tag:www.naturalawakeningsnj.com,2005:/categories/inspiration?page=2Inspiration Inspiration | Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey Page 2Healthy Living Healthy Planet2023-08-31T07:49:51-07:00urn:uuid:43314791-6fc8-4ec5-8135-fccc59467bb52023-07-15T13:35:22-07:002023-08-31T07:49:51-07:00Walking in Wonder2023-07-31 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>Before life snagged us in its insidious net of obligations, our child selves discovered awe around every bend. We poked our noses into fluffy, new dandelions and saw faces in passing clouds. “Why?” was a perpetual mantra we lived by, no doubt testing the patience of loved ones. Somewhere along the way, our eagerness to jump into the lap of the world and be held by magic gave way to a new way of being.<br></p><p><br></p><p>In 1942, Albert Einstein wrote to his old friend, German psychiatrist Otto Juliusburger, “People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live. What I mean is we never cease to stand like curious children before the great Mystery into which we were born.” This quote reminds us to stop wading in the daily grind and dive into the deep end of everyday magic. </p><p><br></p><p>Discovering a new musical artist, learning about a country we never heard of and touching emerald moss during a Sunday hike wakes up the child in us, the self that is impervious to pessimism. Observing a flower at ground level with the bees or reacquainting ourselves with the changing wheel of constellations not only re-sparks our ability to respond to life but also reinforces our connection to the infinite. </p><p><br></p><p>Courting curiosity is the domain of cats, as well as the most contented humans. Rekindling our wonderment is even better when shared with kindred souls, and the ripple effect can travel further than we might expect. Here are some inspirations:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Without a set plan, get in the car with a friend and see where the day takes you. Pack a picnic and stop for lunch somewhere off the beaten path.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Regardless of artistic ability, begin a nature journal and record small bits of the seasons throughout the year.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Check out a book or two from the children’s section at the library and be young again.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Create a daily practice of daydreaming about something delightful that has nothing to do with the past or the future.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Start a local meet-up with others that share a common passion: books, healthy baking, trains or thrifting.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Revisit a childhood or teenage interest and don’t explain why.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.JaguarFlower.art" target="_blank">JaguarFlower.art</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:ceb6a68d-28dc-49f8-bddb-18a1efc43ec62023-07-17T17:21:10-07:002023-09-05T09:11:45-07:00Lifelong Learning: Benefits of Being the Forever Student2023-07-31 06:30:00 -0700Linda Sechrist<p>It’s never too late to take an evening drawing class at the local high school, learn a language with the help of an app or get one-on-one tutoring from a piano instructor. Adults of any age can find personal and professional benefits when they engage in what is termed “lifelong learning”. It is a great way to spice up retirement, acquire skills for a coveted promotion, master new technology, express creativity or simply keep the mind sharp. Lifelong learners are generally curious, self-motivated and passionate individuals. Their continuing educational pursuits can lead to mental and emotional benefits, including healthier, more fulfilling lives. <br></p><p><br></p><p><b>Brain Benefits</b></p><p><br></p><p>In a study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/pss" target="_blank">Psychological Science</a> involving 200 seniors, neuroscientists at the Center for Vital Longevity at The University of Texas at Dallas found that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities—such as learning digital photography or quilting—significantly enhanced memory function in older adults. The researchers were surprised to discover that the control group, which engaged in fun, social activities without learning a new skill, did not perform as well in memory tests.</p><p><br></p><p>In a report published in the journal <i>Neurology, </i>Dr. Keith Johnson from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that people engaged in higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lives can delay the onset of memory problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, although it does not represent a cure for the illness.</p><p><br></p><p>The mind is a use-it-or-lose-it tool, says <a href="https://www.lisevansusteren.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Lise Van Susteren</a>, a general and forensic psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. “What better way to use our short-term and long-term memory than to engage in lifelong learning? The older we get, the less likely we are to exercise short-term memory. We program our phones with numbers we call regularly. We store passwords and usernames in our computers and never attempt to memorize credit card numbers,” she explains. “We’re not using our brains enough, leaving us open to being replaced by AI [artificial intelligence]. The brain is a muscle to be exercised regularly or like a car that you must keep tuned up.”</p><p><br></p><p>Susteren points to a five-year study of London taxi drivers, which found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial for long-term memory and spatial navigation, was larger than average in the brains of these cabbies. What's more, the neuroscientists at University College London were able to show through magnetic resonance imaging that this gray-matter growth occurred over a four-year period after the drivers had memorized an intricate network of 25,000 streets and thousands of routes to tourist attractions and city hotspots. According to Van Susteren, this study suggests that intensive learning can spur the brain to grow over time.