RUMFORD — Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods invites the public to observe Earth Day by participating in a drumming circle and learning about herbs, oils, yoga and stress management.
Earth Day “is all about celebrating creation on Earth and recognizing that the Earth is a living entity,” store owner Sandee Gordon said. She and four other like-minded Earth lovers will share their knowledge at workshops Saturday, April 22.
“When drumming circles take place it’s really designed to be in tune to the gifts that the Creator, God, Jesus, Buddha” and others have given to all, drummer Mitzi Sequoia of Rumford said. “The Creator gives us Mother Earth to take care of, to respect; to not dishonor it by throwing trash or soda bottles or other things on the side of the road. So, we take care of the land and the land, in turn, takes care of you.”
Her drum was handmade by Native Americans and her Native American totem, a cougar, is hand-painted on the drum. She said she once saw a cougar swimming at Little Concord Pond in Peru and she knew the cougar was her totem animal.
“Cougars are very wise animals and you won’t ever see one or hear one unless it wants to be seen or heard; it’s about stamina and inner strength. So, the (totem) animal represents the spiritual gifts that a human being should have based on what animal they see.”
Herbalist Darlene Akers of Andover will help participants create an Ayurvedic spice mix, which they will bring home with the recipe.
“It’s a great spice blend that helps aid digestion,” Akers said. “Sometimes our bodies need cleansing after the long winter and the heavier foods we eat, so this is great for springtime.”
Katie Sloma of West Paris, a representative of Doterra Essential Oils, will teach attendees the benefits of using essential oils aromatically or on their skin during the spring and summer. Attendees will create and take home a roll-on oil of their choice and will learn about its components. Essential oils are naturally occurring aromatic compounds that are found in seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers and other parts of the plant, Sloma said.
“Essential oils can be used for a wide range of emotional and physical wellness,” she said. “For example, lavender oil is good for soothing occasional skin irritations, it can reduce anxious feelings, and it promotes peaceful sleep. Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, and overall wellness and reduces the appearance of skin imperfections, like age spots and sun spots, and it supports healthy cellular function,” she said.
Dr. Cory St. Denis, a traveling chiropractor from Jay, will speak at a potluck lunch about stress management. He recommends avoiding genetically modified organisms, artificial additives and food colors, and processed foods.
Those planning to attend the Earth Day events are asked to call 207-507-1625 so presenters know how many to expect. Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods is at 72 Congress St.
Earth Day events schedule
9:30-10 a.m. — Sandee Gordon, a certified Iyengar yoga instructor, will teach chair yoga, which is suitable for all experience levels.
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Darlene Akers will show how to make an Ayurvedic herb mix. There is a $10 charge for this class.
11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Dr. Cory St. Denis, a traveling chiropractor, will speak about stress management. Attendees are encouraged to bring healthy food to share for lunch.
1 p.m. — Katie Sloma, a representative of Doterra Essential Oils, will teach about the benefits of essential oils. Attendees will create for themselves a roll-on oil. There is a $10 charge for this class.
3 p.m. — Mitzi Sequoia of Rumford will lead a drumming circle. Please bring a drum or percussion instrument.
mhutchinson@sunmediagroup.net
Mitzi Sequoia of Rumford will lead a drumming circle at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22, at Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods store, 72 Congress St., Rumford.
Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods store owner Sandee Gordon, clerk Lauren Gammon-Wild and Mitzi Sequoia demonstrate a drumming circle. The store at 72 Congress St. in Rumford is offering several activities on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22.
Katie Sloma of West Paris, a representative of Doterra Essential Oils, will talk about the benefits of essential oils at Earth Day activities at Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods, 72 Congress St., Rumford, on Saturday, April 22.
Herbalist Darlene Akers of Andover will help participants create an Ayurvedic herb mix at Earth Day activities at Good Karma Cafe and Health Foods, 72 Congress St., Rumford, on Saturday, April 22.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
Success. Please wait for the page to reload. If the page does not reload within 5 seconds, please refresh the page.
Enter your email and password to access comments.
Hi, to comment on stories you must . This profile is in addition to your subscription and website login.
Already have a commenting profile? .
Invalid username/password.
Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration.
Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.
Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.