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We are animal lovers from all walks

of life who strive to educate and


connect benefactors with caregivers
for the betterment of animals.
We provide resources and funding to
decrease the unwarranted euthanasia
of pets with special needs.

Fashionistas for Fur-babies

Saturday, April 11 from 11am to 3pm


at Marriot West in Waukesha
We are looking for vendors and show participants!
We are looking for vendors and show participants!
Be creative! We want your ideas and time!
Be creative! We want your ideas and time!

Please visit www.iPAWaid.com to see the furry faces


of those we have helped. Please donate or volunteer!

Like us on Facebook!

Peanut

Dr. Jodies Natural Pets is a local manufacturer of


unique, healthy products and treats for dogs and cats.
A percentage of proceeds are donated to iPAW.
We would like to thank these local, natural
retailers! Please frequent these fine shops to
reward YOUR pet and to support iPAW!

www.DrJodiesNaturalPets.com

Shorewood

Oconomowoc

Milwaukee

Bayview

Racine
Waterford

Bad Dog Frida


Madison

Muskego

Rosicrucian Mystic Inquiry Series


Join us for our FREE workshop
Sunday, February 1st 1pm3pm
Karnak Pronaos
3846 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI (414) 344-9112
This months topic:

The Truth About Reincarnation

The Rosicrucian system is unique


it provides a foundation that ties
together all of the different aspects of
metaphysical study, and demonstrates
their interconnectedness.
Understanding the natural laws that
govern all realms physical, emotional,
mental, psychic, and spiritual leads to
true prosperity and peace of mind.
This is exactly what the Rosicrucian
Order provides a systematic approach
to the study of higher wisdom that
empowers you to find the answers to
your questions about the workings of
the universe, the interconnectedness
of all life, your higher purpose, and
how it all fits together.

www.Rosicrucian.org

CONTENTS
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN January 2015

26

FEATURE STORY

Living a determined life Lucas Robak


inspires your vision for the future

ON THE COVER:
LUCAS ROBAK, owner of Skillset Life Coaching
and founder of Melody of Life Foundation
Photography by Melissa Greenwood

DEPARTMENTS

6 LETTER FROM THE TEAM

7 MAKING CONNECTIONS
IN THE COMMUNITY

16 HEALTHY PETS

Practice weather-related pet safety all

Understanding osteopathic manipulative treatment


and low back pain

10 Oiled finishes, naturally


11 Natural mind

year long

12 Astrology and the houses

20 HEALTHY KIDS

Fill snow days with activities and fun

14 Forgiveness and grief

24 FIT BODIES

Build a better booty and backside

21 Yoga move of the month: Tree Pose

18 Setting attainable New Years resolutions for 2015

28 HEALTHY FINANCES

5 financial health resolutions for 2015
34 CHARTING A COURSE

Capricorn Whos in charge here?
36 HERB BLURB

Feverfew
40 HEALTHY EATING

Egg-a-licious tips and recipes
46 COMMUNITY PARTNERS
48 ADVERTISER DIRECTORY
49 COMMUNITY CALENDAR

10

22 The 5 laws of visualization


22 Oiled finishes, naturally
23 Natural mind
24 Astrology and the houses
25 The class of change
30 Take care of your back this winter!
32 You are the gift! Shine brightly like a multifaceted diamond
37 Thicker waist but thinner wallet?

18

38 How to realign your life for 2015!


42 Postpartum fitness and nutrition

42
21

38
THE NATURES PATHWAYS MISSION
To provide relevant information on personal wellness by connecting
healthy living experts with the communities they serve.

AM

LETTER FROM THE TE

magazine
JANUARY 2015
A new year has arrived along with all the expectations of what it will bring.
Newborn 2015 offers each of us a fresh start, a blank canvas. What 2015 will hold
for you is limited only by your imagination and will to succeed!
Perhaps this is the year you finally take that trip youve always wanted. Youll
travel near, far and everywhere in between; you will see all this wide world has to
offer. In 2015 you will immerse yourself in other cultures, make new friends and
learn more about yourself than in all your previous years combined.
Or perhaps you will experience something a bit closer to home. Maybe youll
break a bad habit or overcome a challenge thats been plaguing you for some
time. Is this the year youll turn your finances around, start investing for the
future and pave your way to becoming debt-free?
Maybe 2015 will open the door to learn a new skill. Is a different language, a
musical instrument or an artistic medium like sculpture or painting waiting for
you? Adding a new means of self-expression to your life can be extremely fulfilling. Perhaps youll make it a priority to journal every week or even every day this
year. Just think of all youll discover about yourself and the world around you
when you take time to reflect.
Will this be a year of healing? If youre hurting, know that you deserve to feel
happy. Make this the year you truly and fully forgive yourself for your past transgressions both those against others and yourself. Take those necessary first
steps to move past the pain and rediscover joy.
Perhaps youll feed your soul this year. Whether you find your connection to
something greater in a defined faith or outside of one, rejoice in it! Take time to
nurture your spiritual side.
Is this the year you start and stick to your goal of building the healthiest
life you can?
Whatever you choose to focus on in 2015, Natures Pathways will be behind
you, offering guidance and resources along your journey to wellness in every
sense of the word. This months magazine offers countless tips on how to live
your very best life. So what does 2015 have in store for you? To find out, turn
the page.

REGIONAL ACCOUNT MANAGER


Debbie Teglia
dteglia@naturespathways.com
262-224-0909
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Rebecca Bentz
editing@naturespathways.com
920-209-6900
EDITOR
Grace Olson
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Rebecca Martin
rmartin@naturespathways.com
920-209-6900
ART DIRECTOR
Rachael Wolter
rwolter@naturespathways.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kim Byrne
ASSISTANT GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Sarah Van Abel
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Aaron Foster
CONTRIBUTORS
Melissa Alderton Photography

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES:

The Natures Pathways Team

To advertise with Natures Pathways, LLC


or request additional information,
please contact us at 877-479-7209
or info@naturespathways.com.

Connect with us!

OM YOU
WE WANT TO HEAR FR
facebook.com/npmagazinesew
twitter.com/naturespathways
naturespathways.com
877-479-7209
info@naturespathways.com

Deadline for advertising is the first


of the month prior to publication.

Natures Pathways is a medium for experts to
share relevant information on wellness-related
topics, including sometimes-controversial
issues. This magazine offers multiple viewpoints so that readers are exposed to all sides
of such issues and able to make informed decisions decisions that are right for them and
the lifestyles they wish to lead. The opinions
presented in this magazine are not necessarily
shared by Natures Pathways.

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Understanding
osteopathic
manipulative
treatment and
low back pain
Plus 9 tips to reduce or
eliminate your low back pain

By Tracy Bretl, D.O.

ow back pain has historically been


the most common reason for visits
to osteopathic physicians. A distinctive element of care provided by osteopathic physicians is osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The osteopathic
physician can treat low back pain with
conventional approaches along with OMT.
OMT is defined as The therapeutic
application of manually guided forces by
an osteopathic physician to improve physiologic function and/or support homeostasis that has been altered by somatic
dysfunction. OMT employs a variety
of techniques. Somatic dysfunction is
defined as Impaired or altered function
of related components of the somatic
(body framework) system: skeletal, arthrodial, and myofascial structures, and their
related vascular, lymphatic, and neural
elements. Somatic dysfunction is treatable
using osteopathic manipulative treatment.
A study was performed to evaluate the
efficacy of OMT low back pain by osteopathic physicians and osteopathic practitioners trained in osteopathic palpatory
diagnosis and OMT. The literature was
searched for appropriate trials. Six trials
8

Natures Pathways | January 2015

were included, containing a total of 525


subjects with low back pain. Two independent reviewers collected data on trial
methods, OMT, control treatments and
low back pain outcomes.
The results clearly demonstrated a
statistically significant reduction in low
back pain. In addition, OMT compared
to the no-treatment control, showed pain
reductions twice as great as previously
found in clinical trials of placebo (fake)
treatment compared to the no-treatment
control. The results also showed that OMT
provides pain relief comparable to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They also
showed OMT significantly reduced pain
during the three-month to twelve-month
period following one study. Thus, OMT for
low back pain may eliminate or reduce the
need for pain medication, reducing potential side effects, in the short-, intermediateand long-term.
Because osteopathic physicians provide
conventional treatment along with OMT,
referrals and the cost of additional treatment may be avoided. The study also
found that no harm has been identified
in randomized clinical trials on OMT for

subjects with low back pain. OMT for


somatic dysfunction has not demonstrated
harm in any clinical trials to date.
Once somatic dysfunction is found to
be the cause or a contributing factor to low
back pain, OMT should be performed. The
diagnosis of somatic dysfunction includes
a history and physical examination,
including an osteopathic structural examination to evaluate abnormalities in joint
motion and the muscles and connective
tissues. OMT is used once other potential
causes or low back pain are ruled out or
considered improbable, such as fracture
or dislocation of a vertebrae, muscle tears,
ligament rupture, masses, or organ disease
referring pain to the low back.

How to prevent low back pain

Prevention is the best treatment for low


back pain. Tips to minimize or avoid low
back pain include:
1. Listen to your body, and dont push
through pain during any exercise or
activity.
2. Set up your work and home office
ergonomically. Use a small lumbar
support at your waist level when
www.naturespathways.com

sitting, feet flat on the floor with the


knees at a 90 degree angle. The middle
of the computer monitor should be at
eye level, and the keyboard just above
your lap with the arms at 90 degrees or
a little lower.
3. Get up and move. Do not sit for more
than one hour at a time. Take one
minute each hour to stretch a different
part of your body.
4. Use good body mechanics when lifting
or moving objects. Avoid bending over
at the waist to pick things up; use your
legs never your back.
5. If you have to perform heavy manual
labor, take frequent breaks, and stretch
throughout the day.
6. Dont be a weekend warrior. Take time
to stretch every day in preparation for
your favorite weekend sports.
7. A tight neck and hamstrings also put
unneeded pressure on the back. Make
sure to stretch all areas of the body.
8. Strong core muscles help support your
back. Simple balance exercises such
as standing on one leg for one to two
minutes will work your abdominal
muscles without the need for sit-ups.
9. If you are restarting an exercise
routine, start low and slow. See how
your body adapts before increasing
time or intensity.

Tracy Bretl, D.O., S.C.


Osteopathic Physician

References: American Osteopathic Association


Guidelines for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for Patients With Low Back Pain. The
Journal of the American Osteopathic Association.
Clinical Subcommittee on Low Back Pain.
The American Osteopathic Association. www.
osteopathic.org.
www.naturespathways.com

Board Certified in Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine


and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

For the Treatment of Pain Including:


Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Sciatica

Headaches
TMJ Pain
Post-Concussion Syndrome

Fibromyalgia
Whiplash
Infant Colic

GreenSquare Center for the Healing Arts


6793 N. Green Bay Ave.
Glendale, WI 53209
414-351-1844 www.tracybretldo.com

CONNECT
AND SHARE
facebook.com/npmagazinesew

If taking preventive measures does not


prevent back pain, or an existing condition
worsens, a visit to the physicians office is
necessary. After examining a patient with
chronic back pain, a physician can determine what forms of treatment or testing
may be needed.
Tracy Bretl, D.O., graduated from
Des Moines Universitys College of
Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in
1989. She then spent three years in
the United States Navy. Dr. Bretl is
board certified in neuromusculoskeletal medicine
and osteopathic manipulative medicine (NMM/
OMM). She has been in private practice specializing
in NMM/OMM since 1992. For more information,
visit http://tracybretldo.com or call 414-351-1844.

Rich Hanhardt has developed a specialized


pathway toward healing which incorporates a
variety of approaches used to tap the inner
resources opening the door to wisdom.
The Sacred Bond Center is focused on
these rare opportunities, which Rich
has found to be indispensable to actual
transformation of the human soul.

Richard Hanhardt
ExecuCve
Director
Richard
Hanhardt

Executive Director
11430 W. Bluemound
Rd.
11430 W. Bluemound
104 Rd.
SuiteSuite
104, Wauwatosa
Phone:
1.262.794.2318
262.794.2318
www.SacredBond.net
www.SacredBond.net

These approaches include:


Story Building
Living Waters Meditative Prayer
Focusing
Personal Symbol Study
Dreamwork
Sacred Bond Development
Sand Play Therapy
The Spiritual Discovery Tool
Please call for additional information.

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

Oiled finishes,
naturally
Rediscovering the natural
beauty of wood with
sustainable, nontoxic,
zero-VOC natural
oils and solvents


By Jonas A. Zahn

This is one of a four-part series on natural, nontoxic, eco-friendly


wood finishes.

n the process of building a sustainable and eco-friendly casket


company, weve had to learn a lot about eco-friendly wood
finishes. The plain pine box appeals to only so many. Weve
learned how to achieve a wide variety of beautiful wood finishes
without using harmful chemicals. Most of our learning has been a
matter of rediscovering the historic techniques mastered by 16th
century English craftsmen. In this article well briefly cover the
history, chemistry and useful techniques for achieving natural oil
finishes with natural solvents.
Natural oil finishes date back many centuries. Some natural oils
used on wood include linseed oil, tung oil and walnut oil. Olive
oil, almond oil and coconut oil are also effective for small wood
restoration projects, although these food-grade oils may be a little
expensive for large projects. Chinese craftsmen have been using

Breastfeeding that is

best for you and your baby


HOME VISITS best start
for you and your baby
Certified through Lamaze International

Nancy K. Matecki RN, BSN & FACCE

Lactation Consultant

Serving Southeast Wisconsin


414-828-4823
nancykmatecki@yahoo.com

Dark raw tung oil mixed with orange oil brushes on


easily and is very forgiving of runs and drips.

tung oil, produced by pressing the leaves of the tung tree, for more
than 1,000 years to seal wood and masonry surfaces. Sixteenth
century English craftsmen used linseed oil obtained from the
dried, ripened seeds from the flax plant, a cereal grain. Natural oil
finishes work by penetrating the wood grain surface and oxidizing with exposure to air forming a hard, sealed, protective wood
surface. This is different from a conventional polyurethane or
varnish that builds up a protective surface on top of the wood.
Natural oil finishes are best applied when thinned with a
solvent. If you dont thin some of these natural oils, it will take
days (or weeks) for the oil to dry and the oil will not penetrate
the surface as deeply. The solvent helps the oil penetrate the wood
grain for a long-lasting protective finish. The solvent will evaporate almost completely as the oil cures. Natural oil finishes can be
thinned with conventional solvents or eco-friendly solvents like
orange oil or good ol lemon juice.
The paint aisle in your local home improvement store will
have at least six different varieties of conventional solvents. All
of these contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Turpentine
is a common solvent obtained by distilling the resin of pine trees.
Paint thinners, also known as mineral spirits, are distillates of
petroleum. Notice the warnings on these solvents; they are toxic,
require ventilation and are flammable. There is an alternative that
smells nice, wont give you a headache and is stable (no VOCs).
continued on page 13

10

Natures Pathways | January 2015

www.naturespathways.com

Natural
mind
Learning the wealth
of living naturally

By Rich Hanhardt

e all have a sense of what the word mind means.


