tag:www.naturalawakeningsnj.com,2005:/categories/community?page=6Community | Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey Page 6Healthy Living Healthy Planet2022-05-02T13:50:27-07:00urn:uuid:dddca9e3-aae3-4d2e-ab2f-5e93f76dee8b2019-08-15T21:13:31-07:002022-05-02T13:50:27-07:00Hot Topic: Farmers Responding to Climate Change2019-08-15 21:13:28 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>limate change has inspired farmers to turn to regenerative agriculture, which pulls carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and stores it in their soil. Regenerative agriculture incorporates the practices of planting trees, cover cropping, no-till farming and rotational grazing. As the groundswell of support grows, 250 soil health bills have been introduced in state and federal legislatures in the last two years. At a U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee climate change hearing, Nebraska soybean farmer Matthew Rezac said that keeping soil healthy, not just reducing greenhouse gas emissions, was a key part of what farmers could do to cool a warming planet. According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, the bills have different justifications, but they all focus on soil health. As disastrous floods and drought sweep away farmland, the idea that regenerative agriculture could make for more productive farming is gaining traction.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the August 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:05b3575a-f35b-4493-92dc-172d355521812019-08-19T11:57:44-07:002019-08-19T12:12:45-07:00Acorn Holistics Offers Hypnosis and Meditation Sessions2019-07-26 17:12:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he brain is like an iceberg. The conscious mind is the 10% that can be seen above the water and comprises logical thinking and memories. The subconscious mind is the 90% that cannot be seen and deals with beliefs, emotions and imagination. A hypnotist taps into the subconscious mind to rewire the brain to create positive habits. Bruce and Debbie Cialfi, co-owners of Acorn Holistics, help their clients retrain their brains in order to solve their problems and overcome life’s obstacles.</p>
<p> At Acorn Holistics, a client first receives a complimentary phone consultation to target what they have been trying to achieve or change. Then, they attend a series of safe, confidential appointments where Debbie or Bruce speak to their subconscious mind and guide them through hypnosis with positive statements and affirmations that are targeted to work on specific triggers.</p>
<p> Meditation can be another tool in the toolbox when trying to tackle problems such as anxiety, stress, smoking or weight loss. Debbie explains, “through meditation, a person can tap fully into the subconscious mind, just as a hypnotist does in hypnosis. Through instruction in meditation, one can learn to calm and focus the mind.” Many people feel that meditation is not for them because they cannot “turn off their brains,” but in reality, they just need guidance. Accessing the mind is attainable through hypnosis and meditation.</p>
<p><em>Location: Acorn Holistics, 46 Main Street, Netcong. For more information, call 973-475-8989, email <a href="mailto:Info@AcornHolistics.com">Info@AcornHolistics.com</a> or visit <a href="http://AcornHolistics.com">AcornHolistics.com</a>.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:9032a77f-8d3b-4724-978f-e8a2e6f1c1632019-08-19T11:57:51-07:002019-08-20T08:27:20-07:00Roots : healing with nature’s pharmacy2019-07-26 16:54:00 -0700Ryan Frisch<p>War has been declared on the opioid epidemic, and at long last, Americans are realizing that they’ve been overmedicated for too long. There are alternative healing options available, and the awakening is happening across the country.</p>
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<p>Plant medicine is emerging as a powerful ally in the war on drugs. It’s strange how using herbs, plants, roots, flowers and bark as medicine is considered alternative, or off the beaten path when, in reality, it’s the oldest and most natural way to treat and cure countless maladies that plague the human race. For many millennia, research has been taking place regarding the medicinal value and properties of plants.</p>
<p> One of the oldest written resources for plant medicine can be found in an ancient Egyptian papyri, Ebers Papyrus, which dates back to 1550 BC and is believed to have been rewritten from an even older record. Through countless trial and error experiments, ancestors of the human race have been discovering the many benefits that Mother Earth has to offer through her foliage. They’ve passed this information onto us through writings, teachings and oral histories. Many countries and cultures throughout the world still rely heavily on Earth’s bounty for healing.</p>
