our berkshiregreen mind and spirit special edition

March - May 2010 Take One - It's Free!

Our BerkshireGreen™

Your Holistic/Green Resource

Mind & Spirit Special Edition § §

42 Bridge Street • Great Barrington, MA413.528.9697 • www.berkshire.coopMonday-Saturday 8-8 Sunday 10-6

BERKSHIRE CO-OP MARKET

Proudly supporting local farmers for over 28 years!

42 Bridge Street • Great Barrington, MA413.528.9697 • www.berkshire.coopMonday-Saturday 8-8 Sunday 10-6

BERKSHIRE CO-OP MARKET

Proudly supporting local farmers for over 28 years!

Here at Herrington’s, we believe in building the green life for a healthier world. That’s why we developed an innovative Environmentally Responsible™ Product sourcing program that makes it easy for you to select from the many earth-friendly products in our extensive inventory. Great products like long lasting Energy Star CFL light bulbs, Bosch Tankless Water Heaters, Certified Forest Products, low or no VOC Benjamin Moore paint, energy-saving windows and doors, cellulose Insulation, non-toxic cleaning products, and more. Special signs point the Environmentally Responsible™ way around our stores and showrooms, and our knowledgeable employees have access to our proprietary data base of every environmentally-conscious product in every category. So whatever you're looking for, from lumber to light bulbs, we’ll give you the greenest solutions. Because you care about the future of the earth, and so do we. So let’s build the green life. Together.

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HUDSON, NY1 Graham Avenue · 518.828.9431

CHATHAM, NY6 Depot Square · 518.392.9201

800.453.1311 · www.herringtons.com

Natura® by Benjamin Mooreis a no odor VOC Paint

The Marvin Company is a member of the Tropical

Forest Foundation

Permeable pavers are thelatest environmentally-friendlyhardscape product from CST

• If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL), we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.

March 2010 www.OurBerkshireGreen.com

2

Reveal Your Radiance Every DayMeet a Dr.Hauschka Skin Care expert at an event in March and receive a free gift.*

Saturday, March 6, 10:00 am-1:00 pmGuido’s Fresh Marketplace, Pittsfield MA413-442-9912, ext. 122 Wednesday, March 10, 4:00-6:00 pm Naturalis, Williamstown MA413-458-4400

Saturday, March 20, 11:00 am-2:00 pm Hawthorne Valley Farm Store, Ghent NY518-672-7500, ext. 107

Wednesday, March 24, 5:30-7:30 pm Body and Soul, Great Barrington MA 413-528-6465

Saturday, March 27, 1:00-4:00 pm Studio Day Spa, Great Barrington MA413-528-5523

Sunday, March 28, 10:00 am-2:00 pm Kripalu Shop, Kripalu Center, Stockbridge MA413-448-3275

If you can’t attend an event, please present this ad at one of these locations and receive 15% off any one Dr.Hauschka product.*

*Offer valid only at retailers listed above. Some events by appointment; please contact stores for details. Cannot be combined with other offers, limit one per customer. Offer valid through Monday, April 5th, 2010.

G E O T H E R M A L H E A T I N G & C O O L I N G

(413) 684-5100climatehvac.com

Geothermal systems tap into the free, renewable energy

found in your own backyard. For more information and an analysis of savings potential, including stimulus programs,

contact us today. It’s money in the bank.

www.OurBerkshireGreen.com March 2010 3

4 letter from the publisher 5 getting to know us

6 directory of categories

7 our contributors

8 resource guide Berkshire County & the surrounding area 14 calendar of events & classified

15 contests

32 in business: greening up! Spotlight on green & holistic businesses in our community

34 lifestyles & perspectives Personal experience of green & holistic living in our community

40 nonprofit organizations Spotlight on nonprofit organizations in our community

45 index of advertisers

CONTENTS March - May 2010

departments

features 12 have a yen for zen? Organize your business; organize your life

16 the chinese state of mind About food and weight loss

19 eating mindfully A simple act that can bring about profound change

23 mind-body-immunity connection The effect your mind has on your health & immunity

31 transformation through gratitude Become empowered by giving gratitude

36 the power of prayer Spiritual leaders in our community share their views

38 astrology & the interplay of life A deeper look into this symbolic language

41 green for a change A small group of friends making a difference

42 meditation in the grocery store? Practicing meditation in motion is healthy, fun, and easy!

43 angels & auras You can communicate with your higher self & guides

cover illustration by Douglas Flackmanemail: [email protected]: douglasflackman.com

The final mystery is oneself. When one has weighed the sun in the balance, and measured the steps of

the moon, and mapped out the seven heavens star by star, there still remains oneself. Who can calculate the orbit of his own soul? ~ Oscar WildeContributed by Elfi Six - CosmicResonance.com

Letter from the Publishersubscribe

Our BerkshireGreen™ Resource Guide is a quarterly, free publication which can be found at many locations (see our web-site). For $24 per year you can have the convenience of a subscription (four issues) mailed directly to your door. You can order through our website at OurBerkshireGreen.com, or you can send your name, mailing address, and a check for $24 to Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. to the ad-dress below. For an e-vite to our monthly net-working events, please join our mailing list.

contact usFor questions, advertising, and editorial sub-missions, contact our main office below, or our sales representatives on the facing page:

[email protected]@OurBerkshireGreen.com

[email protected]@OurBerkshireCalendar.com

P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Ph: 413-274-1122, Fax: 413-541-8000

Cover Art by Douglas Flackman

Douglas has always lived his life as an artist. Growing up in New Jersey he was a student of the renowned painter Arthur Maynard. It has been the strong family support, as well as the patronage of art lovers, that has enabled the successful thirty-year career that has led him around the world. After living in Sedona, AZ, throughout the 1990s he has moved back east to the Berkshires. In September 2009 he opened the Douglas Flackman Fine Art Gal-lery located at 343 Main Street, Great Bar-rington, where you can meet him as well as view his current work. For more information, douglasflackman.com.

What does “mind and spirit” mean to you? As you have seen by the cover of this issue, that

is the focus of our first special edition; to be pub-lished each spring.

The mind can be defined as “the element in a person that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and reasons.” Spirit is “the vital principle or animating force within living things.” These words justly define their indi-vidual meaning, but used together, so much more is implied. To me they represent a bridge … a bridge between heaven and earth, between body and soul, and between logic and intuition. They symbolize the essence of self and the seed of infinite potential.

No matter what your personal definition, the subject of mind and spirit is a fascinating one; well worth exploration and con-templation, and very much deserving of an issue all its own. In this special edition resource guide you will find our regular resource categories, but the articles and tidbits focus on, and delve into, the vast subject of the mind and spirit.

On another note, I would like to introduce Kate Van Olst, shown at right, who will be managing our upcom-ing free community event calendar for Berkshire County and the surrounding area (available this April). Kate has a BA in Human Services and Literature from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. She is a childbirth and postpartum doula, a massage therapist, and very active in community organiza-tions that focus on youth and environmental issues.

It is important to note that everyone from our com-munity is welcome to post events in this free calendar, not just our green/holistic businesses and organizations (assuming posting rules are followed). You will be able to access the calendar―your calendar―through our cur-rent website. The calendar will also have its own website: Our BerkshireCalendar.com, and its own email: [email protected]. You will be able to easily and instantly upload your events through this user-friendly website.

Please join our mailing list if you would like to be notified just as soon as the calendar is available. If you have questions, you can contact Kate at the email address above.Warm wishes and good health,

Special Note: All content in Our BerkshireGreen™ is accepted in good faith. The publisher as-sumes no responsibility or liability for any claims, conditions, products, services, errors, and/or opinions expressed through the articles, illustrations, and advertisements appearing in this publica-tion. We do not advocate or recommend any particular medical treatment. Every effort is made to avoid errors and misspellings; however, if you spot an error please accept our apologies. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback so that we can give you the best service possible. We re-serve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared for printed errors of the publisher’s responsibility or if the publisher fails to print an ad or article for any reason. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License (in place of a standard copyright), which allows anyone to freely copy, distribute, and transmit all content, although it must be attributed in the manner specified by the author or licensor, and no one may use it for commercial purposes or alter, transform, or build upon it.

Note: This issue is printed with VOC-free ink on paper that is Forest Council (FSC: fsc.org) certified to have been made from trees grown and harvested in a responsible manner. Our paper also contains a full 30 percent post-consumer recycled wastepaper.

Kate Van Olst

4 March 2010 www.OurBerkshireGreen.com

Letter from the Publishersubscribe

Our BerkshireGreen™ Resource Guide is a quarterly, free publication which can be found at many locations (see our web-site). For $24 per year you can have the convenience of a subscription (four issues) mailed directly to your door. You can order through our website at OurBerkshireGreen.com, or you can send your name, mailing address, and a check for $24 to Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. to the ad-dress below. For an e-vite to our monthly net-working events, please join our mailing list.

contact usFor questions, advertising, and editorial sub-missions, contact our main office below, or our sales representatives on the facing page:

[email protected]@OurBerkshireGreen.com

[email protected]@OurBerkshireCalendar.com

P.O. Box 133, Housatonic, MA 01236 Ph: 413-274-1122, Fax: 413-541-8000

Cover Art by Douglas Flackman

Douglas has always lived his life as an artist. Growing up in New Jersey he was a student of the renowned painter Arthur Maynard. It has been the strong family support, as well as the patronage of art lovers, that has enabled the successful thirty-year career that has led him around the world. After living in Sedona, AZ, throughout the 1990s he has moved back east to the Berkshires. In September 2009 he opened the Douglas Flackman Fine Art Gal-lery located at 343 Main Street, Great Bar-rington, where you can meet him as well as view his current work. For more information, douglasflackman.com.

What does “mind and spirit” mean to you? As you have seen by the cover of this issue, that

is the focus of our first special edition; to be pub-lished each spring.

The mind can be defined as “the element in a person that feels, perceives, thinks, wills, and reasons.” Spirit is “the vital principle or animating force within living things.” These words justly define their indi-vidual meaning, but used together, so much more is implied. To me they represent a bridge … a bridge between heaven and earth, between body and soul, and between logic and intuition. They symbolize the essence of self and the seed of infinite potential.

No matter what your personal definition, the subject of mind and spirit is a fascinating one; well worth exploration and con-templation, and very much deserving of an issue all its own. In this special edition resource guide you will find our regular resource categories, but the articles and tidbits focus on, and delve into, the vast subject of the mind and spirit.

On another note, I would like to introduce Kate Van Olst, shown at right, who will be managing our upcom-ing free community event calendar for Berkshire County and the surrounding area (available this April). Kate has a BA in Human Services and Literature from Bard College at Simon’s Rock. She is a childbirth and postpartum doula, a massage therapist, and very active in community organiza-tions that focus on youth and environmental issues.

It is important to note that everyone from our com-munity is welcome to post events in this free calendar, not just our green/holistic businesses and organizations (assuming posting rules are followed). You will be able to access the calendar―your calendar―through our cur-rent website. The calendar will also have its own website: Our BerkshireCalendar.com, and its own email: [email protected]. You will be able to easily and instantly upload your events through this user-friendly website.

Please join our mailing list if you would like to be notified just as soon as the calendar is available. If you have questions, you can contact Kate at the email address above.Warm wishes and good health,

Special Note: All content in Our BerkshireGreen™ is accepted in good faith. The publisher as-sumes no responsibility or liability for any claims, conditions, products, services, errors, and/or opinions expressed through the articles, illustrations, and advertisements appearing in this publica-tion. We do not advocate or recommend any particular medical treatment. Every effort is made to avoid errors and misspellings; however, if you spot an error please accept our apologies. We welcome your ideas, articles, and feedback so that we can give you the best service possible. We re-serve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Liability is limited to the cost of the ad space in which it first appeared for printed errors of the publisher’s responsibility or if the publisher fails to print an ad or article for any reason. Unless otherwise noted, we use a Creative Commons License (in place of a standard copyright), which allows anyone to freely copy, distribute, and transmit all content, although it must be attributed in the manner specified by the author or licensor, and no one may use it for commercial purposes or alter, transform, or build upon it.

Note: This issue is printed with VOC-free ink on paper that is Forest Council (FSC: fsc.org) certified to have been made from trees grown and harvested in a responsible manner. Our paper also contains a full 30 percent post-consumer recycled wastepaper.

Kate Van Olst



Getting to Know UsThea Basis Independent Sales Representative

Born and raised in New York City, Thea has studied health, psychology, philosophy, spirituality, and mysticism. The assistant dean of Empire State College referred to her as “a rational mystic, a seeker after knowledge, with the inclinations of a scholar.” Thea has been part of the spiritual community in the Berkshires for 15 years. 413-528-8084, [email protected]

Elisa Jones Graphic Design for Advertisements

Elisa is a 2003 graduate of Bridgewater State College earning a BA in Art and a Concentration in Graphic Design. She began freelancing after gradua-tion and then in 2008 she started her own design business, Berkshire De-sign Studio. Elisa, her husband John, son Keaton, and kitty Willa, reside in southern Berkshire County. 413-854-2608, [email protected]

Christine Dupre Graphic Design for Advertisements

Christine has been a resident of the Berkshires for 22 years, and a profes-sional graphic designer for the past 20 years. She is a veteran of the armed forces (US Army - six years). Her award-winning designs have been a constant presence in the Berkshires. In addition to graphic design her passions include gardening and landscaping. [email protected]

Sheri Ann Biasin Independent Sales Representative

Sheri Ann Biasin is a lifelong resident of Berkshire County and has a BS in Psychology and currently lives in Cheshire. Her extensive sales experi-ence spans over 25 years. Sheri prides herself on excellent customer service and prompt responsiveness to the cus-tomer’s needs. She has three children, Jacob, Justin, and Ty. 413-822-2070, [email protected]

Rodelinde Albrecht Copy Editing/Proofreading

Born in Salzburg, Austria, Rodelinde lived in Rhode Island, New York City, and northern California before land-ing in the Berkshires. She is director of Concerned Singles as well as a freelance editor, graphic designer, translator, pub-lishing consultant, figure model, actor, and videographer. In her spare time, she writes, sings, and sculpts. 413-243-4350, [email protected]

Kathy AdamsGraphic Design for Advertisements

A Berkshire native, Kathy trained in graphic design at California College of Arts in San Francisco and in Eng-lish at UMass. Having worked as a toy package designer, costumer, and food writer, she's now an independent graphic designer and writer. She lives and gardens in Otis with musician husband Pete and their son, James. [email protected]

Andrea Feldmane-Newsletter Design and Marketing Consultant

A native New Yorker, Andrea relo-cated to the Berkshires in 1997 to be-come a macrobiotic chef. Her varied professional skills include organiz-ing consulting, designing, and writ-ing. She helps small business own-ers to clarify and implement their marketing strategies. 413-655-7766, [email protected]

Patty StrauchIndependent Sales Representative & Event Planner

Patty was born and raised in Allendale, New Jersey, and spent 25 years in the corporate legal field. In 2004, she and her songwriter husband, Bruce Man-del, moved to the Berkshires, mar-ried, and settled in Otis. Patty has a strong sense of community and also performs with Stockbridge Festival Chorus and Berkshire Bach. 413-269-6119, [email protected]

Directory of Categories

Alternative Energy .................................................8

Animal Products & Services .................................9

Art & Music ...........................................................10

Babies & Children ................................................10

Business Services ..................................................11

Calendar of Events & Classified ........................14

Contests .................................................................15

Dance, Exercise & Fitness ..................................15

Education & Training ..........................................18

Environmental/Conservation Organizations .....18

Food & Cooking ...................................................18

Food Stores: Co-ops, Markets & Health .........................20

General Stores .................................................................20

Green Building, Renovation & Landscape Design ...20

Health & Beauty ...................................................22

Health Care: Alternative, Complementary & Integrative......22

Acupuncture ..................................................24

Biofeedback ...................................................24

Health Care: continued

Chiropractic & Kinesiology ......................25

Counseling & Therapy ..............................25

Dentistry ......................................................26

Energy Medicine ........................................26

Homeopathy ...............................................27

Hypnosis ......................................................27

Life Coach ...................................................27

Massage Therapy & Bodywork .................27

Nutrition & Supplements .........................28

Physical Therapy ........................................28

Reconnective Healing®...............................28

Reflexology .................................................28

Wellness Centers & Spas ...........................29

Women’s Health ..........................................29

Yoga .............................................................29

Home & Garden ................................................30

Feng Shui.....................................................30

In Business: Greening Up! ...............................32

Lifestyles & Perspectives ..................................34

Mind & Spirit ......................................................35

Nonprofit Organizations ...............................40

Restaurants & Cafes ..........................................42

Index of Resource Guide Advertisers .............45

Friends of Our BerkshireGreen ......................46

Sponsors ..............................................................48



Our ContributorsAndrea FeldmanGet Organized With Andrea!