It usually means something about thinking, using
various mental skills such as analysis or problemsolving, or being taught or learning new skills. However, there
is another definition of mind; it has a much more expansive
meaning and it has a role in our healing from emotional difficulties. This mind is natural mind.
Natural mind is a term originally used by Carl Jung to describe
a mind that emanates purely from nature. It is beyond the usual
definitions because it is the mind we used since the beginning
of our existence; it is what kept us aware when we lived close to
the earth. For example, imagine you have been walking down a
familiar path in the forest and you reach a clearing that has a clear
spring running through it. It is a beautiful place that you have
always loved. But today the sun has reached the point in the sky
where the entire space is bathed in a beautiful red light. Suddenly
you realize that you have never experienced this level of beauty
before. The light even dances on the bubbling waters of the spring.
Something releases inside of you an inner healing. Notice that
in this experience there has been no analysis, no problem solving,
no need for new skills: only natural mind.
You finish your journey and arrive at home. You find that
language cannot help you share the experience; it is beyond
words. The next day, after a night of very pleasant dreams, you
decide to paint the scene as best you can and you get out materials
and try your best to capture the moment. Your work is successful
and you like what you have produced. Natural mind has brought
the healing full circle.
Images/experience leads to inner healing, which leads to
creative action, which then leads to life change.
Of course we dont often immediately understand the healing
images because natural mind speaks in an old language, the
language of archetypes.
Archetypes are symbols of great power and they carry
www.naturespathways.com

tremendous healing energy. They emerge spontaneously from


natural mind, aware body and awakened spirit the healing
triad. They are found in all cultures and all times. Because of their
unique power, they have a personal healing force for each of us.
Think for a moment about this force and how it works.
Each of us has our own healing archetypes. The discovery of them
then becomes a major life journey. They can be found in experiences as in the example above, and they put us on the healing path
described above.
Archetypes almost always want to be represented in artistic
forms: painted, sculpted, danced, written in music and poetry,
presented in novels and films, created in sand pictures and jewelry,
written in countless stories which have lasted for thousands of
years, and pictured in the cave walls of antiquity. The meaning and
therefore the energy that are held captive in them do not get old.
Natural mind opens the door to these images and healing
energy. Here is how this works: Lets pretend the above story of the
magical coloring of the clearing appeared in a dream of yours. You
awaken with the sense that this is an important, even a profound
event in your life. The image is so powerful that you talk about it
with your spiritual guide. As you explore the images, you begin
to realize you have never even started to look at your ability to
really appreciate nature and its beauty. With the precision timing
for the right issue, which natural mind always demonstrates, you
realize that you may now view experiences in nature with new
level of personal investment. The magically lit clearing dream has
now become a healing archetype for you; natural mind has guided
your healing journey.
Richard Hanhardt M.S., MBA, BCSLC, is the executive director
of The Sacred Bond Center. He has practiced in the psychotherapy field for 44 years and now has dedicated his work to what he
believes is truly healing: awakening the spiritual for clients through
multiple pathways. He is the author of Sacred Bond, Living
Waters, Healing Through Meditative Prayer and Story Building, Telling the
Healing Story of Great Power. See ad on page 9.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

11

Astrology
and the
houses

By Lisa Anne

TO BEGIN, lets further understand what astrology is.

Astrology is a tool for self-understanding and expanding our


connection to ourselves and the world above. A horoscope or
birth chart is merely a snapshot of the sky the moment you were
born. It is a map and the astrologer is the translator of its symbolic
language. There is nothing set in stone, as we each have free will
to create our own reality with each decision we make. The highest
purpose of astrology is to work with the energy within each of
our birth charts, pushing ourselves to grow and to evolve with
each decision we make. Astrology offers us knowledge to know
ourselves in a new way.
There are three major factors involved in astrology: the planets, the
signs and the houses. This will be a brief introduction to the houses.
The houses are the sections within the birth chart that represent
different areas of life. Twelve is a very symbolic number. There are
12 houses just as there are 12 months, 12 signs and 12 hours on
the clock. The planets are the energy and the signs are the way in

Pathways of Light
Wellness Center
W314 N720 Hwy 83, Delafield, Wisconsin
www.pathwayswellness.org | 262-378-9638

Astrology and Wellness


Consultations
Nutrition and
Health Coaching
Psychotherapy,
Colorpuncture, EMDR
Massage
Essential Oils
Advanced Energy
Healing and Aura Scans
Yoga and Nia
Meditation
Reiki
Many classes and
groups every day!

12

Natures Pathways | January 2015

which the energy is used. The houses show where our focus is and
what it is that we are focusing on.
If you are new to astrology, learning the houses is an easy way
to begin to understand its symbolism. Looking at a birth chart for
the first time is like looking at hieroglyphics. The only familiar
things are the numbers one through twelve within the center of
the chart. For example, if you see a lot of symbols in the sixth
house, there will be a great drive for you to be involved in some
sort of health care or service, such as working with nutrition and
wellness; it is a very service-oriented focus.
If you familiarize yourself with just the houses, you can begin to
learn how to interpret your own unique birth chart. Just look where
theres a lot of markings. Whatever house those markings fall into is
a focus for you, and you can use this as a tool to learn, live and evolve.
Below are simplistic examples of the houses. There are books
written on each house; these are only an introduction.
HOUSE 1: The house of identity. This is where you have a great

need to get to know yourself and make peace within yourself.


There is a leader within you who wants to be seen in a new way.

HOUSE 2: The house of money and security. This involves a focus

on the material world and learning to find balance between our


net worth and our self-worth.
HOUSE 3: The house of communication. Usually salesmen,

teachers, speakers and writers have a focus in this house. There


is something important in this life that needs to be said, to be
learned, to be expressed.
HOUSE 4: The house of home. Focus on family, our roots and our

private world. Home can be a sanctuary or where we hide from the


world. This is a very personal journey, learning to become our own
individual separate from our family.
www.naturespathways.com

HOUSE 5: The house of creativ-

ity and children. This is where our


focus is on our passions and things
that we love. How do we create love
in our life? It is a drive for us to
create something that sets us apart
and allows us to shine.
HOUSE 6: The house of service,

health, diet and nutrition. There is


a focus on work: usually working in
the health and wellness field. Also, this house deals with animals.
There may be a special bond with animals or desire to work with
helping animals.
HOUSE 7: The house of relationships. This is the marriage house,

but also deals with partnerships. It involves learning how to balance


me/you, how to be with another and maintain your identity.

OILED FINISHES, NATURALLY CONTINUED FROM 10.

Citrus solvent, also known as orange oil, is made by distilling


the peels of citrus fruit, mainly oranges. Orange oil is used in
commercial food flavoring. It is a pleasure to work with and
it smells like oranges!
Mixing orange oil one-to-one with tung oil yields an effective
natural wood finish with zero harmful toxins or VOCs. Applying the oil mixture with a foam brush or chip brush is easy for
even a novice woodworker. Unlike conventional varnish, the
finish is forgiving of drips and runs. Apply heavily on fresh
(sanded) wood surfaces for deep penetration in the wood grain.
Touch up areas where the wood has absorbed the oil and smooth
out where the oil is pooling within 30 minutes. Apply multiple
coats for more protection with light sanding between coats with
300 grit (or finer) or #00 steel wool. We like to wait 24-48 hours
between coats.

HOUSE 8: The house of transformation. This is the area of the

unspoken or taboo subjects, such as sex, death, taxes and secrets.


We become transformed by having the courage to discover our
own vulnerabilities and share our experience with others. We are
called to go within, into the dark, to discover our light.

HOUSE 9: The house of higher education, religion, politics and

travel. The belief system is strong and righteous. This is the area
of professors, priests and politicians. We strive to expand our
knowledge and teach others what we have learned. The greatest
challenge is in learning how to share without trying to convert to
what we believe: learning detached wisdom.

HOUSE 10: The house of career. This is our highest ambition for

ourselves, our career calling, our sense of purpose in the world.


It represents authority figures as well, and how they may thwart
our path to success or appear to do so. We are called to leave
a mark with our career in some way to build something that
lasts, something that matters.
HOUSE 11: The house of groups, charities and friends. This

is where you find community leaders with strong networking


skills. These individuals are able to relate to all walks of life in a
way that creates wonderful diversity within the group.
HOUSE 12: The house of spirituality, intuition and sacrifice. This

is where we have a spiritual practice that is unique to us. Whether it


is Buddhism, yoga, Christianity, Sufism or something else, there is
a great need to swim within the waters of spirit, to unplug from life
each day through prayer and/or meditation and recharge. This house
creates a great desire to discover the path that speaks to your soul.
For a free birth chart, go to www.astro.com.
To learn more, contact Lisa Anne at www.pathwayswellness.org.
Lisa Anne is a professional astrologer and director/owner of Pathways of Light
Wellness Center located in Delafield. She received her degree in metaphysics at The
American Institute of Theology. She studied astrology with the American Federation
of Astrologers as well as the Academy of Astro-Psychology. She teaches advanced
astrology classes, hosts a new moon group each month, and is dedicated to sharing
the value of astrology and removing the stigma and mystery that surrounds it. Please
visit the centers website to discover our wellness opportunities at www.pathwayswellness.org. Or reach Lisa Anne directly www.pathwayslisaanne.com.
www.naturespathways.com

Walnut oil is also


a good food-grade surface
treatment for cutting boards
or kitchen countertops.
Tung oil brings out the natural character and colors of wood
on oak, cherry and pine projects. Tung oil will add a light yellow
hue, or honey glaze to the wood, bringing out those warm tones
of red that naturally occur in the wood grain. Linseed oil works
almost the same, but will yellow a little more over time than tung
oil. Walnut oil darkens over time especially on red oak, resulting in a very rich dark reddish-brown color. Walnut oil is naturally
thinner and can be applied without a solvent. Walnut oil is also a
good food-grade surface treatment for cutting boards or kitchen
countertops.
Look for the next installment in next months issue at www.
naturespathways.com or northwoodscasket.com/blog.
For more information on eco-friendly finishes including real milk
paint, natural waxes and non-toxic burnishing glazes, check out our
blog at www.northwoodscasket.com/blog or ask us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/NorthwoodsCasket.
Jonas A. Zahn is the owner of the Northwoods Casket Company
and Carriage House Works. Jonas is uncompromising in his commitment to
sustainability using locally-sourced woods, local craftsmen (and women), and
environmentally safe paints and finishes to build caskets and classic Arts &
Crafts furniture. The company plants 100 trees for every casket made. The Northwoods Casket Company offers a wide range of sustainable burial caskets and
cremation products and delivers to every funeral home in Wisconsin. Carriage
House Works builds fine handcrafted furniture, sells reclaimed wood flooring and distributes milk paint with environmentally safe natural oil finishes.
The casket gallery and furniture store are located in Beaver Dam. Learn more
by visiting www.NorthwoodsCasket.com or www.CarriageHouseWorks.com.
See ads on pages 15 and 29.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

13

Forgiveness
and
grief

By Robert Matuszak

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is


an attribute of the strong.

Mahatma Gandhi

en and ladies, in dealing with


loss and its ensuing grief, have
you ever felt that even though
you have done your work around it, you

still feel that something is incomplete? Or,


when someone brings up your loss, do you
feel some anger around it? Maybe someone
pushes your buttons, triggering repressed
emotions. Do you go tumbling down into
the grief abyss again and again and again?
Lets take a look at some possible solutions to releasing that tired, old history.

ORION CONSULTING LLC


Formerly known as Windhorse Coaching LLC

Coaching Adults from Traumatic Grief to


Recovery and Peace
Consultant to Businesses, Groups & Individuals
for stress and grief relief programs
Author, The Mans Grief Toolbox, A Journey
from Grief to Peace

ROBERT
MATUSZAK

Certified Grief Recovery


Coach; Author, Speaker
and Consultant

262-787-1969
2505 S. Calhoun Rd. #207, New Berlin

www.man2mangriefcoach.com
Robert@man2mangriefcoach.com

Here is the first of two invaluable tools to


help you move toward healing your loss.
These combine heart and head work that I
have used with success, both on others and
on myself. Personally, they allowed me to
heal on a very deep level.
Forgiveness is a very powerful tool in
releasing traumas from the past. I have
used it successfully myself, as have many
others. Usually a loss causes you to feel
that someone has hurt you a spouse, an
ex-boss, ex-lover, family member, etc. You
may be upset at your old boss for letting
you go, you may have been left with mixed
feelings about the death of a loved one or
maybe someone you loved burned you in
a breakup. You hang on to the anger/rage
by internalizing it, which weighs heavier as
time goes on. When and how are you going
to release this anger and rage?

Research on forgiveness

Now I know that some of you may think


this is new age stuff, or an unfounded
belief, but from the book The Happiness
Journey at www.hapacus.com, there has
been research conducted on the benefits
of forgiveness. The Science of Happiness
finds that the greatest reason to practice
forgiveness is that holding on to bitterness
continued on page 17

14

Natures Pathways | January 2015

www.naturespathways.com

Winter
superfoods for
optimal
health


llnesses seem to peak during the


winter months. A tapped-out immune
system as well as dry, cold air may
encourage the spread of common viruses
and bacterial infections more easily. As
a result, its important that men, women
and children take every step possible to
ward off sickness when the temperatures
drop. Dietary changes can make a world of
difference, and more and more people are
including these proven superfoods in their
winter diets.

of antioxidants, and some


studies point to cinnamon as a natural
antibacterial agent. Cinnamon also can
help regulate blood-glucose levels, which
is beneficial for those with diabetes.

AVOCADO: Avocado has high levels of

in the fight against cancer. Cabbage has


phytochemicals that can protect the body
against cancer-causing free radicals. Its
also a good source of dietary fiber, which
can stimulate a sluggish digestive system.

essential fatty acids and vitamin B6, which


is important in the biosynthesis of important neurotransmitters. Foods high in B
vitamins may be able to counteract some of
the symptoms of winter-related depression.
POMEGRANATE: This quirky fruit has

vitamins C and K, folate and potassium


and is a good source of fiber. Pomegranate has anti-inflammatory properties,
which can help in reducing joint pain and
preventing strokes. Pomegranate may also
help the body fight viruses.
CINNAMON: Cinnamon has high levels
www.naturespathways.com

have high levels of protein. Theyre also


packed with vitamin C and B vitamins.
Source: MetroCreative Connection

PRUNES: Now widely referred to as dried

plums, prunes are an important source of


boron, which could prevent osteoporosis.
High in antioxidants, prunes help the body
fight a variety of illnesses.
CABBAGE: Cabbage may be a key element

BUTTERNUT SQUASH: This food is

packed with carotenoids, which are stellar


antioxidants. The starches in this squash
also have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties.
CHESTNUTS: Chestnuts are worthy of

inclusion in anyones diet. Unlike many


nuts, chestnuts are relatively low in fat but

You
can
make a

difference

Take
the

Pledge
NaturalBurialPledge.com
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

15

healthyPETS

Practice
weather-related
pet safety all
year
long
..........................................................................

aring for pets is sometimes compared to raising children. Though the two are not exactly the same, there are
similarities between raising a child and caring for a pet.
Like curious kids, fearless pets may not understand the potential
hazards around them, and some of these dangers differ depending
on the season.

Winter

Cold weather and snow may make both pets and people less likely
to venture outdoors. Dogs that use the yard to relieve themselves
often cannot avoid the ice and snow. These conditions can put
pets at risk.
As with humans, animals are susceptible to hypothermia and
frostbite. When the weather is cold, pets should not remain
outdoors without shelter for extended periods of time. The

If you love dogs, cats, horses


or any other animal, there is
a place for you in iPAW!

Humane Society of the United States advises that exposed skin on


noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent
damage. Dogs and cats are safer and warmer indoors.
Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate
pet paws. When the animal then licks irritated paws, the chemicals can be transferred to the tongue and mouth. Rinse paws after
dogs come in from walks, or use protective booties to keep feet
covered. Limit the amount of products you use to melt snow,
opting for sand or cat litter for traction.
Provide more water during the winter when the effort it takes
for pets to keep their bodies warm can quickly deplete their
energy stores. Compensate by giving pets a little more food and
water in the winter.
Pets may be attracted to automotive antifreeze due to its sweet
smell and taste. But antifreeze can be toxic. Coolants and antifreeze made with propylene glycol are less toxic to pets, wildlife
and even human beings.

Spring
Please visit www.iPAWaid.com to see
the furry faces of those we have helped.
Please donate or volunteer!
16

Natures Pathways | January 2015

Peanut

Spring is a season of rebirth and renewal when pleasant weather


has both people and pets eager to get outdoors again. However,
certain springtime dangers may be lurking, and it takes an
informed pet owner to keep animals safe.
Spring cleaning is a ritual for many families, and cleaning chemicals and products can be dangerous to inquisitive pets. Use these items
www.naturespathways.com

properly, and keep dogs and cats away. Birds are especially sensitive
to chemical fumes, so move birds out of harms way when cleaning.
Products used in the yard, such as pesticides, fertilizers, tools,
and soil additives, may be harmful if ingested. Sharp tools can
injure dogs or cats running around the yard. Keep pets out of
garden beds when doing lawn and garden work.
As homeowners throw open windows and doors to let fresh
air inside, they may not realize broken or torn screens can let
indoor animals escape. Examine entry and exit points, making
sure they are not easily penetrated, before leaving pets unattended. A lost pet can be struck by a vehicle or be exposed to
yard hazards.

Summer

Hot weather can be very hazardous, as heat stroke and dehydration are potential summertime problems for pets. Old and
young pets are less capable of regulating their body temperatures, making them especially susceptible to hot spells. Keep
pets indoors during the hottest hours of the day and provide
plenty of water.
Chemicals used to maintain a swimming pool are dangerous
to pets and people. They should be stored out of reach to prevent
accidental contact or ingestion.
Some dogs and cats may be good swimmers, but that does not
mean they should be left alone in swimming pools. As you would
a child, keep a watchful eye on pets when theyre in or around
pools.
Warmer weather brings out the bugs, and so keep pets up-todate with their immunizations. Mosquitoes can spread diseases
that can lead to heartworm and other conditions. Talk to a veterinarian about preventative measures to keep pets healthy.

