversations. By donation. Mary Taylor Methodist Church, 168 Broad St, Milford. isgo.iands.org/local_group/milford-ct.
A Course of Love (ACOL) – 7pm. Join this discussion group centered around Mari Perron’s channeled book, A Course of Love. Let’s join our hearts and minds together as we share insights and life experiences while integrating A Course of Love into our everyday lives. All are welcome. No ACOL experience needed. Love offerings gratefully accepted. $15. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.
Body, Mind and Feelings Working Together –7-7:30pm. Experience a free weekly online SelfBreema class with certified instructors. Enjoy gentle movement, self-care and harmony through mindful presence and balance. No charge. Breema.com.
Online Meditation Practice Session – 7-8pm. Online meditation practice sessions and Dharma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.
Mysticism: Where Science, Art and Religion Meet – 7-8:30pm. What is the purpose of life? Our intent is to address these issues through lectures, readings and guided group discussions. We will present ancient concepts, cutting-edge theories, speculations, assertions, data, and most of all, thought-provoking ideas for discussion. Free. Aleph Talks, 606 Post Rd East, Ste 667, Westport. AlephTalks.com.
Thursday
All Levels Vinyasa with Jackie Jackson – 9:3010:30am. 4th Thur. Open to all bodies, ages and abilities. Jackie is a seasoned yoga teacher who is skilled at cueing and sequencing to all students. First class free (Code: JACKIE). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.
Mysticism: Where Science, Art and Spirituality Meet – 7-9pm. Bart Stuck (applied mathematician and physicist) and Marjorie Partch (Jungian astrologer) lead these weekly discussions, which follow readings and lectures on ancient concepts and cuttingedge theories, presenting fresh alternatives to the apparent dichotomy that. To participate via ZOOM: BartStuck@gmail.com. Free. AlephTalks.com.
Friday
Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 10am-4pm. First Friday. With Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 1st level, from an experienced Reiki Master/ Teacher (29 years). Includes latest info. Learn how to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others. Helpful for stress reduction and more. Two Manuals and certificate included (4 attunements), private classes offered). Please call to register. Prepayment required. This Workshop is also held on the first Saturday of the month, pick one date. Please no drop-ins. $135. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.
Qi Gong with Josh Liebling – 11am-12pm. Qi Gong helps us release stress and transform into feeling refreshed, renewed and enlivened, with an undercurrent of peace and tranquility. Come experience routines that are not just powerful, but also fun and carry a sense of wonder and play. First class free (Code: JOSH). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-4312959. TheAngelCoop.com.
Friday Night Fun Networking – 6:30-8pm. First Friday. With Beth Leas of Tribe TLC. Each month will feature a fun activity designed to enhance getting to know one another . RSVP to Beth Leas at 203-856-9566 (call/text) Free. Yoga for Everybody, 85 Mill Plain Rd, 3rd Floor, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. Yoga4Everybody.net.
Monthly Yoga Mom’s Night Out – 7-9pm. Second Friday. Join us for an evening that’s all about reclaiming you time. Calm your mind and body with candlelight yoga, a few other experiences. Space is limited to 16 moms, so please pre-register. $40. Come with a friend and get a special gift. $40. Yoga for Everybody, 85 Mill Plain Rd, 3rd Floor, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. Yoga4Everybody.net.
Saturday
Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. Discuss various works on topics such as self-study, meditation, self-improvement, mindfulness, joy and much more. Discussion followed by 30-minute guided meditation. Proceeds donated to our charity of the month. $10/cash. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250. WeAreYogaCulture.com.
In-Person Meditation Practice Session – 1011:30am. Limited in-person meditation practice. All levels welcome. If it’s your first time, please let someone know so that we can provide a brief introduction. Must register online. Donations encouraged. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.
Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-4pm. Fifth Saturday. with Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/ Teacher. Learn Reiki Second (Reiki2) level, from an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher (29 years). Private classes are offered. Includes latest info. Two powerful energy connections included, from Gigi’s short Japanese Usui Lineage. Two manuals and certificate included. Prepayment required. This workshop is also held on last Friday and Saturday of the month, pick one date. Please no drop-ins. 203852-1150. $225. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.