Andrea Feldman is an organizing ex-pert. She helps individuals and busi-nesses to identify priorities and create order. Andrea provides custom solu-tions in a variety of areas including environment, time management, and graphic design. (413) 655-7766, [email protected], GetOrganizedWithAndrea.com.

Susan JamesonCo-Director of Healing Winds

Susan is the Co-Director of Healing Winds, Humanity in Concert, and the Rock, Rattle & Drum Pow Wow. She is a dancer, healer, and passionate meta-physician committed to her lifelong work in the fields of energy, consciousness, and spiritual development. She is on the board of the Women’s Interfaith Insti-tute of the Berkshires. HumanityInCon [email protected], HealingWinds.net.

Alison Shore GainesMindfulness Coach & Holistic Educator

Alison has lived in the Berkshires since 1982. Senior faculty at Kripalu Center, she teaches mindful eating and cleansing programs and has a private practice in Pittsfield. Alison is also part of the What Is Wellness Integrative Health Program at Simon’s Rock College. For more informa-tion about Alison’s programs, or the What Is Wellness Program, contact (413) 442-3604, [email protected].

Beth Moser Green for a Change

Beth Moser moved to the Berkshires in 1982 with her husband, where they ran Daily Bread Bakery for eight years, and raised two sons. She is a founding member of Green for a Change and Green Barrington. For the past eleven years, she has worked at the Alumni Li-brary of Bard College at Simon’s Rock. For more information about Green for a Change go to greenforachange.org.

Kelly Clady-Giramma, Dipl OM, LAcFertile Ground Acupuncture

Kelly is a West Coast transplant. She has extensive clinical training from Suzhou and Shanghai, China, where she and her husband resided for almost three years before moving to the Berkshires in 2007. She earned her four-year Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in San Francisco. Kelly works at Canyon Ranch and Berkshire Wellness Center. (413) 695-8876, [email protected].

Bente Hansen Intuitive & Wellness Consultant

Australian-born Rev. Bente Hansen is an Intuitive and Wellness Consultant. She offers clients energy healing, channeling, Soul readings, distance energy clearing, and spiritual counseling, and is an inspi-rational speaker. She recently moved to New York, though her client base is in-ternational. Bente is the author of two books. (845) 297-4106, bhansen9@hot mail .com, dynamicenergyhealing.net.

Susan HerskowitzMidpoint (Uranian) Astrologer

Susan is trained as an architect and astrologer. While at top NYC firms in the 1990s, she began immersing herself in the study of astrology, apprentic-ing with the renowned Maria Napoli in Uranian Astrology, a modern tech-nique that opens up previously inaccessi-ble dimensions of the birth chart. She can be reached for a private consultation at (413) 644-3232, [email protected].

Mark Pettus, MDBoard Certified Internist & Nephrologist, Author

Dr. Pettus has been practicing for over 20 years. He received his AB from Bos-ton University and MD from the Univer-sity of Massachusetts Medical School. His postdoctoral training was at Harvard Medical School. He is certified by the American Board of Integrative and Ho-listic Medicine, and a faculty member of the What Is Wellness Program in Great Barrington, wellnessintegral.org.

Alternative Energy


Since 1985, recognized for careful designs, proven components and high quality workmanship,

BPVS solar electric systems are user friendly, efficient and reliable.

Member: American Solar Energy Society, Northeast Sustainable EnergyAssociation, Solar Energy Business Association of New England,

Solar Energy Industries Association.

Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS46 Howland Avenue, Adams, MA 01220

Tel. 413-743-0152 • www.bpvs.comMA LIC #'s HIC131996, CSL 73150

r r

Alternative Energy

Solar Hot WaterSolar ElectricBack-up Power SystemsDel Martin

413 528 [email protected]

Green Energy Savings from the Sun!

The USA’s first commercial wave-power farm in Oregon is expected to supply energy to 400 homes.

We offer system design with Mother Earth in mind.

Solar Electric Solar Hot Water Solar Pool HeatersGeothermal Heat Pumps

High Efficiency Boilers and Furnaces26 Years Local Solar ExperienceLEED Accredited Professional

Think Globally. Act Locally.

Renewable Energy Solutions, Inc., Lee, MA413-243-0909

Animal Products & Services

Contest #1

Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are the first caller to call (413) 274-1122 on Mon-

day, April 5, 2010, at 12:00 PM with the correct answer, you will win a 1.5-hour Biofeedback Session valued at $125 - contributed by Barbara Laureyns, Berkshire Biofeedback, whose advertisement appears on page 24.

Provides …Food for needy dogs and cats

Reduced rate spay/neuterAssistance with basic veterinary care costs

Call 413.229.8579 or 518.781.0362or visit www.petpartnersberkshires.org

A division of Scientific Alliance For Education (S.A.F.E.), a 501(c)(3) Non Profit Organization

of the Tri-State BerkshiresPet Partners

opening this springat 301 stockbridge road • great Barrington, ma 01230

413.447.7878 www.berkshirehumane.org

Berkshire humane society cat adoption center

Dog & Cat AdoptionsAdoption HoursSat/Sun/Wed/Fri 10am-2pmTues/Thurs 4-8pmClosed Monday

63 Downing Parkway, Pittsfield413/448-9800www.pittsfieldanimals.org

“Dogs come when they are called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” ~ Mary Bly Contributed by Thea Basis, Alford, MA

RescuingForgotten Felines

For 10 Years

413-528-1328 www.berkshireanimaldreams.org


BENSDOTTER’S PET 413-229-2277 670 NORTH MAIN STREET (RTE 7), SHEFFIELD, MA

QUALITY FOODS & SUPPLIES RAW DIET SPECIALISTS

OPEN DAILY AT 10AM

MONDAY-FRIDAY 10AM-6PM WEEKENDS 10AM-4PM

CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY, INDEPENDENCE DAY, LABOR DAY, THANKSGIVING DAY, AND DECEMBER 25TH-JANUARY 1ST

ZOOM! ZOOM! ZOOM!

www.PuppyRemediesUSA.com Improves agility, strength, focus, endurance, mobility and health! Helps arthritis, joint problems, and hip dysplasia. FREE e-book: “Velvet Antler” with New ZealandAgility Puppy and Dog formulas! Call 888-217-7233

Priced for every type of budget,

designed with every taste in mind.

Allendale Shopping Center, Pittsfield, MA • 413-442-9073

Most households have at least one pet. Why do people have pets? Love and companionship top the list: pets lift

your spirits and are good for the soul. Research supports many health benefits as well, including a decrease in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, and feelings of loneliness. Pets can also increase your opportunities for exercise and out-door activities, and socialization. If you would like to share your life with an animal companion, take the time to research what type of animal will be right for you, and then contact one of the organizations on this page when ready to take the next step. ~ List of health benefits obtained from www.cdc.gov.


10

Art & Music

SINGER/SONGWRITER, HOME & CONCERT PERFORMER

C O N T E M P O R A R Y F O L K • A M E R I C A N A

photo courtesy of:Michael Lavin Flower

Acoustic guitar, a keen lyrical ear, intimate and honest vocals...

delight your guests with a personaland memorable musical experience.

Available for house concerts andintimate gatherings. For details on

booking arrangements & appearancesvisit: www.brucemandel.com

or call 413.269.7229

Buy Local, Buy Handmade!

•Business website linked directly from www.BerkshireMade.org;•Monthly Artisan Roundtables;•Discounts for craft shows, semi-nars and networking events;

Visit www.BerkshireMade.org for more info & to apply!

Now accepting applications for new members in all media:

•Be part of the BerkshireMade Artisan Market at local and regional craft shows;•Collaborate, connect with and get support from your fellow local artists and crafters . . . and more!

Contest #2

Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are the first caller to call (413) 274-1122 on Monday, April

5, 2010, at 12:15 PM with the correct answer, you will win a 45-minute (total time) Chair Massage at your home or office, valued at $60, for up to nine people - contributed by Tracey Mahon MAc, LMT, whose ad-vertisement appears on page 27.

“A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” ~Leopold Stokowski

Unique, handcrafted copper jewelry holders

Sheri Biasin413-822-2070

Recycled copper,customized colorsBracelet Holder $24.99Necklace Holder $29.99

Berkshiresand Beyond

La Leche League Leaders are experienced mothers who have breast-fed their own babies and who have been trained and accredited by LaLeche League International to help mothers and mothers-to-be with allaspects of breastfeeding.

LLL of South Berkshire County meets monthly, and both nursing andexpectant mothers are welcome. Join us the 3rd Monday of the month at 10am, downstairs in the Mason Library on Main Street in GreatBarrington. We also provide phone assistance and pre-natal breastfeed-ing classes. Call or visit our website for more information and a meetingschedule.www.llleus.org/web/SouthBerkshireCoMa

Janet: 413-229-2003 • Becky: 414-528-4998 • Kate: 413-229-6016

LLL of North Berkshire meets at 7:00 pm on the secondWednesday of each month at Chapters Book Store,

78 North Street, Pittsfield, MAJudy 413-443-9599 • Marya 413-743-8205 • Julie 309-444-6828

La Leche League is an international, nonprofit,nonsectarian organization dedicated to providing

education, information, support and encouragement to women who want to breastfeed.

La Leche League:Mother-to-Mother BreastfeedingInformation and Support

Babies & Children

SusanHerskowitzAstrologer

413.644.3232 [email protected]

Super Healthy KidsStrengthening Your Child's Resistance to Disease by

Jane Sheppard

Recommended Reading

www.HealthyChild.com

11

www.OurBerkshireGreen.com March 2010

Family Owned and Operated for 36 Years

413-528-2885Fax 413-528-9220

35 Bridge StreetGreat Barrington

MA 01230

BuyLocal

STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT • EXPERIENCE • SPEED • QUALITY • COMPETITIVE PRICES

Green Printing Solutions• Full Color Digital Printing

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www.kwikprintinc.com

Got Clutter?GetOrganizedWithAndrea.com

413–655–7766GetOrganizedWithAndrea.com

Business Services - helping our green/holistic businesses grow!

Hey, What do you know? Vendor recruiting for the 2010 Green Fair and Better Living Show. Do you make, eat, build, sell or grow something in Western Mass?

Share it, show it and sell it on April 17 & 18, 2010 413‐774‐2791 or [email protected]

“Purpose Beyond Profit”Home, Auto, Business, Health & Life

80 Maple AvenueGreat Barrington, MA413-528-5509www.goodworksinsurance.com

Lillian M. Barker Deborah E. Wright

Visualize Strategize Actualize Millie Calesky Business and Life Coach 413-655-2555 [email protected]

SHERI A. BIASIN

WEBSITE & INTERNET CONSULTANT

WEBSITE DESIGN

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OurBerkshireGreen.com

Have a Yen for Zen?Organize Your Business; Organize Your Life

By Andrea Feldman


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Helpful ways to stay with it• Post reminders• Write in your journal• Talk to yourself—be your own cheerleader• Tell someone else what you’re doing

My Zen, your ZenDo you have clutter? Do you struggle with deciding what to keep or toss? Do you have clothes that are old, that you don’t wear, in sizes that no longer fit? Do recipes, articles, and other papers just pile up? Are you embarrassed to have people come into your home or office? Do you keep things because you think you might need them someday? Have you bought something you already have because you couldn’t find it, or forgot you al-ready had one? Do you buy things because they’re cute, they’re too cheap to pass up, or you think someone you know might want them? You decide. No one is keeping score for you.

If you follow these steps below, you will reduce your stress levels and make a difference in your environment. By continu-ing to do one little thing regularly, you will be able to do it with less and less thinking and it will soon become automatic. That’s when you know you’ve truly made it a habit.

7 Steps to accomplish most any task1) Identify the task. Prioritize! What is most urgent or im-portant at this moment?2) Decide how much time to spend on it. If you’re having trouble getting started, you can commit to just 15 minutes for now. You’d be amazed what you can do in 15 minutes.3) Have equipment ready. Don’t wait. Gather whatever you need ahead of time.4) Schedule it in. Actually put it in your calendar and keep your appointment.5) Get support. Call someone and tell them what you’re doing.6) Complete the task. Put your stuff away, get the stuff out to the car. Don’t stop until you’ve finished and tidied up.7) Reward yourself. Have a cup of tea. Read for awhile. Do the crossword. Just don’t buy more stuff!

Handy self-talk Use these phrases when you need to question your actions or to cheer you on.

• Just say no.• Under-promise, over-deliver.• Don’t put it down, put it away.• It will feel better when it’s done.• How long will it really take?• Just do it, now!• Which is more stressful, doing it or not doing it?• What am I willing to do?• If there’s no place for it, at least put like with like.• Complete the task.

~ Andrea Feldman, Get Organized with Andrea! See ad on page 11.

HaikuDo one little thingIt’s so much more efficientThan doing nothing

The Japanese say “Kaizen”It’s a management strategy that was implemented in business during their recovery after World War II. Roughly translated to “continuous, slow improvement,” Kaizen is about working smarter and focusing on incremental, gradual change in all as-pects of life.

I say “My Zen . . . ”My Zen, my philosophy, is that the most efficient way to make small but permanent changes, with the least amount of effort, is to do one little thing at a time. Choose one little thing, focus only on that one little thing, repeat it again and again until you don’t even have to think about it. Then you can choose another little thing to do while continuing to do the one you mastered. That’s the way to develop new, healthy habits.

HaikuOne thing at a time More than that gets confusingAnd things don’t get done

My Zen is to identify just one small task. Choose something important you want to change, break it down into its components, then choose just one little task to start with.

My Zen is to define a goal. Lower your expectations: under-promise, over-deliver. You can always do more, but why set yourself up for failure by asking too much?

My Zen is to write down a step-by-step simple organizing system. Writing things down helps to clarify what you’re going to do, how you are going to do it, and when. When you list step one, step two, and so on, you don’t have to figure it out each time, just follow instructions.

My Zen is to practice and perfect that system regularly. If something is not working immediately, identify the trouble and fix it. Ask yourself, “What’s more stressful, learning to do this thing effectively, or not doing it at all?”

My Zen is to forget the past and do one thing differently today.

My Zen requires a commitment to completing your task no matter what.Learning anything new can be difficult because it feels strange and unfamiliar. My Zen encourages you to do everything you can to ease the discomfort of doing something new.

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ongoing weekly

Tuesdays: Berkshire Co-Act. Free and open to all. 6:30pm-9:30pm, includes Pot Luck till 7:30pm. Come for lively discussions and strategic planning for action - develop and empower sustainable communities through networking, sharing knowledge, and collaborating with our neighbors. Ini-tiatives address community self-sufficiency, food and nutrition, alternative energy, local currency, transportation, and Timebank. 52 Maple Hill Rd., West Stockbridge, MA, [email protected] or (413) 232-7888..

ongoing monthlyJoin us the last week of each month: Our BerkshireGreen’s free commu-nity networking events. Held at fine locations around the county. Interesting speakers, free appetizers, and a chance to network with like-minded people. No res-ervation required. Join our mailing list at OurBerkshireGreen.com for regular eVite.

Green Drinks: An informal gathering, open to everyone with any environmental interest. Green Drinks is a great way of catch-ing up with people you know and for making new contacts. These networking events are very simple and unstructured. Come along and you’ll be made welcome. Free appetizers, cash bar.