Autumn

Autumn is a great time of year to spend some time outdoors


with your pet. But you must be aware of your surroundings
and practice safety. Many animals spend the fall storing food or
making accommodations for winter hibernation. Snakes may be
out looking for burrows and can be in foul moods. A curious
pooch can walk away with a bite if he or she comes up against a
grumpy snake looking for a den.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center notes mushrooms
may be growing in the fall. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to
distinguish highly toxic mushrooms from nontoxic ones, so the
best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is
to keep them away from areas where mushrooms are growing.
Some people may resort to rodenticides to keep mice and other
small animals out of homes when theyre seeking warmer places
to nest. These products are highly toxic to pets and can result in
death. Sometimes eating a mouse that has consumed a rodenticide
is enough to harm a pet. Pet owners that use these products must
exercise extreme caution or find other methods to curtail rodent
infestations.
No matter the season, pet owners must prioritize keeping
their pets safe from seasonal hazards.
Source: MetroCreative Connection.
www.naturespathways.com

FORGIVENESS AND GRIEF CONTINUED FROM 14.

takes a physical and mental toll on us. Granting Forgiveness or


Harboring Grudges: Implications for Emotion, Physiology and
Health indicates:

Forgiveness is not

Denial: pretending the offense did not occur


Excusing: not holding the person or group responsible for

the action

Condoning: failing to see the action as wrong and in need of

forgiveness

Forgetting: removing awareness or not thinking about the

offense.

Forgiveness is:

A gift we give to ourselves and to someone else


Genuine. True forgiveness is real and authentic letting go of

anger, bitterness and resentment

Strength. Forgiveness is a sign of inner strength


Freely chosen. Forgiveness is not a duty or obligation; it is a

choice.

Benefits from Forgiveness:

Aids psychological healing. Recovery times are shortened if

forgiveness is incorporated

Improves physical and mental health. Forgiveness reverses

the effects of anger on the body and reduces the presence of


negative emotions
Restores a victims sense of personal power. Giving a gift of
forgiveness to an offender puts the injured in a role of strength
In Forgiveness: A Sampling of Research Results, the remarkable nature of forgiveness is that the victim fully recognizes he
or she deserved better treatment, yet chooses to offer the gift of
forgiveness to the one who caused the injury.
For me, holding a grudge causes tightness, pain and anger
within me. When I have done forgiveness, my body feels lighter
and relaxed. I would much rather forgive than allow the feeling
of retribution and/or hatred to remain.

Forgiveness Process

It is as simple as saying I forgive you/myself. We will explore


this and more in the next issue.
Robert is the owner of Orion Consulting LLC, a consulting and
coaching firm that provides grief relief programs to businesses,
groups and adults. He is a certified Heartbreak to Happiness
Coach with over 20 years of coaching and consulting experience.
He is a speaker and the author of the soon to be published book
The Mans Grief Toolbox, A Journey from Grief to Peace. He can be reached
by calling 262-787-1969, emailing Robert@man2mangriefcoach.com or visiting his website at www.man2mangriefcoach.com. I bring relief to your grief.
References: Granting Forgiveness or Harboring Grudges: Implications for
Emotion, Physiology And Health. Psychological Science. C.V.O. Witvliet et al.
The Psychology of Forgiveness. Handbook of Positive Psychology. M.E.
McCullough et al.
Forgiveness: A Sampling of Research Results. American Psychological
Association.
Special thanks to Bob and Virginia Pothier for the research on forgiveness
compiled from their book The Happiness Journey.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

17

Setting
attainable New
Years resolutions
for
2015

By Jill Greinke

Oh, promises, their kind of promises can just destroy a life Oh,
promises, those kind of promises take all the joy from life Oh,
promises, promises, my kind of promises can lead to joy and hope
and love, yes, love. Promises, Promises, written by Hal David
and performed by Dionne Warwick

an. 1 is the first day of the new year on the Gregorian calendar. For many, this holiday symbolizes a clean slate and the
possibility of starting anew. Many people create self-goals
called resolutions in the period leading up to the new year. The
Top 10 Commonly Broken New Years Resolutions on TIME.com
begins with promises, as captured in the song Promises, Promises. The article cites the top 10 examples of Americans New
Years resolutions:
Lose weight and get fit
Quit smoking
Learn something new
Eat healthier and diet
Get out of debt and save money
Spend more time with family

Travel to new places


Be less stressed
Volunteer
Drink less

Out with the old, in with the new. 

Lee Douglas IV

Jessica Lamb-Shapiro, author of Promised Land: My Journey


through Americas Self-Help Culture, wrote an interesting article
entitled: New Years Resolutions are Bad for You For a Better
Idea, Look to the Ancient Babylonians. In this article, Shapiro
says that the practice of making resolutions dates back to ancient
Babylon. Babylonians made practical promises to their gods for
the new year. Their promises were typically simple, concrete and
highly achievable. An example would be committing to return
borrowed farm equipment back to their original owners.
Shapiro argues that today, resolutions are psychological in
nature. They are goals that we set for ourselves. And more often
than not, they are lofty and non-measureable. Such goals are difficult, if not impossible to achieve. Shapiro believes that those types
of nonspecific self-promises can actually complicate ones life and
lead to a downward spiral ending with an addiction to self-help. In
other words, people can set themselves up for failure, or worse yet,
create even bigger problems for themselves than they started with.
You leave old habits behind by starting out with the thought, I
release the need for this in my life. 
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

18

Natures Pathways | January 2015

www.naturespathways.com

From a deep perspective,


the need to comfort ones
self stems from negative
feelings that need to
be made conscious.
As human beings, we are often creatures of habit. We consciously
create some of our reality but unfortunately form most of our
reality unconsciously. A lot of what we create stems from behavioral habits. Sometimes, those habits once helped us in some way
but now have become negative for us. For instance, a person overeats for self-comfort because that is what helped them through
difficult times in the past. From a positive perspective, overeating can make a person feel good for a short period of time. But
from a negative perspective eating too much food too often leads
to health problems both physical and mental. Using food to
comfort ones self also covers up hidden emotions and feelings
(sadness, loneliness, pain, etc.) that cause a person to overeat in
the first place.
From a deep perspective, the need to comfort ones self stems
from negative feelings that need to be made conscious. Becoming
conscious of ones own negativities is a challenge that many individuals dont want to face. It seems easier to stick with old habits
because they feel safe. And so the cycle of habitual, unconscious
behaviors continue.
The promises of this world are, for the most part, vain phantoms;
and to confide in ones self, and become something of worth and
value is the best and safest course. 
Michelagelo
When I work with my clients in counseling and coaching, I
teach approaches that help build a persons spiritual resources.
Once my clients have that inner foundation, they have the
ability to deal with any vain phantoms that come their way.
Once they shed light on their inner demons, they can transform them from phantoms to messengers that are telling them,
It is time to face your fears and let go of what is holding you
back; it is time to move forward, to change, and to transform
ones consciousness.
So if you set New Years resolutions this year, make sure you
have a foundation of courage in order to make them happen. And
remember, life with all its idiosyncrasies, makes us who we are.
We all have value and worth, despite our perceived weaknesses;
we are all capable of setting measurable goals for ourselves, even if
they seem mundane. To do so is part of the full expression of love,
joy and hope. Happy New Year, everyone!
Jill E. Greinke, MSW, LCSW, SAC, is a holistic psychotherapist and
transformational consultant specializing in transformational counseling and coaching, group coaching, workshops, teleconferences, presentations, speaking engagements and consultations. To get her free
report, Five Steps to Miraculous Living, visit www.jillegreinke.com.
www.naturespathways.com

Specialty school for


self-change
Grow Beyond
yourself and meet
the spirit within

Institute of Self Awareness


13745 W. Capitol Dr. Brookfield | 262-781-5300

January Calendar of Events


Understanding This Thing Called TRUST, Discussion
Wednesday, January 7, 7:00-8:30pm, $15
Reiki II Class
Sunday, January 11, 9:00-12:00pm, $150
Tools to Pick Your Self Up, Discussion
Friday, January 16, 7:00-8:30pm, $15
Reiki Sharing
Sunday, January 18, 6:00-8:00pm, $10
What Does Your World Want? Day Workshop
Saturday, January 24, 10:00-2:30pm, $35
Learn How To Use a Universal Mantra
Monday, January 26, 7:00-8:30pm, $10
More information: iselfawareness.org
Call to register: 262-781-5300 except for Reiki Sharing

Family owned
restaurant in
business for over
thirty years
Awarded certificate of excellence
from TripAdvisor in 2014
Fresh healthy entrees
Catering for any event or party
Banquet room for weddings,
private parties and family dinners
Prime Rib served daily
3704 Highland Drive Port Washington, WI
262-284-9006 http://foodspot.com/Nisleits
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

19

healthyKIDS

Fill snow days


with activities
and
fun


blizzard of white flakes has been


falling through the night, and the
school phone chain has begun. As
expected, children will have a day off from
school, leaving parents scrambling for ways
to keep children occupied and supervised.
Snow days may be coveted by kids
(and teachers), but they may not be as
beloved by parents who are unaccustomed
to having kids home during the week.
Working parents whose businesses are
open do not have the same luxury as their

children to roll over in bed and avoid trekking through the white stuff.
But just because snow days are unexpected, that does not mean parents cant
plan for them.
ESTABLISH A SNOW DAY PLAN.

Parents who cannot take days off from


work will need a contingency plan for
snow days. Organize a snow day club,
wherein school parents rotate taking children for the day. Working parents can
reciprocate by taking the school kids on a
weekend and letting the other parents have
date nights.
CREATE A SNOW DAY ENTERTAINMENT BIN. Rather than having kids

spend the day watching television or


playing on their tablets, parents can
establish a snow day entertainment bin
to encourage their kids to make the most
of the day off. The bin can include board
games, books, building block sets, paints
and other crafts.
PLAN FOR AN INDOOR PICNIC. Kids

(262) 501-1572
reachingtreetopsyoga.com

30 Day
Vegan Challenge
January 12

will probably want to spend a portion of


the day playing out in the snow. After all of
that physical activity, theyre bound to be
famished. Spread a blanket out on the living
room floor and enjoy a picnic of sandwiches, snacks and hot chocolate. Kids will
enjoy the novelty of eating this way.
GET COOKING. Another way to fill the

day is to have children participate in making


20

Natures Pathways | January 2015

meals. A snow day is a great time to prepare


meals for the rest of the week, as well as
tinker with hearty, belly-filling recipes.
Older children can help with cutting vegetables and meats, while younger kids can
add seasonings to pots and mix ingredients.
Involve the kids in choosing which meals to
cook. Baking bread is another fun activity
and enables kids to sculpt dough and then
eat the fruits of their labors.
GO TO THE MOVIES. If roads are pass-

able, consider a trip to the movie theater


where you can enjoy a matinee. Bring a few
friends along and make it a fun-filled outing.
CREATE SNOW ART. Fill squeeze or

squirt bottles with some water and food


coloring. Allow kids to go out in the yard
and create some pictures with the snow as
their canvas.
CATCH UP ON CLEANING. Cleaning

may not be the most exciting snow day


activity, but it might be the most productive.
Children can spend time sorting through
toys and belongings in their rooms.

TAKE A NATURE WALK. Grab those

boots and insulated pants and head


outdoors. A walk in the brisk, cold air can
boost spirits and introduce kids to the beauty
of winter landscapes. Take the camera along
and encourage kids to snap pictures of their
favorite vistas.
Source: MetroCreative Connection
www.naturespathways.com

Yoga move
of the month:
Tree
Pose

By Andrea Smessaert

oga poses from nature are very


powerful asanas and should be
practiced with care. The feelings
and attitudes that come out of a nature
pose such as Tree can affect a person
immediately.
Through observing the natural environment, we see our own reflection. The sky
contains the planets and stars; the earth
and sea alone contain a diversity of existence that continues to evolve and amaze
us. New discoveries of plants, insects and
animals happen every day! Observing even
one small part of the natural world can
give us insight into how we are connected
to every living thing through universal
consciousness. Poets of all cultures highlight deep truths by observing the flow of
water, the energy of the sun and the power
of a mountain.

The nature of Tree Pose

An archetypal cousin of the mountain, the


majestic tree roots deeply into the ground
as its branches extend toward the sky.
Trees are strong but flexible, and typically
quite resilient. A tree cooperates with and
sustains other natural forms, such as birds,
mammals and insects. As they ex-change
carbon dioxide for oxygen, trees breathe
life-giving oxygen into the world and all
life forms. Insects and vines may destroy a
tree, yet it keeps on giving, breaking down
into nutrients to sustain other life forms.
Because of its many beneficial qualities, a
tree may be viewed as the ultimate example
www.naturespathways.com

of selflessness.
Reflect on
your balance
with others.
Through observing the natural
How do you
cooperate with
environment, we see our own reflection.
your family,
friends and
3. Rest your hands on the top rim of
society in general? How do you feel when
your pelvis. Make sure the pelvis is in
the winds of change blow through your
a neutral position, with the top rim
life? What ways do you give to and receive
parallel to the floor.
from others? How do you support others?
4. Lengthen your tailbone toward the
floor. Firmly press the right foots sole
Benefits of this pose
against the inner thigh and resist with
Stretches your inner thighs, groin and
the outer left leg. Press your hands
shoulders
together in Anjali Mudra. Gaze softly
Strengthens your thighs, calves, core
at a fixed point in front of you on the
and foot muscles
floor about 4 or 5 feet away.
Strengthens your posture
5. Stay for 30 seconds to one minute. Step
Calms and relaxes your mind and
back to Tadasana with an exhalation
central nervous system
and repeat for the same length of time
Develops balance
with the legs reversed.
Increases your mind-body awareness

Step-by-step pose instructions

1. Stand in Tadasana. Shift your weight

slightly onto the left foot, keeping the


inner foot firm to the floor, and bend
your right knee. Reach down with your
right hand and clasp your right ankle.
2. Draw your right foot up and place
the sole against the inner left thigh; if
possible, press the right heel into the
inner left groin, toes pointing toward
the floor. The center of your pelvis
should be directly over the left foot.

Andrea Smessaert is a yoga and aerial yoga instructor who developed the aerial yoga teacher training
program and upcoming retreats with Reaching Treetops Yoga. Alyssa Konda opened Reaching Treetops
Yoga, which has branched out to offer not only yoga
and aerial yoga, but also tai chi and Zumba classes,
massage therapy and holistic health services as well.
For more information, visit http://reachingtreetopsyoga.com or call Alyssa at 262-501-1572.
References: Bridge the Gap Between Job and Joy.
Derek Beres. Gaiam Life. http://life.gaiam.com/
article/bridge-gap-between-job-and-joy.
How Strong Is Your Change Muscle? Ariane de
Bonvoinsin. Gaiam Life. http://life.gaiam.com/
article/how-strong-your-change-muscle.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

21

The 5 laws of
visualization

By Lucas Robak

The best way to predict the future is to


create it. 
Abraham Lincoln

ithin our minds, we all possess


our own time machines. In less
than 60 seconds, we can think
back in time and we can project ourselves
into the future. This vital success skill is
also known as daydreaming, fantasizing
and using our imagination.
Predict your future by first creating it in
your thoughts.

Positive present moment

It is up to your conscious mind to choose


to imagine your dream life in the positive

present moment. You are able to do this


by saying a phrase or phrases reinforcing
that your dream life is your present reality.
These phrases start with, I am, I
have, or I do If you were living your
dream life in the present moment, most
of your sentences would start with one of
these three sentence starters.
It is important to think of only the positive. If you tell yourself, I am not going
bankrupt, you increase the chances of
going bankrupt. Your subconscious mind
does not understand disqualifying words
such as not. Instead, be positive. See
yourself receiving checks and say an affirmation by Bob Proctor, I am so happy

and grateful now that money comes to me


in increasing quantity, through multiple
sources, on a continuous basis.

Associated view

As you start to visualize, always begin in


the associated view. This is seeing everything through your own eyes. When you
visualize in the associated view, the same
neurons in your brain will activate as if
you were actually living it in real life. One
hour of fantasizing in the associated state is
equivalent to seven hours of physical effort.
By going to a party where you implement Jack Canfields Success Principle
No. 12, Act As If, you will be living your

Green Design Center is the oldest, most


experienced Healthy Home supplier in the U.S.

Help people with


Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
receive treatment
not covered by insurance.

We specialize in helping folks with allergies, asthma,

chemical sensitivities or anyone wanting to live in a


clean, healthy home.
We carry healthier alternatives for just about anything
to finish or furnish your home.