<p> It’s difficult to identify exactly how, when and why some cultures continued to follow nature’s trail, while others decided to follow a concrete runway which led to manmade pharmaceuticals. Perhaps it’s how east and west differ on their view of total health. Most eastern philosophies view medicine as treating the whole person, which includes the body, mind and spirit. It is all connected through one energy, and when one element is treated, they are each treated in turn. In the west, however, there is an obvious distinction between the body, mind and spirit. It is that scientific divide that drove the evolution of how people and ailments are diagnosed and cared for.</p>
<p> As more and more Americans are being called to fight in their own health management battle, it is vital that they have all of the information that is available, so a well-developed plan of attack can occur. Education is key. The more people know about their medicinal options, the stronger their arsenal will be when they take a stand and command control of their whole health—mind, body and spirit.</p>
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<p> </p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e0c9ab79-49d2-4afc-a096-489060f53e3d2019-08-19T11:57:50-07:002019-08-19T12:12:34-07:00Herbal First Aid Kit2019-07-26 16:49:00 -0700Wendy Warner<p><span class="dropcap">A</span> simple way to get to know herbs is to use them for first aid issues. Consider making up a box filled with remedies to take with you on vacation, or to send to college with your child. Be sure to include instructions.</p>
<p> Which remedies to include in an herbal first aid kit can be determined by keeping in mind who might be using them: What allergies do they have; What might they be exposed to; What issues might arise?</p>
<p> Be aware of the vast quality differences in products on the market. Especially when it comes to herbs, the cheapest will not be the best. Avoid ordering products from large online suppliers, as they do not keep their warehouses appropriately temperature- and humidity-controlled, which damages the products. Consult an informed practitioner if pregnant, nursing or on any prescription or over-the-counter medication, as there could be interactions with the herbs.</p>
<p> There are many different herbs one could include in a kit. Below is a sample of the most common and easiest to come by.</p>
<p><strong>Andrographis:</strong> for viral illness when taken internally. Still works after several days of symptoms (unlike echinacea). Take 200mg every two hours for the first 12 hours, then four times daily until symptoms resolve. Although liquid herbs—teas or tinctures—are typically preferred, this herb is best as a tablet or capsule, as the tincture is extremely bitter and unpleasant.</p>
<p><strong>Arnica: </strong>for wound healing, bruising, muscle soreness. Safe when used as a homeopathic, either topically or internally. Do not use the herbal tincture internally. For the homeopathic form, use several “pellets” under the tongue three times daily until the bruising starts to turn yellow/green. For the topical cream or gel, use as needed for muscle pain or bruising. Note: Once the bruise starts to turn yellow/green, switch to the homeopathic remedy Ruta, at the same dosing, until the bruise is resolved.</p>
<p><strong>Cantharis:</strong> a homeopathic remedy for bladder infections. Use 30C strength, several “pellets” under the tongue every three to four hours for symptoms. If started when symptoms first arise, one can avoid a full-blown infection; use for several days. Can use up to 10 days to treat a mild bladder infection and avoid antibiotics. If bladder infections frequently arise after intercourse, take one dose as a preventative after each intercourse event.</p>
<p><strong>Chamomile: </strong>for wound healing and insect bites when used as a topical ointment; for indigestion, IBS, cramps (either gastrointestinal or menstrual), headaches, insomnia when taken internally as a tea. Tea: use one tablespoon dried herb in 10 ounces of water. Drink three to four cups per day. Tincture: use 60 to 120 drops in water three times daily. To make a topical ointment, mix two drops essential oil in one teaspoon aloe gel and apply to skin.</p>
<p><strong>Cinnamon: </strong>for nausea/vomiting from food poisoning (kills E coli) when taken as tea; for heavy menstrual flow when taken as tincture internally; also helps regulate insulin when taken internally. Tea: one teaspoon powder in eight ounces water; steep covered for 20 minutes. Drink four ounces three to four times daily. Tincture: use 40 drops in water two to four times daily until bleeding slows. (This can be used each month, on a regular basis, for heavy flow).</p>
<p><strong>Jamaica Dogwood: </strong>use internally for mild to moderate pain of any kind. Tincture: 60 to 120 drops in water, every two to three hours as needed. Combines well with California poppy (same dose). Add passionflower tincture also if the pain is causing anxiety (60 drops.)</p>