1st Wednesday of every month: Great Barrington Green Drinks, starting at 5:15pm, Route 7 Grill, 999 Main Street, Great

Cal

end

ar o

f E

ven

ts &

Cla

ssif

ied Calendar of Events

& Classified Please note that we do not accept classified and event listings that are advertisements for standard ongoing daily business services; you must place this type of listing in our directory so that our readers are able to locate your service in our alphabet-

ized directory. Free community event listings are condensed and published on a first-come first-serve basis as room permits. Our free community event calendar will be available on our website this April. If you would like to be notified when it is up and going, please join our mailing list at OurBerkshireGreen.com. Questions should be sent to Kate Van Olst at [email protected]. Thank you and happy networking!

Barrington,. Sponsored by Orion Magazine. For more info contact Erik at Orion (413) 528-4422 or [email protected]

3rd Tuesday of every month: Pittsfield Green Drinks, starting at 5:15pm, Pittsfield Brew Works, 34 Depot St, Pittsfield. Co-sponsored by the Center for Ecological Tech-nology (CET) and the Berkshire Environ-mental Action Team (BEAT). For more info contact Jamie at CET (413) 445-4556 x14, or Jane at BEAT [email protected]

march

Tuesdays, March 2 - April 13, 5:30pm-8pm. “Nutrition & Life Coaching Intensive” led by Christina Freund and Phoebe Williams at The Nutrition Center, 94 West Avenue, Great Barrington. Find answers to your nutritional and health issues using cutting edge dietary and coaching tools. You can get the upper hand and short circuit bad habits with a per-sonalized diet plan and skilled coaching! Call (413) 232-7011 for information.

Friday, March 19, and Saturday, March 20 - 7pm. “Broadway to the Berkshires (and Movies!) ACT 3” Fundraiser for “Friends of Cardiac Rehab” in memory of Angelina Morsello Savko, Cardiac Rehab Center - Berkshire Medical Center. At The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield, MA. Website: TheColonialTheatre.org (413) 997-4444

april

April 17 and 18, Franklin County Home Show - see advertisement on page 21.

calendar listings

help wanted

Join Our Growing Family....

Our BerkshireGreen, Inc. is interested in hiring additional

independent sales representatives. Ad sales experience a plus, and a passion about green/holistic living

required. Please send letter of introduction and resume to:

Kathy I. Regan at [email protected]

classified listings

Our BerkshireGreen presentsa free, easy-to-use community-driven calendar.

FREE event posting for all: simply register, fill out your information, and post! OurBerkshireCalendar.com is a single resource for all your events: comprehensive, well organized,

and searchable by category, date, location, or type of event.Categories: Animals, Arts/Entertainment, Business, Education/Training, Environment/Nature, Festivals, Food/Drink,Health/Wellness, Home/Garden, Kids/Youth, Local Government, Mind/Spirit, Social Services, Sports, Tag/Barn Sales

Bonus: Link your website to OurBerkshireCalendar.com, if you want users to view just your events.Join our email list at OurBerkshireCalendar.com to be notified as soon as the Calendar goes live,

and be the first to know what's happening in and around the Berkshires.


14

Tuesday, April 20, 9am-3pm. “Sustain-ability Symposium.” Join Darrow School’s expert faculty and alumni and other regional leaders in the sustainability movement to dis-cuss a variety of green topics, and learn how you can make a difference in environmental preservation. Attend workshops, meet the ex-perts, and tour Darrow’s historic Shaker cam-pus and its nationally recognized Samson En-vironmental Center, which houses the Living Machine, an all-natural wastewater-treatment facility. Workshops and presentations are free to the public; lunch is available for an addi-tional charge. Space is limited, so reserve yours today by calling (518)794-6555. For informa-tion on Darrow School and the Sustainability Symposium, visit darrowschool.org.

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Contest #1 - Prize: 1.5-hour Biofeedback Session val-ued at $125. Contributed by Berkshire Biofeedback, whose ad appears on page 24.

Contest #2 - Prize: 45-minute Chair Massage valued at $60. Contributed by Tracey Mahon, MAc, LMT, whose ad appears on page 27.

Contest #3 - Prize: Energy Healing Session valued at $75. Contributed by Health, Flow & Joy, whose ad appears on page 26.

Contest #4 - Prize: Guided Imagery CD - Time Out-side of Time, valued at $16.95. Contributed by Eileen Lawlor, LICSW, whose ad appears on page 25.

Contest #5 - Prize: $15 Gift Card to Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center. Contributed by Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center, whose ad appears on page 30.

Contest #6 - Prize: One-day Trail Pass for Two val-ued at $20. Contributed by Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery, whose ad appears on page 15.

Contests, Contests

& More Contests!Throughout this issue, you will find seven contests. The summary of prizes shown below are contributed by our resource

guide members. As instructed in each contest scattered throughout the publication, the first caller to call 413-274-1122 at the specified day and time with the correct answer, will win the prize indicated. If you get an answering machine it means that we are on the line with another caller or it is not yet the correct time, but please leave your name and number just in case! Everyone is welcome to participate, except for the staff of Our BerkshireGreen, Inc., and their immediate family. Only one prize per person will be awarded in each issue. Best of luck!

Contest #1 - Josef Kozaka of Lebanon Springs, NY, won a $25 Gift Certificate from Upper Crust Bakery.

Contest #2 - Susan Herskowitz won The Soul Support Book valued at $10 from Deb Koffman.

Contest #3 - John Hagan of Hinsdale won a 1-hour Shiatsu Bodywork Session valued at $80 from Orchid Blos-som Healing Arts.

Contest #4 - Robert Galisa of Cheshire won an Herb-al Gift Basket valued at $35 from Mystical Rose Herbals.

Contest #5 - Darlene Sweren of Lanesborough won a Reconnective Healing Session valued at $90 from Recon-nective Healing and the Reconnection®.

Contest #6 - Ellen Ash of New Lebanon, NY, won a $20 Gift Certificate from Instant Replay.

Contest #7 - Sonya Boesse of Adams won a choice of a Pilates or Gyrotonic Session valued at $65 from Violet Eagan, Certified Pilates and Gyrotonic Instructor.

Contests in This Issue! Winners from December Issue!

Co

ntests! C

on

tests! Co

ntests!

Dance, Exercise & Fitness

Energy In Motion Studio PILATES, YOGA, FITNESS

Movement for renewed energy, health and well-being. Focus onalignment, back care, sports performance; special needs welcome.Private sessions or small group classes in a beautifully equipped studio.

Catherine Brumley West Stockbridge, MA 413-232-7838

Sharon True, M.A., C.M.A., R.S.M.TSomatic Movement Therapist & Certified Pilates Instructor

PRIVATE, DUET, AND GROUP CLASS

WORKOUTS WITH HOLISTIC APPROACHAVAILABLE IN GREAT BARRINGTON & LEE

413.528.2465

Jonathan WeinressPersonal Trainer N.F.P.T.

By Appointment Only413-229-9084

HIKE THE HILLTOP

Hike on pristine back country trails Enjoy Free Wine Tasting Warm up by the fi replace Treat yourself to snacks from the Farm Winery Store

Hilltop OrchardsOpen: Thursday-Sunday 11am-5pm

508 Canaan Rd/Rt 295 • Richmond, MA 01254www.HilltopOrchards.com • Phone: 413-698-3301

Sustainable Agriculture in the BerkshiresHome of award-winningFurnace Brook Winery


16

Ate a little more than you want-ed to? Sat around watching TV more than usual? Got a bit more stressed out with purchasing, celebrating, and hanging out with relatives than you do any other time of the year? As a result, you may be noticing a little extra paunch around your middle or thighs and feel compelled to do some-thing about it; after all, it’s a new year. Well, before you go ordering the latest

diet book off the internet or deciding it’s time to start on

those “yummy” prepackaged food diet programs, consider another angle: Chinese medicine.

Chinese medicine is an an-cient system for restoring balance and helping the body’s various systems work in harmony. Rath-er than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to weight loss (or any

other issue for that matter), Chi-nese medicine seeks to determine

what imbalance underlies a partic-ular person’s weight issue. It can do

far more than merely help you fit back in your skinny jeans; it can help you be a healthier, more balanced, and yes, less overweight person. Being overweight is not a disease in and of itself; it is a

symptom of a larger imbalance, espe-cially in people who struggle with weight

issues their whole lives. Some popular diets focus on limiting one or more categories of

food (usually carbohydrates or fats) to encourage quick weight loss. Other programs rely heavily on prepackaged portion-controlled foods, which of-ten have suboptimal nutritional value despite being low calorie. In both cases, these modern solutions to

weight loss rarely provide lasting results. More than 95 percent of the people who lose weight through these measures gain it back in a year or less. Why? Because these programs do little to address the underlying lifestyle, psychological, and physiological reasons for weight gain. If the real root cause of being over-weight is not addressed, the weight usually comes back. If you want to not only take weight off but keep it off, get off the quick fix track and instead look a little deeper.

So How Does Chinese Medicine Help People Lose Weight?

The first important concept is that, according to Chinese medical theory, the main reason to eat is to give the body energy, or qi. Some foods, namely ones that are fresh and not overly processed, have more energy-giving potential. One of the major failings of standard diet programs is that they often place quantity above qual-ity. While learning appropriate portion size is a vital component of any healthy weight loss program, calorie counting without discussion of nutrient density of a particular food is a little like pretending a squirt gun has the same firing capacity as an equal-sized hand gun. All calories are not alike. While it should be appar-ent that eating 300 calories of cookies would not have the same nutritional benefit as 300 calories of spinach, this is exactly what many weight loss programs would have you believe. The key to maintaining a healthy weight cannot simply be reduced to number of calories alone.

Another Chinese idea related to food is that it has innate en-ergetic properties that can either help or hinder a person’s health. Food and medicine are often the same in China. Many of the same herbs that are prescribed in a custom herbal formula from the hospital herbalist may appear in both Chinese home-cooked and banquet dishes. The Chinese know how to cure many com-mon health conditions simply by adding or deleting certain foods from their diets. When it comes to weight loss, pungent digestion-enhancing spices such as cardamon, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper are often used. Fennel reduces appetite; Chinese pearl barley (Job’s Tears) and cardamon help reduce water weight and treat diarrhea; hawthorn fruit has the ability to digest fats and meat; barley sprouts and radish seeds both break up food stagna-tion from overeating. Foods that increase dampness in the body (the underlying pattern that generally leads to excess adipose or fat tissue) such as dairy, alcohol, fried foods, and refined sugar should be limited in people wanting to lose weight.

Eat Simply, Eat Fresh, Eat Local

Yet another important point, celebrated by macrobiotics (which is a specific Asian-influenced dietary philosophy), is to eat simply,

The Chinese State of Mind

So, you survived the holidays

… barely?

www.OurBerkshireGreen.com


eat fresh, and, whenever possible, eat local. The overindustrializa-tion of food in the past 40 years has left America unique in the world as the most overfed yet undernourished culture ever to exist. Much of what we call food is not food at all; hydrogenated fats, for example, are recognized to be more like plastic by our bodies’ digestive systems than food. Artificial sweeteners can be tens or even hundreds of times sweeter than natural sug-ars and therefore create unprecedented cravings for other sweet treats. There is convincing evidence that sodas (both regular and diet) may be the largest single dietary contributor to diabetes in children. As we’ve become removed from the skills of grow-ing and preparing our own food, we have lost sight of what it means to nourish ourselves. We also are wrecking the environ-ment to transport exotic food products all over the planet. It is customary now in cities to eat a different international cuisine every night of the week. This can spell real disaster for certain people’s GI systems. Most of us would do much better to stick to a general pattern of cuisine (probably similar to what our ancestors ate) and only deviate from time to time for special occasions. Put more simply, eat food your great-grandparents would recognize!

Healthy Digestion and a Calm State of Mind

In addition to eating high-quality food, healthy digestion and a calm state of mind are also imperative for one to have a good weight. If a person is upset or stressed when eating they actually “swallow” these emotions deeper into their body. It is therefore a good idea to take a few moments to do a little deep breath-ing, offer up a moment of appreciation for the food itself, or do whatever else helps a person feel calmer and more generally positive before eating. Once the stressful emotion has subsided, eat slowly enough to fully taste, appreciate, and digest the food without too much outside distraction. The Ayurvedic tradition from India frowns on casual conversation during mealtime as it is believed to inhibit digestion. In the West we often have so much going on while we eat that digestion can be severely im-paired. Currently one in five meals in America is eaten in a car and another sizeable percentage of meals at home is eaten in front of the TV. These habits spell real disaster for the spleen and stomach which, according to Chinese medicine theory, re-quire the body and mind’s full attention to adequately do their job of breaking down and metabolizing food and drink. Also, when the mind is on another task such as following the plot of a movie, it becomes nearly impossible for a person to notice that his stomach is full. For all these reasons, eating while dis-tracted can contribute to digestive issues such as reflux, irritable bowel, bloating, and gas. The way we eat is, therefore, just as important as what we eat.

Acupuncture Can Help

If you find you reach for junk food more often than you like, or that you eat for emotional reasons, acupuncture can help. There is a unique combination of acupuncture points on the ear which helps reduce all kinds of compulsive behavior, including overeat-ing. Though it may require two to three months of treatments to fully address an individual’s weight issue, even after only three or four sessions of acupuncture people typically notice a significant decrease in wanting to overeat; in addition, what they are hungry for is more likely to be vegetables or whole grains rather than chips or cookies. Even if they do have a cookie they may be surprised to be satisfied with just one rather than the entire batch. This is because acupuncture destresses both the body and mind so that the physi-ological desire to eat healthy, qi-filled food is allowed to surface. Acupuncture can bring a little much-needed calmness to your ner-vous system so stress doesn’t override the body’s natural desire for healthy things. Furthermore, a type of acupuncture popularized in China in the past decade for weight loss uses electric stimulation of key spleen and stomach meridian points on the abdomen and has been shown in many people, over time, to help soften and break up fat deposits. In addition, Chinese herbs can be used to treat deeper constitutional imbalances contributing to specific sweet or salt crav-ings and are also immensely helpful for treating constipation, gas, bloating, and other symptoms of digestive stagnation. Finally, qi gong exercises (which move energy much the same way as acu-puncture) may be recommended by your acupuncturist to build up the energy required for the body to lose weight. (For a great book on using qi gong for weight loss, read Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Natural Guide to Weight Loss That Lasts, by Nan Lu.) Chinese medi-cine believes that, if a person’s body is running on an energy deficit (such as when one eats too little or has a chronic health issue), sus-tained weight loss is nearly impossible because the body will want to store energy in fat cells to save for later rather than use it up today as it does in a healthy body. Daily practice of qi gong can give a body back the natural energy that it needs to be healthy so that it can begin to shed poundage.

Lasting Results

In sum, Chinese medicine believes that each person with weight issues needs to be treated individually for his/her unique un-derlying constitutional imbalances. By receiving acupuncture to calm compulsive eating, learning to cultivate the body’s energy via qi gong or other restorative exercise, focusing on stress man-agement, and possibly using herbs for good digestion, a person will likely be a lot healthier, energetic, and slimmer than before–results you can feel confident will last! ~ Kelly Clady-Giramma, Fertile Ground Acupuncture. See ad on page 24.

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about Food and Weight Loss By Kelly Clady-Giramma, Dipl OM, LAc

®

KITCHEN GARDENING:The Ultimate in “Locally Grown”

Save Money. Eat 100% Organic All Year Round.No Soil! No Green Thumb Required! Coupon OBG10 for $10 off!Steve Meyerowitz, Sproutman | 413-528-5200 | Sproutman.com

Education & Training


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A wonderful, well-rounded collection of books for all ages and interests,

plus friendly, respectful library services with a fine "listening ear" to

patron suggestions!

