HOUSE BLESSINGS

Vexing Vaccinations

There is ongoing debate whether pet vaccination boosters that may be required by law or strongly recommended by vets provide increased protection or are harmful. Mounting evidence says that they are often overdone: for example, both five-pound and 100-pound dogs receive the same dosage. Yet vaccinations do prevent some serious diseases. “We do not like to over-vaccinate, but provide appropriate protection by minimal vaccination and encourage titers,” says Ingram. Titers are blood tests used to determine if a pet’s antibodies are high enough from a previous vaccination to warrant a booster shot for the specific disease.

“Many of the core vaccines that your pet needs to be protected from diseases like parvovirus and distemper actually provide lifelong immunity with one vaccine,” says Woodley.

Choosing a Veterinarian

Commonly, people seek holistic veterinarians after they have had success with human integrative medicine. But finding such a provider isn’t simple. “My clientele regularly travels one to four hours for a consultation,” says Ingram, who fully understands that demand is outstripping supply for integrative veterinary care.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, which has 1,500 members, has a search-by-state feature that also lists the modalities practiced by each veterinarian at ahvma.org/find-a-holisticveterinarian. In addition, Woodley, Ingram and others offer telehealth or long-distance consults. In lieu of finding a vet that is listed as holistic, pet parents can call clinics to ask questions about alternative treatments. Some facilities are more flexible than others.

Choosing a veterinarian is a personal decision for owners. “I feel that traditional versus holistic care is simply sick care versus well care,” says Agent. “Their quality of life is so important to me and they’re solely dependent on the choices I make for them. I’m going to choose well care.”

Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin and has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

karolina grabowska/Pexels.com HOUSE BLESSINGS for Clearing and Protecting Spaces

by Marlaina Donato

Moving into a house, office or dried, white sage, sweetgrass, pine or lilac any new space prompts us to flowers help dissolve unpleasant memories envision bright days ahead and energetic imprints from the past. filled with hope and joy. Perhaps this is Honoring the four elements of earth, why, from first-century Christians praying air, fire and water can create balance and to dissuade evil influences to the Mayans celebrate ancient customs. Adding one or smudging herbs to welcome positive more essential oils to a spray bottle filled energy, the act of blessing a house is such a with distilled water or culinary rose water time-honored tradition. is an easy way to mist the air and the space

Whether held in private or with a inside drawers, closets and cupboards group of kindred souls, with or without before filling or refilling them. Hanging religious elements, blessing a new dwelling fresh evergreens, leafy branches or tufts takes the concept of housewarming to a of blossoms over doorways evokes what sacred level. A house blessing can temper 10th-century mystic and healer Hildegard the hair-pulling stresses of a move and be a of Bingen called veriditas—the greening wonderful way to restore harmony after life energy of the Earth. Employing a crystal or gives us a jolt, be it a job loss, a broken rela- Tibetan singing bowl, beating a shamanic tionship, a loved one’s passing or an illness. drum or playing an instrument in select Simple gestures of intention, sprinkled rooms can charge the atmosphere with with some beauty, enable us to claim our fiery hope. Opening windows, even briefly space and sow a new beginning. during cooler seasons, invites in the fresh

Arranging seasonal blooms in jewel- air of possibility. toned vases, scattering fresh rose petals Stepping into a new life—or revitalizing over the threshold or misting the air with an existing one—is one of the most beautiethereal scents consecrates what might oth- ful acts of caring for soul and self. Blessing erwise seem mundane. Singing a favorite our spaces is also an expression of gratitude, song, whispering a spontaneous prayer or something that can make any life wonderful. reciting a Buddhist chant during the flurry of unpacking invites calm and attracts Marlaina Donato is an author and recording benevolent influences. Pungent smudges of artist. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

