Natural Living Center — Attraction in Bangor

Today I experienced just how kind, caring and empathetic people, especially those at the Natural Living Center, can be. Today was one of my closest and dearest friends orientation at The University of Maine. It was a big and important day and we are not from around there. After waking up me and her father packed up our belongings from where we were staying and headed over to pick her up. We decided to browse the bookstore until she was done when the minor pain that I had been experiencing all day got worse by the second. It got to the point where it hurt to cough and breathe and I was nearly in tears. It was still early and most vitamin and supplement stores hadn't opened yet and wouldn't open for at least another hour or so. I am unable to take over the counter pain medication or pain maintenance that is prescribed due to other medical issues. In a desperate attempt to find anything that would make me feel better I did a quick google search which led me to the Natural Living Center. I was simply amazed by what they had to offer but so literally blinded by pain that I couldn't focus. It was the first time I physically could not walk myself around and ended up quite miserably in one of the motorized scooters. Myself and my best friend were frantically browsing their selection of natural remedies (which is what I use in my home state) and I think that both of us were a little overwhelmed. I couldn't see, I couldn't focus, when all of a sudden this lovely woman named Nancy appeared from behind me and asked us if we needed help. As I tried to hold back tears and winces of pain I explained to her as calmly as I could what I had been dealing with for the last six or seven months. Doctors have been unable to find a source for my pain as well as my fatigue and insomnia swings and offered no help... and I have seen three of them. I sat there still trying to collect myself as she handed me product after product to see if it would ease my pain (and unintentionally my mind). She not only browsed everything they had for me based off of what I could explain to her, she listened and was genuinely concerned. Wished me the best and managed to do and help me MORE in what I consider one of my worst painful moments and times of need than three separate doctors have been attempting to do for SIX MONTHS, I was so embarrassed and ashamed to have to wheel myself around that store at such a young age for the first time in my life but it eventually subsided because no one there judged me, not even the customers, no one was dismissive of my pain but empathetic and helpful and no one made me feel like what I was going through didn't matter and that I was either making it up or it was all in my head. I left there, still in pain, but with my spirits so much higher because they were able to provide me with products that worked BETTER than what I had been getting back home as well as understanding and genuine kindness. I will never be able to express the thanks and gratitude that I felt as I applied new stronger cream to my aching body as we pulled out of the parking lot. So from the very bottom of my heart thank you to all of the staff that assisted me and helped me but especially to Nancy, you will truly never know how grateful I was to have met you that day and have your help and guidance. No one and nothing has been able to make me feel better than the products you had me try and that in itself is a miracle in it's own right. You never appreciate your body and what you have until you wake up one day in the middle of winter and realize that at the young age of 24 you can't take care of yourself or your 5 year old child on your own like you were able to do without blinking an eye before. Again, thank you so much. I wish there were more people (and not to mention establishments) like you...

The Natural Living Center is one my very favorite places to be in Bangor and has been since I first started shopping there 35 years ago , when I first moved back to Central Maine from the Boston area at that time. Health food stores should be familiar friendly helpful places where you learn a lot and you are never intimidated by asking the smallest question. Whether you are a new customer not familiar with the Establishment or a regular in the mood to browse for new items , Books ,or many other educational materials you can relax and take your time without feeling pressured.That was and still is that place. Thirty - five years ago I had two infants and was looking for organic baby food. One of the owners at the time immediately took me under her wing and made me feel right at home. I was in the store several times a week for the baby food as it was only sold by the individual jars and a bit costly. When she found I was traveling 70 miles round trip 3 times a week with my 2 infants to purchase this food - she immediately arranged for me to purchase it by the Case at a much lower cost. That's the kind of place it is. They have a wide variety of items packaged and in bulk.. The people there are very helpful , even the other customers are. I noticed it is lacking in a variety of plant based milk products but have a wide variety of most all other items, such as produce , juices books ,and of course health food for your pet. Compared to other Health Food stores I think it is reasonably priced in general There his also a small deli located in the far corner of the Store. The Natural Living Center is a place were you cannot help but have a bit of new knowledge and a positive attitude to take with you when you leave. And that's...

The best store of its type anywhere around ! Rather expensive, but that's to be expected. A we'll established business which has been in the area for at least 40 yrs and have developed to their present day and are still listening ! You can expect to find everything from bulk: grains, brewers yeast, golden seal/root and etc ... All sorts of brewing nessecities, gluten and lactose free products, potato flour+ such, veg's, drinks, rice milk,rice dream, oils, essances + etc,.. books on herbs, etc, etc, etc ... There are herbs, vitamins, supliments, frozen + fresh natural food, a luncheon counter W/ table and chairs. They also morters and pestle', and a # of other items for gifts or yourself, etc, etc, etc ... Let us absolutely NOT FORGET all of the VERY FRIENDLY, Caring and HELPFUL Staff/ Employees. They can be a way to get to. But are close to the Bangor Mall, Target etc, and it is in the same building as Black 🐻 Medical on Stillwater Are. Hope you can experience all they have to offer soon ! PS They have gladly accepted food stamps almost as long as they have...