Southeastern Michigan's Conscious Living Magazines —
Our magazines are a resource on mindfulness, healthy living, spiritual growth, psychology, conscious parenting, and alternative therapies, plus community profiles, news, and events related to Southeastern Michigan's vibrant holistic and conscious living community.

Trailer for issue #90

Sept. through Dec. 2025 Issue 90

Featured from our September through December 2025 Issue

Featured

fabric, wellness, issue #90, frequency, metaphysical

The Weaves that Blind, Bind, and Possibly Create Dis-ease: A Review of Fabric Frequency and Lore Since the Exodus

fabric, wellness, issue #90, frequency, metaphysical

It came over me one morning. I dressed, and undressed, and redressed several times. Shirts and pants I had worn many times suddenly made me feel claustrophobic. The colors were good, the styles attractive. This wasn’t a “what do I want to wear?” indecisive moment. No, it was as if every shirt and pair of pants I tried, I felt like my skin couldn’t breathe—that I couldn’t breathe (and not because I had strawberry shortcake with morning coffee). I pulled at the necklines, the thighs, the abdomen. I fidgeted. I could feel confused grumpiness setting in.

fabric, wellness, issue #90, frequency, metaphysical

chakras, kids, mental health, family activities, nature, wellness, children, issue #90, child development

Balance Chakras to Build Confidence in Kids

chakras, kids, mental health, family activities, nature, wellness, children, issue #90, child development

The subtle energy system has always been integral to humanity’s weave of existence. Though the media tends to focus on seven major chakras in the Hindu/yogic tradition, there is commonality across Cherokee, Incan, Pueblo, Tibetan Buddhist, and Sufi Muslim mysticism beliefs to name just a few. That being understood, there are major and minor chakras throughout the body—at every joint, nerve bundle, palms of the hands, souls of the feet, nipples, and more.

chakras, kids, mental health, family activities, nature, wellness, children, issue #90, child development

local practitioner, naturopathic, issue #90, alternative medicine

A Miracle Led the Way--A Talk With Naturopath, Dr. Dennis Cousino

local practitioner, naturopathic, issue #90, alternative medicine

Dr. Dennis Cousino, ND, HHP, CFT of Dynamic Health lets us in on a journey of pain, faith, and healing in his own life—an experience that can only be described as miraculous. Dr. Dennis Cousino was raised in Tecumseh, MI and stil lives in the area with his wife and three boys. He completed his Naturopathic Doctorate at the First University of Naturopathy and has been practicing for 15 years specializing in chronic digestive and adrenal disorders.

local practitioner, naturopathic, issue #90, alternative medicine

Crazy Wisdom, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, issue #90, Chandra Mitchell, around town

Chandra Mitchel: Shepherding Crazy Wisdom Bookstore into its Next Era

Crazy Wisdom, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, issue #90, Chandra Mitchell, around town

A few months ago, in June 2025, Bill Zirinsky and Ruth Schekter licensed Chandra Mitchel, and her partner, Jon Rothenberg, to run Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, selling them the retail inventory, and leasing to them the bookstore’s first floor and lower level.

Crazy Wisdom, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore, issue #90, Chandra Mitchell, around town

pollination, bees, gardening, issue #90, nature, nature sanctuary

The Buzz on Protecting Pollinators Through the Winter

pollination, bees, gardening, issue #90, nature, nature sanctuary

During the spring and summer there is always a lot of buzz around pollinators, their habitats, and how to support them. But did you know you can continue to support your backyard friends in the fall and winter as well? Through a few simple steps you can continue to provide for your local pollinators as the weather turns cold. By offering them housing during the snowy winter months you can guarantee they’ll return to your gardens the following year. It’s a win for everyone!

pollination, bees, gardening, issue #90, nature, nature sanctuary

Kindred Conversations, Around Ann Arbor, local interest, issue #90

Kindred Conversations with Hilary Nichols--featuring Jamall Bufford

Kindred Conversations, Around Ann Arbor, local interest, issue #90

As the Director of Washtenaw My Brother’s Keeper (WMBK), Jamall Bufford makes a powerful impression of warmth and conviction. “Everyone sees his heart,” his colleague Justin Harper said. “Jamall is a great person. It is easy to work with him because he is a good listener, a team player, and completely true to his convictions. When someone has those qualities, a lot of great things can happen.”