The Awakening of Humanity

By Lynne Girdlestone

Today we are all experiencing one or more of the negative effects of an incredibly destructive ‘agent of change.’ Although horrific things happen every day on this planet, they usually affect other people elsewhere. COVID-19, however, can potentially reach anyone, anywhere, upending our lives in a multitude of ways. The obvious questions—how do we stop this virus, will a vaccine help, will the global economy recover—are all unknowns. They occupy our thoughts and emotions with every newscast. For some, the crisis is merely an inconvenient interruption in their ‘business as usual.’ For others it has created new ways to profit at the expense of others. But for most, it’s an amplified survival issue. We know that nothing happens by chance: “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction” and “As you sow, so shall you reap.” What is happening today has its roots in everything that has gone before. When dysfunction reaches a tipping point, something extraordinary happens to get our attention. This pandemic may be saying “STOP... NOW ... look at the world you’ve built ... untold suffering amidst obscene excess ... all life forms and the planet itself in mortal danger!” The slowing and isolation are giving us the opportunity to consider these issues deeply and emerge with a better Plan B. That so many people are getting the message is an incredibly hopeful sign. Neighbors are helping each other; service organizations are expanding their roles and methods; scientific organizations around the world are sharing their research findings on possible treatments and vaccines; governments are trying to lift the financial burden of their citizens. What would happen if this behavior were to continue post-Covid-19? Could it lead to treating a recovering planet as a ‘global village’ and its citizens as the one human family it is? It would take time, but we can start by demanding of our ‘leaders’ that we all push the ‘reset’ button and begin to move in that direction!

Fortunately, at this very time, a little-known cosmic event is also taking place. As we move into the Aquarian age, characterized by energies of synthesis, unity and cooperation, the spiritual custodians of human evolution—the Masters of Wisdom—have once again sent one of their great ones into the world to act as a teacher for the coming time. Some of the past teachers we have known historically as Confucius, Krishna, Buddha, the Christ and Mohammed. Major world religions all expect another great teacher at some future time, and his imminent appearance has been foreseen by some writers since the late 1800s.

For more than 40 years, British esotericist and lecturer Benjamin Creme informed the world of a coming change— of the collapse of our old structures to make way for the new. He served as a herald for the World Teacher for this age, Maitreya—the one expected by many and longed for by millions (consciously or not), who has come now to guide us through this perilous time and into a cleansed and transformed new world.

Maitreya has advised humanity to make the needed changes to put our world on a saner, fairer path:

“He [Maitreya] will show that essentially men are one, no matter the colour or the creed, that the bounty of Earth belongs to all, and that sharing of that bounty is the key to man’s future. Only sharing, and the justice which it will bring, offers hope to man. Only justice wrought out of sharing will end the plagues of war and terror. Only sharing and justice can bring men to that Brotherhood which is their true inheritance. When men see this they will rise to the challenge and tackle one by one the many problems which daunt us now.” (Benjamin Creme’s Master from ‘Transformation,’ Share International magazine)

Maitreya and his group have worked behind the scenes for millennia to guide our human family. Now, with these powerful, incorruptible allies openly in the world for the next 2,000 years and beyond, we have the opportunity to build a new world that works for everyone. Will we take it? In response to today’s injustices, we are marching. We are protesting. We are sharing resources and helping others. We are agitating for change. We are on the right track! Let’s not even consider returning to ‘business as usual.’

For free information: Share-International.us 888-242-8272 info@share-international.us

In The Awakening of Humanity, Benjamin Creme leads us on a journey of hope for the joyful world-changing events that are on the way.

Free download at: https://share-ecart.com/ the-awakening-of-humanity-pdf/

Yoga Corner

Sunshine on My Shoulders

by Nicole Zornitzer

As 2021 begins, I find myself in a quandary of mixed emotions. In my personal life, I have just completed my worst year on this Earth thus far, having watched my mother cross to the other side. Many of my clients have endured a difficult year, managing an international pandemic, riddled with fear and legitimized stress. Some have also lost a loved one, cancelled a wedding, been alone for a holiday, home schooled their children, had a less-than-stellar college experience, lost a job and faced financial ruin. I am comfortable saying that the majority of this country is happy to put 2020 behind them. However, when I go back to my yogic roots and teachings, I find myself challenged to simply kiss 2020 goodbye.

As I reflect upon 2020, I see that I was not living, I was preparing to die. Had you asked me 25 years ago, all that I would have wished for was more time to spend with my father, who died a tragic suicide—all that I wanted was one more day. Well, 2020 gave me not just one day, it gave me nearly 365 days to prepare for death. My opinion: Be careful what you wish for, because preparing for death is almost worse than death.

My family and I spent every day in 2020 with my dying mother, truly embracing the moment. We sat outside and watched the birds; we observed as each new season brought different sounds, smells and colors. We paid attention to the smallest of things, like lady bugs, frogs and butterflies. We ate each meal with a new sense of taste. We embraced one another with love, fear and enormous sadness.