JANUARY 17TH

We have natural paints and plasters, chemical-free


flooring and custom cabinetry.
We have wonderful gifts and accessories as well!
Half the money raised will go to
Melody of Life Foundation and
the other half will go to the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
www.MelodyofLifeFoundation.org
contact@MelodyofLifeFoundation.org
www.facebook.com/melodyoflifefoundation

22

Natures Pathways | January 2015

2201 Badger Ct., Waukesha | 262-446-6702 | www.thegreendesigncenter.com

Colorfusion Engineered Woven


Bamboo Walnut Flooring

Zents Body Care and Perfume

Caba Barkskin Wallcovering

Savvy Rest organic mattress

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Immerse yourself in your fantasy


life and create all the emotions
you want to experience.
dream life in the associated format the
whole night. When you write affirmations
and look at your dream board, act as if it is
happening through your own eyes.

Use 3 senses

With regard to visualization, the three senses


that must be incorporated are visual, audio
and kinesthetic (sight, sound and feeling).
As you are looking at your fantasy life,
see everything you will experience when
that is your present reality. Get the picture
as detailed, bright and focused as possible.
Intensify all the colors, make it a moving
picture (movie), bring it as close and big as
you can, and place it into a panoramic frame.
As you are watching your movie, hear
everything you will hear. Incorporate the
appropriate location and direction the

sounds come from. If it is a loud sound,


hear how loud or soft it is. Hear the sounds
both internally and externally when
applicable.
Feel the different locations, sizes, shapes
and intensity from which you will kinesthetically feel. Literally feel what you will
feel, from your head to your toes.

Feel the emotions

If what you will accomplish makes you so


happy you will cry, feel that emotion and
cry. If you are laughing, laugh. If you are
relaxed, be relaxed.
You already know some of the emotions
you will experience upon manifesting your
desired outcome. Adding these emotions
is like taking a jet airplane to your destination instead of walking. Immerse yourself in

your fantasy life and create all the emotions


you want to experience. You can even go so
far as to look up a list of all the emotions to
choose from for your future experience.

Repetition

We are creatures of habit; do yourself


a favor and create productive habits of
success. Develop a routine where you set
aside 15 minutes in the morning and 15
minutes before bed at minimum to visualize your goals and affirmations.
After you have successfully attained
your desired intention, what is it that you
will tell people about that experience?
How will the achievement of your fantasy
provide value to others?
Lucas J. Robak is the founder of
Melody of Life Foundation and has
been its president since 2008. After his
multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis in
May 2014, Lucas changed the foundations mission to provide treatment not
covered by insurance to people with MS. If you have
a business that is able to help us raise money, be a
sponsor and/or provide treatment, please contact us.
To learn more, like Melody of Life on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/melodyoflifefoundation.

NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!


Hope is a yoga teacher, trainer and functional fitness expert. As creator
of Core Functional Fitness, Hope specializes in yoga, core work and
functional movements; she helps yoga students, yoga teachers and a
variety of fitness professionals experience a true mind-body connection
through yoga and core functional movement and principles.

FALL 2014 Yoga Teacher Training registration now open.


Core Functional Fitness Certifications available year round.
1364 E. Sumner Street Hartford, WI 53027 262-670-6688 coppertreewellnessstudio.com

www.naturespathways.com

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

23

fitBODIES

Build a better
booty and
backside

By Hope Zvara

ITS THE NEW YEAR! Time to get up off that chair and get your

booty moving again. No more excuses!


Its time to feel the difference and you can with just one quick
move. Your New Years resolution to exercise more does not have
to entail extreme circumstances, super-quick jumpy moves or
flailing body parts. The key to effective exercise is awareness. In
order to cultivate awareness one has to start to move and feel at
the same time.
Are you an active person who loves to play? This is a great practice move to help improve activities like cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing and many other activities that require real lowerbody stability and strength. Note: This move is both challenging
and mindfully controlled; speed will not win here.

To get started

Brush up on your pelvic floor and deep-core awareness (pelviccore); this zone is the key to all exercise and all movement. To
give you a very short tutorial: While working on a deep pelvic
floor contraction and deep transversus (our deepest torso/
core muscle), imagine holding to go to the bathroom and at the
same time coughing. Feel your entire core contract as you stay
contracted in the pelvic floor.

To begin

Clamp a mini exercise ball (or weighted ball) tightly behind one
calf and hamstring, keeping neutral pelvis (pubis bone and anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) or front hip bones parallel with
the wall you are facing), slowly hinge into yourself. Chair Pose on
one foot, align the knees to meet and the hips and torso to square
forward. (Note: A lack of hip stability will leave you crooked). Try
using your hands at the top of your pelvis to see if you are level
or not.
Inhale in Chair Pose and as you exhale, contracting your
24

Natures Pathways | January 2015

pelvic-core, raise the ball leg forward while lifting the opposite
arm up. Be mindful when you lift the leg forward to go only as
high as you can without collapsing your torso or tucking your tailbone forward. As you exhale and feel effective in the pelvic-core
contraction, work to feel the base legs gluteus maximus contract
as well. (Note: Its important to understand that the pelvic floor
must contract first and then the glutes, or all you are doing is
death-squeezing the superficial muscle the gluteus maximus).
Work to focus on lifting directly upward as though through the
crown of the head. With a lack of gluteus stability, and pelvic floor
and inner core support, you will notice that you want to lean back
to lift.
Inhale and return back to a one-legged Chair Pose, working to
bring the legs parallel with each other and work to keep the floating foot flexed.
Continue to move mindfully and slowly. There is no need speed
through this movement as when you do, the core muscles can
easily be overlooked.
Try using a mini ball to start to focus on stability first and then
graduate to a weighted ball of 2 to 8 pounds.
Repeat this series up to 10 times on each side and then go back
to the weaker side and revisit it for another possible 10 rounds.
Working a 2-to-1 ratio allows the weaker tissues and side to catch
up to the more dominant side.
Good luck!
Hope Zvara, The Real Deal, is a yoga teacher and owner of Copper
Tree Yoga Studio & Wellness Center, a trainer and expert specializing in the true art of yoga and Core Functional Fitness for students,
teachers and fitness professionals interested in practicing authentic
mind-body yoga and other practices in need of true connection. Follow
Hope as she travels across the globe bringing true functional core work into everything that you do. To book a workshop, training or retreat with Hope, call 262-6706688, and visit her websites http://hopezvara.com or http://coppertreewellnessstudio.
com to sample one of her hundreds of free videos on YouTube. See ad on page 23.
www.naturespathways.com

The class
of
change

By Helen Borth

God grant me the serenity to accept the people


I cannot change, the courage to change the one I
can, and the wisdom to know its me.

Author unknown
What a powerful and truthful statement with its punch line right
at the end. As much as we would like the other person or the
circumstance to do the changing, it just doesnt work that way.
Did you have an aha moment with an invisible hit in your solar
plexus when you read the words, and the wisdom to know its
me? This is the last place most of us think to look. It is difficult,
during a consultation, for some clients to stop saying that he/she
did this to me or he/she said that. Clients are surprised when their
personal story is given a time limit of five minutes. After that, it
is suggested to leave names out of the discussion and focus on
themselves.
If you dont like something change it, if you cant change it, change
the way you think about it.
Mary Engelbreit
Most of us have trouble believing we can change a conditional
thinking pattern, especially one that is held over for a long time.
Here is an idea that is fun (and it works!): Using an optical illusion picture helps us to see how a shift or change happens inside
our own head. For example, there is a surprise that happens in the
optical illusion picture of the head of a rabbit and a duck. These
are not separate pictures but one picture where the two show up
within each other without a change on the paper. When we look
at the picture one way its a rabbit. Just wait a few seconds and
it automatically turns into a duck. Nothing in the picture was
altered. The sketch stayed the same. The change happened in only
one place in the mind. This demonstrates that we do not have
to see a situation in only the way we believe it to be, but we change
www.naturespathways.com

it by being willing to see it another way. We are never locked into


one perspective even when we think we are. This is one way to
loosen up the thinking process to see more, so we can include
more, and then be more.
Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us
stretch and grow and reach new heights. 
Pauline K. Kezer
Every person has the opportunity to reach new heights. We get
caught up in being too comfortable with continuity. When unexpected change does happen, we end up in a tizzy that may last a
long time. Its a lot more fun to create change. As a society, we are
saturated with internal images that are really within our ability to
move, surrender or even dissolve. By welcoming change instead
of wishing things would stay the same gives our thinking muscle
some exercise. Remember the rabbit/duck illusion, reminding us
there is always another way to perceive any image. Stress has a
way of slowly evaporating when we look at life from free flowing
branches and less from the pattern of anchored roots. Why not
consider and contemplate the powerful words in this quote by
Audrey Hepburn? Nothing is impossible, the word itself says Im
possible.
We will close with words from Robert C. Gallagher. Change is
inevitable except from a vending machine. Change can be fun.
Helen Borth was the first Reiki master in Wisconsin in 1980. The
director and cofounder of the Institute of Self Awareness (nonprofit
in 1991) and a class instructor, she received a bachelors degree from
UW-Milwaukee in 1958. She has years of research and application
in the field of transformation and spiritual empowerment. Please
visit http://iselfawareness.org, call 262-781-5300 or email Helen at helenborth@
yahoo.com for transformational classes, workshops, Reiki classes and treatments,
personal consultations, and helpful information. See ad on page 19.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

25

Living a

determined life
Lucas Robak inspires your
vision for the future

By Grace Olson

ucas Robak has a long list of professional


achievements. Hes a business owner, motivational speaker, author and nonprofit founder. To
say he lives with purpose is an understatement, and to
describe him as resolute isnt a stretch. Unsurprisingly,
he is always thinking about the future and how he can
better himself today to improve tomorrow.
But Lucas doesnt stop with his tomorrow. Hes
driven to help others succeed and inspires others
visions for their future too.

Skillset Life Coaching


It is often said that negativity is a
normal aspect of life, but Lucas
doesnt think it has to be. While there
are sources of destructive thoughts
and behaviors, its possible to block
out such negativity and thrive on the positive parts of
your life thats exactly what he does through his
business, Skillset Life Coaching.
Its all about living your dream life, Lucas
explains. If you have a life purpose and you know
what that purpose is, youre going to be happier,
healthier and more fulfilled.
He teaches others to have the same attitude,
whether it is in response to health condition, job
circumstance or people. He does so in a multitude of
ways through Skillset Life Coaching.
Before we turn 7 years old, our perception about
ourselves and the world around us is already in place.
Before we turn 18 years old, we will [have been] told
over 17,000 negative, limiting beliefs, which inevitably kills your dream of pursuing something.
Having battled depression and being diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis at the end of May 2014, Lucas
is no stranger to big obstacles or the idea that pursuing your dreams may not be possible; however, he

is unfamiliar with the bad thoughts that usually


accompany such news.
I was glad to hear that I had MS because it
finally clicked what was wrong, Lucas says. It
was irrelevant to my goals and I wasnt going
to let it bring me down.
Little did he know at the time how many
people his diagnosis, and more importantly his
positive attitude toward it, would help.

Melody of Life Foundation


In 2008, Lucas founded the Melody of Life
Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)
(3) nonprofit. The organization started as a way
to help families pay for
childrens medical bills and
insurance deductibles families could otherwise not afford. After his own
medical diagnosis, the organizations focus
shifted and now helps those living with MS
receive treatment not covered by insurance.
Lucas offers programs including academic life
coaching, behavior modification, life and career
coaching, and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP).
He also provides inspirational speaking on:
Passions and purpose
Overcoming depression and multiple sclerosis
Power behind positive thinking
Persisting through lifes failures
Thoughts determine your reactions

Check out these titles


authored by Lucas Robak!
I AM Childrens Book for Positive Thinkers
For children of all ages, young and
old! Learn to think more positively
about yourself and your surroundings to transform your life.
101 Inspirational Quotes
Workbook From Extra
Ordinary to Extraordinary
A quote book to help guide
you in your lifes purpose.
The Change Insights into Self-Empowerment
A guide to exploring powerful thought-provoking
insights from twenty inspiring
co-authors that will take you on
a journey of self-discovery and
personal change that will touch
every area of your life.

The concept for this social fundraising mixer is simple, but the idea is nothing short
of innovative: coMe live your 2020 viSion on Jan. 17! Lucas strongly believes in
setting and achieving goals, and he and the Melody of Life Foundation are taking
this notion to a whole new level this month.
What life will you have in January of 2020? Lucas asks. Come and brag
about all of your accomplishments and live your dream life at the present moment.
Its designed to really help you with your goals. When you live your dreams for a
few hours that night, your subconscious mind is going to give you more ideas about
how to achieve your goals.
Your subconscious begins to believe that your dream life is your actual reality.
The next day when your subconscious realizes that your dream life has not manifested itself, it will do anything to get back into that associated state.
Lucas encourages attendees to bring props to show other attendees what you
have achieved in the years between, such as best-selling books youve written,
magazine covers youve been on, awards youve won, business cards with your
ideal job title, and photographs or scrapbooks of your achievements.
For Lucas, those items are pretty specific, and for good reason. They include a
Time magazine cover and proof of his latest book on the bestsellers list not at the
No. 1 spot, but No. 2 to further motivate him to continue to reach his goals.
The best part? Youre not only helping to drive your motivation to reach your
accomplishments, but youre doing so for a good cause. Proceeds from raffle prize
and 50/50 tickets will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to find a cure,
and the Melody of Life Foundation to pay for treatment insurance doesnt cover.

For more information and to see


the full agenda for this event,
visit www.melodyoflifefoundation.org.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17 | 6 P.M.-MIDNIGHT
Cost: $20.
The Preserve at Deer Creek Golf Course
4285 S. Sunnyslope Road, New Berlin
414-520-5163
contact@melodyoflifefoundation.org

healthyFINANCES

5 financial health
resolutions
for 2015

By Lars M. Lewander

HAPPY NEW YEAR! What are your New Years resolutions?

Getting in shape? Finding a new job or applying for a raise? What do


your financial resolutions look like?
Below are five financial goals that are doable for everybody
regardless of tax bracket.

1. Have a plan, and write it down then stick to it

Specializing in
le
Socially Responsib
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You care about your community, the environment
and the ethics of companies you support.
Now, your investment practices can help you
meet your financial goals and reflect your values.
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11431 N. Port Washington Road, Suite 201, Mequon
www.investingyourvalues.com
mail@springwaterassetmanagement.com

28

Natures Pathways | January 2015

Sit down with your spouse or partner, your kids, or just with yourself. One of the keys to improving your financial health is spending less than you earn track your expenses for a month and see
where your money is being spent.
You can also meet with a financial advisor to discuss your longrange plans including taxation, estate planning, insurance and
different types of investments. If youd like to put money away for
your childs college education, determine what amount would work
for you and look into a 529 plan.
Some advisors recommend classifying living expenses as follows:
FIXED EXPENSES: These stay the same every month (mortgage/rent; health insurance, car payments; student loans; your
savings plan; etc.)
VARIABLE EXPENSES like utilities, food, gas, entertainment, credit card payments
IRREGULAR EXPENSES: quarterly or semi-annual
expenses, such as property taxes
OTHER EXPENSES: One-time expenses, such as a large
repair, family trip, clothing, a new bedroom set, etc.
www.naturespathways.com

Total up your monthly income and subtract the expenses. Ideally,


your income should be greater than your expenses. If not, plan
to reduce your short-term debt (e.g., by paying off credit cards or
the car). There are many good resources for creating a workable
budget and building a healthy financial future.

Plant it Forward!

2. Get life insurance and have a will in place

There are many affordable life insurance plans available. Before


you invest a dollar, make sure you have a life insurance policy. Life
insurance is not for you its to provide financial protection for
your loved ones and replace your paycheck should you pass away.
If you dont yet have a will even if youre only in your 20s or
30s resolve to put one in place this year; the sooner the better.
Write out instructions for your next-of-kin and keep them in a
safe place where your next-of-kin can find them.

3. Establish and build an emergency fund

Most financial advisors recommend creating an emergency fund


(savings account or money market account, where the money is
easily accessible) with three to six months of expenses (which you
wrote down under Step 1, right?).
Plan to put away a specific amount every month until you reach
the goal for your emergency fund. Once you have your emergency
fund in place, congratulate yourself and celebrate!

4. Match your employers contribution to your plan

Depending on the type of investment vehicle offered by your


employer, see how much you can contribute to your 401(k) or
other plan. Most companies match 3 to 6 percent of your salary.
This money will grow tax deferred until you withdraw it. Ideally,
you would wait until you retire or reach the age of 59 to do so
to take full advantage of the tax-deferred status.
If you are currently in a lower income tax bracket (10 to 25 percent),
look into a Roth individual retirement account (IRA)/401(k), so
that you can take care of taxes right now. If you are in a higher tax
bracket, many financial advisors recommend putting your investment contributions into a traditional 401(k) or traditional IRA.