<p><strong>Marshmallow: </strong>use internally for GERD and stomach upset. Works especially well when used with an infusion of ginger root. Use 40 drops tincture in water in the morning for GERD. For ginger infusion, chop ginger root finely; place in tea infuser. Put this in a mug, cover with boiling water for 10 minutes. One cup each morning.</p>
<p><strong>Motherwort: </strong>for muscle spasms, palpitations, stress related heart disorders, anxiety when taken internally. Tincture: 60 drops in water three times daily. Tea: one teaspoon dried herb in eight ounces water; steep 20 minutes. Two to three cups daily. Caution: use only for short periods of time if hypothyroid; could make thyroid condition worse.</p>
<p><strong>Oscillococcinum: </strong>This isn’t an herbal, but a proprietary homeopathic remedy. Extremely effective for colds and flu. It is sold in “individual dose” vials, but in reality, that small vial is actually two to three doses. Take one-half to one-third of the vial (small “pellets”) and dissolve under the tongue once or twice a day until feeling better. Some believe that it is helpful to use as a preventative once a week to avoid seasonal colds. This isn’t proven but can’t hurt.</p>
<p><strong>Peppermint: </strong>use internally for gas, nausea, indigestion and morning sickness. Tea: one to two teaspoons dried herb in eight ounces water; steep 15 minutes. Three to four cups daily. The essential oil has many uses: place on gum for tooth pain, inhale to relieve headaches. Mix several drops with aloe gel and use topically to speed healing of herpes lesions and athlete’s foot.</p>
<p><strong>Plantain: </strong>This is a common weed, and during most of the year it can easily be found outside—worth learning what it looks like. Use bruised, fresh leaves to speed healing of cuts, insect bites, poison ivy (chew up or mash/cut up fresh leaves, place on area and wrap up with gauze bandage). As a tea or tincture, for gastritis, cystitis, bronchitis. Tea: two teaspoons dried herb in eight ounces water; steep 15 minutes. Three to four cups daily. Tincture: 60 to 120 drops in water twice daily.</p>
<p><strong>Sweetish Bitters: </strong>used internally for indigestion and constipation. The actual herbs in this herbal blend will vary slightly by manufacturer, as many different bitter herbs will work. Typically included are milk thistle, dandelion, gentian, fennel. Tincture: 60 to 120 drops in water one to two times daily. Option: Make a “mocktail” with bitters in sparkling water; add fresh lime slice. Drink this prior to a big meal that might cause indigestion.</p>
<p><strong>Valerian: </strong>for insomnia with anxiety; also for diarrhea and stress-induced gastrointestinal symptoms. Tea: one-half teaspoon dried root in eight ounces water; steep 60 minutes. Two to four cups daily. Tincture: 30 to 60 drops in water three to four times daily. Note: This herb should not smell like dirty socks. If it does, it is a poor quality product and should be avoided. Also note that some people have an idiosyncratic reaction to this plant and actually become more agitated when taking it. This is unpredictable; if it occurs, discontinue use.</p>
<p><strong>Yarrow: </strong>use internally for IBS, bleeding ulcers, heavy periods, “nervous stomach”. Topically, stops bleeding. Tea: one teaspoon dried herb in eight ounces water; steep 15 minutes. Drink three to four cups daily. Tincture: 60 to 120 drops in water three times daily. For topical use, liquid tincture can be placed directly on the cut, then wrap the area with gauze bandage.</p>
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<p><em>Wendy Warner, M.D., ABIHM, IFMCP, practices holistic medicine at Medicine in Balance, in Langhorne. For more information, call 215-741-1600 or visit<br>
<a href="http://MedicineInBalance.com">MedicineInBalance.com</a>. </em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:f12b9a4a-ce84-4a3d-8e34-de1fa25cdf312019-08-15T21:48:12-07:002019-08-23T16:03:02-07:00Action Alert: Greenhouse Gases Hit Landmark2019-06-28 09:38:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">C</span>ertainty that we are facing a climate crisis today and not just in the future was reached in May through an alarming milestone in carbon dioxide levels. Data from the Mauna Loa Observatory, in Hawaii, shows that the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached 415 parts per million, the highest ever recorded.</p>
<p>However, environmental organizations charge that ominous news like this is not being communicated to the public to the degree warranted. While the CBS, NBC and ABC nightly TV news reports combined devoted nearly 18 minutes of coverage to the birth of the royal baby between May 6 and 12, airtime regarding climate change and extinction during the same period only amounted to one minute and 21 seconds, and only on CBS.</p>