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Making Every Day Count</b><br></p><p>Ingrid Bianca Byerly, a Duke University educator and world traveler, describes lifelong learners as audacious, curious and fun-loving people that passionately seize the day. In a TEDx StGeorge talk entitled “The New Fountain of Youth: Lifelong Learning”, she recounts the invigorating experience of being on the faculty of three Semester at Sea voyages, where she taught adults world music and global advocacy for humanitarian causes while visiting exotic ports of call. </p><p><br></p><p>“Entering college, you’re asking yourself, ‘What am I going to do for a job and a paycheck,’ and at retirement, you’re asking, ‘What is my purpose, and what am I going to do with the rest of my life for my personal fulfillment and enrichment?’” Byerly admires lifelong learners for pursuing life goals, learning to play musical instruments, taking art classes, climbing mountains and writing memoirs, and surmises that the secret to staying young and keeping the mind vibrantly alive is adult education.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Life-Altering Pursuits</b></p><p><br></p><p>For some lifelong learners, seeking new opportunities and embracing change are compelling motivators. Take Maia Toll, for example. In 2006, she followed a whim to study herbalism with a traditional healer in Ireland. For the elementary school teacher living in Beacon, New York, botanical herbs had only been a hobby up to that point.</p><p><br></p><p>“Apprenticing with Eleanor changed everything,” she says of her experience with her Irish-based mentor. “I had the space in my life and money from selling my house. Three months turned into nearly a year, and upon returning home, I continued studying for four more years.”</p><p><br></p><p>Toll left her teaching career to become a full-time herbalist and is now the co-owner of a shop called Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives. She has taught herbalism at West Chester University in their School of Public Health, led a study program in the Amazon rainforest and written several books, including her latest, <i>Letting Magic In. </i>As she explains it,<i> “</i>Lifelong learning can change your life at any age.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>A Greater Commitment to Learning</b></p><p><br></p><p>For more than 40 years, Jim Walker was a college educator and administrator for schools in Los Angeles before retiring in 2003. He recalls teaching a labor law class as an adjunct instructor for Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, and estimates that about 80 percent of his students were lifelong learners, which he defines as adults between the ages of 30 and 45 that were interested in the subject matter for personal or professional reasons rather than satisfying a requirement for a college degree. </p><p><br></p><p>“It was obvious to me that these lifelong learners were more dedicated students than college students. They were like sponges and wanted to absorb everything. Occasionally during classes, it was the lifelong learners that were on their phones googling the subject and updating my facts,” says Walker, who admits that when he had more free time in retirement, he enrolled in meteorology and astrology courses to satisfy longstanding interests of his own.</p><p><br></p><p><b>The Joy of Achieving Milestones</b></p><p><br></p><p>In love with learning and the sense of accomplishment she feels whenever she masters a subject, Doreen DeStefano, of Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, in Fort Myers, Florida, has been earning degrees since 1987. She holds bachelor’s degrees in nursing and exercise physiology, master's degrees in criminology and public business administration, and a doctorate in natural health. “In medicine there is always something new to learn,” she says. “I think that’s why I chose this field. It's fun to learn the latest thing.” </p><p><br></p><h2><b>Resources</b></h2><p>There are numerous opportunities for learning, in person and online.<br></p><p><br></p><p><b>In-Person Classes</b></p><p><b></b></p><ul><li>For people that work full time, many cities offer evening classes at a high school, college or civic center on a wide range of subjects. </li><li>Museums and art institutions commonly host demonstrations and in-depth instruction by local artists. </li><li>A neighborhood music store can lead to connections with musicians that tutor burgeoning rock stars. </li><li>For those harboring thespian aspirations, a hometown improv group or regional theater may be holding auditions or offering acting classes. </li><li>Dance studios help people step up their ballroom dance skills. </li><li>Contact a chef or visit a kitchen supply store for cooking lessons. </li><li>A nearby botanical garden or gardening shop may offer how-to classes for growing native or pollinator plants. </li><li>Pick up sewing tips at the fabric store. </li><li>If a class is not offered, create a study group that meets at a cafe or park to learn together. </li></ul><p><br></p><p><b>Online Lessons</b></p><ul><li>To become proficient in a new language, check out apps like <a href="http://www.RosettaStone.com" target="_blank">RosettaStone.com</a> and <a href="http://www.Duolingo.com" target="_blank">Duolingo.com</a>.<b> </b></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.YouTube.com" target="_blank">YouTube.com</a> is an endless source for instructional videos of every variety. </li></ul><ul><li>Visit <a href="http://www.Ted.com" target="_blank">Ted.com</a> for informative and inspiring TED talks by global experts in their respective fields. </li></ul><ul><li>For students that wish to learn while taking nature walks, a vast world of podcasts awaits. </li></ul><ul><li>For transformational learning, try <i><a href="http://www.MindValley.com" target="_blank">MindValley.com</a>,</i> <i><a href="http://www.UbiquityUniversity.org" target="_blank">UbiquityUniversity.org</a>,</i> and <i><a href="http://www.Gaia.org" target="_blank">Gaia.org</a>.</i></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.Coursera.org" target="_blank">Coursera.org</a> offers many streaming courses, documentaries and films.</li></ul><ul><li>Auditing university classes at prestigious, world-class schools is just a click away. Visit these popular sites, many of which offer courses for free: Harvard University (<i><a href="http://www.pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free" target="_blank">pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free</a>), </i>Stanford University<i> (<a href="http://www.Online.Stanford.edu/free-courses" target="_blank">Online.Stanford.edu/free-courses</a>), EdX (<a href="http://www.EdX.org" target="_blank">EdX.org</a>) </i>and<i> </i>The Open University<i> (<a href="http://www.Open.edu" target="_blank">Open.edu</a>). </i></li></ul><p><br><i></i></p><p><br></p><p><i>Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to </i>Natural Awakenings<i> publications for 20 years.