5. Start a Roth IRA

If you are already doing step 4 and are contributing to your employers retirement plan up to the match, look into a Roth IRA. This
form of individual retirement account allows tax-free growth and
provides a good place to stash investable money on a regular basis.
Plan to meet with a financial advisor, take a class or seek the
advice of a professional investor to get and stay on track for your
healthy financial future. In addition, you can utilize strategies
discussed in previous issues of this magazine to put your values to
work by selecting socially responsible investments that benefit the
environment, the community and the world. No matter how much
or how little you earn, there are ways to cut expenses, build your
net worth, contribute to worthy causes and plan for retirement.
Lars M. Lewander, president of Spring Water Asset Management,
originally from Sweden, founded the firm on a foundation of integrity,
sustainable growth and social responsibility. He is happy to consult
with people who wish to reach their financial goals while being true to
their values. Visit http://springwaterassetmanagement.com.
www.naturespathways.com

Make a Northwoods casket or cremation urn


part of your end-of-life plan and we will
plant 100 trees in Wisconsin
at our next spring or fall planting.

http://www.northwoodscasket.com/plant-it-forward

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CHRONIC PAIN RELIEF
You have only one body. Let it play to its
full potential with the benefits of therapeutic
massage. Relieve chronic and acute pain,
accelerate recovery time and experience
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Call Rob Reader, L.M.T., official massage therapist


of the Milwaukee Ballet or Wendy Halfpap, L.M.T.,
integrative massage specialist at 414-721-6942.

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

29

Take care of
your back
this
winter!

By Amber Erickson, DC, MEEBW

inter is here and so are winter chores. This includes


shoveling snow for many of us, and of course walking
carefully on ice and packed snow. Not to mention tight
muscles from dropping temperatures and an increase in cold and
flu symptoms due to an increased amount of time spent indoors
with other people. The correct biomechanics can make all winter
chores much easier on our backs, and can help to control or even
eliminate unnecessary low back pain.
Low back pain, especially after a round of shoveling or after slipping on an icy patch, is unfortunately very common. This problem
can be easily prevented by regular chiropractic care, and by strong
stomach or core muscles. Core muscles are very important for
many daily muscle activities, as these muscles must be strong to
support our backs while we are doing physical work and while we
are sitting down. This is especially true when we perform exercises that are more difficult than when what we are used to.
Proper lifting mechanics should always be performed while
shoveling and lifting anything. This is very important to protect
your back from an injury. Proper bending should not start at the
low back at all; it is necessary to use the knees for the majority of
the bending motion. Therefore, the knees should be bent as much
as possible, with the back kept loose and relaxed so it can freely
move. Never twist with the back extended: so never bend while
you are twisting at the waist. Instead, bend at the knees and move
your feet to turn. Slow and steady is the best way to great longterm lifting ability.
Ensure you often take time to rest while shoveling snow or while
moving a heavy load. While shoveling or using a snow blower,
keep a firm and steady grip on the handle. Keep the handle as
close to your body as possible, and keep your feet shoulder width
apart and shoulders relaxed. Be very careful to not excessively
bend while shoveling, so the shovel handle should be as long
30

Natures Pathways | January 2015

as possible. Aim for posture that is as close to perfect for every


scoop, and please remember to stand up straight!
Important things to keep in mind while moving snow are to
keep your back relaxed, and to move your feet. Do not lift an overfull load and then twist your back to dump it. Instead, lift the load
and move your feet to walk it over to the snow pile; then, when
you are straight, dump it in one smooth move. If you need to carry
the snow more than a short distance before dumping it, remember to keep your back straight with your shoulders back and your
head looking up and straight ahead. Smaller loads, done more
often, are often easier on the back than one large load dropped
without control.
It is a great idea to schedule a visit with your chiropractor before
the large snowfalls come. He or she can be a great source for
stretching and back strengthening exercises. Also, regular chiropractic care is a great way to avoid an injury in the first place, and
chiropractors can discuss core strengthening and maintenance
care with you. Proprioceptive training is also something that your
chiropractor can help you with, and this can help you to protect
your back from injury as well.
Amber Erickson is a doctor or chiropractic and a master equine
bodyworker certified by Equionology. She practices out of Erickson
Family Chiropractic in Hubertus. Visit www.ericksonchiros.com
to learn more. See ad on page 32.
www.naturespathways.com

Eco-friendly
gift ideas for
green
giving


iving eco-friendly gifts is now easier than ever before. As


more and more people are conscious of reducing their
impact on the planet, the demand for environmentally
conscious products and services has grown.
Choosing earth-friendly gifts is not only generous, but gift-givers
also can rest assured theyre doing their part to safeguard natural
resources for future generations. The following are some gift ideas
for the eco-conscious people on your holiday shopping list.

Locally made products

Locally made products make great holiday gifts. Such gifts are not
produced halfway around the world, meaning they dont contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming like products that need to be flown or driven across the globe. Craft fairs
and artisan shops are good sources for locally made gifts, which
also are a great way to support businesses in your community.

Gifts of service

A massage, music or tutoring sessions are examples of gifts of


service. These gifts do not require much use of natural resources,
and recipients find their personal nature very thoughtful. Gifts of
service also can include tasks you do yourself for the gift recipient,
rather than paying another person to handle. For example, teach
a senior member of your family how to navigate their new smartphone or agree to help them shop for groceries.

Recycled goods

When many people think of recycling, they tend to picture piles of


discarded plastic bottles, glass jars and aluminum cans. While the
end product of many of these recycled pieces is new cans, bottles
and jars, recycled materials also can be turned into new and
unique pieces. Trivets and spoon rests made from recycled and
www.naturespathways.com

melted wine bottles make for clever and attractive gifts. Recycled
fire extinguishers have been turned into vases, and you can even
find bike parts that have been used to make wind chimes and belts
if you know where to shop.

Natural gifts

Natural gifts are among the most environmentally friendly ones


you can give. Foodies may appreciate an herb-growing kit that
enables them to experiment with freshly picked basil or thyme in
the kitchen, while tree-growing kits and flower seed packets are
nice stocking stuffers for budding gardeners. Offer to purchase a
living Christmas tree for a relative, so that he or she can plant the
evergreen after the holidays have come and gone.

Antiques

New, shiny gifts are not the only ones that have appeal. Gifting
a sentimental piece of family history is an earth-friendly way to
share the holidays. Pass down a cherished piece of jewelry or, if
you do not have anything in your own collection, browse antique
shops for items that have interesting histories.
The holiday season is often a time of excess, but giving doesnt
have to be detrimental to the environment. Givers can seek out
earth-friendly gifts and share even more this time of year.
Source: MetroCreative Connection
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

31

You are the


gift! Shine
brightly like
a multifaceted
diamond
Get to the heart of you
through a 7-senses experience

By Kim Hall

EVER DRIVE BY a place 100 times and then suddenly notice

something new about it?


Ever listen to a song over 100 times and then discover a
completely new meaning to the words? Ever get a wake-up call to
something that has been in front of you the whole time?
Some call an experience like this an epiphany (the day of which
is celebrated on Jan. 6). Some call it an aha! moment; others
see the simple synchronicity in all of it. Its at those times that we
are suddenly wholly in the moment all of our senses have been
activated to the seventh degree.
The seventh sense is a new expression of our presence. When we
tune in to the first six, the seventh naturally ties it all together, like
putting the bow on the gift. One step at a time we become more alive.
We experience seven senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch,
tushka and womb space (for women). Its through all our open

Erickson Family Chiropractic

Erickson Family Chiropractic is located in the village of Richfield, WI.

We can treat the entire family,


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even the family pets!
We are highly trained in
numerous chiropractic and
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262-628-8535 www.ericksonchiros.com

32

Natures Pathways | January 2015

doors that we can experience the true awareness of being, and


every day opens the door to something new. We thrive and
become more alive when we nourish ourselves with the Native
American directions.
We are multifaceted beings, like diamonds that shine brightly
in beautiful sunlight. The colors that reflect when the sun reaches
the innermost part of the diamond (the pavilion) are the colors of
the rainbow. Remember Roy G. Biv: All seven red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet are beautifully pleasing
to the eye.
Each one of us is a diamond all multifaceted, all shining the
spectrums of light that we are. Diamonds come in all shapes, cuts
and sizes. Which are you?
When each of us tune in to see the beauty within, we all reflect
who we are in full effect and can begin to live. So are you wondering how you can shine like a diamond? Its simple. Start honoring
your heart by observing and discovering the gifts inside.
Open the treasure chest inside of you by taking seven steps.
Taking these steps can create a ripple effect to open the doors to
your world of wellness!
1. OPEN DOORS TO NEW-TRITION OF OUR ENTIRE
SELF Eat and live healthy: Open the door to amazing new-

trition, the way we are nourished through all of senses. Healthy


chocolate is a great place to start.
2. ENGAGE IN MOVEMENT/PLAY EVERY DAY Play! Whether

its through jumping and playing, a board game, singing, dancing


or laughing, when we play more like a kid, we free our mind and
soul. It raises our vibration and lifts us up.
www.naturespathways.com

Discover answers through a deck of playing/spirit cards that


shines light on who you are through your intuition.

device can support you.


7. POSSESS INNER KNOWING: THE I AM KNOWLEDGE

3. PRACTICE SILENCE/MEDITATION Tune in and tune up:

Write what you see feel or know from the inside that shows! The
silence speaks of what is truly inside naturally: a clear mind, a
clear body and a clear knowing. The slower I go, the more I
grow: a simple way to pause and reflect on what is your next
best step.
4. OBSERVE OUR WISDOM ANCESTORS Tap into your

wisdom. Remember: We are rock stars who let things wash over
us, reminding us to be grateful and alkalized with hydration
all day. The rocks and the water carry everything inside and
beyond our bodies including the wisdom of those who walked
before us. Hydration with minerals from structured water or alkalized water is the best.

Recognize when the heart of who you are begins to emerge. The
light begins to shine on your treasure box of gems, creating the
true colors of your rainbow.
A guided daily practice that brings all of these elements together
creates wellness, happiness, curiosity, joy and appreciation for
oneself. It truly is a seventh-sense experience.
Experience and explore more with these amazing resources:
International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers:
www.grandmotherscouncil.org
The Self-Care Revolution: www.jointheselfcarerevolution.com
The movie Origins: http://origins.well.org
Thank you for reading and remember to take action!

5. REMEMBER TO BREATHE Breathe in and experience.

Try a Gift Certifi-Kit and be ready to receive the teachings that


come with tasty contents that bring you up to speed for healthy,
happy New Year synchronicity.

6. ENGAGE IN GROUNDING/EARTHING Maximize nature

Kim Hall is an educator, inspirer and motivational speaker. She


completed her formal education in marketing through UW-Whitewater. Her spiritual education was through Carol Roberts and Angel Light Center
for Healing Arts. She is an Art of Feminine Presence-licensed teacher, Reiki master,
intuitive essential oil facilitator and certified reboundologist. She is currently
enrolled with Institute for Integrative Nutrition, has co-created Drum-A-Dance
for children (drumadance.com), is a numerologist and creator of the 7 Directions
of Success series. For more information, contact Hall at 504-407-1Kim or visit
http://1Kimhall.com. See ad on page 52.

Surround yourself with pure scents that lift your spirits; wear
them, inhale them and diffuse them daily. Breathe and believe and
we can succeed indoors and out in nature.
at its best. Sit and sip some tea from Mother Natures medicine
cabinet. Being grounded with the magnetic energy from the Holy
Spark (Mother Earth) keeps us balanced. An indoor earthing

Wer e
Like getting this magazine for free?
Thank our advertisers! Let them know
you spotted them in Natures Pathways!
www.naturespathways.com

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

33

chartingAcourse

Capricorn
Whos in
charge here?
Dates: Dec. 22 Jan. 21
Ruled by: Saturn
Element: Earth

By Barry Kerr

Full moon chart, January 4 10:52 pm

hough true for everyone, the following information will


feel more relevant to you if your sun, north node, Chiron
and/or a group of other planets are in Capricorn on your
birth chart.

What is Capricorns intention?

Having discovered through Sagittarius the vastness of our world


and our intuitive connections, our ego is now eager to use our
newfound wisdom toward purposeful achievements in this world.
Practical Saturn, previously our slave master, now becomes our
best friend, teaching us how to create order from chaos, to be
conscious co-creators within our earthly collective of incarnated
beings. OK, Capricorn, whos in charge?

Natural Expressions
100% Whole Grain Bakery

We sell HI-MAIZE 260 Resistant Starch Fiber!

For Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control

NaturalExpressions1.com
Find our products:

At our Appleton store, 825 E. Broadway Drive


At the Appleton farmers markets
Online at naturalexpressions1.com

For more information, call 920-954-9727!


34

Natures Pathways | January 2015

The Capricorn in us recognizes that we have always been


co-creating our world, albeit unconsciously. Its what were here
to do. Initially, this awareness may cause us to take ourselves too
seriously, feeling overly responsible for everything and everybody
and demanding recognition for it. However, Capricorns spiritual
intention is to teach us how to manifest our expansive loving
visions into the world with ease and joyful fulfillment.
Through Capricorn, we are learning control, discipline, orderliness and focus, both inwardly and outwardly. As we grow into an
adult position of self-care, we accept responsibility for the life
we are creating. We learn to focus on our goals, keep commitments and let go of the past. In maturity, we lead by example,
build teams and hold others accountable with respectful compassion. We create a loving order.
Our unconscious Capricorn self tends to take charge of things
without fully understanding situations, ignoring the process, too
focused on egotistical goals. People around us experience us as
bossy, emotionally unavailable or callous, overly ambitious and
opportunistic. Inside, we may be hiding our feelings and fears
while managing everyone around us, feeling hyper alert to what is
socially admirable rather than what is authentic.

What needs healing and growth?

Our Capricorn ego can at times feel unrecognized and unappreciated, like we will not find our purpose in life. Or we may
feel that life itself is too chaotic and unstructured, fearing an
absence of clear, practical realities. We may strain to get accolades and acceptance, perhaps by associating with those we deem
www.naturespathways.com

To heal and evolve your


Capricorn self, pay attention
to your ability to take
charge of your life.
as successful. We may become obsessed with creating some kind
of order around us (e.g., anorexia). Or we might submit to outer
authorities for structure (e.g. the military, cults, etc).
This drive for recognition and order eventually leads us back
to ourselves. To address our fear of chaos, we learn first to
bring order and discipline to our minds and emotions. We find
worthiness and appreciation by loving ourselves. By continuing to listen to our inner soul voice, we align our disciplined
thoughts and actions with our true spiritual goals and aspirations. Applying the Capricorn values of focus, responsibility
and structure to our lives, the world begins to see our soul and
we feel recognized and appreciated as a unique and conscious
co-creator among co-creators.

What can I do this month?

To heal and evolve your Capricorn self, pay attention to your


ability to take charge of your life. Does life seem chaotic? Are you
craving recognition? Do you respect and honor yourself? Do you
try to manage people, even their feelings, yet avoid your own? Do
you have a vision for yourself and the world? Are you willing to
take responsibility, even leadership toward creating that vision?
Or do you depend on others for that? Do you have integrity in
all areas of your life? Do you trust your intuition to guide your
choices? Are you willing to upset people to get things done?

Additional support (current planetary transits)

During January, Mercury, Venus and Mars are jumping ahead


into Aquarius, thus prompting your mind, heart and will toward
visionary possibilities for change and progress. However, Saturn,
ruler of Capricorn, is squaring (90 degrees) Neptune, and challenging you to have confidence to take decisive actions toward
your vision with heartfelt compassion for everyone, even those
who oppose you.
The full moon in Cancer on Jan. 4 is opposite the Sun and
Pluto in Capricorn, creating a T-square with Uranus in Aries.
The invitation here is to allow your feelings to bring awareness
to your relationship to power, your own and others. Are you
using your power to merely gain recognition and to stand out
from the crowd? Do you look down on those who lack the will
to use their power? In todays complicated world, what is your
authentic power?
Barry Kerr is a soul-based, evolutionary astrologer and life coach, with
34 years of experience and an international clientele. He is also an
advanced energy healer, with extensive training in soul-guided healing
of mind, body, heart and spiritual systems. Barry offers astrology readings, coaching and healing by phone, Skype or in person in Madison.
For more information, visit www.ChooseConsciousLiving.com. Contact Barry at
Barry@ChooseConsciousLiving.com or call for a free 10-minute inquiry.
www.naturespathways.com

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

35

herbBLURB

Feverfew
Tanacetum parthenium,
Chrysanthemum parthenium


riginally a plant native to the Balkan mountains of


eastern Europe, feverfew a short bush with daisylike flowers now grows throughout Europe, North
America and South America. For centuries, traditional uses
of feverfew (also called bachelors buttons or featherfew) have
included fevers, headaches, stomach aches, toothaches, insect
bites, infertility, and problems with menstruation and with labor
during childbirth. Newer folk or traditional uses for feverfew
include migraine headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis,
allergies, asthma, tinnitus (ringing or roaring sounds in the ears),
dizziness, nausea and vomiting.
The dried leaves and sometimes flowers and stems of
feverfew are used to make supplements, including capsules,
tablets and liquid extracts. The leaves are sometimes eaten fresh.