Kindred Conversations, Around Ann Arbor, local interest, issue #90

astrology, Astrologically Speaking, issue #90, four elements

Astrologically Speaking--The Four Elements in Astrology

astrology, Astrologically Speaking, issue #90, four elements

A simple way to understand the language of astrology is to view the twelve signs according to the element they represent: Fire, Earth, Air, or Water. We all understand what these elements look, and feel like, and we rely on them to live.

astrology, Astrologically Speaking, issue #90, four elements

tarot, interview, issue #90, intuition, author

How One Sentence in an 800-Page Book Changed My Practice: An Interview with Benebell Wen

tarot, interview, issue #90, intuition, author

In an age of bite-sized disposable bits of information, and fleeting content, Benebell Wen’s work is a welcome anomaly best approached with a quiet space and a cup of tea. Her idea of “basic” is anything but, and I’ve learned to only dive into her writing when I’m ready to fully absorb deeply layered, carefully constructed thought.

tarot, interview, issue #90, intuition, author

community, column, issue #90, new books, local practitioners, local business

What's New in the Community: fall 2025

community, column, issue #90, new books, local practitioners, local business

What’s New in the Community: New books from local authors, new businesses, new offerings and practitioners and upcoming events for fall 2025.

community, column, issue #90, new books, local practitioners, local business

book reviews, nature, pantheism, pagan, issue #90

Book Review: Nature’s Symphony: The Spirit of Scientific Pantheism by Martin Docherty

book reviews, nature, pantheism, pagan, issue #90

In Nature’s Symphony, Martin Docherty presents a refreshing and deeply thoughtful perspective on our relationship with the natural world—one that blends science, philosophy, and spirituality in a way that feels both intellectually satisfying and emotionally grounding. This book is neither your typical science read nor a standard spiritual guide. It’s something more layered: a meditation on the sacredness of the universe, grounded not in supernatural beliefs, but in the elegant truths of science itself.

book reviews, nature, pantheism, pagan, issue #90

Molly Ging, The Little Seedling, children's stores, families, local business, issue #90

Molly Ging: Owner of Ann Arbor's The Little Seedling

Molly Ging, The Little Seedling, children's stores, families, local business, issue #90

As a mother, entrepreneur, and community figure, Molly Ging provides local families with what they need most—support, and the best baby gear available. We sat down to chat about motherhood, philosophy, Ann Arbor, and the tenuous future of small businesses.

Molly Ging, The Little Seedling, children's stores, families, local business, issue #90

noise pollution, city living, around Ann Arbor, issue #90, search for serenity, peace

Anthropocentric Sound and the Search for Serenity

noise pollution, city living, around Ann Arbor, issue #90, search for serenity, peace

They are shooting over at the Washtenaw Sportsman’s Club this morning. It’s a half mile away, but it sounds like I’m in the middle of a firefight. Though a mile off, the din of Interstate 94 is ever present like the constant flow of a rushing river with none of the charm. At first periodically, then steadily, cars pass the house. I can hear them coming from well down the two-lane road on which the speed limit is 45 mph but on which many drive much faster. A car passes, then there is a momentary lull, then another goes by. Think of the inexorable splashing of waves against the shore of one of the Great Lakes and you’ll get the rhythm.

noise pollution, city living, around Ann Arbor, issue #90, search for serenity, peace

local, issue #90, around Ann Arbor, The Arb

Ode to the Arb

local, issue #90, around Ann Arbor, The Arb

When you step through the wrought iron gates along Geddes Boulevard into the hushed shady entrance of Nichols Arboretum, between a wide pea-stone path to the left and a thin deer trail to the right, sits the first bench to welcome you. Benches are placed along the river side, on overlooks, in meadows, along trails, in the Peony gardens, and in countless shaded areas throughout this 128-acre preserve, inviting anyone to rest and take in the grand expanse of nature.

local, issue #90, around Ann Arbor, The Arb

Spirit Seeds, metaphysical, issue #90

Spirit Seeds--Fall 2025

Spirit Seeds, metaphysical, issue #90

Answers to your questions! How can I use advanced intentional living space principles to create a harmonious home, energetically balanced, and aligned with my spiritual path? What are the best practices for creating and using a vision board to manifest my highest potential and dreams? What are the best ways to protect and shield my energy field from negative entities and psychic attacks?

