Barefoot Blessings BASKING

In The Soul Of Summer

by Marlaina Donato

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.

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.

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 that 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.

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.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Nutrition Course

NEXT COURSE STARTS

September 24, 2023 finishes February 18, 2024

Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant

Through the American Association of Nutritional Consultants (AANC) Doctor of Naturopathy and Clinical Nutritionist

Dr. Derek Rodger (ND) prepares students to pass the Certified Nutritional Consultants Exam. Once qualified you are entitled to use the designation CNC after your name and practice as a Nutritionist. Certified Nutritional Consultants (CNC) can work in hospitals, clinics, private practice settings alongside acupuncturists, mental health professionals, physical therapists, doctors and chiropractors, as well as a consultant in schools, businesses, health food stores, spas and health clubs.

Today's economists have determined that the natural health field is the fastest growing industry in the U.S. today. It goes without saying that people are getting more concerned about their personal health and their families health. Just take a look at this picture below and ask yourself, what type of life are you planning for yourself.

The course includes 11 modules and the classes meet on a Sunday morning 9-1 pm. The course fee is $1794 and can be paid over 6 months at $299.

To obtain a detailed information pack visit: NutritionConsultants.org or 908-223-8899