What the science says

Some research suggests that feverfew may be helpful in preventing migraine headaches; however, results have been mixed and
more evidence is needed from well-designed studies.
One study found that feverfew did not reduce rheumatoid
arthritis symptoms in women whose symptoms did not respond
to conventional medicines. It has been suggested that feverfew
could help those with milder symptoms.
There is not enough evidence available to assess whether feverfew is beneficial for other uses.
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
(NCCAM)-funded researchers have studied ways to standardize
feverfew; that is, to prepare it in a consistent manner. Standardized preparations can be used in future studies of feverfew.

Side effects and cautions

No serious side effects have been reported for feverfew. Side


effects can include canker sores, swelling and irritation of the lips
and tongue, and loss of taste.
36

Natures Pathways | January 2015

Less common side effects can include nausea, digestive problems and bloating.
People who take feverfew for a long time and then stop taking
it may have difficulty sleeping, headaches, joint pain, nervousness
and stiff muscles.
Women who are pregnant should not use feverfew because it
may cause the uterus to contract, increasing the risk of miscarriage or premature delivery.
People can have allergic reactions to feverfew. Those who are
allergic to other members of the daisy family (which includes
ragweed and chrysanthemums) are more likely to be allergic to
feverfew.
Tell all your health care providers about any complementary
health practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do
to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe
care. For tips about talking with your health care providers about
complementary and alternative medicine, see NCCAMs Time to
Talk campaign.
Source: Feverfew. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/feverfew.
References: Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium). Encyclopedia of Dietary
Supplements. DVC Awang and AY Leung. Marcel Dekker. 2005.
Feverfew. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Accessed at www.
naturaldatabase.com.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L. Schultz-Bip.). Natural Standard Database. www.naturalstandard.com.
www.naturespathways.com

Thicker waist
but thinner
wallet?
8 tips to reverse your
post-holiday situation
...................................................................
By Rosalie Misco (Grandma Rose)

ou want to lose the weight you put on over the holidays but
your wallet is thinner because the holidays are expensive.
You cannot afford to go to the man on TV who says its
not your fault youre fat or the expensive nutritionist to learn to
lose weight.
Dont worry; Grandma Rose is here to help and it wont cost you a
penny.
Weight loss is not as hard as you think. This plan keeps it simple,
is easy to prepare and is really easy to stick with. It is also a healthy
diet loaded with vitamins and minerals no supplements needed.
Heres what to do:
1. Start now and eat only protein: all kinds of meat, fish, eggs and
cheese. Do not eliminate fat from your diet. Cook meats in larger
quantities, such as a beef roast or whole chicken, and keep them
in the refrigerator to make getting your protein easier.
2. Eat only single foods; no combination foods. (Ice cream may
have protein, but is not a single food; it has sugar and other
stuff.) This means no processed foods. No breaded fish or
breaded anything as these are combination foods.
3. Along with protein from meat eggs and cheese, eat vegetables
lots of vegetables and salad with only full-fat dressing. (But
no potatoes! They are high in starch; do not eat them at all.) Use
frozen vegetables, not canned, and cook them in the microwave.
If you want to combine vegetables with meat in some way that is
fine as they are two single foods that you put together. An omelet
can have mushrooms, onions and cheese. Because you put them
together from single foods, they are not combination foods.
4. Add fruit to the protein and vegetables, but only fresh fruit and
no fruit juice. You can eat plain full-fat yogurt that you add
berries and Splenda to. Full-fat cottage cheese is also good with
fruit added.
www.naturespathways.com

5. Do not eat grain of any kind at this time. Do not eat rice: it

is almost pure starch. No bread, crackers or pasta either. Eat


nothing made from grain, potatoes or rice.
6. Dont count calories. Theres no need to count calories when
you follow these tips because you will feel satisfied and still
lose weight.
7. If you put sugar in your coffee, switch to Splenda or stevia. Use
cream the real stuff, no fake cream or skim milk in your
coffee if you need it.
8. Smoothies that you make from single ingredients mentioned
in the tips above are acceptable. Remember to use full-fat milk
in your smoothie.
By eating protein, fat, eggs, meat, fish, cheese, vegetables and fruit,
you are consuming a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. You will
lose weight. If you are exercising, that is great. Your exercise will be
more effective on this diet and you will lose more weight. You will
not be hungry.
If you have a blood sugar issue, follow these tips and your blood
sugar will fall. Note: If you are taking diabetic medications, you will
need to reduce them as your blood sugar falls.
If you want more free help, attend Grandma Roses free blood sugar
and weight loss support group the first and third Saturdays of the
month. Register for the free classes at www.naturalexpressions1.com
or call 920-954-9727.
Natural Expressions 100% Whole Grain Bakery has Hi-maize 260,
truffle mix and the information for their use in breaking your sugar addiction. The
store is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Located at 825 E.
Broadway Drive, Appleton. Rosalie Misco (Grandma Rose) hosts a free blood sugar
and weight loss support group the first and third Saturdays of each month at 2 p.m.
To register for the free class or to purchase Hi-maize 260 and truffle mix, visit naturalexpressions1.com or call 920-954-9727. See ad on page 34.
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

37

How to
realign your
life
for 2015!

By Carol Michalski, MSW, LCSW

Things that matter most must never be at


the mercy of things that matter least.

Goethe

ver the past few months, Ive been


thinking a lot about how to make
time for what truly matters. I left
my job 2 years ago to become a solopreneur with the hope that I would be able
to incorporate things that were important to me back into my life, along with
doing meaningful work. I did it. However,

as I got busier and busier, I found myself


mindlessly reacting to a perceived sense of
urgency. This predicament has caused me
to stop, question and look more deeply at
the things and people in my life that are
important. Although the process is challenging, I am grateful for the perspective
and awareness it has opened up.
I think we all tend to get distracted by the
belief that we have to do more and more to
be successful; that we have to prove something to ourselves or someone else; that we
have to value what others think we should
value. How many of us chase after a goal
we think we should want, only to be
miserable once we achieve it?
While I understand that this is all part of
being human, I also recognize that when
I get sidetracked like this, Im not able
to fully engage in the aspects of my life
that are most important to me! Does this
happen to you?
Here are a couple of ideas that helped
me realign my life:

Heres an exercise that will help you


inventory where your energy is spent and
where you would like to spend it!

Identify what truly matters


to you.

Take inventory of your day not only


today, but the past few days, weeks and
months and make a list of where you
spend your time and attention.

It takes courage to focus on what truly


matters. Some of the most important
aspects of our lives are things that may seem
unimportant or even silly to those around
us. Other people may not understand, like
or agree with these things. You need to be
honest and acknowledge what is meaningful to you and gives you satisfaction or joy.
38

Natures Pathways | January 2015

1. MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU VALUE


MOST IN THE DIFFERENT ASPECTS
OF YOUR LIFE.

You can either write this list down in a


journal, on a graph or a pie chart, or create
a vision or inspiration board. The aspects
will vary depending on your life, interests,
priorities, etc. For most people, however,
they tend to be things like family, personal
development, spiritual growth, health,
career success and satisfaction, making a
difference in the world or your community, fun, finances, relationships, travel,
adventure, creativity, home, and more.
While you dont necessarily need to rank
them, thinking of these things with some
priority can be helpful.
2. MAKE A LIST OF THE THINGS YOU
SPEND MOST OF YOUR TIME DOING
AND THINKING ABOUT.

With this list, its important to rank them in


some way so that youre clear about which
activities, thoughts and relationships get
your attention specifically, and how much
you devote to each of them.
www.naturespathways.com

Often what we say


is most important
to us isnt the
same as where we
devote much of
our time, energy
and thought.
Compare the two lists and see how you can
get them more aligned.
As you compare these two lists, if youre
anything like me, you may notice that
sometimes theyre quite different. Often
what we say is most important to us isnt
the same as where we devote much of
our time, energy and thought. Without
judging yourself, be honest about where
there are differences in these two lists and
spend some time inquiring into why this
is the case. And, as you think about this,
ask yourself how you can create more
alignment with these two lists. In other
words, be more conscious and do whatever you can to focus more on what truly
matters to you.

Do one thing at a time, with full


presence.

In other words, make the thing you have


chosen to do the No. 1 priority while youre
doing it! Focus with your full attention. See
the value in where you are, while youre there.
Enjoy whats happening while its happening.
In the end, you will come to realize
that the best days are the days when you
dont need anything extreme or special
to happen to make you happy. You are in
the moment and feel gratitude, instead
of thinking about the next thing on your
to-do list. To me, that is what true happiness is all about.
Carol Michalski, MSW, LCSW, has
her own practice in the unique Hide
House in Bay View, where she provides
customized, professional life coaching
services to individuals who want to
enhance their lives, careers or relationships! She has
been helping people find solutions for 30 years as a
licensed, clinical social worker and a coach for an
employee assistance provider. For more information,
visit www.cmichalski-lifecoach.com, call 414-3319905 or email cmichalskimsw@gmail.com.
www.naturespathways.com

REINVENTION
Life | Work | Relationships

Carol Michalski, MSW, LCSW

Life Coach

I am passionate about working with


clients to help them enhance their lives,
work performance and relationships.
WORKING TOGETHER WITH MY CLIENTS TO
CREATE A CUSTOMIZED PLAN SO THEY CAN:
Enhance their careers
Deepen their relationships with others
Increase their ability to effectively communicate
Set boundaries and limits for work,
home and life

Become assertive without conflict


Deal with stress effectively and creatively
Survive divorce
Live with illness
Experience the power of REINVENTION

THE HIDE HOUSE IN BAY VIEW | 2625 S. Greeley Street, Milwaukee, WI 53207
www.facebook.com/CarolMichalskimswlcsw
PH: 414-331-9905 | cmichalskimsw@gmail.com | www.cmichalski-lifecoach.com

CONNECT
AND SHARE
facebook.com/npmagazinesew

RETHINK
Natures Pathways n. Your

resource to share information of


health, wellness & sustainability
with a natural perspective.

SUSTAINABLE &
ORGANIC LIVING
COMMUNITY
NUTRITION
WELLNESS
BALANCE
FITNESS

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

39

healthyEATING

Egg-alicious tips
and
recipes

By Emily Niesen

ggs alone are so versatile and


nutritious, and so dependable for
any meal. Buying eggs, however,
can be very confusing for the healthconscious consumer. Labels like allnatural, free-range, grass-fed and
organic all sound healthy, but the best
way to know which eggs to buy is to
know your farmer. Just like any animal
protein, the health conscious consumer
knows how his or her food is produced.
Below are some simple recipes for eggs
made to order. Use fresh eggs for the best
results and dont be scared to eat the yolk!
SCRAMBLED: Beat 4 eggs, cup

milk and ground pepper in a bowl until


blended. Meanwhile, heat 2 teaspoons
butter in a skillet until hot. Add in egg
mixture. As eggs set, pull, lift and fold
until no liquid remains.
FRIED: Heat 2 teaspoons butter in skillet

over medium-high heat. Crack eggs (hint:


eggs hold their shape if broken in a small cup
first) into pan. Turn heat to low and cook
until whites set and yolk begins to harden.
Flip egg and cook until desired doneness.
HARD BOILED: Place eggs in a sauce-

pan large enough to hold them in a

single layer. Add cold water just enough


to cover eggs. Heat over high heat until
boiling. Remove from heat. Cover, let
eggs stand in hot water about 15 minutes.
Drain and rinse with cold water.
POACHED: Boil a couple inches of water

in a saucepan. Keep liquid simmering


gently. Gently crack eggs one at a time into
a small bowl or cup. Hold the dish close to
surface of water and slip egg into water.
Cook eggs until whites are completely
set and yolks begin to thicken but are not
hard. Lift eggs from water with slotted
spoon. Sprinkle with ground pepper.
BASIC FRENCH OMELET: Crack eggs

into a bowl with a pinch of pepper. Beat


with a fork. Add 1 teaspoon of butter to a
hot skillet. Add your eggs and move the
pan around to spread them out. When
the omelet begins to firm but is still raw
on top, sprinkle any added ingredients.
Use a spatula to ease around the edge of

the omelet. Fold in half. When it starts


to brown underneath, remove from the
heat and serve.
Warm up this winter and step out of the
box and serve a poached egg on delicious
Ribollita Soup (recipe from Eating Well):
Warm cup olive oil in a saucepan
over medium heat. Add 2 diced carrots,
2 diced celery stalks, 2 chopped redskinned potatoes and 1 diced onion.
Cook stirring for 7 minutes. Add 3
diced tomatoes, 1 bunch shredded kale,
and head shredded cabbage. Add 6
cups chicken broth and boil. Decrease
heat, cover pot, and simmer 1 hour, 15
minutes. Stir in 1 (15.5oz) can drained
and rinsed cannellini beans. Let soup
cool 30 minutes, bring back to a simmer.
Brush 8 slices stale bread with olive oil
and bake in a 375-degree oven until
crisp. Flipping once after 5 minutes. Put
1 slice per bowl and pour soup over. Top
with fresh basil and a poached egg.

Emily Niesen is a certified holistic health coach and owner of Nostalgic Nutrition & Well-Being. Emilys inspiration comes from her upbringing
and the old, simple way of life. Her passion is in coaching her clients to adopt happier and healthier lifestyles that are unique to them. She offers
private and group Health Coaching sessions in unique settings to support her clients in areas such as weight management, food cravings, decoding nutrition labels, cooking, exercise routines, and other lifestyle skills. Want to get out of a rut? Email emilsyb.niesen@gmail.com, mention this
article for a free health history consultation and sign up for her free monthly newsletter. Read her monthly article and check out her website to
find out more about her business. Visit www.nostalgicnutrition.com for more information.
40

Natures Pathways | January 2015

www.naturespathways.com

How to help
children
make new
friends


tudents learn lessons each day. While many of these lessons


pertain to their coursework, kids pick up much more than
book smarts from school, where kids first learn to cultivate
friendships and build lasting relationships.
In addition to a new curriculum, new teachers and new schedules, kids also might make new friends once a school year begins.
While some familiar faces carry through from grade to grade,
chances are youngsters will meet new students who will soon
become good friends. While many kids find it easy to make new
friends, others might need some assistance so they can make
the most of opportunities to socialize and form friendships that
might last a lifetime.
OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOCIALIZATION. Children

should be given the opportunity to explore friendships outside


of the classroom where peer pressure might not be so prevalent.
Establish a carpool or invite a classmate over for a play date.
Unstructured time to play or get to know each other is a great way
to establish friendships. Invite new children over each time to see
which friendships are the strongest, but make sure you are not
pushing a friendship on your child.
DISCOVER COMMON INTERESTS. One of the quickest ways

to build friendships is through common interests, says Kirk


Martin, a behavioral therapist and author. Encourage your child
to join a club or sports group where he or she can meet other kids
with similar interests. Sometimes finding reasons to talk to other
children is the most difficult step to making new friends. Sharing
a common interest removes this barrier.
TEACH PROPER MANNERS. Children who are polite, well-

mannered and know how to follow direction are better equipped


www.naturespathways.com

to attract friends. Children who misbehave may be shunned by


other kids and their parents who do not want the hassle of an
unruly youngster coming over to play. Respectful children who
are honest, trustworthy and capable of sustaining eye contact and
making small talk may find it easy to make friends.
TAKE THE FRIENDSHIP LEAD. As parents, you can improve

your childs chances of making friends by getting friendly with


their classmates parents. You do not have to become bosom
buddies with everyone, but making connections with fellow
parents can reinforce the value of friendship to your children.
Socializing as families also presents other opportunities to get
together and solidify relationships.
BOOST CONFIDENCE LEVELS. As a parent, you can talk

to your children about their strengths and positive attributes.