(413) 274-37381087 Main Street in the

Village of Housatonic, MA

Menu of ServicesPublic Computers and a

computer game station for kidsUnique world and traditional

crafts for all ages"Ancient History Fairs" for

children that include related booksand hands-on arts/crafts Live music from local &

distant musiciansAll-genre sessions for writers to gather,

read and discuss works.Professionally led history, science, animal,

and earth programs for families.Well-respected jugglers and storytellers.

and so much more!Everyone is

W E L C O M E

Environmental Org.

Food & Cooking

- GLUTEN & DAIRY FREE -UPPER CRUST B•A•K•E•R•Y

Specialty orders upon request.VALERIE POLIDORO LAWSON

413.743.2959 | 413.281.9763glutendairyfreebakery.com

COOKIESCAKES - BREADSMUFFINS - PIES

Green before the times

Founded in 1946 to preserve and protect

The BowlJoin SBA and help us to

SAVE STOCKBRIDGE BOWLwww.TheSBA.org

Eating Mindfully Can Change Your Life (and Change the World)

By Alison Shore Gaines

Try this:

Set aside 20 minutes or so for a quiet meal. Clear the table of newspapers, bills, gloves, and so on, and sit down with your food. What a concept!

Close your eyes, take three to five deep breaths, consciously relax tensions in your face, shoulders, hands. Notice your thoughts and emotions. Don’t process them now, just consciously set each issue aside to deal with later.

Behold your meal for a moment. Take in colors, textures, aromas. Your enjoyment level goes up before you take the first bite. As you begin to eat, chew each mouthful thoroughly. Count 20 or 30 bites (this part doesn’t work with ice cream . . .).

Put the utensil down between bites. Savor texture and taste.

Keep breathing deeply and evenly. You can even breathe while you chew, just do so carefully. Deep breathing increases your oxygen, which calms the nervous system, aids digestion, and enhances absorption of nutrients. Every meal is an opportunity to enjoy a sensual, nurturing meditation.

When you finish, take a few minutes to feel the sensations of your meal in your belly. So often we eat without fully enjoying or receiving. Sometimes we live that way too.

~ Alison Shore Gaines Mindfulness Coach & Holistic EducatorSee ad on page 28.

Early spring is a natural time to practice mindfulness. The air smells fresh and sweet. Green sprouts peek through patchy snow. Bird songs lift us out of cabin fever as we

come alive to our senses.What exactly does being mindful mean? One aspect of

mindfulness is savoring what we see, hear, taste, smell, and feel in the moment, like the proverbial reminder to stop and smell the roses. Another important aspect of mindfulness is observing ourselves–our thoughts, emotions, motivations, and actions–and the world around us with a sense of curiosity and kindness.

When we practice mindfulness we temporarily set aside the train of thought that drives us around and often drives us crazy. We take a few deep breaths, relax the body, and shift into a sense of Being rather than Doing. We become absorbed in other dimensions of intelligence–spatial, kinesthetic, intuitive, and so on. In this relaxed and open state, often we experience a shift in perception or we gain a new insight. Deeper understanding leads to new choices, which become new behaviors and actions. Voilà: change! Small increments of insight lead to profound change over time.

There are many ways to practice mindfulness. Sitting on a meditation pillow, doing yoga, watching nature, gardening, mowing the lawn, washing the dishes, taking a shower, walking, playing an instrument, or listening to music are all activities in which we can be fully absorbed in the present moment. It is this state of being without the chatter of thoughts that gives us insight, moments of peace, and occasionally a wondrous sense of bliss.

There is growing awareness these days of the power of eating mindfully. We take a few breaths before downing food. We relax tense muscles and churning thoughts. We give ourselves a moment to digest our stresses instead of eating them.

When we chew thoroughly and fully savor the taste and texture of each bite, we don’t need second helpings or rich desserts to enhance the pleasure. By chewing well we digest better, easing indigestion, acid reflux, and bloating. With better digestion we absorb more nutrients, improving our health. It takes the brain about 20 minutes to record what has been eaten, so we usually eat less because all that chewing and breathing takes time.

Now, if we wait till we have just an edge of hunger before we eat (not getting ravenous, however, which can cause bingeing), food tastes so much better. We have a clear sense when we go from feeling hungry to feeling fed. We know the moment when we have had enough. We could actually feel more satisfied with less food!

Practicing mindfulness continues to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our world, gives us moments of inner peace, and begins to permeate every aspect of life. Perhaps we can bring about a peaceful world, one breath, one morsel, one kind thought at a time. It’s a good thought for spring and new beginnings.

19

www.OurBerkshireGreen.com


20

If the digit code on your food starts with “9” it is organic, if it starts with “8” it is genetically modified, “4” is conventional, and “3” is irradiated.

Now accepting EBT/QUEST Cards

Local & Organic ProduceDelivered to Your Door!Eco-friendly Delivery to All of Berkshire County(with routes now in VT, NY, and CT)

Delicious, healthy local & organic food -Fresh. Affordable. Convenient.

413.442.0888BerkshireOrganics.com

Visit our Farm Store813 Dalton Division Rd., Dalton, MA 01226

Supporting Local Businesses!

“Still Floppin Fresh”seafood from

The Other Brother Darryl’sGluten Free Baked Goods

Try one of oursignature baskets

filled with fresh fruits & vegetables!

Granolas, Snacks, Syrups & Jams, Coffees/Teas, DairyEggs, Milk,, Yogurts & Cheeses, Pizzas, PastasFarm Country Soups, Condiments,Dressings & so much more!

BAKED GOODS

LOCAL MEAT

PRODUCE

GROCERIES

Food Stores

Sister-owned since 1980

Summer: extended hoursWinter: closed some Sundays

MON - SAT 9:15 - 6 • SUNDAYS 11 - 3PHONE/FAX: 413.637.2721

Ruth WheelerJack Sadoway

Maggie Sadoway11 Housatonic St.Lenox, MA 01240

General Stores

www.MamasEarth.comThe Online Environmental General Store

Organic and Hemp Clothing,and Household Environmental

Safe Products

Green Building

Sustainable DesignDeep Energy Retrofits

Littlewolf ArchitectureChristopher Vlcek, AIA

(413) 528-5571littlewolfarch.com

Many of you have heard of Feng Shui, but have you heard of an ancient system of architecture called Sthapatya Veda

which works in tune with Natural Law? For more information contact Gail Clessler, Vastu Coordinator, [email protected].


Green Building, Renovation & Landscape Design

Encouraging Innovation Today for a Greener and More Prosperous Tomorrow

April 17 & 18 in Greenfield, Massachusetts

Franklincc.org

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & the Greenfield Business Association

Warmly supported by and

Host to a broad range of exhibitors including:Crafts, Recycled Products and Foodstuffs Home Improvement Design and Equipment

Energy Production and Conservation Locavore Living: Products and ServicesGreen Thinking

Workshops and children's activities with a focus on food!413-774-2791Presented by

Traditional ● Creative ● Original Design

413.528.6133 • [email protected]

Custom Cabinetry • Fine Furniture • Staircases

Quality Craftsmanship

Hartsville DesignOver 35 years of experience. In the Berkshires since 1967.

Licensed & Insured - MA HIC 161562


22

Health & Beauty

Transform your looks from the inside out.

Deep clean and super charge cellular renewal with a customized Dermasound Ultrasonic Facial. Penetrates vital nutrients into the skin using sound waves.

“I never knew my skin could look this good!”Susan B., Lenox

Mention this ad and get 10% off your first treatment!

Healthier Skin. Guaranteed. Natural Skincare by Erica Leopold

Lenox & Dalton | 413.822.2996 |www.charismaskincare.com

CharISma SkInCare • GLomIneraLS makeup • uLTraSonIC FaCIaLS

Licensed Esthetician since 1989

Health Care: Alternative, Complementary & Integrative

2 Elm Street in the Heart of Gt. Barrington, MA413-528-5523 • www.studiodayspa.com

Massage •Facials •Body Polish •WaxingFantasy Tan • Manicures • Pedicures

Dr. Hauschka Skin CareJane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics

Sati SALE!up to 50% off

Selected Merchandise

Sati Wellness Center & Boutique 55 Pittsfield Rd, Store 7D

Lenox, MA 01240413.477.4777

www.satillc.com

Dr. Lord offers a personalized, holistic approach to health including Mind-Body Skills Groups to support a sustainable, healthy lifestyle.

Susan B. Lord, M.D.The Granary • 33 Rossetter St. Suite 2

Great Barrington, MA 01230413.644.9600 • [email protected]

DrSusanLord.com

Call to fi nd out if this is a good approach for you.

Integrative Health SolutionsMiniMal Medication Medicine

sWhat’s safe, what works. Precise, personalized holistic care.

Alan Inglis, M.D.413-298-1001The Stockbridge Plain School50 Main Street, Stockbridge, MA 01262

MOVE INTO HEALING.MOVE INTOLife!

GYROTONIC® whole body fitness andexercise promotes health and well-being.

Graceful, fluid movement,and integral strengthincrease and sustain

the ease and joyof living in a body

West Stockbridge, MA 01266 • MoveIntoHealing.com

Ming Lash, RSMT

SOMATIC MOVEMENT THERAPIST

413-232-7819

Holistic techniques for pain relief and correction of dysfuntion for adults, infants and children777 Main Street • At the Barrington Bagel Plaza, Great Barrington, MA

413-644-9474 • randiphysicaltherapy.com

Randi Haskins-Jordan PTOsteopathic & Manual Techniques

Contest #3

Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are the first caller to call (413) 274-1122 on

Monday, April 3, 2010, at 12:30 PM with the cor-rect answer, you will win an Energy Healing Session valued at $75. Contributed by AnnE O’Neil, Health, Flow & Joy, whose ad appears on page 26.

Jonathan WeinressPersonal Trainer N.F.P.T.

By Appointment Only413-229-9084

“There is no question that the things we think have a tremen-dous effect upon our bodies. If we can change our thinking, the body frequently heals itself.” ~ C. Everett Koop, MD, former surgeon general of the United States.


The Mind-Body-Immunity ConnectionBy Mark Pettus, MD


the inherent capacity we have to modulate or influence this balance by virtue of how we think, feel, and behave. Understanding what can disrupt this normal balance makes possible lifestyle and behavioral options that can, when consciously cultivated, restore balance. What are some of the underlying factors that trigger this response?

• Stress, with activation of our fight-flight response, for example increased cortisol, adrenaline, and glutamate and diminished serotonin and dopamine. An ancient design well suited for the hunter-gatherer on the African savannah becomes overwhelmed as we deal with work, relationship, health, financial, and time-compressed 21st-century pressures. • Lack of adequate movement. In ancient times, lack of movement meant life-threatening injury or illness resulting in an alarmed immune response. Yes, movement, particularly when purposeful and mission-oriented, reduces the stress response and enhances emotional and physical resilience. Less pain, better mood, more energy, relief of brain fog, reduced cardiovascular, diabetes, and depression risks are clearly linked to exercise. Markers of immune stimulation–c-reactive protein, cytokine, and antibody levels–change considerably.• Distraction. In the 24-hour hubbub of daily life there is less downtime. We become less mindful as observers of self, less often still, contemplative, and calm. Mindfulness when cultivated through practices of meditation, yoga, breath, cognitive behavioral strategies, guided imagery, biofeedback, and so forth stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This powerful response is mediated through the vagus nerve, a process that requires more conscious attention (unlike fight-flight that takes over often without our awareness). The vagal response is the antidote to fight-flight and has been shown to balance immune function and reduce the risk of many of the aforementioned disease states.• Social isolation. Much research has demonstrated the impact that depression, anxiety states, and perceived loneliness have on disease risk, quality of life, and impaired immune function.

On the inverse, laughter, gratitude, acts of compassion, cultivation of meaning in one’s work, love, and play, social connection, mindfulness-based stress reduction in its many forms, regular activity, and consumption of nutritious, whole, minimally processed foods can restore balance to one’s immune system, reduce the risk of inflammation, and in doing so, significantly reduce disease risk.

Vanguard research confirms the inherent “plastic” nature of our being, capable of adapting structurally and functionally to changes in our environment. Our minds, our brains, our bodies, and indeed our immune systems possess this remarkable capacity. With greater attention to the environmental inputs in our lives―how we think, how we feel, how we move, how we sleep, how we eat, and how we interpret and respond to the challenges and joys of daily living―we have the capacity to profoundly alter the health and quality of life trajectory we find ourselves on. At a time when negativity tends to dominate the perceptual landscape, this is indeed a story of hope.

For more information about PNI, visit the following website at www.pnirs.org/index.cfm.

Is it possible that your mood could affect your risk of infection? Does the magnitude of stress in your life influence your threshold for pain? Do your perceptions have the

capacity to increase or decrease your risk of acquiring age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s or heart disease? Ancient wisdom has long recognized the powerful effects that our mind and emotions (how we think and feel) have on health and quality of life. Research advances from many converging disciplines over the last 30 years are revealing, in remarkable detail, the profound manner by which biologic function is influenced by these dimensions of life and living.

Over 40 years ago it was observed that individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, a common form of autoimmune disease (where the body’s immune system perceives “self ” as “non-self ” and attacks it), who experienced depression and anxiety, experienced worse arthritic symptoms and disease activity. In 1975, psychologist William Adler developed the term and opened a new field of inquiry known as psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). It was increasingly clear that our “psyche” (how we think, feel, and perceive our lives) linked directly to “neuro” (brain and nervous system function), which linked to all aspects of our immune function. In fact, as the burgeoning field of mind-body research has shown, these historical “isolated and independent” systems are in fact fully integrated into one, multidimensional, holistic system. Research has shown that our brain and nervous system, our immune cells, and many tissues in our bodies have receptors for the same transmitters that are known to influence and be influenced by mood, emotion, stress, pain, perception of threat and loss of control, infection, and so forth. These families of chemical messengers include cortisol, adrenaline, epinephrine, dopamine, cytokines, serotonin, glutamate, and the like. These integrated systems communicate with each other on a continuous basis, resulting in mind-body-immune functional balance or, in the case of disease or diminished quality of life, in dysfunction or imbalance. Let’s briefly examine why these revolutionary insights are so important in the project of inspiring health and wellness.

Our immune system is essential to our survival. It is a complex network of specialized cells that reside and circulate throughout our bodies. They perpetually scour the human landscape in search of foreign invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells, and allergens like mold and pollen. Once an invader is identified, immune cells communicate by releasing transmitters (biologic messengers) called cytokines, leading to a coordinated release of antibodies and other chemicals that eradicate the “offender.” In addition, our immune system promotes inflammation, which when well balanced is an important process that facilitates healing of wounds and daily repair and regeneration of healthy tissues. When mind-body balance is poor our immune or inflammatory response becomes dysfunctional and imbalanced. Chronic inflammation is related to most age-related diseases such as cancer, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, depression, osteoporosis, autoimmune diseases, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue. The evidence for example, now suggests that most age-related diseases share a common origin that takes the form of an overtaxed immune or “inflammatory” response.

What are the implications of these complex relationships as they relate to daily living? The most important implication is the


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Fertile Ground AcupunctureKelly Clady-Giramma, Dipl. O.M., L.Ac.Women’s Health-Chronic Diseases-Pain-Weight Loss

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Acupuncture

Naomi Alson LIC. ACUPUNCTURIST AND HERBALIST

at Lee Family Practice • 413-243-3223

Plus, specialized training in:• alleviating the side effects of

chemotherapy including neuropathies • infertility • herbal treatment• regulating the immune system

Feel your best!

For general wellbeing …


Holistic Approach to NeuroDevelopment and Learning Efficiency

“HANDLE helped me be aware of my surroundings and

be less clumsy. Now I’m noticing other people who could use HANDLE too.” E.G. 11 year old “Finding HANDLE has been a guiding light. Through the practice of simple activities, worlds within me (that had always been beyond my reach) are being discovered with Excitement and Gratitude.” S.A. 65 year old

Elizabeth Frishkoff, MSW Certified HANDLE Practitioner

94 West Ave, Great Barrington, MA 01230 [email protected] 413-528-0477 www.handle.org

Serving ages 2 years old through adult/seniors

with:

Attentional Issues Autism/Aspergers

Traumatic Brain Injury Memory/Organization

Dyslexia/Sensory/ Learning Challenges

Sleep/Depression Issues

Orchid Blossom Healing ArtsClassical Acupuncture • Shiatsu

Lauren Paul, Dipl. Ac. 413-258-4296

Biofeedback

Reconnecting with the Deepest Part of Yourself

By Becky Schirber

When individuals begin hearing inner guidance, they connect more deeply with themselves–and isn’t that what spirit is?

