WINTER 2019 | VOL. 27, ISSUE 1

OUR VISION:

Creating a compassionate and sustainable world through personal, community & cultural transformation.

THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE by Becky Allen

This inscription on a bench at Eventually, medical doctors began to Highbanks Metro Park reminds us why "I go to nature to be soothed prescribe nature exposure to reduce we are so drawn to the natural world. stress and improve mental outlook. As We seem to know instinctively that time and healed and to have my a result, privately funded sanitariums in nature heals—body, mind, and spirit. senses put in order." and health resorts, located deep within natural settings, flourished. People The practice of turning to nature for who couldn’t afford this luxury found healing has a long history. Virtually ~ JOHN BURROUGHS, NATURALIST respite in newly created metro parks, all preindustrial indigenous peoples such as New York City’s Central Park. engaged in ceremonies, rituals, and However, the notion that nature could medical practices tied to nature. Healers have a medicinal effect on the mind and from the East Indian ayurvedic tradition body was purely anecdotal. As the 20th to traditional Chinese medicine have century began to unfold, a demand for long advocated nature exposure as a scientific evidence grew. As a result, prescription for healing. the “assumed” benefits of nature In 19th century America, nature writer immersion were dismissed in favor of Henry David Thoreau and naturalist a chemical means of reducing stress. John Muir urged people to find peace The emerging pharmaceutical industry and calm in nature. The rapid expansion came to the rescue. of cities and industries during this period was causing an increase in See Healing Power - page 6 mental distress.

Winter selection is Journey of the Universe: An Epic Story of SIMPLY LIVING Cosmic, Earth and Human Transformation by Brian Thomas BOOK CLUB Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker. SUNDAY, MARCH 31 3:30 - 5PM Optional vegan buffet from 5 - 6 pm Portia's Cafe Film version screened on March 24 4428 Indianola Ave (see page 2). Register on Eventbrite. Cols, OH 43214 Contact: [email protected].

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 1 SIMPLY LIVING EVENTS

DOCUMENTARY FILMS + MEETUPS/SOCIALS CARE + SHARE LOCAL SOLUTIONS Join SIMPLY LIVING at gatherings held in TIME BANK a variety of different locations each A showcase of Share food, network, month. We learn, network, and usually independent, documentary participate! Each enjoy food or share refreshments. From films addressing a variety potluck includes a our book club discussions to exploring of current issues. Often program or guest local issues and annual community events, followed by Q&A with speaker. Topics vary we value our times to 'meetup' in person. experts representing local each month. Always free and fun! organizations. For more info, visit For questions, contact Chuck Lynd at www.hourworld.org/bank/?hw=1057 [email protected] or 614.354.6172

2 - 4 PM 6 - 8:30 PM 7-9 PM SUN THU MON 27 Love Thy Nature: Key to Saving 31 Central Ohio Transition 14 Orientation Ourselves and the Planet Hub Team Meeting First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Studio 35 Cinema and Drafthouse Northwood High Bldg, Room 100 Cols 43214 (Rm 7) 3055 Indianola Ave, Cols, OH 43202 2231 N High St., Columbus OH 43201 Narrated by Liam Neeson. Love Thy Nature is a lovely We'll show the film, Transition 2.0, for inspiration as 6:30-8:30 PM JANUARY cinematic journey through the beauty and intimacy of our we imagine new projects to make our communities SUN vital relationship with the natural world. This gorgeous resilient as we confront the climate crisis locally. Community film shows that a renewed connection with nature is key 20 See page 3 for more details. not only to our well being, but also to solving our climate Potluck and environmental crises. Q&A to follow the film. $10 First UU Church, Fellowship Hall suggested donation or pay whatever you can afford. 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 Special Program: Ernestine Jackson, AARP volunteer, speaking about Senior Caregiving.