<p>For more information and to get involved, including signing a petition to demand that the media cover the climate crisis and extinction more frequently and in greater depth, visit <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/call-it-a-climate-crisis?source=350-org&utm_medium=email&utm_source=actionkit">Action Network's Call it a Climate Crisis petition</a>.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:0e7a1d2c-a706-4174-9a5e-dae6d818fc722019-08-15T22:02:41-07:002019-08-15T22:02:41-07:00Alarm Sounded: Ireland Declares Climate Emergency2019-06-28 09:38:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">T</span>he Republic of Ireland is the third country worldwide to declare a climate emergency, with both the government and opposition parties agreeing to an amendment to a climate action report. “We’re reaching a tipping point in respect of climate deterioration,” says Climate Action Minister Richard Bruton. “Things will deteriorate very rapidly unless we move very swiftly, and the window of opportunity to do that is fast closing.” The UK governments of Wales and Scotland have also declared climate emergencies. Suggested responses include limiting oil and gas exploration, and issuing an additional biodiversity emergency measure.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the July 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:5de802c2-1902-4e30-bcde-a324865620492019-08-19T11:57:41-07:002019-08-19T11:57:41-07:00Inclusion Festival Returns in August2019-06-25 21:41:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>nclusion Festival, billed as the nation’s first and only sensory-friendly music and wellness festival, is an event designed to include and accommodate people of all ages and abilities. Attendees are invited to participate in a variety of educational and wellness workshops, enjoy sensory-friendly live music, engage in mindfulness practices and build supportive connections. The festival will be held August 9 through 11, at Mountain Sky Festival Grounds, in Jermyn, Pennsylvania.</p>
<p> Music festivals evoke feelings of joy, connection and open-mindedness, and present powerful platforms for inspiring social change. However, large crowds and loud music can limit opportunities and enjoyment for individuals living with sensory-processing issues like autism, ADHD and anxiety. This unique event, developed around the ideas of accessibility, inclusion and compassion, not only benefits those with special needs, but also strengthens the well-being of society by demonstrating what is possible when communities recognize and embrace the potential contribution of all people.</p>
<p> Amy Pinder, who co-founded the event with Leah Barron, shares, “We all have special gifts and talents, and we all have a purpose. I believe it is our responsibility as a society to support one another (with love, understanding, respect and compassion) along our path to identify, cultivate and actualize our purpose, so that we, individually and collectively, can experience true happiness and be free from fear and anxiety.”</p>
<p><em>Location: 63 Still Meadow Lane, Jermyn. Tickets, sponsorships, volunteer and vending opportunities are available at <a href="http://InclusionFestival.com">InclusionFestival.com</a>. For more information, call 716-204-8881 or email <a href="mailto:InclusionFestival@gmail.com">InclusionFestival@gmail.com</a>.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:7f02f562-5257-4a15-9de7-739c51717ee12019-08-19T11:57:40-07:002019-08-19T11:57:40-07:00SUMMER STRUGGLES OF SOCIAL MEDIA 2019-06-25 21:29:00 -0700Isabella Dussias<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>ummer is here, and so are all the exciting adventures that come with it. Along with having beach days and attending concerts, teens are highly active on social media during the summer months. Posting a picture of the sunset or a video of Fourth of July fireworks is surprisingly important to capturing the essence of summer in a teen’s eyes. However, social media can negatively affect teens that aren’t involved in the fun activities they view on their friends’ accounts. When interviewing a few of my peers, we came to the conclusion that social media is a great tool to connect with friends over summer vacation, but also can be detrimental to our confidence.</p>
<p> Let’s talk about Instagram. For those that are unaware, Instagram is a popular social media site that allows users to post pictures that their followers can view and comment on. When asking a friend of mine about how Instagram has affected her, she explained that she often finds herself comparing her lifestyle and physical appearance to those of celebrities and models that are active on the site. She also mentioned that during the summer she finds herself doing this more often because of the types of posts that surface during these months. Pictures that feature celebrities’ perfect bikini bodies and expensive vacations can make teens feel the pressure to have those things as well. From a male perspective, a friend of mine explained to me that he feels he can only post certain types of pictures on Instagram that showcase his talents and physique, keeping “sappy posts” or anything too “emotional” to a minimum. This just shows how prevalent toxic masculinity is on social media. Although Instagram can be a unique tool to connect with people of the same generation, teens have to be careful of how seriously they take the content on the site.</p>