Emphasizing kids best traits will increase their self-esteem, and
that sense of self-worth can make it easier for them to make
friends. A child who is shy and insecure may retreat when meeting
new people, but a child who can proudly stand behind his or her
accomplishments may attract friends easily.
School is about more than just hitting the books. Its also a
prime opportunity for kids to develop their personal skills and
make new friends.
Source: MetroCreative Connection
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

41

Postpartum
fitness and
nutrition

By Kamala McCormick

e are told that we should take increased care of our


bodies during pregnancy, but this level of concern drops
off after pregnancy. Postpartum is a new beginning.
The average woman gains a little over 30 pounds during pregnancy: 20 pounds make up the weight of the baby, the placenta and
increased maternal tissues and fluids. The additional 10 pounds is fat.
Health problems are more easily prevented than treated
so how do we prevent health problems? The average American
woman is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 145 pounds. Approximately 35 million women are considered obese (or 20 percent
above their ideal body weight). Our treatment efforts are unsuccessful. Our only solution is prevention.
Good news: If you are pregnant, have just delivered or are
thinking about becoming pregnant, the time after delivery is the
best time ever for you to lose weight. This is true no matter what
you weigh, how old you are, how many children you have or what
your weight loss track record has been.

How can this be true?

After delivery, your postpartum body is not only ready to help


you, but it leads the way and continues to for approximately six to
nine months. The first 90 days are the most effective.

Blossoms

Pregnancy Boutique, Wellness Center &


Doula Services, LLC

Boutique
Classes
Doula Services

Blossoms offers a number


of
classes including:

Dancing
for Birth

Empowering you to
birth your way!

325 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac | 920-979-8336


www.KamalaDoula.com | kamala@charter.net
42

Natures Pathways | January 2015

Think of it this way: Postpartum is not the aftermath, its a new


beginning. Your own body becomes your greatest weight loss ally
because spectacular things are happening deep inside: perfect,
natural weight loss.
At approximately the fifth postpartum day, sudden changes
take place inside you. Each subsequent change is better and more
beneficial than the previous one. Together, they work beautifully
and effectively to create weight loss.
1. After delivery, many of your hormones (such as estrogen,
progesterone and insulin) interact in a totally new way that
suppresses your appetite. These hormones also fight the accumulation of any new fat deposits.
2. Leptin, a fat-burning hormone, can actually raise your
metabolism.
3. Your metabolism is higher now than it was before you were
pregnant.
So, by paying attention to your nutrition and activity, you can lose
the weight gained during pregnancy and even additional weight.
But should this weight loss really matter?
Of course! Consider the health risk if you dont lose this weight:
heart disease, extra weight around the midsection, back pain and
excess body fat equal increased risk of disease and cancer. But the
good news is that like a good investment, losing weight after delivery also pays you a huge, lifelong health dividend.
The key is that these hormones are altered immediately after
delivery. As your child leaves your body, followed by the expulsion of the placenta, your estrogen and progesterone hormones
fall to all-time lows, while your weight loss fortunes rise to alltime highs. With that, your appetite diminishes, as does your
ability to accumulate new body fat (around the fifth day).
www.naturespathways.com

Drink 8 ounces cold water


first thing in the morning.
Here are the important compnents to postpartum weight loss:

Exercise

Note: Always consult your medical care provider first before


starting up a new exercise routine.
Ease into it by walking. It supplies fresh oxygen and works many
muscles at once, and you can include your baby in this exercise.
Much of your weight loss does not depend on exercise, yet its
important nonetheless. Focus on areas of your body that underwent the most drastic changes e.g., the pelvic floor, the internal
muscles that surround your sexual organs and bladder. Try Kegels
to strengthen these muscles.

go to sleep on an empty stomach. When you eat fatty foods late


at night, they linger in your stomach until morning. Plus, your
metabolism slows down in the evening.
The perfect postpartum food is complex carbohydrates. These
are whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes. A few more great
things about complex carbs:
Theyre easy to prepare
They provide necessary nutrition and are excellent sources of
vitamins
They provide energy
They fight constipation thanks to being naturally high in fiber
They taste great!
As weve seen, the time after you give birth presents a great opportunity for you to lose weight and establish good health and nutrition habits that will provide you with a lifetime of benefits.
Kamala McCormick is a birth doula. She is a certified pregnancy
and postpartum fitness educator and Dancing For Birth instructor.
Kamala holds certified credentials through DONA International,
International Childbirth Education Association and Dancing For
Birth.

Nutrition

Drink half of your bodyweight in ounces of water each day. Drink


8 ounces cold water first thing in the morning.
The key to losing weight: Cut back on your fat content, avoid
artificial sweeteners and preservatives, avoid all fad diets, and
never starve yourself.
Wake up and eat! Breakfast-eaters have a metabolic rate 5
percent higher than those who dont eat breakfast. In contrast,

She is the owner of Blossoms Pregnancy Boutique and Wellness Center in Fond du
Lac. She instructs, empowers and assists women during their pregnancy and motherhood journeys. Kamala serves clients throughout the metro-Milwaukee and Fox
Valley regions. To learn more about Kamalas practice, visit http://kamaladoula.
com, or contact her at 920-979-8336 or email kamala@charter.net.
Reference: Hello, Baby! Good-bye, Baby Fat! Sheldon Levine, M.D. Harper
Perennial. 1999.

WERE EXPANDING!
DO YOU:
Passionately want to connect local businesses
and communities to each other?
Stay up at night thinking about how you could
make local businesses more successful?
Have previous experience in business
development?

If so... THEN WE SHOULD TALK!


FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Visit our website,
click on the About tab and
go to Employment Opportunities
www.naturespathways.com

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

43

businessPROFILE

Pathways of Light
Wellness
Center


ntering into the holistic world can


be quite a daunting challenge. The
interested and curious read about
many alternative therapies every day, yet are
so unsure where to find quality, trustworthy
professionals or where to go. Pathways of
Light Wellness Center offers a solution.
Lisa Anne is the director at Pathways of
Light Wellness Center a new, holistic
wellness center located in Delafield and
has been within the field for many years.
Graduating from the American Institute
of Holistic Theology with her degree in
metaphysics and then from the American
Federation of Astrologers for astrology, she
found her passion and light outside of the
mainstream and had a deep desire to bring
this gift to others. In the spring of 2014, she
was propelled to create Pathways of Light
Wellness Center.
With the help of her entire family and
friends, Lisa Anne remodeled the entire
property. A new dream was born. It was
to be re-created by a community of hands
and hearts. It has been completely remade
and the practitioners followed soon after.
Lisa Anne hand-selected each practitioner
at the center, ensuring that each practitioner is of the finest quality and authenticity:
Just like the center itself.
Pathways offers a full-service experience. Not sure where to start? Begin with
a wellness consultation with Lisa Anne.
This is a brief assessment of your needs
and current desires to find direction or a
path. Or, just dive right into it all! We have
yoga and Nia for exercise. We have a nutrition and health consultant for all dietary
concerns. For life crises and relationship
44

Natures Pathways | January 2015

We have many gifted energy workers


who each specialize in one of the
following: advanced energy, Reiki,
shadow work, awareness release
technique, cranial sacral therapy,
aura scans and chakra balancing.
issues, we have a psychotherapist who also
specializes in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which is a
treatment for trauma. She also does Colorpuncture, which is similar to acupuncture
without the needles.
Have your astrology chart done and
discover your souls purpose of yesterday,
today and tomorrow. With awareness of

our intentions, we create a better world for


ourselves and astrology offers that window
into our soul. We also have alchemy crystal
bowls for sound healing, which is shown
to greatly reduce stress and alter our own
vibration.
We have many gifted energy workers
who each specialize in one of the following: advanced energy, Reiki, shadow work,
www.naturespathways.com

awareness release technique, cranial sacral


therapy, aura scans and chakra balancing. We have occupational therapists who
work with children, specializing in motor
challenges and sensory integration as well
as the interactive metronome (which is
effective with attention deficit disorder).
We offer essential oils from Young Living
and doTERRA, as well as consultants to
explain the need and purpose for each oil.
For those who have passed over, we have
renowned mediums for individual sessions
and gallery readings.
Pathways of Light also offers a wide
selection of classes and groups each month:
breathwork groups, meditation classes,
archetypes and sacred contracts, energy
healing circles, sound healing and Reiki,
a new moon group, medium gallery readings, writers workshops, art and creativity workshops, drumming, and so much
more. Each month brings something new.
If there is an alternative therapy you
need that Pathways does not offer, we have
many reputable professionals that we will
refer you to. The purpose of Pathways of
Light is to offer many paths of health and
healing, relaxation and spiritual expansion. There is not one way to wellness, but
many and each path is different for each
person. The ultimate goal is wellness.
There is also the beautiful outdoors at
Pathways that is quite remarkable. Pathways

is located 1 mile south of Highway 94 in


Delafield, but behind the center is acres of
land that has landscaped paths and sitting
areas to unwind after your experience.
There is a labyrinth for you enjoy as well.

Pathways of Light Wellness Center


W314 N720 Highway 83, Delafield
262-378-9638
www.pathwayswellness.org

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a division of Oliviva Inc.

contact@olivivainc.com | www.olivivainc.com

International products
Exclusive premium-quality
extra virgin olive oil from Tunisia
Balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy

Wisconsin-made products
Raw, unprocessed local honey
Spices and teas from local businesses

Reaching Treetops
Yoga

PAYMENT OPTIONS:
1. Mail this form with a check or credit card information to
Natures Pathways, PO Box 2735, Appleton, WI 54912.

2. Call us at 877-479-7209 to provide your credit card


information by phone.

Card type

Exp.

Card number

3-digit security code

www.naturespathways.com

Oliviva House

Name

Southeast Wisconsin

your
Learn to live from
HEART AND SOUL

When weather permits, yoga and many of


the groups can be outside under the sun or
under the stars in private solitude.
Pathways of Light is an experience.
Experience wellness in a whole new light.

Culinary Classes ... and much more!


Facebook and Twitter: olivivainc

January 2015 | Natures Pathways

45

COMMUNITY

partners

CHIROPRACTIC/BODYWORK
Erickson Family Chiropractic
Amber Erickson, DC, MEBW
2998 Beechwood Industrial Court, Hubertus
262-628-8535
ericksonchiro@yahoo.com
www.ericksonchiros.com
We have extensive training in chiropractic and bodywork techniques for
adults and children. We offer all
forms of chiropractic care, as well as
supporting techniques utilizing physical therapy. Dr. Amber has gotten successful results with soft tissue techniques that are effective
for treating muscle tightness, for the elimination
of scar tissue and to increase range of motion. She
uses kinesiology taping to increase proprioception
and circulation, as well as muscle and neurological
re-education. Dr. Amber also treats animals, including horses and dogs.

DENTISTRY
Health Centered Biomimetic Dentistry
Bryan Schwartz DDS
Steve Carini DDS
222 N. Franklin St., Port Washington
262-284-2662
drbryanschwartz.com
Drs. Schwartz and Carini specialize in biomimetic
dentistry, otherwise known as tooth conserving
dentistry. They fix it right the first time, providing
their clients with long-lasting dentistry. Their office
is committed to informing, educating and supporting each client, empowering them to be their own
health-care advocate. High-quality holistic dental
care for you and your family. They welcome you!
Integrative Dental Solutions
N35 W23770 Capitol Drive, Pewaukee
Office: 262-691-4555 Fax: 262-691-4579
www.WiNaturalDentist.com
Biological or holistic dentistry is different from conventional dentistry in that
it recognizes the importance of a healthy mouth
in achieving optimal overall health. Our office understands that every patient has specific needs.
Drs. Mahn and Shetty will even be happy to work
with your health-care practitioner to help you
reach your goals.
46

Natures Pathways | January 2015

DISCOUNT ORGANIC MEATS


Mikes Old Fashioned Meat Market
Mike Beaumont, Owner/Operator
1901 E. Rawson Ave., Oak Creek
414-881-2787 or 414-571-6565
The art and craft of raising superior meats is so
simple: What you put in is what you get out. We
spare no expense in our top-quality feeding and
care of all our animals. I personally GUARANTEE
our meat is far superior to any supermarkets, and
sold at a very fair price.
Featuring organic grass-fed beef, pork, goat,
lamb, poultry and sausage; organic dog bones
with meat; the best prices on firewood; and now
available: wild-caught shrimp, crayfish and catfish
from Louisiana.

FINANCE
Spring Water Asset Management
11431 N. Port Washington Road, Suite 201,
Mequon
262-240-9680 or 888-964-7011
Mail@SpringWaterAssetManagement.com
www.SpringWaterAssetManagement.com
Spring Water Asset Management
was created out of a desire to
invest in companies that are doing well and supporting communities, the environment and the people they serve. We specialize
in socially responsible investing (SRI) that considers
environmental, social and corporate governance
criteria in addition to standard financial analysis.

Support our local


businesses in the
healthy living industry!

furniture gallery is located at 109 N. Lincoln Ave.


in Beaver Dam and displays a wide range of burial and cremation caskets and urns as well as art,
furniture, eco-friendly milk paints, and natural oil
finishes for sale. Wisconsin families can rest assured that, when the time comes, a handcrafted
casket provided by Northwoods Casket Co. will
help in their mission to create skilled jobs in Wisconsin, bring craft back to casket-building, enhance personalization in funeral service, and of
course, leave a natural legacy by planting lots and
lots of trees.

GOURMET, ARTISAN &


SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
Oliviva Inc./Oliviva House
480-719-4546, ext. 12
contact@olivivainc.com
www.olivivain.com
Oliviva House, a division of Oliviva
Inc. is the retail end of gourmet, exclusive premium specialty foods from
our international and U.S. friends.
They offer exclusive premium quality
extra virgin olive oil from Tunisia, balsamic vinegars from Modena, Italy and Wisconsinmade favorites: raw, unprocessed local honey,
handmade signature soaps, and spices and teas.
Culinary Infusions of Munch and Learn classes,
where students will learn how to infuse olive oil,
prepare dishes and learn about the various health
values of the products are also available.

GRIEF RECOVERY COACHING

Northwoods Casket Company


109 N. Lincoln Ave., Beaver Dam
www.NorthwoodsCasket.com

Orion Consulting LLC


Robert Matuszak
2505 S. Calhoun Road, #207, New Berlin
262-787-1969
Robert@man2mangriefcoach.com
www.man2mangriefcoach.com

The Northwoods Casket Company plants


100 trees for every casket they build. Founders Jonas and Julie Zahn are
committed to plant 10 million trees in their lifetimes. All Northwoods caskets are handcrafted
in Wisconsin from locally grown and sustainably
harvested woods. Caskets are finished with environmentally safe milk paints and natural oil finishes. The company delivers caskets to every funeral home in Wisconsin. Their casket and

Orion Consulting LLC is a full-service coaching


and consulting business. Using a holistic approach, our focus is coaching adults, especially
men, who are experiencing traumatic grief by
giving them the grief tools to facilitate their healing. We also provide consulting services on grief
relief, life coaching and stress relief to businesses,
groups and individuals. Using his many experiences with traumatic grief, Robert authored the
book The Mans Grief Toolbox, A Journey from
Loss to Peace. He developed the process called

FUNERAL SERVICES

www.naturespathways.com

The 5 Steps to Healing Grief that brings relief from


grief, restoring peace of mind. Robert is a certified Heartbreak to Happiness coach with over 20
years experience coaching and consulting grief
recovery, life and business coaching. He is also a
speaker and published author.

services. Diligently working to bring awareness


and encourage a movement to shift how lawn
service is practiced. Maintaining a beautiful,
thick, green, healthy lawn is possible and available using products and techniques that are safer
for people and pets, while reducing environmental impact and chemical usage.

OSTEOPATHIC MANIPULATION
Tracy Bretl, D.O., S.C.
6793 N. Green Bay Ave., Glendale
414-351-1844
www.tracybretldo.com

HEALTHY HOME GOODS


Green Design Center
2201 Badger Court, Waukesha
262-446-6702
2624 N. Downer Ave., Milwaukee
262-241-8068
www.thegreendesigncenter.com
GDC has many products that will
not only make your home a more
environmentally
friendly
and
healthy place, but also show your
knack for design and style. Our staff is ready to
assist you in choosing the right materials for each
room, offer design consultation, provide detailed
information for each products sourcing and ingredients, and explain steps to take when applying
these unique products.

Dr. Bretl specializes in Osteopathic Ma-

MASSAGE THERAPY
Active Body Wellness
10620 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon
414-721-6942
www.activebodywellness.massagetherapy.com
Active Body Wellness offers holistic pain relief
through several different
types of massage. These include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, hot and cold stone
massage, therapeutic massage, Muscle Release
Therapy and craniosacral therapy. Our goal is to
have you pain-free in as short a time as possible
through soft-tissue manipulation.