7 - 9 PM 12 - 3 PM 7-9 PM TUES Planetary: Reconnect to SAT Simply Living's 27th MON 26 23 11 Orientation Something Bigger Annual Meeting First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Drexel Theater Indian Oven Cols 43214 (Rm 7) 2254 E Main St., Bexley OH 43209 427 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 PLANETARY is a cross continental, cinematic journey, All members and friends are welcome to celebrate with 6:30-8:30 PM that explores our cosmic origins and our future as a delicious Indian food! We'll be honoring Sarah Edwards, SUN FEBRUARY species. It is a poetic and humbling reminder that now who has just retired. We will toast our Garden Tour 17 Community is the time to shift our perspective: to reconsider our Committee leaders, and present an award to two of our Potluck relationship with ourselves, each other and the world innovative business members for their work in greening around us – to remember that we are PLANETARY. the energy system. Meet the Board and learn about our First UU Church, Fellowship Hall Q&A to follow the film. $10 suggested donation or pay plans for the coming year! Please share your ideas and 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 whatever you can afford. volunteer your time as we build a new Team Structure Program by Steve Bosserman - in 2019. "CSTB - The Next Chapter"

2 - 4 PM 3:30 - 5 PM 7-9 PM SUN SUN MON Orientation 24 Journey of the Universe: 31 Simply Living 11 An Epic Story of Cosmic, Book Club First UU Church 93 W Weisheimer Rd Earth and Human Transformation Portia's Cafe Cols 43214 (Rm 7) MARCH Northwood High Bldg, Room 100 4428 Indianola Ave., Columbus 43214 2231 N High St., Columbus OH 43201 We will discuss the book, Journey of the Universe, 6:30-8:30 PM by Brian Swimme and Mary Evelyn Tucker. Journey SUN JOURNEY OF THE UNIVERSE is an epic film about the of the Universe transforms how we understand our Community human connection to Earth and the cosmos, This one-of- 17 origins and envision our future. Though a little book, a-kind film was created by renowned scientists, scholars, Potluck it tells a big story—one that inspires hope for a way in and award-winning filmmakers led by co-writers Brian which Earth and its human civilizations could flourish First UU Church, Fellowship Hall Thomas Swimme, the acclaimed author and evolutionary together. This book is part of a larger project that 93 W Weisheimer Rd, Cols 43214 philosopher, and Yale University historian of religions includes a documentary film, an educational DVD Mary Evelyn Tucker. Together they weave a tapestry of series, and a website. The film will be screened on scientific discoveries in astronomy, geology, biology, March 24 (see above) and an online discussion will ecology, and biodiversity with humanistic insights be available to participants. concerning the nature of the universe. BOARD OF DIRECTORS: BOARD OF DIRECTOR'S COLUMN Dan Barash, President Amy Ceccoli Farewell Sarah. Mac Crawford Chuck Lynd Hello to our newest volunteer! Jenée Murphy Lynn Stan The last few months have been busy for Simply Living! Executive Director Sarah Edwards left her role in November, after four years of outstanding GENERAL leadership. We are extremely grateful for Sarah’s vision, energy, and INFORMATION: tremendous work ethic. Sarah’s tenure included numerous successes such Christine Hardin, as the creation of Simply Living Sustainable U, exciting new formats for our Office Manager annual Gift to be Simple fundraiser, and increased awareness of Simply Living Lisa Kreischer, Bookkeeper through collaborative community partnerships. Fortunately, Sarah will remain Office: 614.447.0296 engaged with Simply Living as a volunteer and advisor. Thank you, Sarah! E-mail: [email protected] We have attracted two new Board members. Lynn Stan brings her business www.SimplyLiving.org savvy as co-owner of Celebrate Local Ohio and decades of community Office Hours: by appointment; networking experience. Mac Crawford is a founding member of the give us a call! Clintonville Energy Collaborative and an expert in climate change and the Transition Town movement. Our office is located at 2997 Indianola Ave. Chris Hardin recently stepped down from the Board, and then started a new Columbus, OH 43202 at the role as our office manager. Her outstanding organizational talents will be Salt Mines, a co-working put to good use in her new position. SL member Lisa Kreischer is our new space, just south of Studio 35 bookkeeper and QuickBooks expert. Mayda Sanchez, owner of Unlimited Media, has been retained to help us with technology issues. SIMPLY LIVING serves as the Transition Hub in central The Board will have our annual Retreat in early February. This is where we Ohio to promote resilient, take stock and set the direction and goals for the new year. The search for sustainable communities. a new Executive Director will be a major topic, along with expanding our We are affiliated with committee teams. TransitionUS.org.

