inspiration

A Feast of Light

by Marlaina Donato

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.

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.

“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.

A few worthy inspirations to pass along: ■ Make it a spiritual offering to choose joy today ■ Close the year by letting go of a grievance or an outdated belief ■ Tell someone how they bring light into your life ■ Share a favorite book that is inspiring ■ Acquire a new source of light—a lantern or salt lamp—for your favorite room

■ Leave an uplifting quote on a loved one’s voicemail

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

Give the Gift of Health

by Gary Kracoff

One of the best gifts we can give to our self or a loved one this holiday season is a pathway toward optimal health and a thriving, happy life. It is difficult to be at our best when we are stressed, having trouble getting a good night’s sleep, or experiencing digestion and elimination problems, hormonal imbalances or chronic allergies. We might intuitively know our diet needs improvement, but require guidance on what to eat, what to avoid and how to change our lifestyle to match our wellness goals.

Those that think they have no time to improve their health and wellness will sooner or later have to find time to deal with their illnesses. This age-old adage is what drives the fitness industry’s New Year’s resolution marketing campaigns. But without appropriate direction and support from knowledgeable experts to help address the underlying barriers to peak health, our wellintended resolutions often fall flat.

Giving the gift of health, in the form of a wellness gift card, can help get someone started on the road to good health. It has been a financially trying year for many people and working on their health has taken a back seat as a result. A gift card can be used for a consultation, the purchase of wellness products, even lab testing, or in other ways that would be most helpful to the recipient.

Some popular tests available to assist in figuring out what support is needed for better health and a healthier future include: • GI-Map – helpful uncovering problems with digestion and elimination • Organic Acid Test – helpful uncovering detoxing and metabolic issues • DNA Testing – a deep dive into areas that could be behind many chronic symptoms • Nutreval – a great tool to assess micronutrient levels • Dutch Adrenal Test – helpful understanding high stress levels, low energy, sleep issues • Dutch Complete Test – looks at the adrenals and a deep dive into female and male hormone levels, and how the body is using them

When unsure of where to start, earmark the gift card for a consultation with a functional dietitian or with someone trained in naturopathic therapies. This way the practitioner can help determine what the correct testing, supplements and lifestyle changes will be most beneficial. Their expertise can help the recipient start the new year with fresh information for improving one’s diet, health and overall well-being.

Check with a local practitioner or wellness center about discounts on gift cards for the holidays. Everyone benefits from a gift of health.

Dr. Gary Kracoff is a naturopathic doctor and registered pharmacist at the Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center, located at 577 Main St., Waltham. For more information, call 781-893-3870 ext. 2 or visit NaturalCompounder. com. Gift cards are available. See ad on page 29 and Resource Guide on page35 and 37.