Sometimes we disconnect and experience the challenges and hardships of being only human, instead of recognizing ourselves as spirit also. So let us look at what takes us away from our spirit, that deepest part of ourselves.

In Chinese acupuncture, the ancients understood that all illness (and disconnect) is a result of habits. When we act in a conditioned way, do the same thing over and over, patterns and momentums are created. If these patterns and momentums are unconscious and also detrimental, then they can lead one away from one’s own spirit. Patterns can be created by lifestyle issues, by mental condi-tioning, and by social expectations.

The diagnostics of ancient Chinese acupuncture look at what the habits and conditioning of an individual are and how they manifest in the physical, mental, and emotional forms. The prac-titioner can then give guidance to help a client understand what the consequences of their lifestyle and their habits really are. This personal insight helps the client make new choices about what is needed for a healthy and vital life. It is my observation that recipi-ents of acupuncture become better at self-observation, at hearing their own inner guidance, and at following through and connecting with the spirit.

Acupuncture can help you break harmful habits–go beyond all conditioning to the deepest part of yourself: spirit.

~ Becky Schirber is a Licensed Acu-puncturist and MS Rehabilitation Coun-selor. She practices acupuncture in Pitts-field, Lenox, and Canaan, CT, and is a chef at EnlightenNext in Lenox, MA. (410) 868-5178 [email protected]


Alternative EnergyHealth Care: Alternative, Complementary & Integrative

Dr. Stephen D. ToskBERKSHIRE CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES, P.C.100WENDELL AVENUE • PITTSFIELD, MA 01201

413�442�8563 • www.toskchiropractic.com

Chiropractic & Kinesiology

Counseling & Therapy

Eileen Lawlor, LICSW� Short-Term Hypnosis � EMDR�Guided Imagery for Healing

�Grief, Loss & Transition Counseling413.528.7916 � EileenAtStillpointStudio.com

Contest #4

Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are the first caller to call (413)

274-1122 on Monday, May 3, 2010, at 12:00 PM with the correct answer, you will win a Guided Imagery CD - Time Outside of Time valued at $16.95. Contributed by Eileen Law-lor, LICSW, whose ad appears above.

Did you know that EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a fast-acting and reliable technique used to treat

the after effects of unresolved life experiences, such as stress, anxi-ety, and trauma? All trauma, from something significant such as a car crash, to something less significant like anticipating an anxiety attack while public speaking, affect our lives and our sense of self. EMDR seems to remove the suffering attached to these events or memories whenever they are re-experienced. We’re not sure exactly how, but one theory is that lateral sweeps right and left of the eyes, replicates what happens to us naturally during REM sleep. In REM we know that memories from the day are being sorted, recoded, and stored away, so it makes some sense to assume that memory that is highly disturbing is undergoing a similar transformation during this therapy. After about an hour of EMDR treatment what was once overwhelmingly painful to us suddenly seems smaller, further away, much less significant. ~ Eileen Lawlor, LICSW, EileenAtStillpointStudio.com

LightTouch

Margaret Carlough, D.C.LIGHT TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC CENTER

Helping people learn tohandle stress successfully.

152 North Street, Suite 39DPittsfield, MA 01201

413.448.2000 • www.drcarlough.com

Our light touchincludes:Network SpinalAnalysis &vibrationalnutrition testing

There is much talk today about the connection between mind, body, and health. All mind-body philosophies re-volve around the concept that somehow ideas and pat-

terns in the brain affect the health of the body and the health of the body affects one’s state of mind. The question is what is the connection between the two? How do the mind and body communicate with each other? Where do they interface and in-teract?

How it all works. The brain is the single most important organ for controlling and coordinating all of the body’s func-tions. It communicates with every organ and every cell of our bodies so they can work together to better adapt to any situation. Most nerves have to pass through or alongside the spinal col-umn in order to communicate with all the organs and cells.

How it fails to work. Stress causes interference in the spine and the communication breaks down. As the spine adapts to stress, muscles tighten, the bones do not move properly, and joints swell; all of this causes a decrease in the ability of the mind and body to communicate. Research shows it takes a pressure of 10mm of Hg (about the weight of a dime) on a nerve to change the signal that runs through it. That is not a lot.

What can this affect? EVERYTHING! Anything that the mind can affect positively when well connected will not work or not work as well when the communication is altered. This can include the functioning of the heart, lungs, and digestive system as well as all of the muscles of the body. The health of your ner-vous system can greatly affect your body’s health overall.

“When we stop interfering and are wise enough to let the psychophysi-ological connection work for us instead of against us, our minds rush as quickly as possible toward perfect health.” ~ Deepak Chopra, MD

The mind-body connection is the spine. Get your spine checked soon for spinal interference and reconnect with chiropractic.

~ Dr. Kerzner, Body Connection Chi-ropractic, has been in practice for 12 years in the Berkshires. The focus of his work is building health and well-being in his clients through gentle hands-on spinal care and to empower people in their healing choices through education and self discovery.

Seeds of ThoughtTHE MIND-BODY CONNECTION IS THE SPINE

By Adam Kerzner, DC

“Within months of starting to learn the Feldenkrais MethodI was free of the hip pain that I had suffered for over a year,and the drugs I was taking for it. I was amazed to findout that I could learn new ways of moving and that thelearning was fun!” ~ Marion Held, artist

Movement EducationTo Change the Habits of a Lifetime

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE • THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD

SUSAN KRAMER LOEB, Certified FGNA and ACAT413-232-7089 • [email protected]


26

“Miss Olive” says:

Livingstone Dental ExcellenceDr. Thomas Livingstone3-5 Railroad Street • North Canaan, CT 06018860-824-0751 • 866-981-0320 • drtlivingstone.com

Greater Litchfield County’s first and only TRUE Mercury-Free Holistic Dental Facility.In-House Insurance Plans. Free Consultations & Exams.

Office exceeds sterility guidelines set by the EPA.Convenient hours for the entire family.

Berkshire Energy HealingThe practical approach

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Appointments in the Berkshires and ManhattanVisit the website

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Helping to manage:• depression• fear• grief• trauma• pain• abuse• addiction

Robert MasonPollockOver 20 years

as a trusted professionalhealer and spiritual

counselor

I use pendulums of amethyst and quartz to help

augment energy flow and

diffuse negative blocks

Health Care: Dentistry

Energy Medicine

Contest #5

Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are the first caller to call (413) 274-1122 on Monday, May 3, 2010,

at 12:15 PM with the correct answer, you will win a $15 Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center Gift Card. Con-tributed by Ward’s Nursery, whose ad ap-pears on page 30.




Quality Craftsmanship

Hartsville DesignOver 35 years of experience. In the Berkshires since 1967.




The Art of Wellness

MASSAGE THERAPY

Nanci Worthington LMT17 Bridge St., Gt. Barrington, MA 01230

ArtofWellnessLMT.com413-329-5573

[email protected]

HOMEOPATHYHenriette MeranMaster Clinician, Advanced Herbalist

For more information:[email protected] call 413.644.9488

Homeopathy strengthens and stimulates the immune system to promote self-healing.

We only treat the individual not thesymptoms for a cure.

Homeopathy

“What is it you plan to do with your “What is it you plan to do with your ”?efil suoicerp dna dliw eno ”?efil suoicerp dna dliw eno

–Mary Oliver

Phoebe WilliamsCerti� ed Professional Coach


Initial ConsultationComplimentary

Swedish, Thai and Shiatsu MassageChair Massageat your office,home or party

Bring Balance and Energy to Your Life!

Massage Therapy & Bodywork

Hypnosis

Life Coach

Depth Hypnosisat the Jordan Center for Creative Insight

Change your thinking.Change your life.

Mary Kate Jordan, CH23 Stevens Lake RoadMonterey MA 01245

413-528-5557YourSpiritualSolutions.com

[email protected]

� Personal Life Coach �Specializing in unique needs of nurses

and other health care providersWorking Through Compassion Fatigue • Addressing Hostility Issues

Complementary Therapies • Bach Remedies • Confidentiality Guaranteed

Career Planning • Career Transitionswww.mfwconsultants.com • [email protected]

Great Barrington Location

Phyllis S. Quinlan, RN, PhD718-661-4981MFWConsultants to

Professionals

“Within months of starting to learn the Feldenkrais MethodI was free of the hip pain that I had suffered for over a year,and the drugs I was taking for it. I was amazed to findout that I could learn new ways of moving and that thelearning was fun!” ~ Marion Held, artist

Movement EducationTo Change the Habits of a Lifetime

THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE • THE FELDENKRAIS METHOD

SUSAN KRAMER LOEB, Certified FGNA and ACAT413-232-7089 • [email protected]

Matt Albert

Rehabilitative BodyworkOrtho-Bionomy

for appointments call413.446.6694

“Sit quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” ~ Zen saying


28


Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness

Dalton Office400 Main StreetDalton MA 01226413-684-9783

Pittsfield Office740 Williams StreetPittsfield MA [email protected]

Lee Office480 Pleasant StreetLee MA [email protected]

Make your appointment today for your Fit Right

evaluation!

Physical Therapy

Reflexology

Nutrition & Supplements RECONNECTIVE HEALING®

and THE RECONNECTION®

Marshall Rosenthal* • 413-743-5256 • [email protected]*Listed on www.TheReconnection.comAccess a new, more comprehensive spectrum

of healing than has ever been attainable prior to now!

Reconnective Healing® �MYSTICAL R�SE HERBALS

Using Herbs from “God’s Pharmacy” to Achieve Health and Beauty Naturally

Jean Pollock, HHP, Nat ionally-Cer t ified Medica l HerbalistPr ivate consultations, Herb Classes & Herb Walks

Also: Berk shire Meadows Hea lth Tea; Natural, Organic Fac e & Beauty Creams; Therapeutic Bath Salts; Sk in Salves; Gif t Baskets & Mo re

Sold in area stores, online and phone orders.New Mar lborough, MA 012 30 413-22 9-8057 www.mystical roseherbals.com

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NutritionistNutritionistDeb PhillipsDeb PhillipsDeb Phillips MS, LDN, CHES

www.debphillips.biz413-446-3205 • [email protected]

INTUITIVE EATING COACH• Mindfulness skills to ease stresses that trigger overeating • Nutrition tips to balance food cravings• Eating well on the go • Holistic Cleansing

ALISON SHORE GAINES, Certified Holistic Life Educator

Since 1982 • 413.442.3604 • [email protected]

Contest #6 Find this image in one of our advertiser’s ads. If you are

the first caller to call (413) 274-1122 on Monday, April 5, 2010, at 12:30 PM with the correct answer, you will win a One-Day Trail Pass for Two People that can be used for cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, or hiking. Contributed by Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery, whose advertise-ment appears on page 15. Nature Works

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RICH LASSOR • 413.325.1101c d

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us,We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And when we let our own light shineWe unconsciously give other people

permission to do the same.As we are liberated from our own fear

Our presence automatically liberates others. ~ Marianne Williamson

Alternative Energy



Wellness Centers & Spas

SHIVANI LASHHome Birth Midwifery

[email protected] • 413.441.3466“As we can trust the flowers to open

to new life, so we can trust birth.”- H. Hartigan

Women’s Health Yoga

To learn more about our practitioners and for contact information please visit us at

www.BerkshireHealingArts.comLocated on 42 Summer Street, Pittsfield

BERKSHIRE HEALING ARTSis a community of physicians and

complementary healing practitionerswith a common orientation toward

health, healing and wellness.

Osteopathic Manual Medicine Joshua Krembs, DO • Stephen Kisiel, DO •Nancy Campbell, MDHolistic Primary Care & IV Nutrient and Chelation Therapy Jennifer Enos, NPIntegral Medicine Michelle Hemingway, MDAcupuncture Ton Whiteside, Lic. Ac. & Becky Schirber, Lic. Ac.Homeopathy Cynthia Chrisman, MPH, CCHNutrition Maria Cruz RD, LDNHolistic Psychotherapy Lorraine Brill, LMHCLa Ho Chi Spiritually Based Energy Healing Janet L. Mickle MS., RNCSAlohaSmith Wellness Consulting Rachelle Smith, MSWStructural Massage Therapy & Movement Analysis Christopher Holmes, LMTEnergy Therapy Margaret Dondiego, Energy Medicine PractitionerYoga Therapy & Thai Yoga Bodywork Megan ElliottMind Body Medicine, Specialized Kinesiology & Alchemical Hypnotherapy Gary Jobe FergusonQi -Gong & Yoga Arts Healing Scot VighiHealth Educator & Nia Instructor Peg Noonan, MPHShamanic Practitioner & Energy Healing Carol M. Tunney, MD

everybodythrive.com For Free Videos & Session Info

(413)528-0037 [email protected]

Karlee Fain KYT, LMT (Certified/Licensed)

Yoga & Massage Therapy For Every Body


30

Practical Feng Shui• Create beauty/improve functionality in your home or office• Renew & redesign using what you have • Enhance to sell

ALISON SHORE GAINES, Certified Feng Shui ConsultantSince 1996 • 413.442.3604 • [email protected]

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Jaya Jacobs, REALTOR®, CBS, EcoBroker

413.644.9440 413.429.1622301 Stockbridge Road • Great Barrington, MA 01230

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Environmentally Inspired Living

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Beth VanNessBroker/Owner

ABR, CBR, CRS, GRI, LMC, GREEN

612 Main StreetBecket, MA 01223

413.441.9490www.gilerealestate.com [email protected]�

G




Over 35 years of experience In the Berkshires since 1967


Quality CraftsmanshipHartsville Design

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Adjusting your space can start you on your path to:Stronger Relationships • More Opportunities in your careerReducing the sense of being “stuck” • Increased abundanceImproved health & sense of well-being • Clearer thinkingand enhanced understanding.

Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of adjusting spaces to create balance and harmony. Perhaps it’s time to consider the benefits of a

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Phyllis S. Quinlan, RN, PhDwww.mfwconsultants.com • [email protected]

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Inviting Harmony and Balance into Your Life.

Feng Shui

“The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.” ~ Hanna Rion

undertaken on a daily basis. Within a relatively short time (three months) I felt happier about life, and the things I desired and expressed gratitude for actually manifested!

It does not matter what you are experiencing in life, grati-tude has the power to change the things you are dissatisfied with. When undertaken daily in a conscious and mindful manner, it has the power to change any aspect of your life.

If you are an avid television viewer you are exposed to count-less fear-generating messages. I encourage you to switch off the television set, or choose to view only positive programming. It is pointless to worry about things you are powerless to change. Instead, choose to create a more harmonious lifestyle by under-taking daily gratitude practice.

During the years I’ve advocated gratitude practice, I’ve seen individuals change from feeling disempowered, angry, and highly stressed to becoming empowered and optimistic. For individuals who have suffered abuse and other stressful states, a Gratitude Journal is a great way to begin the process of empowerment. This involves writing down, in a designated book, at least one state-ment of gratitude daily. The act of writing strengthens the energy around that particular gratitude. Visualizing the issue, situation, or emotion strengthens it further. Each entry is dated to record a process of growth. I have observed abused individuals become empowered to create significant changes in their lives in as little as one month.

Gratitude needs to be expressed daily in order for its energy and effectiveness to be maintained. Gratitude is generated from thought. Thought is energy. When energy builds up it manifests in the form in which it is directed. Through the practice of dai-ly gratitude you discover your power as creator of your reality. Through gratitude practice you learn the importance of language. Mindfulness of thought has the potential to create miracles!