We look forward to 2019 as a year for Simply Living to grow and continue to SIMPLY LIVING is affiliated be guided by our values of sustainability, compassion and community. with the Northwest Earth – With gratitude, Simply Living Board Institute and offers all their courses on sustainability topics. Contact: [email protected]

SIMPLY LIVING is affiliated with the local Care & Share Time Bank. SL volunteers Mac Crawford Chris Hardin Lisa Kreischer Mayda Sanchez Lynn Stan may earn HOURS to exchange services with other members. Contact: We'll start with refreshments, [email protected] introductions, and a discussion of the Transition Town movement. SIMPLY NEWS For background, read The Big Picture NEWSLETTER: CENTRAL OHIO by Richard Heinberg. Jenny Alberti, Graphic Design TRANSITION HUB www.resilience.org/ Joanne Wissler, Proofing stories/2018-12-17/the-big-picture/> Robert Studzinski, TEAM MEETING Photographer We'll show the film, Transition 2.0, for THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 6 - 8:30 PM inspiration as we imagine new projects THANK YOU TO ALL to make our communities resilient as Northwood High Bldg, Room 100 WHO VOLUNTEER! 2231 N High St., Columbus OH 43201 we confront the climate crisis locally.

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 3 SIMPLY LIVING’S BUSINESS MEMBER DIRECTORY

Please support SIMPLY LIVING’s local business members. In addition to yourselves, they help support our efforts to “build local.” You might also mention that you saw their listing in our directory!

AUTOMOTIVE

TONGDA AUTO SERVICE 3395 & 4100 Indianola Ave Cols, 43214 614.262.1426 Auto Service | Sales | Lease | Rental TongDaAuto.com

BANKING ECO-SOLUTIONS HEALTH & WELLNESS

KEMBA FINANCIAL COMMUNITY SHARES OF COMPASSIONATE CREDIT UNION MID-OHIO COMMUNICATION CENTER 614.235.2395 1699 W Mound St. OF OHIO Kemba.org Cols, 43223 2350 Indianola Ave 614.262.1176 Cols, OH 43202 speakingpeace.org 614.558.1141 CLASSES / WORKSHOPS CommunityShares.net

BIG GREEN HEAD Worthington, OH [email protected]

BigGreenHead.com DENTAL ALTERNATIVES 150 E Wilson Bridge Rd Worthington, 43085 614.888.0377

Community Education for Sustainable Living Dentistry for better health

Sustainable.SimplyLiving.org DentalAlternatives.net

COMMUNITY MARKETS DESIGN ENERGY JUDY FASONE, RN, MSN 421 W State St, Cols, 43215 Certified Senior Trager® 614.507.3073 Practitioner 614.284.7167 BEXLEY NATURAL Community Power Builders judyfasone.com MARKET design-energy.net 508 N Cassady Ave Bexley, OH 614.252.3951 KARYN DEIBEL ECOHOUSE SOLAR Certified Senior Trager® BexleyNaturalMarket.org 614.456.7641 Practitioner 614.261.6480 EcoHouseSolar.com The Trager® Approach DESIGN [email protected]

PIINK IINK STUDIO KEEP WAYNE WILD KELLER CHIROPRACTIC Columbus, OH 422 Morse Rd 330.285.2569 KeepWayneWild.com Cols, 43214 piinkiink.design 614.885.4480

KellerDC.com

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 4 HEALTH & WELLNESS (cont) NATURAL LANDSCAPING

SUSTAINABLE SERVICES, LLC SUNNY GLEN WELLNESS OUR MISSION: RANDALL LOOP, LMT, MLC, OM 3507 Sunny Glen Pl SIMPLY LIVING is a community 1560 S 4th St Columbus 43224 Cols, 43207 404.603.6284 organization that celebrates 614.496.4595 www.facebook.com/ and connects people to learning [email protected] SunnyGlenWellness opportunities that promote RandallLoop.com community sustainability, WILD ONES environmental awareness, and our COLUMBUS CHAPTER local economy through educational WildOnes.org outreach and partnerships within our community. RESTAURANTS WELLNESS FORUM 510 E Wilson Bridge Rd THE CREST GASTROPUB CO-WORK SPACE Ste G, Worthington, 43085 2855 Indianola Ave and 621 Parsons Ave, Cols 614.841.7700 SALT MINES 614.261.7128 2997 Indianola Ave WellnessForum.com TheCrestGastropub.com Cols, OH 43202 614.859.9559 www.saltmines.us TRISM 1636 N High St. Cols, 43201 614.369.1450 THEATERS / FILM trismcbus.com