Psychic, Spiritual & Healing Fair – 11am-4pm. Second Saturday. Experience gifted readers and healers offering guidance, insight, and connection in The Center’s sacred atmosphere. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome. Sessions are first come, first served. Center for Spiritual Development, NSAC, 293 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich. 203-637-4615. Contact: CSDPastor@gmail.com. Restorative Yoga – 4-5:30pm. First Sunday. With Liz Wendel. The Angel Wing, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.
Classified
For Rent
BROOKFIELD – BEAUTIFUL, PROFESSIONAL FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in integrative psychologist’s suite at 246 Federal Rd, Brookfield. Two offices for rent—ideal for psychotherapist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, etc seeking a warm, inviting environment. Includes a shared waiting room and bathroom. Excellent location and atmosphere. Contact: Dr DeAnn Ewart 860-488-3724
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE NORWALK – Associates In Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care located at 156 East Ave, Norwalk right off exit 16 I-95. We have 2 separate rooms available to rent. Perfect for another professional such as LMT, IBCLC, LCSW, etc. looking for inexpensive professional space (includes weekly cleaning, utilities, and has shared common reception and bathroom). Please contact Dr. Mark Joachim: 203-856-8520.
Grow Your Business
IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let Natural Awakenings connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 203-885-4674 or email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.
Cereset (Cerebrum + Reset) is a proven, non-invasive technology that helps your brain naturally release stress, restoring balance and flexibility. In just five sessions, clients often experience deeper sleep, improved mood, increased energy, sharper memory, enhanced focus and better emotional regulation. See ad, page 11.
Cave Rental/Unique Gathering Space
SALT CAVE OF DARIEN
555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 • Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com
Our wellness destination offers an oasis of peace, calm and serenity. Whether you want to release stress, address a health challenge, or gather with friends and family, the Cave is inviting, warm and soothing. Check out our website for the many different ways to experience the benefits of our healing salt! See ad, page 2.
Discover Balance with Hemp Lifestyle. Support your body’s natural wellness with premium, organic hemp products. Trusted by physicians, triple lab-tested and U.S. Hemp Authority-certified, our cannabinoids help optimize sleep, mood, immunity and recovery. Visit HempLifestyle.net to learn more. See ad, page 5.
Chiropractic
UPPER CERVICAL DOC
Dr. Walter Trinidad, DC 161 East Ave, Ste 14, Norwalk 203-822-1461 • UpperCervicalDoc.org
Experience relief from chronic pain, migraines, and stress with our gentle, precise upper cervical chiropractic care. Restore balance, revitalize health. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Trinidad, dedicated Upper Cervical Doc.
Education
EMBODY THE SACRED
Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Ridgefield and New Milford Deana.Paqua@gmail.com
EmbodyTheSacred.net
Offering classes, training programs, healing sessions and mentoring in cross-cultural energy medicine and contemporary shamanism for healers, spiritual seekers and the energy sensitive. Learn self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred.
Herbal Medicine
HERBS LOVE AND YOGA
111 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook 917-267-8203
HerbsLoveAndYoga.com
Learn plants with us @HerbsLoveAndYoga
Herbs Love and Yoga is a Herbal Medicine School and Shop offering herbalist certifications, workshops, and in-house made herbal products. Shop teas, tinctures, flower essences, and CBD online or visit our Sandy Hook storefront. Yoga & reiki are also offered.
Integrative Optometry
EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC
Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD
Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker
Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman
Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami
Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh
Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee
LOCATIONS:
6515 Main St., Trumbull,• 203-374-2020
444 Westport Ave., Norwalk • 203-840-1991
2600 Post Rd., Southport • 203-255-4005
992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford • 203-357-0204 572 US-6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-3750
103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco, NY • 914-241-2020
CTNYEyecare.com
We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.
Meditation
CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION
9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 • ReddingMeditation.org
We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates selfawareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.
Medium
DR. ELIZABETH RAVER, PHD
Evidential Psychic Medium 203-400-9212 RavElizabeth516@gmail.com DrLizMedium.com
Offers mediumship sessions, classes, workshops, private/ group readings. Zoom, phone, or in person. Monthly free international discussion group on zoom. Member of IANDS (International Association for Near Death Studies, Inc.) and ARED (Afterlife Research Education Discussion). See ad, page 23.