Some gratitude statements“I am grateful for the abundance of love, harmony, friends, pros-perity, and so on that I experience daily.”“I am grateful that I have an abundance of finances for my bills, living costs, and incidental needs.”“I am grateful for the new job that pays well, and offers many op-portunities for professional growth and advancement.”“I am grateful for my body’s excellent health and its self-healing abilities.”

If you are experiencing a health challenge or financial diffi-culties, giving gratitude as a positive statement creates the energy of whatever you are stating. In time subtle changes will become evident.

I encourage you to assess how you would like your life to be, and then begin the gratitude process. Experiment with different ways of expressing gratitude. Find the way that feels most com-fortable and then ensure diligence in its application. With persis-tence and patience you will find yourself reaping the rewards!

~ Bente Hansen, Energy Rejuvenation. See ad on page 35.

Give gratitude, the voice inside my head said very clearly. My immediate response was to question. What would giv-ing gratitude yield? What was its purpose? These words

were first heard back in the mid-nineties, and since that time grati-tude and I have undergone a lengthy transformative journey of learning, healing, and manifesting.

In recent years, living with gratitude has become somewhat of a catch-cry of the New Age Movement. People talk about it as though it is the most natural thing in the world to do. Yet, the real transformative impact of living in gratitude and the power of thought still eludes many people. Ironically, Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich (1937) explained the power of thought more than 80 years ago. In this classic masterpiece he reiterates this point continually. One such statement is “Man can create nothing which he does not first conceive in the form of an impulse of thought . . . man’s thought impulses begin immediately to translate them-selves into their physical equivalent, whether those thoughts are voluntary or involuntary.”

Nowadays there is increasing awareness that giving gratitude is actually one means by which manifestation occurs. If you are one of those people who occasionally, or even daily, think of something to be grateful for then you have begun to live in a state of gratitude. However, giving a fleeting thought of gratitude isn’t highly effective. Let’s assume that someone you know is ill and you receive word that they are healing. You may quietly express a sentence of gratitude. Immediately another thought distracts you, and then another, resulting in a weakening of the gratitude energy. Giving momentary gratitude is better than giving none, though its level of effectiveness is low.

When gratitude is practiced as a regular and meaningful expression–where thought, emotion, and intention are involved–then it has the potential to change life positively and dramatically! The process I recommend consists of three stages. Incorporating all of them into your daily routine produces the most effective energy for creating change. 1) Gratitude for the tangible things. This includes consciously giving gratitude for the basics such as food, friends, and money to pay bills. 2) Gratitude for the intangibles. This relates to such things as love, fun, and good health. These are essential for well-being and happiness.3) Gratitude for things desired. This last step is important as it creates the energy to bring in desired changes. For example, if you desire a career change, a gratitude statement might be “I am grateful for the perfect job that is now mine.”

Always express gratitude in the present tense. Giving grati-tude in the present tense commands that this is how it is to be now, and not in the future. It is also beneficial to infuse the act with feeling. Expressing the emotion of gratitude strengthens the energy, thereby sending a message to the Universe that you are serious about your intentions.

Initially I was skeptical about undertaking this practice. How-ever, my inner knowing was that gratitude practice needed to be

Transformation through GratitudeBy Bente Hansen


In B

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Businesses in Our Community

since 1989, I have studied shiatsu, Thai bodywork, massage therapy, and a variety of osteopathic techniques and continue to do so each year. I have meditated for years, am a “practicing” Native American (I am Cree, from Canada, a third-generation healer), a voracious reader, and even studied neurofeedback searching for an expla-nation for what I was experiencing. My bodywork style has emerged from all these experiences.

What I OfferOne-hour, 75-minute, 90-minute, and two-hour sessions are available. The longer sessions are recommended only for those with regular bodywork expe-rience. Packages of six or ten are avail-

the Berkshires about ten years ago to get my Masters Degree in Education, and de-cided to work at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. I am currently working on organizing a curriculum for Yoga Draw-ing, and plan to start teaching art again this spring. So stay tuned!!

What I Offer When you view my online art gallery you will find a wide variety of brightly colored/spiritually centered and nature-inspired abstract paintings/creations. One creature that has repeatedly surfaced in my artwork is the turtle. The turtle, to me, symbolizes grace, peace, and serenity. Throughout history, it has been regarded as mythical, symbolical, and sacred, and I believe that this symbol has much to teach us about life and creation. What Is My Philosophy? “Slow down, you move too fast!” is the phrase that I am sure that we can all relate to. In a time when technology and science are expanding at an ever-increasing pace, I have been reflecting on where we are at in our society and how my practice can help to remind people to slow down and reconnect with nature.

What Makes My Business Green? For my artwork, I focus on inspirations from nature with the hope that my work will bring about more awareness and ap-preciation of the environment. I try as much as I can to purchase materials lo-cally, and for a lot of my larger installa-tions I use recycled materials.

How To Find Me I have an online art gallery at www.flickr .com/photos/scottharrington. I sell my cards at Berkshires Green Grocer in Lee. (413) 348-4505, [email protected]

Scott Harrington, LMT, MEd

Artist & Massage Therapist

What I Do I am an artist, as well as a licensed mas-sage therapist/outdoor fitness instructor at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and owner of Harrington's Home and Yard Care services.

How I Got StartedI have always been interested in creating artwork and working with my hands. My father owns a tree and lawn service and it was there that I really learned to appreci-ate nature and being outside. I moved to

Mikka Barkman Bodywork Therapist: Mikka Barkman, LMT, ABT

What I DoTruly holistic bodywork that facilitates a deeper awareness of the unity of mind, body, and spirit, empowering clients to understand the why, what, and how of their dis-ease, instilling a sense of hope and the inspiration to make self-deter-mined changes (tweaks, I call them) in their lifestyle.

How I Got StartedBeing a competitive swimmer as a child brought awareness to both the physical aspects of my body and the spiritual as-

pects of being while submerged in water! Formally, Photo taken by Keith Emerling

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able with a discount to encourage a com-mitment to healing which is a process, usually not a one-time event. Sessions are done on the floor on a warm mat with the recipient fully clothed in loose comfortable clothes. Each session is unique to the individual and may involve stretching, compression, tapotement, vibration, massage therapy strokes with lotion/oil, and some dialog. Afterwards, you’ll definitely feel the effects of the healing endorphins which are released during the session.

What Makes Me Green?The Medicine Wheel philosophy of my heritage emphasizes the use of volition in helping people to develop all aspects of their nature. It is an all-inclusive per-

spective that helps people find meaning, purpose, and understanding for their very existence. The four colors repre-sent four variations in the skin color of human beings; the four directions rep-resent four aspects of our nature: Spirit, Emotions, Physical Self, and the Intel-lect. The four elements of Air, Water, Earth, and Fire are represented. These are just three classic ways to find mean-ing within the wheel; there are many more levels of depth to be discovered. This is the foundation of my work.

How To Find MeMy office is located in the Kimball Build-ing at 168 Main Street, Suite 2, Great Barrington, MA. Phone: (413) 329-4901, mikkabarkman.com. See ad on page 27.

Owners: Bettina Zumdick at left, Josh Schwartzbach in center, Rev. Adrienne Metcalf at right

What We DoOur Center blossomed out of our partner-ship, Berkshire Spirit Ministries. Our individ-ual journeys of personal growth at a certain point demanded more tangible community action. We created the Center as an anchor for the community to find acceptance, nur-turance, tools, and gifts of growth, all to en-courage new possibilities of sustainable inclu-sion and Spirit as the world spins at the rate of transformation.

What Is Unique About Us?We hope―even in these times of uncertainty and challenge―you'll find a taste of peace, real

divination and tarot. We take requests, par-ticularly for hard-to-find minerals.

In the classroom space we offer on-going and one-time presentations: Yoga, Meditation, Shamanism, Drumming, Music, Channeling, Peace Gatherings, Metaphysical Book Club, Animal Communication, and much more. Our website schedule has full listings on the month’s offerings. As well as the class space we have a private Heal-ing Space where you can book a private ses-sion/reading with Reiki Healing, Massage, Tarot, Psychic, Medium/Spirit and Angel Readings.

How To Find Us69 Main Street, Lee, MA 01238 Open Daily: Monday - Saturday 10am to 5:30pm, Sunday 12pm to 5pm(413) 243-2834, soulandspiritcenter.com

hope, and joy within our walls and website. While we offer many tools and gifts that you may not find elsewhere, what makes every store or center unique are the personali-ties and core beliefs of the owners and those who greet you when you walk in the door. At Soul & Spirit we believe in a shared consciousness or spirit with all beings, species, and phenomena on this earth. We hold mankind to be intricately connected with nature, spirit, and each other, even though we may have forgotten how that feels. So we offer ways to heal and reconnect with each other, with spirit, and with nature.

What We OfferWe’ve been blessed by the space we have in the center of Lee. It has two huge first-floor rooms with full handicap access. The space made our choice to present both a storefront and a classroom a no-brainer. The Universe placed a great opportunity in our laps. In our store we offer gifts of mean-ing and inspiration: gifts of the earth such as exquisite crystals and mineral specimens, beautiful and unusual jewelry, fair trade pot-tery, silk scarves, wooden items, pendulums, and healing wands. You can find books, statuary and in-cense, Native American art and jewelry, palm wax candles, and decks for

Berkshire Soul & Spirit Center


Life

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Personal Experience of Green

& Holistic living in Our Community

NAME: Fidel Moreno

HOMETOWN: Stephentown, New York

WHY THE BERKSHIRES? “I lived for 23 years inSanta Fe, New Mexico, as a seeker of truth and a student of life. Now I live surrounded by mountainswhere I can romp through the woods, jump into streamsand rivers, and rediscover myself in the beauty of thesupernatural Berkshires. I'm going to ski one day soon!”

IT’S ALL IN A DAY’S WORK: “I start my day at 4amwith prayers, stillness, reflection, and vision. Then I writefor two hours and explore creative applications of thought,emotion, and action, and ask my soul what I can do todayto inspire, facilitate, and impact in a positive and creativeway my wife, children, community, friends, youth, andelders. I am the co-founder/co-director of Healing Winds;we produce the Annual American Indian Pow Wow in theBerkshire region with solar-powered vendors. In addition,I coach and mentor youth and single parents in life purpose directed education, and facilitate rites of passageand life transition ceremonies for individuals, couples,and families through our White Eagle Sanctuary program. I also co-host and produce a live 60-minute radio talk show called Got Game, on WBRK Radio, 1340 AM, every Monday at 9am, profiling inspiring, innovative,creative and professionals folks.”

HE'S GONE GREEN: “24/7 attitude of good green gratitude - being thankful and respectful of water, air,earth, and my life dependence on these elements. Beingmindful of using water once daily to wash dishes, pots,pans, and for personal hygiene, and not washing cars inthe summer, fall, or spring.”

The Man BehindHealing Winds

HEAL THYSELF AND HELP OTHERS HEAL! “My wife andspiritual teacher, mystic, and playmate, Susan Jameson, and I,along with our spiritual community and network, have made acommitment to pray, eat, play, work, and live one day, one family, one couple, and one mission at a time. Our visionincludes a Hearts of Honor Veteran's Healing Village powered onhydro and solar energy with sustainable housing for an intentional green community of veterans, their families, andyouth who are committed to healing trauma and loss.”

INSPIRATION: “Fusion of people, ideas, emotions, spirit, purpose, and passion birthing conscious synergy to manifestheaven on earth for those who seek it.”

WHAT MAKES HIM LAUGH? “Watching babies, children,and elders eating with real joy and hunger, and making soundsand faces of pure pleasure and satisfaction. Also watchingEmma our Love Dog chase her tail, round and round!”

BEST ADVICE: “Pray daily, play often, sing and drum withfriends, and have potlucks with and dance with neighbors!”

SPONSOR A VETERAN, YOUTH, OR FAMILY FOR "GATHERING OF EAGLES"Healing Trauma & Loss Retreat and Wiping the Tears Ceremony - June 26 & 27, 2010

Please go to healingwinds.net, email: [email protected], or call 518-733-9227.

The Annual American Indian Pow Wow in

Stephentown, New York

Thea Basis, B.S.Holistic Health and Mind/Body TherapiesAce Certified Fitness ProfessionalIntuitive Consultant

“Thea gave me a great insightful analysis on my career, marriage andfamily life, letting me know how certain behaviors and thoughts wereblocking me from achieving my goals.”

Molly Monet-Viera, professor, Mt. Holyoke College

Do you……visit your doctor to determine the best course to take with your health?

…call your financial adviser to plan the best track for your investments?

…watch the weather forecast to determine what conditions you will faceover the next few days?

THE ANSWERS YOU ARE SEEKING ARE BASED ON KNOWLEDGE, TRENDS, AND INTUITION!

A session with an INTUITIVE COUNSELOR will offer youinformation and guidance about the many events which

are unfolding in your life now.

THEA brings an array of holistic and metaphysical skills to hersessions and offers practical advice on a variety of topicsincluding your business, relationships, and well-being.

For more information or to make an appointmentplease call Thea Basis (413) 528-8084

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Intuitive and Wellness ConsultantInspirational SpeakerDistance Healing and ClearingMedical Intuitive

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Dr. Jerome F. Errico � 413.637.8025$30 per 15 minutes

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Featured in Paulette Cooper’s directory,‘THE 100 TOP PSYCHICS in AMERICA’

Tarot •Astrology •Palmistry •PsychometryMediumship • Past Life Regression

�Consultations in Person or by Phone

Classes, Parties and Events

SusanHerskowitzAstrologer


Thriving PlaneT Counseling & eduCaTion

Elisa Novick, MSSHealing Counseling CoaCHing WorksHops Ministry

Thriving Our Lives, Community and Planet“Elisa offers a path to deep, full, compassionate, joyous, creative living, her work is powerful and groundbreaking.” —Normi Noël

“An authentic healer who brings clarity, maturity, and calm to the process of growth, and is just a lovely person to work with in every way.” — Leanna J.B.

For a full listing of all Thriving Planet offerings:(413) 528-8239 www.thrivingplanet.org

“The only real valuable thing is intuition.” ~ Albert Einstein

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Prayer has always been an important aspect of my life–one that I continuously seek to learn more about. Like many of you my passion for prayer stems from my lifelong desire for a close and intimate relationship

with God. As a student of the One Spirit Interfaith Seminary in New York City I am committed to understanding why we pray, why prayer is so powerful, and how different traditions express themselves in prayer. Prayer reveals life-changing benefits such as freedom, healing, restoration, fulfillment, and purpose. Life-transforming things take place when we change our attitude in the midst of difficulties from sorrow, fear, and negative thinking to praise, prayer, and thanksgiving. I hope that the following quotes from different spiritual leaders in our community will inspire you to appreciate fully the great wisdom, beauty, and power in embracing a rich and active prayer life.

Prayer is the awareness of God. The power of prayer is in the ceaseless praying, when everything becomes prayer. Prayer

is a discipline that can include everything–silence, talking out loud, chanting, stillness, walking, playing, laughing, crying, work, service. Everything includes God.

~ Natalie Shiras, Pastor of Church on the Hill, United Church of Christ, Lenox, MA

As rain refreshes the earth, so prayer refreshes the soul. Prayer is the water that refreshes the soil of our soul.~ Rev. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, Rector of the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy, Stockbridge, MA

The purpose of prayer is to help us touch or connect with that which is beyond ourselves, beyond our limited sense

of separated self. The common theme in all prayer is the natural wish to open our hearts and communicate, or commune with the sacred principle, a higher power, the divine source. The practice of prayer may be individual or collective/communal. There are many different kinds of prayer. One is formal, traditional or set prayer which can be found in every religious and spiritual tradition. Another is spontaneous, personal prayer, a simple and sincere pouring out of our hearts and feelings. There is also a tradition of what is called contemplative or centering prayer, which is a wordless entering into the presence of the sacred and simply abiding there.