WORTHINGTON OPTIMAL WELLNESS REAL ESTATE 6180 Linworth Rd Worthington, 43085 614.848.5211 DUNIGAN REAL ESTATE GROUP WorthingonOptimalWellness.com 3500 N High St, Cols, 43214 614.361.8400 www.CindyDunigan.com INSURANCE SimplyLiving.org

GRUBER INSURANCE CATHERINE HOPE- 3040 Riverside Dr CUNNINGHAM GATEWAY FILM CENTER Cols, 43221 614.383.8379 University District 614.486.0611 1550 N High St Cols, 43201 GruberInsurance.squarespace.com chopecunningham.com 614.247.4433 chopecunningham.careltorealty.com gatewayfilmcenter.org LOCAL MEDIA

WGRN FM SHOPS GRANDVIEW THEATER 1021 E Broad St. AND DRAFTHOUSE Cols, 43205 DABBLE AND STITCH 1247 Grandview Ave, 614.360.1878 211 E Arcadia Ave Grandview Hts, 43212 [email protected] Cols 43202 wgrn.org 614.407.4987 grandviewtheater.com DabbleAndStitch.com MUSIC & ARTS STUDIO 35 CINEMA AND DRAFTHOUSE 3055 Indianola Ave Cols, 43202

INTERESTED IN SIMPLY Studio35.com LIVING BUSINESS

COMFEST MEMBERSHIP? DREXEL THEATRE Annual Festival Contact us at [email protected] or 2254 E Main St Promoting Progressive 614.447.0296 for more details. Cols, 43209 Social Change Drexel.net ComFest.com

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 5

HEALING POWER - continued from page 1

Today, nearly two decades into the 21st number of our natural killer cells, which century, the EPA reports that Americans attack cancer and harmful pathogens, are spending 90% of their time in can increase by 50%! And this effect can buildings or vehicles. It is no wonder we last for weeks. suffer from a sense of uprootedness and Today, due to these dramatic findings, are still searching for salvation from our forest-bathing walks and retreats fast-paced, stressed-out lives. Computer are occurring all over the world. The technology promised to make our lives Association of Nature and Forest easier and happier, but in many ways, it Therapy Guides and Programs has has done the opposite. We’ve become trained over 600 guides in 40 countries. slaves to our screens—information But what exactly is forest bathing? addicts. And sadly, with this addiction have come even higher levels of anxiety Forest bathing is a slow, meditative walk and depression, as well as a decline through a forest. It is typically less than Community Education for in empathy, cognitive function, and a mile and lasts anywhere from two to Sustainable Living general health. four hours. As you walk, a trained guide invites you to breathe deeply and open Fortunately, over the same period, your senses. Listen to birdsong, feel scientists around the world have been the textures of leaves and bark, smell studying the effects of nature immersion wild herbs, watch a pair of frolicking on human physiology. By measuring squirrels. As you tune in to these heart rate variability, blood pressure, sensory experiences, you become more muscle tension, and cortisol and Looking to build present. Your usually busy mind grows amylase levels—all markers of stress— quiet and your body relaxes. A loving your sustainability researchers have been able to determine and tender connection soon develops the effect that time in nature has on knowledge and skills? between you and the rest of the forest the body and mind. When humans world. It is this intimate relationship with Already an expert? reconnect with nature, especially in the nature that provides a source of healing forest, their nervous systems reset; they and joyful well-being. feel calmer and more relaxed. It is the Get involved with SIMPLY LIVING Sustainable U, an initiative that place their DNA recognizes as home. To gain the full benefit of forest bathing, organizes workshops/classes that make it a practice. Return again and Because time in nature puts us in train and educate people about again throughout each season. The a more balanced state, our minds sustainability topics and practices. forest will welcome you. and bodies can begin to heal. Nature immersion has been shown to improve Guided forest-bathing walks are Questions about our initiative or do you cardiovascular and respiratory health; scheduled throughout the year in Central have a class to offer? enhance mental clarity, concentration, Ohio. On the fourth Sunday of every Email Chuck at [email protected] and creativity; hasten healing from month, Highbanks Metro Park is the surgery; reduce incidence or severity site of a two-hour, guided forest-bathing of depression, anxiety, and other mood excursion led by Cindy Lanese.. Also, disorders; decrease feelings of anger Upper Arlington’s Parks and Recreation and aggression; and improve sleep. Department will be offering three guided Upcoming classes and workshops forest-bathing walks January through are announced in the LEARN Perhaps the most significant research March of 2019. findings have come from Japan, where section of our weekly Community an activity known as shinrin yoku, or So, try it out! You might begin with a Update. Visit SimplyLiving.org/blog forest bathing, has been practiced guided experience and then enjoy forest for decades. Researchers there have bathing on your own. If you don’t have discovered that natural chemicals access to a forest, look for ways to known as phytoncides (fight inside), engage your senses at a nearby park which are emitted from evergreen or in your own backyard. Reconnect trees, work in concert with our immune with the natural world and enjoy the systems. As we breathe in these many benefits! Watch our website for our chemicals during a two-hour walk, the upcoming Northwest Earth Institute discussion courses.