Spirit Seeds, metaphysical, issue #90

alternative therapies, emotion code, body code, psychology, issue #90

Healing from Within: The Transformative Power of The Emotion and Body Code

alternative therapies, emotion code, body code, psychology, issue #90

In today’s world, emotional baggage and physical discomfort often leave us feeling disconnected from ourselves. Energy healing modalities provide an avenue for renewal. Among them, The Emotion Code and Body Code—developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson—offer a powerful approach to identifying and releasing emotional blockages. Using techniques such as muscle testing and direct communication with the subconscious, these methods help restore harmony to the mind, body, and soul. Learn more at discoverhealing.com/the-emotion-code.

alternative therapies, emotion code, body code, psychology, issue #90

alternative therapies, ketamine, issue #90, psychotherapy

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy: Opening Doors to Our Inner World

alternative therapies, ketamine, issue #90, psychotherapy

The use of plant medicines for healing and wisdom continues today with many people finding profound benefits from these ancient traditions when used respectfully and in appropriate contexts. One common thread, in almost every practice, is that there’s more to our experience than what we normally see in our day-to-day consciousness. This day-to-day consciousness, along with our ability to reflect on ourselves, is both uniquely human and can create special kinds of suffering.

alternative therapies, ketamine, issue #90, psychotherapy

psychology, personal growth, personal essay, issue #90, local practitioner

On Being Authentic

psychology, personal growth, personal essay, issue #90, local practitioner

My sister’s death continues to be one of those events my life that frustrates me. I’ll never have the answers that I need to “move on” or “accept” the massive cave of despair her absence has created. It has, however, made me realize that despite the pain of not having her in my life, I have a responsibility and a need to be present for the people that I love, and I will continue to strive to be the best possible wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and therapist that I can be. My conversation with my cousin reminded me of the important and incredibly impactful moment I had with a client shortly after my sister’s death.

psychology, personal growth, personal essay, issue #90, local practitioner

Yoga, Yoga column, Namaste Katie, issue #90

Namaste, Katie--Fall 2025 Yoga Column

Yoga, Yoga column, Namaste Katie, issue #90

I also adore leading, or more often being led by, these foundational elements of yoga. This is That: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras Padas 1 and 2 by Anand Mehrotra, gets right to the heart of your question when he writes “… it is very dangerous to translate it merely as “Thou shall speak the truth and only the truth.”” He goes on to explain that all of our truths are subjective, based our own experiences, and not based on any universal or unbiased truth. He extrapolates that if we are in conflict, our truth is filtered through the lens of that conflict.

Yoga, Yoga column, Namaste Katie, issue #90

music, local, local artists, issue #90, local business

A Look at Great Lakes Performing Artists Associates: A Champion for Human Connection Through Music

music, local, local artists, issue #90, local business

As arts funding dwindles and screens pull audiences away from live experiences, one Ann Arbor nonprofit is quietly transforming the cultural landscape with soul and purpose. For nearly five decades, Great Lakes Performing Artist Associates (GLPAA) has championed real human connection through music.

music, local, local artists, issue #90, local business

spirituality, issue #90, dreaming, Personal Essay

A Spiritual Journey Begins With A Dream

spirituality, issue #90, dreaming, Personal Essay

Those “angsty” teenage things suddenly meant nothing though when my father abruptly died from a heart attack at the age of 57. I was 19. The incredible pain, fear, emptiness, and anger of those days can’t be adequately described. I felt like I carried huge, black, heavy boulders inside my body. It was hard to lift my feet. Smiling and laughing had become foreign to me. I carried the weight of the world on my shoulders.

spirituality, issue #90, dreaming, Personal Essay

science and spirituality, book review, issue #90, perception

Book Review: Your Creator Matrix:How to Use Optimal Wellness and Quantum Healing to Master Your Story and Create Your Reality

science and spirituality, book review, issue #90, perception

Your Creator Matrix by author Cathleen Beerkens blends deep personal insight with cutting-edge science to offer a roadmap for taking control of your story and reprogramming your reality in the process.