~ From Developing & Deepening Your Spiritual Practice, An Interspiritual Approach, by Rev. Diane Berke, PhD, Co-Founder and Spiritual Di-rector, One Spirit Learning Alliance, New York, NY

The Jewish tradition utilizes prayer as a practice to attune one’s consciousness to the presence of God in all aspects

of our lives and as an expression of gratitude for all of our daily blessings. Whereas prayer was originally understood as a replacement for the obligation to offer sacrifices to God, to-day we understand prayer in the light of the prophetic tradition that eschews God’s need for offerings in place of God’s desire that human beings act justly and with love toward one another. In this vein, prayer is understood as a tool for shaping human consciousness rather than as a tool for influencing God. Prayer has the capacity to purify one’s soul, clarify one’s mind, and tune

The Power of Prayer

By Susan Jameson

“Belief divides the religions of the world, but prayer unites them.”

~ Mark W. Muesse, PhD

one’s consciousness to a state of gratitude. Through this prac-tice, we diminish our self-centeredness, raise our own vibration and approach the world through loving eyes and caring hands, making God’s presence all the more manifest in the world.

~ Kaya Stern-Kaufman, rabbinical student at the Academy for Jewish Religion, Riverdale, New York; Co-Founder/Co-Leader of the Berkshire Minyan that meets at Hevreh of Southern Berk-shire, Great Barrington, MA

The Buddhist prayer is somewhat different from the prayers of most other religions in that the prayer, by definition a

“request,” is not a petition to a higher power in hopes of receiv-ing help, but rather it's a petition to one's own consciousness to work to embody wisdom and compassion in order to help others. The power of this kind of prayer is in its all-inclusive nature, creating in the practitioner a profound connection with all beings and an intention to work for the easing of suffering and for the realization of universal enlightenment.

~ Sansho Tamarack Garlow, Priest of the Tendai Buddhist Temple, Canaan, NY

I pray because it allows me access to the mystery I refer to as God. My prayers can be in words, silence, gestures, and paint-

ing. It occurs often in the context of a worship service but is also part of my daily rhythm. Most of all, prayer carries with it an energy of gratitude and yearning for reconciliation and heal-ing of people and our good earth.

~ Rev. Dr. Hannah Anderson, Rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Pittsfield, Massachusetts, and Founder of the Blessing Cup Project.

Prayer serves a reparative function in the world. Its purpose is to dispel our illusions of separation and re-center us in

the awareness of our spiritual identity. The experience of true prayer does not influence or change God—but it does change us. It heals our sense of separation and isolation, and shows us a glimpse of our deeper identity. In true prayer we come to rest in our true nature: the extension of the love and creative energy of God.

~ From What We Need Is Here, Experiencing True Prayer, by Rev. Diane Berke, PhD, Co-Founder and Spiritual Director, One Spirit Learning Alliance, New York, NY

As an Interfaith Minister, I see a variety of powerful results from prayer. As our technology advances, we are able to

measure energy in new ways. Groups have studied the results of prayer, loving energy, and positive intention; when groups focus prayer on an area, incidents of terrorism, crime, and abuse decrease. Gather a prayer group–in person or around the world. Choose an area that needs healing and focus there. The absolute least you will see for results is that you will feel good about what you have offered.

~ Rev. Carol Ramsey, past president of the Women's Interfaith Institute of the Berkshires, Lenox, Massachusetts; EFT trainer and coach.

In this, the heart of true prayer, we know that we can never lack for anything. We know that there is nothing to fear. For we know

with perfect certainty, that we can never be apart from God, from the Love that created us and sustains us in every moment of life.

~ From What We Need Is Here, Experiencing True Prayer, by Rev. Diane Berke, PhD, Co-Founder and Spiritual Director, One Spirit Learning Alliance, New York, NY

When our desire is to establish and maintain a personal and intimate relationship with God, the impossible becomes

possible. The unbridled utterances released from the heart and expressed through the mouth of a true believer give birth to prayer. Thus releasing the Power of effective and perfected Praise, we become anchored in the Will of God.

~ Rev. Willard H. Durant, Chaplain, Soldier On, Pittsfield, MA

Sound, the vibrations we perceive with our ears, as well as our bodies, has unlimited potential for creating harmony and

healing for this planet. The ancient yogis or rishis (seers) uncov-ered the mysteries and power of sound in the form of mantra and chanting. Combining their longing with the use of sound, they created a powerful form of prayer music. Every culture and religion on the planet uses music in this same way. Music brings people together connecting our hearts. Even those who are not able to hear, feel the vibrations and the intention of music. This was the realization of the ancient yogis which we have not for-gotten to this day: Music is prayer.

~ JoJo Silverman, Founder, Devotional Music Foundation, Housatonic, MA

The power of prayer lies in the fact that it is the most lavish gift God granted to God’s children to have confidently ac-

cess to God’s grace. Although it is expressed in human speech and purpose, prayer is answered sovereignly in divine form, con-tents, and language. For this reason, prayer is also a mystery and it is better understood when we practice it rather than when we try to define it.

~ Rev. Luis E. Benavides, ThD, First United Methodist Church, Pittsfield, MA

Beauty in front of meBeauty to the side of me

Beauty behind meBeauty below me and above meBeauty all around me as you walk forward with prayer.

~ James Etsitty Jr, Navajo Medicine Man, Chinle, AZ

There are many schools of meditation and spirituality that are moving further and further away from any talk of God.

God is a very unpopular subject. Yet the Divine Being is not a diffuse, impersonal, transcendent force, but a Reality that is personal in the same way that we are personal–infinitely more personal, not less personal than us, more personal than any per-sonal being–the whole of Reality is one personal life seeking its own fulfillment. And prayer is a basic and fundamental means of experiencing this and of approaching God.

~ Pir Zia Inayat Khan, Sufi Order International, The Abode of the Message, New Lebanon, NY

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New directions in advanced science are causing people to look at life in new ways. Quantum theorists are making an important statement about the nature of

reality and how we influence it by asserting that the universe is not reducible to material particles, but is, rather, made up of nonmaterial waves of energetic vibration. Physicist John Hagelin sums it up best: “. . . the idea of the particle is replaced by wave function. . . . A wave function is made of the same stuff thoughts are made of. We live in a thought universe, and quantum mechanics is the play and display of potentiality.”¹

The implications are mind-bending. Our universe is not static, it seems, but very much alive and conscious. Moreover, our own vibration affects our world. As physicist and author Fred Alan Wolf says, “The physics before said there was an objective reality out there, Matilda, and don’t mess with it, because if you do, something bad is going to happen to you. But the new realm says, not only can you mess with it, you’ve been born to mess with it, and that is what this is all about. We are here to involve and get involved with it, and interact with it, and be creative with it.”² From this standpoint, manifesting our potential in the world takes on new meaning–meaning that transcends any one ideology.

Map and Mirror

What does quantum theory have to do with astrology? Simply put, astrology is the study of energetic vibration that uses the sky as map and mirror. The astrological birth chart is a cross-section or snapshot of the ongoing process that is our solar system at a precise moment and place in time. It is a blueprint containing a vast amount of data that displays the interplay of planetary energies.

Astrology is a symbolic and pictorial language. When we look at a chart’s symbolism, what we are observing are patterns–things implied or inferred. These patterns are not good or bad, they are simply portraits of various archetypal energies blended together that describe individuals. Basic energy patterns–drives, emotions, desires, conflicts, talents, and capacities–are brought into relief so that they can be more plainly seen and worked with. Modern astrology’s main purpose, from my perspective, is to serve as an inner road map for personal growth and development.

A Complex, Interactive Universe

Astrology is an individualized, intuitive craft, and every astrologer has a unique way of approaching and expressing its

symbolism. Things in picture form cannot be empirically tested, just as many aspects of the arts–sublime music, a captivating painting, or a compelling story–cannot be empirically tested. Nonetheless, few would dispute the value of these various art-forms. They can be observed, felt, or intuited, in powerful ways. Vehicles such as mythology, imagery, poetry, and symbolism all convey or suggest intangible, intrinsic truths about a subject. An astrological chart interpretation can similarly help shed light on the truth of an individual’s life, as well as point in the direction of greatest potential.

Traditional science has long asserted that there must be a rational and conceptual answer for everything, yet there are many mysteries that cannot be explained. Through years of observation and working with a wide range of people’s charts, I have seen a striking connection between the map of the solar system at the moment of birth and the inner nature of an individual. Many enthusiastic investigators of life’s mysteries

are realizing that there are multiple ways of looking at things. People today are increasingly open to other forms of information that may be contrary to what they have been conditioned to believe up until now. And with the science of quantum mechanics supporting the idea of a more complex, expanded, and interactive universe, that openness continues to grow.

A Practical Tool

Certain trends in astrology over the past 50 years have prompted some skeptics to

consider it impractical, vague, or irrelevant. The old-fashioned astrologer has perpetuated this view by often focusing on superficial, external events. There are the newspaper columns telling all Geminis to be wary of a bad investment today, and “fortune tellers” who for five dollars will tell you whether you will win the lottery. We live in a convenience culture, always seeking the quick fix. People are impatient; they want immediate results with little effort. Perhaps the most salient question is, Is astrology useful? In other words, can it add practical value and insight into one’s life? My experience tells me, yes, astrology is a useful and practical tool. I think it’s best to retain a healthy skepticism and test astrology’s usefulness in everyday life. If in practice it adds value and increases understanding, then that is evidence of its worthiness.

Seeds of Possibility

Birth charts are as varied as DNA–no two are alike. Each chart reveals different inherent natures and degrees of what is needed


Astrology...


in terms of comfort and security, for example. The Jungian astrologer Liz Greene refers to the astrological birth chart as containing potential in the same way an apple seed carries the potential to produce a tree. The apple seed may appear to the naked eye to be small and insignificant, but it has everything in it, all the information it needs, to run its cycle in nature and mature into a fruit-bearing tree. Much can happen to the seed along the way. Nurtured, it will grow into a healthy, productive tree. Neglected, it will not reach its potential, or may not develop at all.

The point is that we all come in a seed of potential, of energy, of possibility. And, yes, our environments influence how this potential develops. But there is a fundamental difference between an apple seed and a human being: Free will. We may have had little choice about the way things went for us as children, but as adults what we make of our lives is up to us. This is, perhaps, an uncomfortable thought for some. Do we choose to be the victim of life’s circumstances, influenced by the winds that blow? Or can we come from a place of awareness and responsibility, thereby standing a much better chance of creating the kind of life we would like to experience?

Reading the Chart

Astrology is meant to be used as a guide in conjunction with one’s own intuition and personal experience. An interpretation begins with the presentation of concepts that outline one’s individuality. These intriguing concepts are simply ways to view energy, the direction that energy wants to go, and its potential for development. Inherent patterns or belief-systems that may be creating obstacles may also be presented, and so a dialogue can begin. This introduction is important, because once people have even a spark of awareness of these concepts and how they affect their lives, they begin to realize that they don’t have to make the same ineffectual choices again and again; one can begin to operate from a place of creation versus a place of reactivity or resignation. Astrology says that if we are mindful, if we are willing to override old patterns and integrate new ideas and attitudes, considerable improvements and opportunities will show up in our lives.

Fate or Free Will?

Some people are frightened by astrology because they think it predicts fate. Astrology does not predict one’s fate. The idea that the universe somehow happens to us and that the stars have a predetermined script for our lives is counterproductive. The belief that power resides “out there,” and that if we are not good then something bad will happen, reflects thinking based on historical conditioning. What is clear in astrology today is that awareness of oneself, and the decisions and choices made from that awareness, is what drives fate–not the stars.

The idea of “prediction,” that a particular event will occur in the future, is misleading when used in connection with

astrology. Such a simplistic approach has little value when it comes to the complexities of a human being and free will. In fact, there is really no such thing as a prediction, only potential.

There are a lways on-going planetary movements transiting the birth chart that affect an individual. They indicate phases, trends, and developments that can manifest in many possible ways. There was a time when astrology was primari ly concerned with what would happen in a person’s material world under certain planetary influences and, still, some fairly accurate forecasts can be made about certain events such as job changes and moves. But the real usefulness of charting planetary movements operates on more subtle levels. A good astrologer can offer assistance by helping to interpret the potential meaning of these movements, by indicating how long certain periods will last, and by suggesting how best to navigate them.

Here is what I do know for certain: At our core, each and every one of us wishes to find an image of ourselves that is powerful, meaningful, and reassuring. Astrology says, yes, this is possible.

1. John Hagelin, PhD, from the DVD Down the Rabbit Hole, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2006.

2. Fred Alan Wolf, PhD, from the DVD Down the Rabbit Hole, 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2006

~ Susan Herskowitz, Midpoint (Uranian) Astrologer. See advertisement on page 35.

and the Interplay of Life by Susan Herskowitz

Spotlight on Nonprofit

Organizations in Our Community

Who They AreFounded in 2003 by dance edu-cator and choreographer Bettina Montano, Berkshire Pulse is a dance and creative arts educa-tion center in Housatonic, MA.

Berkshire Pulse offers an interdisciplinary dance program, World Music, and Theater Arts classes for individuals of all ages in the Berkshires and surrounding region. MissionBerkshire Pulse is dedicated to building and strengthening com-munity life through diverse and accessible programming in per-forming and movement arts. By promoting the participation in these vital, educational activities, we enrich the lives of families and individuals of all ages.

Top 4 Health Benefits of Dance1 & 2) Dance requires and develops flexibility and strength which are both important components of good health. 3) Endurance: dance is physical exercise and exercise increases endurance. 4) Dancing is

an expressive art form which develops positive self-esteem and a sense of well-being. It is also a social activity.

Contact Bettina Montano, Artistic Director; 410 Park Street, Housatonic, MA (413) [email protected]

Who They AreThe Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter is dedicated to reuniting stray animals from Pittsfield with their owners, pro-viding shelter and veterinary care for animals in need, and finding loving homes for homeless animals.

MissionThe Sonsini Shelter is all about using resources wisely as we ac-complish our mission. Anyone who has visited us knows that our facility is simple, and we have made many improvements to save energy. With only two staff members, our volunteers play a big part in the operation. Our frugality allows us to help a lot of homeless animals on a modest budget.

Green Tip Make sure your pet wears a collar with your phone number on it. It’s the easiest way for a concerned citizen, animal control officer, or shelter to return your animal to you.

An adopter of a senior black lab said “I didn't want to be alone in the house. Beauty couldn’t be a more perfect companion for me.” An owner who lost his dog told us “Some people have a big party on their 50th birthday. I got my Abby back, which was even better.” Contact63 Downing Parkway Pittsfield, MA 01201 (413) 448-9800, pittsfieldanimals.org Carol Lew, Chair of the Board

Who They Are/MissionThe Sheffield Land Trust (SLT) is dedi-cated to protecting the land essential to Sheffield’s natural, agricultural, sce-nic, and rural character through a pro-gram of stewardship and by working with landowners, farmers, the town, and other partners. Properties owned

by SLT remain on the tax rolls. SLT supports smart growth in Sheffield where conservation, planning, economic develop-ment, and housing maintain and enhance the rural character and vitality of the community through maintaining effective partnerships, community and volunteer participation.

Green TipYou can leave a lasting legacy for future generations by conserv-ing your land or helping to conserve other land in your commu-nity. Whether you want to keep ownership of the land in your family, or sell or gift it to another person or organization, there

are conservation options to meet most family’s goals. Contact your local conservation organization to find out more. And if your land qualifies, enrolling it in the Chapter 61, 61A, or 61B current-use taxation program can help make holding your land more affordable. “Thank you Sheffield Land Trust! Without you I could never own my flower farm.” Anna Mack, owner of Wild & Cultivated

“This farm would no longer exist without the Sheffield Land Trust.” Morven Allen, Balsam Hill Farm

Contact Kathy OrlandoSheffield Land TrustPO Box 940, Sheffield, MA 01257(413) 229-0234, [email protected] Corridor

Project Area

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berkshirepulsea center for the creative arts

Bettina Montano teaching class


This nonprofit department has been generously sponsored by:

Kevin J. Regan • [email protected]

Hartsville Design Architectural Woodworking

Specializing in Healthy Furniture & Woodwork for Environmentally Sensitive Individuals & Children

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Here in the Berkshires we have a long tradition of peo-ple speaking out for what they believe. Maybe it’s the small scale that gives people the idea that they matter

and that they can create change. Whatever the reason, we do seem to have a community full of people willing to share their ideas and work hard to make them real.