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 6 BECOME A MEMBER OF SIMPLY LIVING Fill out and mail in the form below along with a check OR sign up online at SIMPLYLIVING.ORG.

Please Print Clearly Check One: New Renewal

LOCALIST LEVELS NAME(S) ☐ $35 Individual $50 Family ADDRESS ☐ $20 Young Adult (<30) or Senior (>60)

CITY STATE ZIP SUSTAINER LEVELS ☐ $500 Community Builder PHONE ☐ $250 Idea Launcher ☐ $100 Friend EMAIL ☐ Monthly Pledge ($8.50 or more) ______By providing your email, you will be added to our Community Update ____ Please send “YES!” Magazine (Monthly Pledgers) weekly email unless you opt-out below. Do not add me to email list BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP In an effort to be both fiscally and environmentally responsible, we will Our members and the community at large refer to SIMPLY LIVING send a full-color interactive newsletter via e-mail unless you request a hard copy be mailed to you. for relevant and current resources. Join us as we build a vibrant local and supportive community for a resilient future! Questions? I prefer a hard copy of newsletter Contact Chuck Lynd at [email protected] or call 614.447.0296 Make checks payable to SIMPLY LIVING and Send to: for more details. Simply Living PO Box 82273 SIMPLY LIVING is a 501(c)(3) organization. Membership dues and contributions Columbus, OH 43202 are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Monthly pledges mean • Become a Sustainer CONTINUING OFFER . . . no more requests to when you Pledge update your membership! GET A FREE SUBSCRIPTION $10/month or more Save Trees! through your bank or TO YES! MAGAZINE! HOW? credit card. Call Sarah at 614.447.0296 for details.

Our members have been pioneers The global consumer economy is not for 25+ years in learning to live sustainable. Business as usual is not responsibly and joyfully on the earth. sustainable. SIMPLY LIVING attracts Today, SIMPLY LIVING is a hub of the cultural creatives working to change wheel turning communities toward a this status quo. We are a nonprofit, sustainable future. We have a broad grassroots organization affiliated vision to co-create “a compassionate nationally with the Transition Town and sustainable world through movement and the Business Alliance personal, community, and cultural for Local Living Economies. We are transformation.” As individuals, we intergenerational and welcome people WHO WE ARE encourage voluntary simplicity. As a of all ages, colors, creeds, sexual By Simply Living Board of Directors community, we advocate for localization orientation or gender identity. to rebuild our local economy, our food system, and transition to renewable Please join us in our work to leave energy. As a culture, we promote the world better than we found it for holistic approaches to living in future generations. harmony with nature. E-mail: [email protected].

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 7 NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID PO Box 82273 COLUMBUS, OH Columbus, OH 43202 PERMIT NO. 7268

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED DATED MATERIAL

Simply News, a publication of SIMPLY LIVING, is published on a quarterly basis.

THANKS TO ALL WHO CAME OR DONATED TO OUR ANNUAL FUNDRAISER!

SIMPLY LIVING'S 27TH ANNUAL MEETING When: Saturday, February 23, 2019 12 - 3 PM Where: Indian Oven 427 E Main St. Columbus, OH 43215

Meet the Board and learn about our plans for the coming year! Please share your ideas and volunteer SAVE THE DATE! SAVE your time as we build a new Team Structure in 2019.

SEE PAGE 2 FOR DETAILS!

WWW.SIMPLYLIVING.ORG SIMPLY NEWS | WINTER 2019 PAGE 8