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fc0a70ca-1d7b-4430-b37b-0a49da22a0932023-06-16T15:10:14-07:002023-07-31T09:05:33-07:00The Sweet Tapestry of Summer2023-06-30 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato <p>July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness.</p><p><br></p><p>Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land. </p><p><br></p><p>Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?</p><p><br></p><p>Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.</p><p><br></p><p>We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d35b11ae-e34f-4559-af52-b61056c838cc2023-05-15T17:07:33-07:002023-08-09T20:31:17-07:00Barefoot Blessings: Basking in the Soul of Summer 2023-05-31 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, well-worn lives.</p><p><br></p><p>Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those who do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world. </p><p><br></p><p>June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:0998e1ec-62ff-4c11-bbf1-2045e7a0d8582023-04-18T18:46:47-07:002023-06-01T11:08:54-07:00The Divine Messiness of Motherhood2023-04-28 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>The pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors. </p><p><br></p><p>It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Self-care enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.</p><p><br></p><p>“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes. </li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Play a favorite song and dance with your kids.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Avoid over-scheduling and “shoulds”.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><i></i><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:7bc1a593-68ea-41e3-b32f-8186643a3d9d2023-03-17T11:26:41-07:002023-04-30T18:18:59-07:00The Earth as Muse: Inspiration Meets Conservation2023-03-31 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>The Earth is both our mother and our muse, sustaining our lives and blessing us with beauty when we make time to notice her perpetual creative forces. She has long inspired expressive souls of all disciplines, but some of our modern innovators are merging talent with the urgent need to minimize toxic impact. This eco-vision has resulted in some awe-inspiring efforts. <br></p><p><br></p><p>In an awareness-based art installation he calls Ice Watch, Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson collected 30 blocks of glacial ice found free-floating near Greenland and placed them in public settings across London where passersby could observe them melting. </p><p><br></p><p>Artists John Dahlsen and Rox De Luca spotlight the plastic waste catastrophe in their sculptures and paintings by using debris washed up on the shores of Australia’s beaches. Their sculptural assemblages hang from ceilings and criss-cross walls, driving home the prediction by the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/?src=DAG_2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0B9ETX7C7D_woS_fglxw_iSTrkq8i96Qpn66KzC5Hl37orq5aIJkYgaAja0EALw_wcB" target="_blank">World Economic Forum</a> that by 2050 our precious oceans will be more crowded with plastic than marine life. </p><p><br></p><p>When creating our own art, we can join these stirring visionaries by minimizing toxic impacts.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Buy Earth-friendly art supplies for the kids</b>. The common crayon contains chemicals like formaldehyde and asbestos, which are harmful to humans and the planet. Opt for biodegradable glitter, non-toxic modeling clays and recycled paper. For more sustainable supply ideas, visit <a target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/EcoArtSupplies</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Get creative with single-use trash items</b>. Paper towel cardboard rolls, plastic shopping bags, bottles, straws and cutlery can be turned into fun projects for kids, teens and adults. Whimsical mobiles, sculptures and magical miniature cities are just a few ideas to conjure while contributing to Earth Day every day. For more ideas, visit <a href="http://www.Tinyurl.com/SingleUseTrashToArt" target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/SingleUseTrashToArt</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Inspire environmentalism by choosing art implements that celebrate nature. </b>Consider using alternatives to toxic solvents, pigments and varnishes. Look for sustainable brushes made from bamboo or corn and easels fashioned from eucalyptus wood.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is a visionary painter who hosts art exhibits for community healing. She is also an author and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildFlowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildFlowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:aa13e853-1f15-4d0d-a837-5bf63d9e49002023-02-16T11:15:41-08:002023-04-04T13:19:15-07:00 The Cellular Magic of Compassion2023-02-27 06:30:00 -0800Marlaina Donato<div>
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<p>Dropping off a homemade treat on a neighbor’s porch or going out of our way
for a stranger can make the recipient’s day, but the giver also gets a boost.
Thanks to a scientifically proven cascade of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, performing regular acts of kindness forges new neural pathways in the brain, amping up our cognitive ability while reducing symptoms of anxiety
and depression.</p>
<p>The “helper’s high” is as real as the runner’s high and, according to sources cited by
the <a href="https://kindspring.servicespace.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRo788anYbIsxL5vYVJ6S2WHiD4sSiFOKRSHIY7D8Pb2PrdDH3f1oC0aAmuUEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Foundation</a>, neurotransmitters stimulated by compassion have a stronger influence on health and longevity than exercise and other positive
lifestyle factors.
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<p>Studies show that practicing kindness for just seven days increases happiness, but
the magic is ephemeral. Oxytocin, the “love chemical” that bonds humans to each
other, floods the bloodstream for only four minutes after a positive interaction, which
means the more doors we hold for each other and the more we offer small soul-gifts to
others, the more we train our brains to be happier and our bodies to be less sensitive to
chronic pain patterns.