One group making itself heard is Green for a Change (GFAC). This small group of friends came together in the win-ter of 2007 to take local action on global environmental issues. These half-dozen women decided to begin by choosing a very specific issue, plastic shopping bags, and focusing on that.

“Plastic shopping bags seemed a good place for us to start. They are absolutely everywhere, in all our homes. We take them for granted and don’t even notice how much damage they do to the environ-ment. And, we can easily do without them. As we learned more about the issue we found that people all around the world are becoming concerned and we decided to get the local community involved,” according to Stephanie Blumenthal, a founding mem-ber of GFAC.

Over the past 2½ years, GFAC has worked with Guido’s Fresh Marketplace to establish its very suc-cessful Bring Your Own Bag drawing and with Big Y on a similar program; a visually striking display of plastic bags has toured libraries from Sheffield to Pittsfield; Berkshire Bring Your Own Bag Day in November 2008 attracted the par-ticipation of over 90 retailers throughout the county; a plastic bag-themed film festival, held on Bring Your Own Bag week-end, attracted a standing-room-only crowd; a reusable bag sew-in was also a hit.

During this same time, GFAC has distributed compact flu-orescent light bulbs to low-income seniors living in subsidized

housing, written letters to editors encouraging people to create change, and been instrumental in establishing school-based en-vironmental clubs and town-based environmental committees.

Currently, GFAC is focusing its attention on plastic water bottles. Two main components of this complex issue are the bottles themselves (which are both wasteful and potentially dangerous) and the contents (water from private sources, often poorly regulated, very expensive, and ruinous for the com-munit ies located near the water source). A display of w a t e r bottles has toured libraries in Berkshire

County. Other educational events held last fall included a taste test, where the

public was invited to try to tell the difference between bottled water

and tap water, and a free film festival at the Triplex in Great Barrington, featuring

a documentary which looks at the politics, pollution, and human rights of water. Green for a Change adopted

the slogan “greener choices, greener

habits” and has worked to provide the community with choices that make “being green” easier. The members of GFAC come from five different South Berkshire towns; they are wives and mothers, workers, and community volunteers. They are busy, like everyone else. Their message to others interested in being part of the solution to our environmental problem is to just start. Join a committee, educate yourself, make personal chang-es, support a cause, and speak out. You’ll find your voice will echo off the Berkshire hills and come back to you stronger than you ever thought you were.

For information about Green for a Change or to contact them, please visit the website at greenforachange.org.

green for a changeBy Beth Moser

41


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Have you ever tried to open your car door with one hand, hold your groceries in the other, and balance your cell phone propped between your shoulder and ear?

When you rush to multitask, without thinking about it you’re using your fight-or-flight response. Believed historically to help us catch our dinner (or run from those who would make us theirs!), this part of our nervous system gives us the drive to race from one activity to the next. In short bursts this type of energy is help-ful. However, when we constantly speed from one thing to the next our body loses the race: blood pressure and stress hormones increase, the stomach doesn’t digest food well, muscles tighten, and we’re unable to fight illness as effectively.

When we focus the mind, however, we enter what scientists and doctors call a parasympathetic state. In average-speak, that means we activate the part of the nervous system responsible for rest and digestion. This slows blood pressure, helps the body absorb nutrients, improves the quality of sleep, and produces more white blood cells to boost your immune system. Likewise, muscles relax and tension headaches and pain are alleviated.

But ahh, you were balancing that cell phone on your shoulder for a reason, right? You already have enough things to do today–

Meditation in the Grocery Store? By Karlee Fain, KYT, LMT, NCTMB

how will you find the time to meditate and calm your mind? Let’s bring the meditation to you! Start by doing the same things

you regularly do, but really become aware of what you are doing as it happens, giving your mind the chance to focus. For example, the next time you walk from the car to the grocery store, breathe deeply and then take each step on purpose. Feel your shoes touch the ground. Sense the vibration from that gentle impact on your feet. Notice how strong and balanced you are. Perhaps you will feel a breeze, or the sun on your back. If you notice that your mind has wandered, well done! You can guide your focus back to what you are doing–for the moment, just walking. When you focus on your walk, this everyday activity becomes a meditation in motion and the mind calms.

You might like this mini mental vacation, and discover even more opportunities to practice meditation in motion. Imagine if each red light were a chance to make sure you are sitting comfortably in your car. Relax your shoulders and notice your breath. By the time the light turns green, you can leave not just dust but any distract-ing thoughts behind as you drive forward with an improved sense of well-being. Congratulations, you just balanced important parts of your brain to increase your health!

~ Karlee Fain, KYT, LMT, NCTMB. See ad on page 29.

please tell our advertisers you saw them in Our BerkshireGreen!

“The spirit cannot endure the body when overfed, but, if underfed, the body cannot endure the spirit.” ~ St. Francis de Sales


Alternative Energy

Now is the time when you can ask your question. Stay away from framing questions as “Should I take this job?” because they are not about shoulds! It might be better to use phrases such as “What would be the effect of my taking this job?” Listen for words, feel for feelings, and look for visual cues. Since using your feelings may be the easiest way to start sensing your guides, pay attention to them as you pose your question. Do you feel yourself opening more to this flow of higher love and light as you contemplate your particular choice? Or does this flow diminish at all?

Don’t be surprised if you hear words or if phrases suddenly pop into your mind. You may want to keep a notepad with you to jot these down as you hear them. Pictures, signs, and symbols may also appear. Note them and ask for their meaning to be revealed if you do not understand them right away.

When you feel you are ready to come out of the meditation, count from one to seven as you picture your energy moving from your head to your feet and into the earth. Count once more to complete the grounding, and then drink some water when you are ready.

With this formal practice you will learn what it feels like to connect and communicate with your higher self and guides. For instance, a message from your spirit guide will have a different feel to it than your own thoughts, albeit a subtle one. Distinguishing this can help you to receive guidance in your daily life as well. A thought or a phrase might pop into your head that is a bit different than your own line of thought both in content and in its vibration. Always check these thoughts with your own common sense and greater wisdom. If you have doubts, charge your aura and raise your vibra-tion with the meditation to gain greater clarity. Over time checking these thoughts and messages for their vibratory rate will become natural to you, as will “talking” with your angels and spirit guides!

Have you ever seen an angel? How about an aura? There is much written about both of these metaphysical phe-nomena, and there are some similarities between them.

They are both resonating at a very high rate, beyond the range of normal vision, and are thus rarely seen directly, but they are sur-rounding us all the time.

Using an aura imaging camera, which measures a person’s subtle electromagnetic energy field, I have seen images of many auras of various combinations of colors and intensity. Sometimes angels or spirit guides will show up in them too. These appear as one or more orbs of light hovering around a person’s head. But of course angels are present and available to us all the time, and by connecting with them we can draw them nearer. Near enough that we may be able to see, hear, or sense their loving presence.

It might be more accurate to think of it as drawing nearer to them by raising our vibratory level to a state where we can more readily sense the high vibrations of our spirit guides. Our strongest sense will be to see, hear, or feel them, respectively. I have never seen an angel (other than in the aura photos), but I have conversed with them and felt them, as my strongest senses are hearing and touch. Feeling their loving presence may be the easiest way to start con-necting to this new level of reality. You can apply this principle also in sensing auras. Highly visual people can more easily learn to see auras, while others can learn to feel them and even hear them.

When your aura is highly charged and clear you are in an optimal state to connect with your angels. While there are as many ways to do this as there are spiritual practices, here is a simple meditation that you can practice which will help you both clear your aura and begin to communicate with your guides and higher self. If you have a question that you are seeking guidance on, think about it before you start to get it clear in your mind.

Sit comfortably, in a quiet place, with good posture. After taking a few long deep breaths, imagine the colors of the rainbow, starting with red. See this red emanating from deep within you and sur-rounding you at the same time. Feel the red as completely as you can for a minute or two, and then move on to orange. Visualize each of these colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet in this manner. You will start to feel a deep connection and peacefulness coming over you. Now go through the colors one more time, quickly if you like, to anchor the pathway.

Angels and AurasBy Raya Buckley

~ Raya Buckley was introduced to aura photography and color therapy while practicing massage and energy healing at Canyon Ranch in the Berk-shires. She then opened The Aura Stu-dio to offer these services locally. She has been a Berkshire resident for over 25 years and currently resides in Pitts-field. Raya can be reached through her website at aurabath.com.

43


Douglas Flackman Fine Art Gallery, douglasflackman.com


Index of Resource Guide Advertisers

Alan Inglis MD, Board Certified Internal Medicine ..................22Alexander Technique & Feldenkrais Method .............................27Alison Shore Gaines, Mindfulness Coach/Holistic Educator ..28Alison Shore Gaines, Practical Feng Shui ................................30Allegrone Construction Co., Inc. ..............................................20Angela Michelle, Angel Readings ..............................................35Art of Wellness, The ......................................................................27Audrey Herrick Reflexology ..........................................................28BensDotter’s Pet ................................................................................9Berkshire Animal D.R.E.A.M.S. ......................................................9Berkshire Biofeedback ....................................................................24Berkshire Co-op Market ......................................inside front coverBerkshire Energy Healing ..............................................................26Berkshire Healing Arts ...................................................................29Berkshire Humane Society/Purradise ............................................9Berkshire Made ................................................................................10Berkshire Organics ..........................................................................20Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, BPVS .........................................8Berkshire Physical Therapy & Wellness .....................................28Berkshires and Beyond ...................................................................10Berkshires Green Grocer & Claire’s Cafe ...................................20Bruce Mandel ...................................................................................10cafeADAM .......................................................................................42Carol McGlinchey, Psychic Medium .........................................35Christine Dupre, Graphic Design .................................................11Clearwater Natural Foods ..............................................................20Climate Heating & Cooling ............................................................ 2Deb Phillips, MS, LDN, CHES .....................................................28delSol, Solar Energy Systems ...........................................................8Dr. Hauschka Skin Care, Inc. ..................................................... 2Dunns Heating & Solar LLC ...........................................................8Eileen Lawlor, LICSW ...................................................................25Eleanor Sonsini Animal Shelter ......................................................9Elisa Novick, Spiritually Oriented Counseling & Training ........35Energy in Motion .......................................................................15Energy Rejuvenation, Bente Hansen .......................................35Erica Leopold .............................................................................22Fertile Ground Acupuncture .....................................................24Get Organized With Andrea! .......................................................11Gile Real Estate ...........................................................................30GoodWorks Insurance ...................................................................11Greenfield Business Association ........................................11, 21Grenergy Solar Store ........................................................................8Hancock Shaker Village ..........................................................18HANDLE® of New England .......................................................24Hartsville Design ................................................................21, 30, 41Healing Spirit ...............................................................................26Health, Flow & Joy Energy Healing .........................................26Henriette Meran, Homeopathy .....................................................27Herrington’s ...................................................................................... 1 Hilltop Orchards - Furnace Brook Winery .................................15

Housing Co-op, The .......................................................................30Jaya Jacobs, Realtor, CBS, EcoBroker ...................................30Jerome F. Errico, Intuitive Counseling .................................35Jonathan Weinress, Certified Personal Trainer .....................15Karlee Fain, Certified Yoga Instructor .................................29Kwik Print Incorporated ........................................................11La Leche League ............................................................................10Light Touch Chiropractic Center .................................................25Littlewolf Architecture ...................................................................20Livingstone Dental Excellence .....................................................26Lois Hartwick, Intuitive/Channel ................................................35Mama’s Earth ...................................................................................20Matt Albert .......................................................................................27MFW Consultants ....................................................................27, 30Mikka Barkman Bodywork ............................................................27Millie Calesky, Business and Life Coach ....................................11Ming Lash, Somatic Movement Therapist .................................22Mystical Rose Herbals ....................................................................28Naomi Alson, Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist .................24Nature Works ................................................................................30Okerstrom Lang Landscape Architects .....................................21Orchid Blossom Healing Arts ......................................................24Our BerkshireGreen Small Business Marketing Newsletter ......11Pet Partners of the Tri-State Berkshires ........................................9Phoebe Williams, Life Coach ....................................................27Project Native ...................................................................30Puppy Remedies USA ...........................................................9Ramsdell Public Library .................................................................18Randi Haskins-Jordan Holistic Physical Therapy ......................22Reconnective Healing® and The Reconnection® - Marshall Rosenthal ...28Red Lion Inn, The ..........................................................................42Renewable Energy Solutions ..........................................................8Sati Wellness Center .......................................................................22Sheilaa Hite, Intuitive Counselor ..................................................35Sheri Biasin, Website Hosting & Design .....................................11Shivani Lash, Home Birth Midwife .......................................29Sproutman® ..............................................................................18Stockbridge Bowl Association ......................................................18Stone Soup .......................................................................................42Studio Day Spa ................................................................................22Susan B. Lord, MD .........................................................................22Susan Herskowitz, Midpoint (Uranian) Astrologer ..................35Tanglewood/Boston Symphony Orchestra ..............back coverThea Basis, Intuitive Consultant ..................................................35Tosk Chiropractic ............................................................................25Tracey Mahon, Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai Massage ........................27Upper Crust Bakery .......................................................................18Ward’s Nursery & Garden Center ................................................30Webster Ingersoll ............................................................................30WholePerson Movement ...............................................................15Your Spiritual Solutions .................................................................27

Douglas Flackman Fine Art Gallery, douglasflackman.com

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Restore, retouch and preserveyour precious family photos

Digital compositing, background changes, object or person removal, color and red eye correction, skin smoothing and enhancement.

From simple to detailed restoration. Free consultation.

Mill Town TavernTue 4–9 • Wed 11:30–9 • Thu, Fri & Sat 11:30–10 • Sun 12 noon - 9pm

16 Depot Street, Dalton, MA 413-684-0900

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To become a sponsor, please call 413-229-6044

or email: [email protected]

Definitely Dance!with host Judy Rosley


Alternative Energy

47


Friends of Our BerkshireGreen: Thank You for Your Support!

Increase your skillset with personal computer training: from learning how to use the computer, to advanced subjects.

We can tell you whatʼs wrong, and give you a cost estimate to repair or upgrade your computer before you pay.

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Our BerkshireGreen Event Sponsors Join our mailing list at OurBerkshireGreen.com to be invited to our next event!

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1575 Pleasant Street (Route 102) Lee, MA Phone: 413.394.4047 • Perigee-Restaurant.com

Come explore Berkshire Cuisine, a cosmopolitan interpretation of New England favorites with an ethnic twist. Taste-drive our eclectic menu with something for everyone. Foodies welcome. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections available.

Green Facility

Malaysian, Asian & American CuisineNEW LOCATION!

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Live music during Wednesday Dinner

Friday/Saturday Live Bands

Our BerkshireGreen Magazine Sponsors thank you for your help in supporting green & healthy living in our community!

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Currently inviting guests, underwriters, advertisers and sponsors to participate in the fourth run of shows starting March 30th.

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14 Castle Street • Great Barrington • 413.528.0100 • www.mahaiwe.org

AILEY IIworld-renowned modern dance troupe

Sun Mar 21 at 3pm

SHAWN COLVINgrammy-winning singer-songwriter

Fri Apr 16 at 8pm

London’s National Theatre: Live in HDTHE HABIT OF ARTThurs Apr 22 at 2pm

DAVID BROMBERG QUARTETwithThe Angel BandSat Apr 10 at 8pm

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Protect our future by protecting our planet

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green initiativeTanglewood is pleased to implement the following recycling and eco-friendly efforts:

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recycling materials – • Recycling receptacles are available throughout the grounds for processing appropriate materials.

farm-to-table initiative –• Protecting our environment by featuring locally sourced produce, cheeses and meats.

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june 26 – sept 5

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation is proud to support Tanglewood and its education initiatives for Massachusetts students.

our berkshiregreen mind and spirit special edition

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