science and spirituality, book review, issue #90, perception

animals, intuition, communication, animal communication, issue #90

What’s It Like to Be an Animal Communicator?

animals, intuition, communication, animal communication, issue #90

My first real conversation was when I started talking to a squirrel one day to practice my new skills. He interrupted with, “Don’t just waltz in here and start talking, that’s rude! Be. Become. Then ask if someone wants to talk.” He flicked his tail and departed, and I saw the name Tuu-Liss in my mind.

animals, intuition, communication, animal communication, issue #90

retreats, issue #90, Weekend Getaways, Red Feather Retreat Center

Weekend Getaway--Red Spirit, A Westward Escape

retreats, issue #90, Weekend Getaways, Red Feather Retreat Center

My path to Red Spirit was a bit circuitous but had nothing on owner Karen Duffin’s journey to create the southwestern Michigan escape. Originally from central Illinois, Duffin moved to the area in the 1960s, when her husband relocated for work. Circumstances led the couple to move back to Illinois in the early 1970s, but they wanted to return to Michigan to start a farm. Fast forward to the 1990s; Duffin was divorced and the owner of 20 acres of undeveloped land between Allegan and Saugatuck. Duffin became a caretaker of the land and when she saw a red glow enveloping the landscape, it moved her to name the area “Red Spirit.” Few others have seen the glow, but visitors with psychic and wellness backgrounds “love the energy.” It inspired her to create an intimate, restorative space imbued with natural beauty.

retreats, issue #90, Weekend Getaways, Red Feather Retreat Center

food and nutrition, food section, local business, issue #90

Cottage Food Businesses in Michigan: Creative Connections and Community

food and nutrition, food section, local business, issue #90

Michigan’s Cottage Food Law allows small businesses to make and sell homemade foods from their home kitchens without cumbersome and expensive commercial licensing or inspections. Goodies like breads, jams, cookies, candies, granola, and more can be sold directly to consumers at farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and fairs. It can be a wonderful way to connect with the community.

food and nutrition, food section, local business, issue #90

witch, witchcraft, pagan, fall 2025 events, issue #90

Exploring the Magic of Community— A Look into Metro Detroit’s Autumn Witch Gatherings

witch, witchcraft, pagan, fall 2025 events, issue #90

To those familiar with the Pagan community, it’s well known that Michigan casts a strong and enduring spell when it comes to Pagan gatherings. Whether you’re a long-time practitioner of earth-based spirituality, or simply curious about modern witchcraft, you’ll find open arms and thoughtful conversation at gatherings like Witches’ Night Out, the Witches’ Ball, and Pagan Pride events throughout southeast Michigan. These community-driven experiences don’t just bring people together, they cultivate shared knowledge, spiritual growth, and a deeper sense of connection.

witch, witchcraft, pagan, fall 2025 events, issue #90

art, writing, creative writing, poetry, issue #90

Dzanc House ~ You’re in the Right Place

art, writing, creative writing, poetry, issue #90

Within a beautiful historic house, nestled in the southside historic district of Ypsilanti, you will find a space for creatives where there are regular events, activities, and gallery exhibitions. Upon approaching the house, one will see writing on the window: Dzanc House, you’re in the right place. This is not only an indicator of having found the correct house, but also a way of communicating to the community at large that there’s a place where they belong. Whether it is for reading, writing, drawing, printmaking, knitting, crocheting, embroidering, performing, or simply absorbing the art—you’re in the right place.

art, writing, creative writing, poetry, issue #90

cooking with Lisa, issue #90, recipes, vegan

Cooking with Lisa

cooking with Lisa, issue #90, recipes, vegan

Recipes for fall 2025: Maple Roasted Delicata Squash Salad and Kale and White Bean Stew

cooking with Lisa, issue #90, recipes, vegan

community leaders, issue #90, Sandor Slomovits

Leaders and Followers

community leaders, issue #90, Sandor Slomovits

Variants of the phrase, “Preparing the Leaders of Tomorrow” occur regularly in ads and promotional materials for schools, businesses, the military, and other organizations. Whenever I come across it, I can’t help thinking, “What about the followers?”

community leaders, issue #90, Sandor Slomovits