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<p>Of course, giving must be counterbalanced with a healthy ratio of receiving. Expressing compassion to ourselves is equally as important and effective. Including the self is paramount in purposeful generosity. Allowing ourselves the full range of human
emotions without judgement, giving our bodies that much-needed extra hour of sleep,
buying fresh flowers for our office and crediting ourselves for daily accomplishments
are all easy ways to turn on endorphins.
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<p>The more joyful we can be in our own skins, the more likely we are to beam that joy out into the world. Being both giver and receiver to ourselves blesses us with an
understanding of why expressing benevolence is vital to the planet. “The more you are
motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be,” said the Dalai Lama,
exemplifying how giving in itself is the greatest reward.
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<p>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for
healing the community. Connect at <a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a>.
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</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:dd8f50a2-a962-4f29-8506-efc09cf9b3d52023-01-16T13:06:12-08:002023-02-27T06:37:05-08:00Musings of the Heart2023-01-31 06:30:00 -0800John Diamond, M.D.<span>To help celebrate Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day, take a moment to enjoy this selection of Musings from a former pioneer in holistic healing. Breathe deeply; pause between each of them; take in life’s energy and reflect and connect with your intentions and loved ones.<br></span><span><br><br>Teaching</span> is for the mind;<span><br>healing</span> is for the<span> heart.<br></span><span><br>A</span> daily healing invocation:<span><br>I</span> open my heart<span><br>for</span> the Spirit to pass<span><br>onto</span> those<span><br>who</span> want Healing through<span> me.<br></span><span><br>The</span> heart is the way to the Soul.<span><br>The</span> more open the heart, the<span><br>more</span> the Soul is<span> revealed.<br></span><span><br>This</span> may well be the best description of Healing:<span><br>The</span> healer opens his heart, his<span><br>love</span> pouring out from him to<span><br>enfold</span> the sufferer, to bring<span><br>him</span> into his expanded<span> aura.<br></span><span><br>And</span> the sufferer, feeling this<span><br>love,</span> opens his heart to enter<span><br>the</span> healer’<span>s.<br><br></span>
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<p><span>As a holistic healer for almost fifty years who had his practice in his home, Dr. John Diamond (1934-2021) said he wanted to try to make his home a hearth, where the life energy,
the heart flame, the flame of love and life of the sufferer may be rekindled to blaze anew.<br>
He saw his heart as a flaming beacon for the sufferer lost in distress. Not to come for a fixed
time, but to spend time, to visit, living not by the clock, but by the heart. And home can be
any place one feels love in their hear</span>t. Diamond’s musings, of which he wrote hundreds, are
individual pearls of wisdom, each created with the intention of raising the life energy of
the reader. Read more at <a href="http://www.DrJohnDiamond.com" target="_blank">DrJohnDiamond.com</a>. ~ Susan Diamond
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</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d376b206-27a7-4875-9098-fbe3b7bb61802023-01-16T14:05:39-08:002023-03-08T09:28:37-08:00A New Chapter: Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope2023-01-31 06:30:00 -0800Brooke Goode<span><p>In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.</p><br><p>By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest franchise publishing network in the health and wellness industry.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mcJu3BcEK85iRYagoFZi08dVi_JUYtJn4sj_r7xBEdybifKz_33__dfLX0Zeb3LNn5yMCB0TXolOUBBVxT0ldxmiexckrQoHvpcT-N9eSNul0TW7G7WQQAkTwIdsijpCTGcPuh438K7yyhXxWaUM3sw" height="428"></p><br><p>As the magazine's 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, <i>Natural Awakenings</i> was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, "The why that has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission statement that inspired me to create Natural Awakenings: to inspire and empower people to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”</p><br><p>The world's delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. "The critical issues we now address in <i>Natural Awakenings</i>—like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency," Bruckman said. "The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on a grander scale."</p><br><p>Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.knowewell.com/">KnoWEwell</a>. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match.com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.</p><br><p>A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.”</p><br><p>Combining her entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings, KnoWEwell’s mission is to transform health care by inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.</p><br><p>Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings, creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RexjoVH251QJJ6qjur_9oM0QD1sTOe1btcloXg-2LW0YTbq_vWTrtaAXcrRowcajL_RwsK9dZ7oxkgox8HdTJircMJQvVx-8tTmSTQQ32Ttc1We7sfBVQWq_w_YUIbACY9EjfAmTg_3K3pHxWX7ATgA" height="301"></p><br><p><b>A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help</b></p><br><p>Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World HealthOrganization</a>, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.</p><br><p>The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.</p><br><p>While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the <a href="https://responsibletechnology.org/">Institute for Responsible Technology</a>, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”</p><br><p>Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lo9Dbc89fWLQj_d7x3aq5uAyIrRERYThZVgo90ANxW14n7x0MjwxIcErSFOmHCzV8A8YdP55TORzB10T5Mk4LqAHkhz34h315G1HmePQEoN1ZY8Khq_GLJnmOLl9hbIU96r2CMuI--luCSW6vAdMrLY" height="307"></p><p> </p><p><b>Hope for People and Planet</b></p><br><p>Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, "Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes." Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.</p><br><p><a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/">Rodale Institute</a>, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crisis. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”</p><br><p>Research by Rodale has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”</p><br><p>Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/THTTnpEyOwpekSmRKSAOhDxxFkLT6BCKqTLDNxJ5R3ErAuqbQMMZGKKkIwEX-Gvl788b1SJex68ZHNChIGpxpPXp80roLCY31xybSNib00AXgEozlNzI2BcSSy9QBjzoH-xhL36-1_EQjl-PwudLBU0" height="301"></p><br><p><b>Looking Forward</b></p><br><p><a href="https://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2023">The World Economic Forum</a> reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper “The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism.</p><br><p>The good news is that Natural Awakenings magazine and KnoWEwell will continue to bring new answers and common-sense approaches to be incorporated into an enjoyable, fulfilling and healthy life. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. "We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all— our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”</p><br><br><p>Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor.</p><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:a68c5d3a-099e-445d-950f-071cd638ca142022-12-11T15:48:30-08:002023-07-03T14:17:56-07:00Welcoming the Unknown2022-12-30 06:30:00 -0800Marlaina Donato<p>Ushering in a brand-new year can be filled with hope, but it can also feel as daunting as a blank sheet of paper. We might pause at the threshold with pen in hand, recounting past mistakes and failures, hesitant to make our mark. The unforeseen is like a stranger, easy to mistrust. Dreading the unknown can be a self-sabotaging habit that obstructs the view and keeps us wishing instead of living.</p><p>Nature’s great gift is her constancy of seasons, but she thrives on change. Despite the human propensity for clutching what is familiar and predictable, we do best by leaving the door ajar for the unexpected. If we are fortunate, we will have 12 more months to have another go at it.</p><p>Setting a place at the table for delight shifts our frequency from resistance to receiving our highest good, and swapping anxiety for excitement can be a <a href="/article_tags/spirituality" target="_blank">spiritual</a> practice during our most uncomfortable moments. Instead of making a resolution, what if we made the simple decision to not believe our fears?</p><p>With no concept of limitation or worry of scraped knees, we once learned to walk, happily undiscouraged when we stumbled. That first spark of eager curiosity remains deep in our memory, not confined to youth. Embracing possibility this year can be a subtle, mantra-in-motion as we go through our days, a cellular willingness to expect an outcome tailored specifically for us. Here are some prompts for embracing possibility:</p><ul><li>On scraps of paper, write down 12 things you have postponed doing or trying and keep them in a special canister. Pull one out each month and follow through with joyful anticipation.</li><li>Witness the sunrise once a week and designate it as an opportunity to open your heart and mind to the new and glorious.</li><li>Change things up in the kitchen: Buy new dishes and donate the old to a local thrift store. Try a new food every week and explore herbs and spices not usually in the cupboard.</li><li>Notice something in your daily surroundings that might have gone unnoticed before.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author, painter and composer.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:2ca8644b-19f8-4310-9321-58df2743d30c2022-11-15T09:49:34-08:002023-01-04T22:02:37-08:00Transforming Our World: Working Together for Meaningful Change2022-11-30 06:30:00 -0800Linda Sechrist<p>With all the chaos occurring in the world today, it is challenging to remain centered and not feel overwhelmed. Every shocking headline seems to pull the proverbial rug out from under us. Thought leader <a href="https://laureengolden.com/" target="_blank">Laureen Golden</a> explains the dilemma this way: “Psychologically, we were raised, educated and socialized in a world that no longer really exists. We have a new world that we must navigate, and we need a new psychology, a whole new way of being for that world. Reducing, compartmentalizing, separating things in order to understand them no longer works for us. It’s going to take work to get out of this paradigm.”</p><p>Drawing from her background in education and social work, Golden ponders, “How does that new psychology develop when all our institutions charged with cultivating consciousness—schools, families, religious institutions and organizations—are set in the 19th and 20th centuries? Since learning is how we go from one paradigm to another, where do we go to learn the skills and the structures we need to be successful in such a complex world? We can’t do it individually. We must learn in collectives.”</p><p>The paradigm shift envisioned by Golden offers an opportunity for us to access innovative methods of learning, discovery and connection, such as sociocracy (a self-governance system based on the equality of its members); systems thinking (an approach to complexity that looks at the whole and analyzes relationships, rather than splitting it into smaller pieces); permaculture (exploring natural ecosystems as a whole); circle methods (thinking things through as a group); and Indigenous wisdom (focusing on the interconnectedness of all things).</p><p>All of these methods focus on an ethos of collaboration and teach us how to discern wisdom, which is different than knowledge. By engaging in these conversations and explorations, we learn that if we tug on any one part of the web of life, we tug the whole web—an important analogy for our times.</p><h3>A Beloved Community Co-Creating an Island of Sanity Through Collaboration </h3><p>Instead of shouting, “The sky is falling, and the seas are rising,” in response to a world that is unraveling and experiencing the growing realities of <a href="/article_tags/climate-change" target="_blank">global warming</a>, residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, are embracing resilience. To prove that the future is born in webs of human conversation, the city is counting on collective intelligence to emerge.