<p> VSCO is another social media site that is similar to Instagram, but the majority of the users on this app are females, and the content is more geared toward photography. When ask how VSCO has impacted her confidence, my friend explained that it makes her feel insecure about being single. A lot of posts on VSCO are related to couples, whether it’s a screenshot of their text messages, or pictures of their romantic dates. There’s nothing wrong with these posts, but when girls start questioning their own lifestyles and begin to alter themselves to be deemed as more appealing, a problem arises.</p>
<p> Is there a set answer to help solve these social media-inspired confidence issues teens face? No. But there are definitely ways we can help prevent them. The first step is realizing that on social media, people put their best foot forward. They don’t post the pictures that are unflattering. They don’t talk about their struggles, but only emphasize their achievements. For all you know, your favorite celebrity’s smile in that picture with a million likes is completely fake. Take a step back and sign out of your account for a little bit. The key to confidence is focusing on your assets and being the best version of yourself.</p>
<p><strong>Introducing Isabella</strong></p>
<p><em>Isabella Dussias is a 16-year-old composer of classical and contemporary music from New Jersey. She writes, produces and sings her own original songs, which often reflect on issues that are important to today’s youth. She performed her first original piano solo at Kids Helping Kids with Cancer at age 11, and she has performed original classical piano works at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and in Vienna, Austria. Her original orchestral works have been performed locally, as well as by the Orlando Symphony Orchestra in the Walt Disney Theatre. Dussias also enjoys scoring music for film. She has been a finalist in the Marvin Hamlisch Film Scoring Competition for the last three years, as well as been involved in local contemporary music competitions. She is most passionate about writing music with messages that reflect the issues of today’s society.<br>
Look for her music on Apple Music, Spotify and at <a href="http://IsabellaDussias.com">IsabellaDussias.com</a>.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:92bc9454-9de5-4072-bf04-dc86e758c9222019-08-15T22:17:04-07:002019-08-15T22:17:04-07:00Action Alert: Banish Toxic Air in Plane Cabins2019-06-04 17:29:51 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">F</span>lying safety is more than making it to our destination; it’s about the air we have to breathe while in the skies. Toxic fume events can occur when air, contaminated by engine exhaust, fuel fumes, de-icing fluids and/or ozone, enters the aircraft cabin through the jet engine intake. Exposure to even low levels of these contaminants can incapacitate passengers and crew, and long-term exposure could lead to debilitating health issues.</p>
<p>In April, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced the Cabin Air Safety Act (H.R. 2208) to protect commercial airline passengers and crew from toxic cabin air. Follow its progress at <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/">GovTrack.US</a>.</p>
<p>The bill would require training on toxic fumes for all pilots, crew members and flight attendants; make sure the Federal Aviation Administration maintains a record of all reports of and conducts investigations into all toxic fume occurrences; and direct the airline industry to install detectors in the air supply system of planes to locate sources of contamination.</p>