METAPHYSICAL
HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST
Jill E. Greinke MSW, LCSW, SAC
Holistic Psychotherapist, Transformational
Coach and Consultant
1-877-614-4541 or 414-839-1345
support@jillegreinke.com
www.jillegreinke.com
It is my mission to help you
transform your life so you can
live one that is balanced on purpose and joyful. I
utilize holistic tools, helping you through counseling, coaching and consultation to release anything blocking you from living your authentic life.

LACTATION CONSULTANT
Nancy K. Matecki, RN, BSN & FACCE
414-828-4823
nancykmatecki@yahoo.com
Serving southeast Wisconsin, Nancy Matecki offers home visits to help you get the best start in
breastfeeding for you and your baby. Nancy is certified through Lamaze International.

LAWN SERVICES
Be Green Lawn Care, LLC
P.O. Box 180092, Delafield
262-361-4034
beres@begreenlawncare.org
www.begreenlawncare.org
Be Green Lawn Care, LLC
Earth Friendly Lawn Care Solutions: Full service, holistic and
sustainable lawn care practices, products and
www.naturespathways.com

Rosicrucian Order AMORC


Karnak Pronaos
3846 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee
414-344-9112
wisconsin@amorc.rosicrucian.org
A philosophical, nonprofit organization sharing
knowledge with thousands of men and women
throughout the world, for peace and harmony
with self. Open to the public on the first Sundays
of each month, except holidays.

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
NONPROFIT CHARITY
Melody of Life Foundation.
Greater Milwaukee Area
Lucas J. Robak, Founder and President
414-520-5163
Contact@MelodyofLifeFoundation.org
www.MelodyofLifeFoundation.org
www.facebook.com/LucasJRobak
www.facebook.com/MelodyofLifeFoundation
Melody of Life Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, helps people with multiple sclerosis (MS) receive treatment not covered by insurance. If you
own a business that benefits MS, we would love
to hear from you; we are in need of major donors
to become a global charity by 2020. If you own a
venue for big events, lets talk.

Find out more information on


advertising your business in the
Natures Pathways
Community Partners Directory.

O nipulative Medicine for the treatment of

musculoskeletal pain. She uses a combination of myofascial release and cranial


osteopathy to facilitate the patients body
in restoring the normal relationships between
structures. This allows for a reduction in spasm
and inflammation which reduces pain.

PERSONAL & BUSINESS


COACHING
The Sacred Bond Center
Richard W. Hanhardt, MS, MBA, BCSLC
Executive Director
11430 W. Bluemound Road, Suite 104,
Wauwatosa
262-794-2318
www.sacredbond.net
Health is most often focused on
the body, but there is a growing
realization that issues that include depression, anger, anxiety
and fear may destroy our efforts
toward physical health. Many require a nontraditional approach that focuses on proven techniques rarely employed in traditional psychotherapy. Our mission is to provide these special
approaches to complete health.

PREGNANCY WELLNESS
Blossoms Pregnancy Boutique,
Wellness Center & Doula Services
325 Winnebago Drive, Fond du Lac
920-979-8336
www.kamaladoula.com
kamala@charter.net
Join the mama tribe on Facebook
Blossoms Pregnancy Boutique
carries products helpful to mamas yet difficult to find: Motherlove, Earth Mama Angel Baby,
Halo, Bamboobies, raw Baltic amber teething
necklaces, Sleepy Sailor Coffee, Delightful Teas
and now Bundle Organics juices!
Blossoms hosts wellness events and classes,
including Mommy Yoga, Dancing for Birth childbirth education and fitness classes, Lamaze and
Birth Boot Camp. Blossoms also provides placenta
encapsulation instruction, remembering our babies grief support events, and fully credentialed
and certified birth doula services.

Contact: 262-224-0909
dteglia@naturespathways.com
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

47

RESTAURANT, BANQUETS
& CATERING
Nisleits Country Inn
3704 Highland Drive, Port Washington
262-284-9006
Welcome to Nisleits Country Inn, located in Port Washington!
Nisleits is a family-owned and operated restaurant that has been in business since 1981. Nisleits
proudly serves fresh, healthy entrees and specializes in prime rib, which is served daily. The restaurant can host weddings, parties, private group
gatherings and family dinners. It has a full bar and
also caters all types of events.

SPECIALTY SCHOOL
FOR SELF-CHANGE
Institute of Self Awareness
13745 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield
262-781-5300
www.iselfawareness.org
ISA is a nonprofit specialty school
for transformation, serving as a
gateway to personal well-being,
self-mastery and spiritual insights. ISAs life-changing lessons show how to go beyond being subject
to endless attachments, worries and taking things
too personally. In the new awareness, one gains a
sense of oneness, a naturalness and a touch of
peace.

VETERINARY SERVICES/
PET PRODUCTS
Dr. Jodies Natural Pet Products
S74W16810 Janesville Road, Muskego
1-800-468-6037
DrJodiesNaturalPets@yahoo.com
www.drjodiesnaturalpets.com
www.iPAWaid.com
www.AnimalDoctorHolistic.com
Dr. Jodies Natural Pet Products is the home of
Dr. Jodies educational blog and online shop for
unique natural dog and cat treats and other resources. Proceeds from your purchases are donated to benefit iPAW, a nonprofit that matches
benefactors and caregivers to decrease the unwarranted euthanasia of special needs pets! Dr. Jodie
is the founder and owner of Animal Doctor Holis-

advertiserDIRECTORY
Active Body Wellness29
Blossoms Pregnancy Boutique, Wellness Center
& Doula Services, LLC 42
Carol Michalski, MSW, LCSW, Life Coach39
Cedar Creek Pottery38
Copper Tree Yoga Studio23
Dr. Jodies Natural Pets 2f ,16

48

Natures Pathways | January 2015

tic Veterinary Complex. Find more info at www.


drjodiesnaturalpets.com, www.iPAWaid.com and
www.AnimalDoctorHolistic.com. Like us on Facebook! Support local businesses and resources!

WELLNESS CATALYST
Inspire 2 Succeed
504-407-1Kim
www.1KimHall.com
Inspire 2 Succeed is the best source for women
ready to show up, live up and stand up at their best
in life. Womens 7 Directions for Success series, individual sessions and customized sessions are available on a first come, first served basis. A supportive
group that educates and activates women to succeed and show themselves how to create a better
and just world for all. Discover your peace, purpose
and love through experiential practices available in
group, one-on-one and online sessions.

WELLNESS CENTER
Pathways of Light Wellness Center
W314 N720 State Highway 83, Delafield
262-378-9638
www.pathwayswellness.org
Pathways of Light Wellness Center, located in
Delafield, is a full-service holistic center offering
astrology, wellness consultations, psychotherapy,
EMDR, colorpuncture, advanced energy healing,
sound healing with alchemy bowls, nutrition and
health coaching, myofascial release, mediumship,
intuitive readings, occupational therapy and sensory integration, craniosacral therapy, essential
oils, interactive metronome, yoga, Nia and meditation. Join us for Wellness Day the first Saturday
of every month from noon to 3 p.m. to sample
our services. Many groups and classes are available each week. Keep up to date with our events
at www.pathwayswellness.org.

PLEASE
RECYCLE!
Give this copy to a friend

Dr. Tracy Bretl, D.O., S.C.9


Erickson Family Chiropractic 32
Green Design Center 22
Health Centered Biomimetic Dentistry 35
Institute of Self Awareness19
Integrative Dental Solutions 51
Jill E. Greinke, Holistic Psychotherapist
& Transformational Consultant18
Karnak Pronaos AMORC 3
Kim Hall 52
Melody of Life Foundation  22

YOGA
Reaching Treetops Yoga
Alyssa Konda, RYT
Badger Health Center
S31W24757 Sunset Drive, Waukesha
The Fitness & Wellness COOP
2442 N. Grandview Blvd., Waukesha
262-501-1572
reachingtreetopsyoga@gmail.com
www.reachingtreetopsyoga.com
Reaching Treetops Yoga is the
first studio to offer Aerial yoga
classes in Wisconsin. This invigorating style of yoga is taught by
certified and qualified instructors that also offer hatha, chair, vinyasa and restorative styles of yoga. Every Saturday, enjoy
Community Yoga for only $3! For an overall
mind-body experience, enjoy Zumba, R.I.P.P.E.D.
and tai chi. Nutrition coaching and holistic wellness services are also offered on site. The entire
staff is passionate about not only the services they
provide, but also the community having an achievable approach to wellness.

YOGA INSTRUCTION
Copper Tree Yoga Studio
and Wellness Center
1364 E Sumner St., Hartford
262-670-6688
www.coppertreewellnessstudio.com
When you come to
Copper Tree, you become part of the
family! We have taken the beauty of yoga and its
amazing traditions, philosophy and spiritual essence
and intertwined it with new research, functionality
and everyday modern living. We understand the
integration of real life experience on the mat. We
are known for our individual attention in a group
atmosphere where everybody matters.

Find out more information on


advertising your business in the
Natures Pathways
Community Partners Directory.
Contact: 262-224-0909
dteglia@naturespathways.com

Nancy K. Matecki, RN, BSN & FAACE10


Natural Expressions Bakery34
Nisleits Country Inn19
Northwoods Casket Company15, 29
Oliviva Inc./Oliviva House 45
Orion Consulting, LLC14
Pathways of Light Wellness Center 12
Reaching Treetops Yoga20
Shen Yun Performing Arts 50
Spring Water Asset Management28
The Sacred Bond Center9
www.naturespathways.com

communityCALENDAR
Sunday, Jan. 4 2:15-4:15 p.m.
Make Your Own 108 Bead Mala with
Leann Jozefowski
Join Leann for a sacred journey as you make your
own mala; a mala is a sacred set of prayer beads
totaling 108. Through the path of mantra yoga, a
mala is used to help quite the mind when used in
conjunction with chanting. Chants like Om Namaha Shivaya (I bow with respect to my divine
inner self) may be recited in repetition to help
clear the mind to sit for meditation.
Choose your own beads for this wonderful
meditative workshop. All are welcome, no experience necessary. Location: Copper Tree Wellness
Studio, 1364 E. Sumner Street, Hartford.
Invest in your happiness: $50 for pre-payments
made by Jan. 3, $55 for drop-ins on the day of
the class. Visit http://bit.ly/1CvSsa7 to sign up.
Thursdays, Jan. 8-Jan. 29 6-7 p.m.
Yoga 101 with Robert Merkt, RYT, CFF
New to yoga or maybe just looking for a refresher? This four-week series will teach you the basics
to help you start a lifelong practice! We focus on
a functional based yoga, one that makes sense
for your body and your daily habits with instructors that look teach people, not poses! You will
learn the basics of proper breathing, alignment
of staple postures, modifications, nique tips and
relaxation techniques.
Location: Copper Tree Wellness Studio, 1364
E. Sumner Street, Hartford. Investment: $50 if
paid by Jan. 7, $55 thereafter. Visit http://bit.
ly/13VDqz2 to sign up.
Monday, Jan. 12 4:30-5 p.m.
Toddler Yoga with Layne Burkette
Come join Layne for an amazing fun yoga session
geared toward your growing little one. Your big
kid wants to learn and play in a way that makes
them feel independent with the help and support
of their parent (or caregiver).
This class is focused on yoga poses, games and
songs for your little one (walking age to 3 ),
with you involved. Older siblings are welcome!
Location: Copper Tree Wellness Studio, 1364
E. Sumner Street, Hartford. Investment in your
child: $5 (per child attending). You can easily
register and pay online. Visit http://bit.ly/1AYjIgd.
Saturday, Jan. 17 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Let Your Spirit Soar Wellness &
Metaphysical Fair
Free admission! Bring your friends and family for
a day of enlightenment. We have the best readers in the Midwest, as well as healers/energy
workers, vendors with one-of-a-kind items for
sale and a nice variety of workshops.
Tri-fecta readings are available from 3 to 4 p.m.;
please sign up in the area where the workshops
are posted. You will have a reading from three
different gifted intuitives. (Cost: $30 for 15 minwww.naturespathways.com

utes and $60 for 30 minutes.)


Location: 6169 B Industrial Court, Greendale.
For more information on the workshops offered,
please visit the http://spiritualenlightenment.me
Events page.
Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015 6-11 p.m.
coMe live your 2020 viSion
A fundraiser for multiple sclerosis
Join our fundraiser that will stretch your imagination and inspire your future while raising money
for two multiple sclerosis (MS) charities. Half of
the proceeds go to the National Multiple Sclerosis
Society to find a cure, and the other half goes to
Melody of Life Foundation to pay for treatment
insurance doesnt cover.
Arrive as who you will be five years from now.
Speak only in the present tense as if it were already 2020 and you were bragging about all
the accomplishments you (havent yet) achieved.
Bring props to prove what you achieved.
To register, visit www.MelodyOfLifeFoundation.
org/Events. You can also visit www.LucasRobak.
com/Events or email Contact@MelodyOfLifeFoundation.org for more information.
Saturday, Jan. 24 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
What Does Your World Want?
This day workshop is filled with surprising ideas
that want to be transformed and the unbelievable solutions available for change to happen.
The Institute of Self Awareness has this motto:
Go beyond yourself and meet the spirit within.
Start the new year with openness and greet
yourself with surprises using pointers from Helen
Borths years of experience. Call 262-781-5300 to
register or for more information. Fee is $35. Visit
www.iselfawareness.org to learn more.
Sunday, Feb. 1 1-3 p.m.
The Truth About Reincarnation
Presented by The Rosicrucian Order, AMORC,
Karnak Pronaos, at 3846 W. Wisconsin Ave.,
Milwaukee. Karnak Pronaos sponsors free public
events called the Mystic Inquiry Series, on the
first Sunday of every month. If the first Sunday
falls on a holiday, then it is moved to the following Sunday. A different topic is presented each
month.
The topic to for February 2015 is the Truth
About Reincarnation. Come and listen to some
Rosicrucian concepts on reincarnation and also
contribute your insights on the topic.
Monday, Feb. 16 4:30-5 p.m.
Toddler Yoga with Layne Burkette
Come join Layne for an amazing fun yoga session
geared toward your growing little one. Your big
kid wants to learn and play in a way that makes
them feel independent with the help and support
of their parent (or caregiver).

This class is focused on yoga poses, games and


songs for your little one (walking age to 3 ),
with you involved. Older siblings are welcome!
Location: Copper Tree Wellness Studio, 1364
E. Sumner Street, Hartford. Investment in your
child: $5 (per child attending). You can easily
register and pay online. Visit http://bit.ly/1AYjIgd.
Monday, May 4-Thursday, May 7
Breast Cancer Recovery Infinite
Boundaries Retreat Metastatic
Breast Cancer Infinite Boundaries metastatic
breast cancer retreats are held at Sundara Inn and
Spa in Wisconsin Dells. Participants enjoy guided
discussions about issues specific to women with
metastatic breast cancer, including dealing with
difficult feelings, communicating with friends
and family, and living with advanced breast cancer. Women learn practices to decrease stress and
explore new creative outlets.
While it may be difficult to leave home and family at this time of life, we encourage interested
women to call the Breast Cancer Recovery office
for more information. Discuss the possibility of
attending the retreat with your doctor. We will
work with you to make your retreat comfortable,
meaningful and affordable. Retreat space does fill
quickly.
If you are interested in attending we encourage
you to call 888-821-1140 or email Breast Cancer Recovery today at info@bcrecovery.org. Visit
http://www.bcrecovery.org to learn more about
Breast Cancer Recovery.
Spring 2015 TBD
Fashionistas for Furballs
A fun and furry fashion show awaits you and
your four-legged friends next season! Join iPAW
for a dog fashion show to support special needs
pets and their caregivers. iPAW stands for Integrating People for Animal Wellness. The vision
of this organization is to decrease the unwarranted euthanasia of dogs and cats by matching
donors and caregivers who love to help animals.
For more information, contact iPAW at info@
ipawaid.com or visit www.ipawaid.com.

COMMUNITY

calendar

Advertise your event in the

COMMUNITY CALENDAR
$20 per entry (advertisers)
$50 per entry (non-advertisers)
877.479.7209
info@naturespathways.com
January 2015 | Natures Pathways

49

All-New 2015 Show With Live Orchestra


All-New 2015 Show With Live Orchestra

5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION. LIVE ON STAGE!


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March 3 - 4
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April 14 - 15
April 14 - 15
Marcus
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Marcus Center

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414-273-7206
MarcusCenter.org
414-273-7206 MarcusCenter.org

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