The last week of my mother's life, as we held her hand and kissed her goodbye, we played the song “Sunshine on My Shoulders” by John Denver repeatedly. I chose this song because I remembered my parents playing it on a road trip when I was younger. It brought back joy and fullness of heart for me and, I know, fond memories to my mother. I gazed at my mother’s weak hands as I held them tightly. I fully embraced every moment of this one life she was given and her impact on myself, my brother, my children and nephews.

Through death, I found life. This life, for all of its challenges, is the one life I will live as far as we all know. Life is a challenge: Each and every day we rise if we are truly experiencing all there is to experience. However, these hurdles, these depressions, these joys, these tears are all meant to be felt fully. As Mark Nepo, a New York Times bestselling author who wrote about his struggles with cancer, explains, when we’re knocked off our horse, we’re brought closer life—we are given a sacred opportunity for a rebirth of sort, whether that be emotionally, spiritually or physically.

As we all enter this new year of 2021, instead of creating goals or aspirations that may or may not come to fruition, I encourage us all to reflect on 2020. Look for the lessons, the messages from source, the smallest of moments with a full heart (even if temporarily broken) and appreciate this one life we are given. If you glance behind you, you will always find sunshine on your shoulders.

Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey, and Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

north wales

Whole Body

Yoga Studio 103 E Walnut St 215-661-0510

WholeBodyYogaStudio.com JANUARY 7

New Year Cleanse – Jan 7-14. With Melissa Eddy, holistic nurse & certified health and wellness nurse coach with over 30 years experience. A 1-week detox program to help restore the body’s ability to eliminate toxins. Includes supplements, enzymes and daily coaching with Melissa. $249. JANUARY 16 Inversion & Arm Balance Workshop – 1-3pm. This workshop will focus on basic to more challenging arm balance poses and inversions. We will lift up, go sideways, invert, and use the wall when needed. Everyone is welcome as everyone can approach this at their own pace and comfort. In-studio only. $35. JANUARY 23 New Year Nutrition Reset – 1-3pm. Are you looking for guidance and advice on how to reset your nutrition and focus your mindset on healthier and more achievable goals? Join Certified Health & Nutrition Coach Sarah Sibel to gain clarity on how to refocus your nutrition for the year, stay committed and hit your goals in 2021. $50.

Bucks/Montgomery Community business directory

Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Publisher@NABuxMont.com

Agribusiness

Fortis Farms, LLC Monika Christian and Kiley Doll 18230 Edwards Shop Rd, Elkwood, VA 540-409-6871 • Hello@GrowFortisFarms.com GrowFortisFarms.com

Fortis Farms’ goal is to create easy access to fresh, local food sources in a sustainable, resource-conserving system. We use and distribute aeroponic garden solutions to produce more, local, lower cost, healthy food in smaller spaces. See ad, page 3.

CBD Oil

The Hemp Oil Store Joseph Wilker Cool Breeze Distributors • 3 E Ave, Yardley 855-904-4367, 267-679-2949 CoolBreezeDist@gmail.com TheHempOilStore.com

The Hemp Oil Store is a family-owned CBD store. Our goal is to bring you, your pets, and your loved ones high-quality CBD products at affordable prices. Shop online at TheHempOil Store.com with free shipping. We also have curbside pickup and walk-ins are always welcome. License Number 82-2609404. See ad, page 23.

Dentistry - Holistic

Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Ave, Milburn, NJ 973-457-4688 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com

Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ad, back cover. Lanap & Implant Center of PA David DiGiallorenzo, DMD Henry Hsu, DMD 184 W Main St, Collegeville 610-409-6064 • PerioImplants.us

Providing oral health solutions through holistic, biologically compatible and organic practices. One of the world's most accomplished centers for periodontal and implant care, which integrates wellness services into their therapeutic approach. Experience with immediate total tooth replacement with metalfree dental implants, treating gum disease with LANAP, a no-cut, no-sew method of treating gum disease, comfortable gum grafting with PRGF, implant denture solutions, and chronic pain management. See ad, page 9.

IV Infusion Therapy

NuCell Regenerative Health Alan Taylor PA-C 632 Montgomery Ave, 3rd Fl, Narberth Mamici@NuCellRegen.com 267-603-3140 • NuCellRegen.com

At NuCell, we also offer IV infusion drips to provide antivirus protection, treat headaches, fatigue, anxiety, dehydration, depression, insomnia, diabetes and hypertension. Our Spectracell blood test will provide a highly detailed analysis of your nutrient deficiencies, addressed with a customized infusion. Schedule your infusion on our website. See ad, page 9.