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<em>Contact a congressional representative, listed on <a href="https://www.govtrack.us/">GovTrack.US</a>, to support the bill.</em></p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4a28bade-c08f-4d3a-be9f-7853561502082019-08-15T21:07:40-07:002019-08-15T21:07:40-07:00Find a Green Space and Make a Friend: Outdoor Colors Increase Trust and Happiness2019-05-31 08:47:09 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">I</span>ntegrating green spaces among living areas increases trust among strangers, according to a study from Canada’s University of Waterloo. Participants in walking tours of a Vancouver neighborhood were asked to complete a smartphone questionnaire at six stops, including at a rainbow-painted crosswalk and both wild and manicured community gardens. Researchers found that colorful design elements and green spaces were linked to higher levels of happiness, plus greater trust of strangers and environmental stewardship. “The urban design interventions we studied are relatively simple and low cost, but show great potential to improve individuals’ emotional and social lives,” says Hanna Negami, lead author.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the June 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:22759cd6-a844-401d-b225-306564ab13882019-08-19T11:57:34-07:002019-08-19T11:57:34-07:00The Zen of Kickboxing2019-05-25 10:23:00 -0700By Rosie Lazroe<p><span class="dropcap">A</span>lthough yoga is a major part of my life, there is nothing like a good cardio workout. Every so often I explore a new type of cardiovascular exercise, and as I dove in to my latest cardio adventure, I wondered when my love for cardio began. A trip down memory lane led me back to high school, when the seeds of a physically fit lifestyle were first planted.</p>
<p> I recalled that as a teen I had a hearty appetite and loved food of all kinds. Like many teens, I enjoyed lounging around eating junk food. In fact, one of my favorite pastimes included digging into an entire chocolate cake while playing video games. It was glorious! Gradually those lifestyle choices took a toll on my girlish figure, and I gained a ton of weight. To my rescue, my father introduced a structured, healthy eating plan based on height and age. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled me at a reputable taekwondo studio, and I began taking several classes per week. One year later I was 25 pounds lighter.</p>
<p> In my teenage years, the groundwork and foundation for a health-conscious lifestyle was built. I believe that when we introduce ideals to our children with a joyous heart, it can have a positive impact on them for life. Establishing healthy eating habits and a regular exercise routine as a teenager was paramount in helping me remain physically fit as an adult.</p>
<p> Which brings me to my latest cardio adventure, American kickboxing. Of course at this point in my life journey I explore everything from a yogic perspective. I breathe deeply as I wrap my hands and prepare to punch and kick things for an hour. I connect with my inner yoga ninja to use my muscular structure mindfully as I dive into my 47th burpee. I make sure to reward myself with a few yoga postures in between reps, and I know that it’s only a matter of time until I let out a robust “Hi-yah!”</p>
<p><em>Rosie Lazroe is a certified yoga teacher and master reiki practitioner. For more information, call 732-596-7384, email <a href="mailto:Rosie@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com">Rosie@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com</a> or visit <a href="http://RosieLazroe.com">RosieLazroe.com</a>.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:3092e7cf-11e5-440a-b5ac-f32ed6e2ed6e2019-08-15T21:43:09-07:002020-08-28T05:27:37-07:00On the Brink: Monarchs Need Species Protections2019-04-30 08:46:35 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">B</span>eing listed as part of the Endangered Species Act would protect monarch butterflies. In the 1980s, about 4.5 million butterflies spent winters along the California coast. This season’s stay is shaping up to consist of only about 30,000. Fully 99 percent of the species listed under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 are still with us today. To urge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to give monarch butterflies the proven protection of the Endangered Species Act in June, <a href="https://environmental-action.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=30696&supporter_KEY=4753973&uid=eab647396525300f3882f7266bac6d38&utm_source=salsa&utm_medium=email&tag=email_blast:58517&utm_campaign=EAC4-FCNS:WILDLIFE:MONARCH-1218&utm_content=EM9:00C:0HH-AAP">sign the petition with Environmental Action</a>.</p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the May 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:6dd4e59d-ac41-44c6-8d4d-e327e60a63d02019-08-19T11:57:55-07:002019-08-19T11:57:55-07:00Pollinating Madison for Mental Health Awareness2019-04-29 10:57:00 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">M</span>adison High School students, Girl Scouts, senior citizens, interfaith organizations and the Madison, NJ community at large are turning their Optimism into Action by participating in “Pollination”—the collaborative public art project with artist and Optimist, G. Riley Johndonnell (a.k.a. Uncle Riley), where they will be creating a community garden of 100 flowers hand-painted on 10-inch round yellow discs. On the back, they will be writing their ideas for how to brighten Madison. These optimistic ideas will be shared with the mayor’s office as the garden “pollinates” the front lawn of the Hartley Dodge Memorial Building on May Day (May 4).</p>