</p><p>Among the tools city participants are employing is <a href="https://theworldcafe.com/" target="_blank">The World Café</a>, developed by Juanita Brown and David Isaac, which allows people to host group conversations around thoughtful questions. The concept is designed to evoke deeper listening and give rise to solutions for today’s challenges in a more conscious, intentional and strategic way. Forty citizens have taken The World Café facilitation course. Employing a simple and flexible format for hosting large group dialogue, this methodology enables participants to clarify the context, create hospitable space, explore questions that matter, encourage everyone’s contribution, connect diverse perspectives, listen together for patterns and insights, and share collective discoveries.</p><p>Other important work being applied is that of bestselling author and longtime community organizer <a href="https://margaretwheatley.com/" target="_blank">Margaret Wheatley</a>. Her training, which is designed to cultivate what she calls “Warriors of the Human Spirit,” arouses people’s inherent generosity, creativity, compassion and need for community. Known as a big-systems thinker throughout her 45-year career, Wheatley has concluded that the only opportunity for change is at the local level. Questions that encourage collective learning became integral to creating cohesiveness in St. Petersburg this year.</p><p><a href="https://donellameadows.org/" target="_blank">Dr. Donella Meadows</a>’ “systems thinking” has helped St. Petersburg participants understand that living systems begin as networks, shift to intentional communities of practice and evolve into powerful systems capable of influence. Also instructive has been “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ladOjo1QA" target="_blank">complexity theory</a>”, which helped participants recognize human systems as organizations, families and communities.</p><div class="image-with-caption image-main"><img alt="Series of 4 illustrations reading Focus on what matters Contribute your thinking Speak your mind and heart and Listen to understand" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/963660/fill/700x0/focus-contribute-listen-speak.jpg?timestamp=1668536671"><div class="small"><p></p><p>theworldcafe.com<br></p><p></p></div></div><p> </p><p>“The city leaders felt conversations were important enough to invest $20,000 to cultivate a culture of conversational leadership in the neighborhoods. Another $25,000 was granted by the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay to research the outcomes. Now, the Florida Council of Churches, University of South Florida, Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and The Connection Partners have received a Community Vibrancy grant of $14,500 to pilot conversations in three neighborhoods, spreading the skills in creating participatory democracy. Participants will host conversations in their own neighborhoods,” says St. Petersburg resident Sharon Joy Kleitsch, founder of <a href="https://www.theconnectionpartners.com/" target="_blank">The Connection Partners</a> and a longtime catalyst for applying strategic actions based on the new sciences of complexity theory, strategic thinking and quantum science.</p><p>“Those who have used World Café as a tool know that a culture of conversational leadership offers citizens the opportunity to experience a sense of oneness and connectedness. We’ve explored what happens when we share feelings of care, compassion and appreciation toward a beloved community,” says Kleitsch. “We found that group resonance, profound personal involvement and deeply engrossing, interactive conversation supports a City of Compassion and an International City of Peace, which St. Petersburg was chosen to be. I want to be sure that people understand that we do not have answers. Together, we are exploring pathways and listening for the answers to emerge.” </p><p>Since 2020, a thoughtfully selected group of Florida activists—including participants from St. Petersburg—have been holding weekly online Zoom conversations that matter. In 2021, they were joined by participants from Ohio to study the <a href="https://www.capracourse.net/" target="_blank">Capra Course</a><i>, </i>which is based on<i> The Systems View of Life: A Unifying Vision </i>by bestselling author Fritjof Capra<i>.</i></p><p>“What we discovered after only two weeks was that we were ourselves a living system connecting to itself and becoming self-organized,” says Kleitsch. “We became aware that we were learning together. We were sharing what we were learning around subjects such as honoring Indigenous peoples, local food systems, the human right to clean <a href="/article_tags/water" target="_blank">water</a>, reimaging capitalism and many more subjects. We’ve also bifurcated into a Sarasota [Florida] cohort. The key is, we were not random. We were a self-selected study group learning collaboratively, which is the best way I recommend activists study the Capra Course.”</p><p>Argerie Vasilakes, who is researching outcomes, explains that her work is dedicated to helping teams, communities and organizations become more coherent. “I start with traditional ways of thinking about our relationships with <a href="/article_tags/nature" target="_blank">nature</a> that native peoples have never forgotten—humans are part of nature, not apart from nature,” she explains. “To me, human organizations, communities, families and governments are also part of nature and examples of natural ecosystems. So, I naturally look at things from a living systems perspective.”</p><p>Vasilakes advises, “In a group that is learning together, such as those in the St. Petersburg neighborhoods, group conversations organized around questions specifically crafted for the context and desired purpose of the World Café evoke a deeper kind of listening, the most important factor determining the success of a Café. They spark learning conversations that can produce insights and innovation for meeting the challenges they face. Through practicing shared listening and paying attention to themes, patterns and insights, participants begin to sense a connection to the larger whole.”