Life Coaching - Gestalt

Step Into Joy Healing Arts Joan Summers, Certified Gestalt Coach, Trauma Professional and Reiki Master 267-272-9343 • StepIntoJoyHealingArts.com Joan@StepIntoJoyHealingArts.com

Experience deep and longlasting healing. Joan offers healing for her clients who are tired of feeling stuck, disconnected or without purpose. She offers Gestalt Life Coaching, Equine Gestalt Life Coaching and reiki, and you may choose to customize your session. See ad, page 22.

Metaphysical Services

Journey To The Self Linda Harbaugh, Intuitive Medium Certified Life Coach/Reiki Practitioner Linda@JourneyToTheSelf.com JourneyToTheSelf.com • 484-904-9268

Delivering messages of love and guidance from deceased loved ones and spirit guides via readings and intuitive reiki sessions. A certified life coach, Linda also offers intuitive coaching packages to help you navigate life, jobs and relationships. Psychology degree, former teacher, 30 years business experience. Telephone or in person.

Natural Medicine

Inner Harmony Wellness Center Peter Amato, PhD, DNM Board Certified Natural Medicine Two PA Locations 647 Wyoming Ave, Kingston 131 Reynolds Rd, Waverly 570-319-6073 • InnerHarmonyWellness.com

With 25 years of experience, we get to the root cause of your health concerns. Find out what is causing long-standing health issues and walk away with a precise care plan. Today's chronic illnesses are not located in the blood. We test at the cellular level. Our approach merges applied kinesiology, Quantum Biofeedback and (ART) Autonomic Response Testing developed by Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD. See ad, page 15.

Nutritional Healing

Center for Natural Healing Jeffrey L Griffin, DC Bailiwick Office Campus, Ste 26, Doylestown 215-348-2115 • C4NH.com

Feeling poorly? Lacking answers? Improvement at a standstill? Locate the source of stress and the treatment becomes obvious. Mention Dr. Jeff’s 35 years of experience when you call and receive a free phone consultation to learn how we can start helping you today. See ad, page 21.

NuCell Regenerative Health Alan Taylor PA-C 632 Montgomery Ave, 3rd Fl, Narberth Mamici@NuCellRegen.com 267-603-3140 * NuCellRegen.com

NuCell offers stem cell therapy, a non-surgical alternative to healing joint pain and injuries. We also offer in-house PT, cosmetic applications like facelifts, breast lifts, neck lifts and hair restoration, sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction in men, female incontinence and diminished orgasms. Schedule your free, 30-minute telehealth call on our website. See ad, page 9.

Reiki

Step Into Joy Healing Arts Joan Summers, Certified Intuitive Reiki Master and Gestalt Coach 267-272-9343 • StepIntoJoyHealingArts.com Joan@StepIntoJoyHealingArts.com

Experience peace of mind, enlightened awareness and physical restoration. The connections between physical pain and emotional trauma are often revealed during an intuitive reiki session. It is a practice of compassion and spiritual connection. See ad, page 22. Michelle Christine Sacred Rose Unity Barn, 4000 Sawmill Rd, Doylestown MichelleChristine@SacredRose444.com 215-840-8139 • SacredRose444.com

Michelle Christine supports women to reclaim and redefine their sexuality in any stage of their lives. Together we will work on helping you to love, nourish and celebrate yourself and your divine femininity. See ad, page 24.

Spa - Holistic

Inner Spa 4 Terry Dr, Ste 12, Atrium Bldg, Newtown Info@InnerSpa.org • 215-968-9000 InnerSpa.org • InnerVitalitySpa.com

A fully organic, holistic, eco-friendly wellness spa featuring an array of detoxification, cleansing and therapeutic services. The spa is one of the only facilities in the area to offer colon hydrotherapy. See ad, page 14. $30 for 30 words, then $1/word. Email Editor@NABuxMont.com by the 5th, or call Joe at 908-405-1515.

I CHING MUSIC

Email Transitions@MikeLegge.com for FREE WEEK into the Transitions Portal. Transitions musically & vibrationally represent the 64 symbols of the Yi Jing. For more info see 64Transitions. MikeLegge.com.

Thermography

Lisa's Thermography and Wellness Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC • 855-667-9338 Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem — inflammation. Earlystage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers. Radiation-free breast and full-body screenings for men and women. See ad, pg 11.