Metaphysical Store
THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE
51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative)
The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique and metaphysical store, home to the USA’s first Shungite Room. Explore crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils, divination tools, oracle decks, and more. The Shungite Room offers energy sessions, readings, reiki, workshops and guided meditation, all led by experienced practitioners. Shungite, known for its antioxidant fullerenes, is believed to have powerful healing properties. Our offerings are designed to stir the soul and support innate healing. See ad, page 13.
Naturopathic Physician
NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC
Vis Wellness Center
Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine Statewide (234) 2-ACU-DOC • DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com
Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s “health detective” approach identifies the root cause of symptoms and provides all-natural solutions such as personalized nutrition (food as medicine), herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more. In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing of vitamins/minerals, hormones, advanced cardiovascular markers, inflammation, food sensitivities, gut/microbiome and more. See ad, page 23.
Psychotherapy
NANCY S. SCHERLONG, LCSW, CHHC, SEP, CP, PTR/CJT-CM
Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop! Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs. See ad, page 8.
GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER
Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com
Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.
Salt Healing Therapy Wellness Center
SALT
OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC
SPA
787 Main St, S Woodbury 203-586-1172 • NaturalSaltHealing.com
Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.
Sound Healing
THE ANGEL WING
A Divine Spiritual Center
Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com
Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative)
The Angel Wing offers diverse workshops, retreats, energy work, readings, Reiki, massage, sound healing, meditation, acupuncture, Qi Gong, and yoga classes. We also provide certification courses in Reiki, Crystal Healing, Meditation, Sound Healing and more—designed to uplift and align with New Earth energies. . See ad, page 13.
HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC
Barbara (Bobbi) Soares
Merryall, New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga
Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers Hummingbird Sound Yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 6.
Spiritual Center
UNITY CENTER OF NORWALK
Betsy Woods Brooks or Miranda Agosto 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk 203-855-7922
Unity Center of Norwalk is a spiritual co-op that offers a positive, practical, progressive approach to Spirituality. We’re about building community, deepening spirituality and transforming lives. Sunday services at 10:30am. Visit UnityCenterNorwalk.org for our monthly events calendar. See ad, page 19.
Support Group
THE AWARENESS PROJECT CO.
65 High Ridge Rd, Ste.102,Stamford
1:1 Support: 844-373-3840
Tinyurl.com/TheAwarenessProject
Have you ever been affected by targeted harassment and electronic monitoring. We provide a safe, judgment free environment for survivors to rediscover their voice, share and find resources. Visit our website or email us ConnectWithOthertis@gmail.com for more information, dates and times of monthly support/conference call.
Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real self-acceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 2.
If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 2.
Universal White Time Healing
BRADFORD W. TILDEN, MM, CMT, UWT
92 North Summit St, Southington 860-830-5841
Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com
CrystalMusicHealing.com
Become certified in Universal White Time Healing! Bradford is one of the pioneering teachers and practitioners of this exclusive and incredible new global healing modality given to us by our ET allies for our healing, spiritual growth, and the awakening of humanity. With White Time there is no limit to how strong a healer you can become, or how high you can spiritually evolve. See ad, page 23.
Voice & Sound Coaching
HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC
Barbara (Bobbi) Soares Merryall, New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga
Improve your voice, expand your range, find your ‘goldilocks’ note using soul singing, improvisation and ‘one with sound’ exercises. Learn from a certified vocal yoga teacher, sound healer and experienced performer who has studied with Bobby Mcferrin, Silvia Nakkach and Heather Lyle. Some of her music can be found at WiseFishWorld.com. Online Zoom groups and one on one sessions. See ad, page 6.
HHO is your feel-great place! A 3,500-square-foot wellness spa and healing center featuring over a dozen wellness services in a caring feng shui inspired atmosphere. If you need relaxation, detoxification, body contouring or rehabilitation services, then you should check them out.
Yoga
THE ANGEL WING
A Divine Spiritual Center
Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com
Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative)
The Angel Cooperative offers diverse yoga classes at The Angel Wing, our spiritual center next door. Classes include vinyasa, gentle, yin, kundalini, restorative (with tarot/sound immersion), yoga nidra, Yoga Alliance® 200hr Teacher Training, and workshops. Save 20% on Yoga Packages + enjoy a free first class! Our teachers believe yoga is for everyone— every body, every level. See ad, page 13.
Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers Hummingbird Sound Yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 6.