</p><div class="image-with-caption image-main"><img alt="Series of 4 illustrations reading Link and connect ideas Listen together for deeper insights and questions Play doodle draw and Have fun" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/963658/fill/700x0/link-listen-play-fun.jpg?timestamp=1668536525"><div class="small"><p></p><p>theworldcafe.com<br></p><p></p></div></div><p> </p><p>According to Wheatley, the important work is to foster critical connections. She believes it is not necessary to convince large numbers of people to change; instead, she suggests we connect with kindred spirits. Through these relationships and tools like The World Café, we can develop the new knowledge, practices and commitment that lead to broad-based change.</p><p>Wheatley sometimes opens her interviews with an ancient Hopi prophecy that reads as if it were applicable to our current times: “Here now is a river flowing very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid, who will try to hold on to the shore. They are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. The elders say, ‘Let go of the shore, push off and go into the middle of the river. Keep your heads above the water. Know the river has its destination.’ The elders say, ‘See who is in there with you and celebrate.’ At this time in history, we are to take nothing seriously; least of all, ourselves. Gather yourselves. Everything we do now must be done in a spirit of celebration, for we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.”</p><p>Seeing who is in the river of chaos with us, we can choose to respond with, “How can I serve with what I have, where I am?” This is what any Warrior of the Human Spirit would say because in the same river of chaos, there are also the seeds of transformation. In these turbulent times when all the old boundaries are unravelling and all the old certainties are dissolving, there is a possibility for creative transformation if<i> </i>we work together.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Linda Sechrist is </i>Natural Awakenings’ <i>senior staff writer.</i></p><p><i><br></i></p><h3><b>Tools for Co-Creating Beloved Communities</b></h3><ul><li><a href="https://theworldcafe.com/" target="_blank">The World Cafe</a></li><li><a href="https://newdimensions.org/" target="_blank">New Dimensions Radio</a></li><li><a href="https://margaretwheatley.com/" target="_blank">Margaret Wheatley</a></li><li><a href="https://donellameadows.org/" target="_blank">Donella Meadows</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-ladOjo1QA" target="_blank">A good explanation of complexity theory</a></li><li><a href="https://www.capracourse.net/" target="_blank">Capra Course</a></li><li><a href="https://www.internationalfuturesforum.com/" target="_blank">International Futures Forum</a></li><li><a href="https://sociocracyforall.org/" target="_blank">Sociocracy For All</a></li><li><a href="https://lynnemctaggart.com/about/lynnes-books/" target="_blank">Lynn McTaggart’s books</a>, including:<i> Living with Intention:</i><i> The Science of Using Your Thoughts to Change Your Life and the World </i>and <i>The Power of Eight: Harnessing the Miraculous Energies of a Small Group to Heal Others and the World</i></li></ul><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:57601de5-7f4d-46c3-9d75-bd6a81ad18c12022-11-15T13:12:02-08:002023-01-04T22:02:48-08:00A Feast of Light2022-11-30 06:30:00 -0800Marlaina Donato<p>Despite the whirlwind of our to-do and places-to-go lists, the wheel of the year turns once more, allowing us to close another chapter of our lives with grace. If we take a breath, we might notice December’s invitation to kick off our shoes, curl up in our favorite chair and drop down into our heart space.</p><p>Whether we light scented candles for ambience, drink cocoa while sitting around a bonfire or continue time-honored spiritual customs, welcoming the light can ignite hope when we need it most. By cultivating the inner sun, that place deep within us that blazes with resilience and plenty, we not only fortify ourselves, but everyone around us. Throughout the year, many of us invest in making healthy choices, but neglect soul sustenance. Swapping trivial distractions for more face-to-face conversations, answering someone’s forgotten email or bringing a homemade pot of soup to a neighbor that is busy packing for a move creates a feast of light during all seasons.</p>“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle,” wrote Gautama Buddha, and perhaps we would be astounded to see how far the smallest gesture can travel. Inviting a friend that has no family to a holiday dinner or out for coffee, spending more quality time with a child or buying a gift card for the receptionist at the dental office begets a chain reaction of small joys. When we fill our bellies with everyday magic, slow down to finish a cup of tea, turn off the news and notice the crescent moon nestled in the twilight, we become more inclined to feel blessed.<br><br>A few worthy inspirations to pass along:<ul><li>Make it a spiritual offering to choose joy today</li><li>Close the year by letting go of a grievance or an outdated belief </li><li>Tell someone how they bring light into your life</li><li>Share a favorite book that is inspiring</li><li>Acquire a new source of light—a lantern or salt lamp—for your favorite room</li><li>Leave an uplifting quote on a loved one’s voicemail</li></ul><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author, painter and composer.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:7e52eb69-bea5-47c9-91cc-1291697179672022-10-17T11:27:48-07:002022-12-06T16:19:44-08:00Gratitude is Good Medicine2022-10-31 06:30:00 -0700Madiha Saeed<p>Stress, work and family routines can trap us in a pattern of negative thinking that feeds on itself and creates stress and unhappiness. With our internal and external worlds being bombarded these days with negativity, being optimistic is more important now than ever before.</p><p>Gratitude is not just a feel-good word. It is an emotion expressing appreciation for what one has—a universal concept in nearly all of the world’s spiritual traditions. Practicing gratitude daily is proven to have actual physiological consequences. It helps lower inflammatory markers, influences epigenetics, improves the <a href="/article_tags/immune_system" target="_blank">immune system</a> and even helps the <a href="/article_tags/heart_health" target="_blank">heart</a>, adding years to life.