Walking in Wonder

by Marlaina Donato

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.

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.

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.

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: n 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. n Regardless of artistic ability, begin a nature journal and record small bits of the seasons throughout the year. n Check out a book or two from the children’s section at the library and be young again. n Create a daily practice of daydreaming about something delightful that has nothing to do with the past or the future. n Start a local meet-up with others that share a common passion: books, healthy baking, trains or thrifting. n Revisit a childhood or teenage interest and don’t explain why.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at JaguarFlower.art.

All calendar events for the September 2023 issue must be received by August 10 and adhere to our guidelines.

To submit, visit NABuxMont.com/ pages/calendar or email Kathy@ NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for a submission form.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

FULL MOON: Shamanic Surrender Box Fire Ceremony / Sound Healing – 1-2:30pm. A full moon meditation is a powerful way to tap into the moon’s energy and harness its power through meditation. Join Leslee Penny as she takes you through a journey of spiritual release, de-stressing and healing. She will help you create a surrender box of things that no longer serve you – and let them go. Followed by Sound Healing. Bring comfortable clothing and something to lie down on. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

New Solutions For Chronic Joint Pain –12:30-2pm. Spots are limited and registration is required! Lunch and Learn presentation begins at 12:30 pm so please arrive a few minutes beforehand to find our office and grab your seat. Lunch will be provided. Call our office today to reserve your spot! Free. Dr. Lachman & Associates, 1432 Easton Rd, Warrington. 267-406-0782. DrLachman.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Lavender Sage Smudge Workshop – 1-3pm. Learn to wrap gorgeous, heavenly scented smudge sticks with up to four different herbs. The colors are spectacular and the combination of aromas when they are burned are so cleansing, soothing and elevating to the soul. We will make two smudge sticks in our workshop. It’s all about having fun and making a glorious mess. $65. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

New Solutions For Diabetes – 12:30-2pm. Spots are limited and registration is required! Lunch and Learn presentation begins at 12:30 pm so please arrive a few minutes beforehand to find our office and grab your seat. Lunch will be provided. Call our office today to reserve your spot! Free. Dr. Lachman & Associates, 1432 Easton Rd, Warrington. 267-406-0782. DrLachman.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Shamanic Prayer Arrow Ceremony & Sound Healing Meditation – 10:30am-noon. In this ceremonial circle, we take our most precious intentions, goals or even a simple prayer and place them into a prayer arrow. As you put love and care into your intentions, the feathers of your arrow will lift it into the heavens. Sound Healing Meditation follows. Crafting supplies provided. Led by Leslee Penny. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops.

Yoga Nidra – 11:30am-12:30pm. Yoga Nidra is a form of guided meditation that helps you achieve a deep state of relaxation, so you can release tension and find peace within. No experience necessary. $25. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E. Walnut St., North Wales. 215-661-0510. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/ Workshops.

Shamanic Lucid Dreaming Workshop & Sound Healing / Dream Catcher Tea –1-2:30pm. Learn to remember your dreams by connecting the dream world to your waking reality, and ways to increase your chances of having a lucid dream each night. You may even be able to ask questions of your guides. Dream Catcher Tea served. Please bring a notebook or journal with you. Followed by Sound Healing session. Sweet dreams! Led by Leslee Penny. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm. com/workshops/workshops.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Natural Dye: Mellow Yellows and Glorious Goldens – August – 1-3:30pm. Using barks, cones and seasonal flowers, we will dye organic cotton bandanas! We will also play with the petals used in the dye process by steaming and pounding them into cotton rag paper. Sip lavender lemonade and taste lovely cookies. $45. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavender Farm.com/workshops/workshops.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

Groove Dance Workshop – 7:30-8:30pm. No experience or skill needed. We come together to unite, celebrate, connect, play, heal, and get healthy through dance. A creative group dance experience with great music, come have fun!. $25. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E. Walnut St., North Wales. 215-661-0510. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/Workshops.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30

TRE Group Shake with Bonnie Pariser! –7:15-8pm; in-person and Zoom. Learn the easy and helpful technique of TRE (Tension and Trauma reducing exercises). The selfregulation method can be done on your own at any time. It is also helpful to tremor with others! New students and experienced ones are welcome to attend. $20. Yoga Loka, 23 Race Street, Frenchtown Borough. 908-268-7430. Yoga-Loka.com/Workshops.html.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Ethos Farm Days Festival 2023 – Sep. 9-10. Food is medicine, for us, our community, our land, our planted. Learn what you can do to help heal yourself and the planet. Inspiring Speakers and fun activities for rthe entire family. Tickets: EthosFarmProject/FarmDays. Use Code FDNA10 for 10% Off. Festival is at 177 West Mill Rd. Long Valley, NJU. For informationm contact 908-867-0060 or inquiry@ ethosfarmproject.org. EthosFarmProject.org.

ongoing monday

Prenatal Yoga Classes – 6-7pm. Designed to nourish expectant mothers during their journey, students will learn to connect with their own innate wisdom, body, and growing baby. Strengthen pelvic muscles, improve circulation, and increase comfort. $25 per class/ $130 for 6 classes. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E Walnut St, N Wales. 215-6610510. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/classdescriptions/north-wales-prenatal-yoga.