<p> This public art project is part of a larger, town-wide initiative called “Madison INTOyellow” which will be taking place May 4 to May 11. Madison INTOyellow is an annual, free, week-long series of arts, educational and social events that support and celebrate local community mental health resources in honor of National Mental Health Month. All events are programmed with the shared intention to shine a light on the stigma of mental health and inspire community connection through collaboration and creativity.</p>
<p><em>For information, please visit Into<a href="http://Yellow.com/Madison">Yellow.com/Madison</a>.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:160040b6-9534-4698-9f77-3a037e464c4c2019-08-19T11:57:58-07:002019-08-19T11:57:58-07:00Being Present as the Future Unfolds2019-04-29 10:38:00 -0700Hannah Adamson<p><span class="dropcap">S</span>pring has finally arrived and so has Decision Day and AP exam season. Needless to say, May is a big month for many teens, especially seniors.</p>
<p> For those of you who aren’t familiar, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are high school classes that are taught at a college level. In May, these courses have standardized exams that determine if students can get college credit. Many students spend countless hours studying for these exams and can find them overwhelming.</p>
<p> While they do offer a way for students to make themselves stand out to a college and even get a jumpstart on college credits, they can also cause a lot of stress. It is important for teens to remember that relaxation and sleep are just as important as studying. Even taking a walk in the sunshine can help to relieve stress. Studying is beneficial only if it is done in moderation.</p>
<p> May is also a big month for seniors as they make their final decisions about post-graduation plans. May 1, Decision Day, is often seen with many students wearing college apparel. After late nights of submitting applications and days of checking the mail for decision notifications, we finally have a concrete plan of what is happening next year. This is also an exciting time for those who are planning to take a gap year, travel, join the armed service or dive right into working. Going to high school is a major part of being a teen, and these last few months are bittersweet as some aspects of childhood are ending and adulthood is beginning. Just as the flowers are blooming and nature is starting anew, so are we in many ways.</p>
<p> I think the most important thing to remember amongst exam stress and anticipation for the future is to enjoy the present moment; to take the time to enjoy the weather, spend time with friends, appreciate family and connect with your true self. Instead of rushing through these spring days, slow down and appreciate this part of<br>
the journey.</p>
<p><em>Hannah Adamson is a senior in high school. She practices meditation and takes ThetaHealing courses with Reshma Shah in Westfield, New Jersey.</em></p>
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<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:796bf86f-4019-478f-8a71-bfefeb8eed2a2019-08-15T21:36:22-07:002019-08-15T21:36:22-07:00Support Citizen Action Against Plastics2019-03-29 08:54:06 -0700Anonymous<p><span class="dropcap">E</span>very minute, the equivalent of an entire garbage truck of plastic gets dumped into our oceans, reports the World Economic Forum. Many of the materials are disposable, single-use plastic products like straws, bags and Styrofoam containers, which some cities and towns have banned. This type of citizen action is increasingly blocked by the Plastic Industry Association (PIA), which has spent big money to successfully ban plastic bag ordinances in 10 states where 70 million Americans live. This means local communities are prohibited from taking effective action that could reduce the plastics that litter our streets and pollute our waterways.</p>
<p>The Sierra Club is calling on nine major corporations that are members of the PIA to withdraw from it with an online petition. So far, two have indicated they will not be renewing their memberships this year: Clorox (which owns companies like Burt’s Bees, Brita and Glad) and the Ascena Retail Group (which includes Ann Taylor and Loft).</p>
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<em>To participate, sign the <a href="https://addup.sierraclub.org/campaigns/end-support-for-plastic-polluting-our-oceans/petition/end-support-for-plastic-polluting-our-oceans">Sierra Club's online petition</a>. Other action steps, including tweeting and involving friends, are also detailed.</em></p>
<p class="fineprint"><br>
<em>This article appears in the April 2019 issue of </em>Natural Awakenings.</p>
<hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>