</p><p>Optimism has been found to correlate positively with life satisfaction and self-esteem. “Heartfelt” emotions like gratitude, love and caring produce coherent <a href="/article_tags/brain_health" target="_blank">brain</a> waves radiating to every cell of the body, as shown by technology that measures changes in heart rhythm variation and coherence.</p><p>Our subconscious governs 90 percent of our thoughts and actions. It shapes our every behavior. But the subconscious mind is nothing other than neural pathways that have been established in the brain as a result of past beliefs and conditioning. Our subconscious does no thinking of its own, but rather relies on our perception of the world around us, interpreting verbal and nonverbal cues.</p><p>When we consciously turn negativity to positivity from the inside-out, the neural pathway associated with negativity will take time to come down fully, so it is critical to practice gratitude regularly. Upon waking in the morning, say 10 things that you are grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal. Put sticky notes all over the house with gratitude messages—on photos, light fixtures, fans, exercise equipment—to create a zone of subliminal positivity.</p><p>Remember that our perspective can reflect either our pain or our power. That choice is in our hands. Know what you are grateful for each day.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Madiha Saeed, M.D., ABIHM, is the bestselling author of </i>The Holistic RX<i>, an international speaker, founder of </i><a href="https://holisticmommd.com/" target="_blank"><i>Holistic Mom MD</i></a><i> and director of education for KnoWEwell.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:95f4fd50-b7f1-4fee-8db2-abafd25affb42022-09-14T10:26:34-07:002022-11-01T19:12:24-07:00Inviting in the Wild2022-09-30 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>A midst the whirlwind of our daily busyness, Mother Nature goes about her own affairs, conjuring everyday miracles from the humble trinity of tangled roots, dark soil and sunlight. On our way to our next task, we might catch snippets of afternoon gold blur past in a window, but we may long for more time to accept October’s invitation of long shadows.</p><p>Having an indoor haven touched with nature’s balm takes the edge off the work-at-home days, the can’t-catch-a-breath days and the won’t-stop-raining days. Bringing a bit of the outside in helps us to remember the big picture. The 12th-century mystic and healer Hildegard of Bingen called the energy of the Earth <i>veriditas</i>, or greenness, and it is easy to tap into this life force by aligning our senses with the rhythms of nature.</p><p>Beauty is an often forgotten necessity, but can gently lead us back on track when we place a vase of fresh flowers, pine branches or wild rose hips on a windowsill. Designating one wall in the house for a photographic tapestry of spring cherry trees, mountain snow, a turquoise beach or majestic oaks can lower blood pressure just as effectively as actually being there. Keeping a “scent jar” on the desk filled with dried garden basil, bee balm or sweet grass clippings from the lawn can give us a breath of summer all year long. Placing a piece of found driftwood, preserved birch or a bowl of handmade potpourri on a coffee table can make afternoon breaks more mindful. A simple table fountain can bless any space with the harmony of its waters. Creating a “changing season” shelf and celebrating the hour invites the whole family to contribute to inspired whimsy.</p><p>Even if we simply place found branches in a basket with amber holiday lights in a cozy corner, living more closely with <a href="/article_tags/nature" target="_blank">nature</a> can help us maintain core serenity. The dance of each season is brief, but tuning into their wealth can make our own dance a bit more magical.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author, composer and painter.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>urn:uuid:55e755c5-c9b2-4d23-9352-cb9914ab151a2022-08-16T11:57:38-07:002022-09-30T13:49:43-07:00Living Life in Full Color2022-08-31 06:30:00 -0700Marlaina Donato<p>Nature concludes each day with a fiery mural, never again to be exactly duplicated and missed if we look away for a moment too long. “What color is in a picture, enthusiasm is in life,” said Vincent van Gogh, and to live with passion is to live life in full color. </p><p>As children, it was in our nature to live out loud. We sang off-key, belly-laughed and showed off our blueberry-stained tongues. Somewhere between grade school and adolescence, we learned to swim with the social current, content to blend in for comfort. </p><p>As adults, too often we are barely aware of our lives stuck in grayscale, but if we look deep inside, we long to be the brave red rose in a black-and-white world. Sometimes it takes something drastic, like being faced with a terminal illness, to throw off the shackles of, “What would they think?” and follow our own brand of bliss. Hopefully, most of us can make that decision without such a drastic wake-up call.</p><p>In many parts of the world, <a href="/article_tags/nature" target="_blank">nature</a> saves her best for last and pulls out all the stops. She dresses the trees in unapologetic glory, inviting us to live more boldly before it’s too late, and to express the passions we’ve held in for dear life. If we are wise, we will follow our bliss, whether it’s painting that wall in a color that might compromise resale value or dusting off the violin we set aside after high school. Autumn gives us much-needed permission to let our hair down, let our locks go silver or feisty red, let our souls blow in the wind and come in for dinner a little late and disheveled. </p><p>What parts of ourselves do we hold inside for fear of standing out a little too much? What would we wear if we defied fickle trends? How would we love if we realized that there is nothing more important than embodying love?</p><p>Here’s to living in full color, come what may.</p><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author, composer and painter.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakeningsnj.com">Natural Awakenings North Central New Jersey</a></small></p>