Finding Your Tribe
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Publisher Joe Dunne
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2024 Editorial Calendar
January | Aging Gracefully
February | Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
March | Food & Nutrition
April | Eco-Travel
August | Finding Your Tribe
September | Emotional Healing
October | Whole Body Alignment
November | Grateful Aging
December | Reconnect & Rejuvenate
Natalia
The Environmentally Friendly Workplace
Gathering Around the Friendship Fire
Today is Friday. At this moment I am very late, once again, on my publisher’s letter. Kathy, my editor, handed me an 11 a.m. deadline that now has me in a panic.
My habit of putting off writing this piece every single month is so ridiculous. I have a whole month to write something and, in truth, I love doing it once I get into it. But this habit of avoiding and pushing it to the end is something I need to change.
So, as I sit here trying to think of something inspiring, my quick solution is to write about gratitude since we all have so much to be grateful for. That is what I was attempting to do while waiting for a Zoom meeting to start. Curiously, no one was on the call except for me. I thought the South Pacific team was simply late in arriving until I realized a typhoon was hitting the Philippines. Immediately I shift from wondering where they are to worrying how they are. I try to reach them from any avenue at my disposal—what’s app, e mail, text—but no one answers. Then one of the team members, flashed on and off, and then connected. She shared with me the horror that was going on before the Internet failed on her. I quickly jumped on youtube and bam, an OMG moment. Instantly my everyday problems paled in the face of the human challenges that go on every day.
It seems no matter what problems I may have, they are so small compared to the burden others may be experiencing. This morning has provided me another lesson in humility filled with an enormous, overwhelming dose of gratitude.
With peace, love and laughter,
The problem, often not discovered until late in life, is that when you look for things like love, meaning, motivation, it implies they are sitting behind a tree or under a rock. The most successful people recognize that in life they create their own love, they manufacture their own meaning, they generate their own motivation.
For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday. And along the way, lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.
~ Neil deGrasse Tyson
Pet Posse
Joe Dunne, Publisher
A Festival Of Peace
September 15, 10 am – 6 pm
(Rain Date: Sept 29)
Greenshire Institute, Upper Bucks near Lake Nockamixon, will hold A Festival of Peace from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on September 15. The festival will focus on promoting peace within Self, Family, Community, and All Humankind. The re-dedication of Greenshire’s Peace Pole, erected in 2006, is central to this gathering. On the Peace Pole is inscribed seven different languages reading: “May peace prevail on earth.”
During the Peace Festival people will unite through such activities as: Sacred Circle, Workshops, Healing Sessions, Presentations, Drumming, Music, Dance, Vendors, Food, Fire Circle, Face Painting, Balloon Clown, and spontaneous happenings! Greenshire will also host One… A Shared Vision, a conversation that will explore visions for peace. También, estaremos ofreciendo talleres en español para nuestra comunidad hispana.
The Peace Festival will also feature Spa for the Soul, an organization that provides a revitalizing haven for the Mind, Body, and Soul. They will be providing private healing sessions. each specializing in unique modalities focusing on Mind, Body, and Soul wellness. Through their holistic approach to wellness, Spa for the Soul aims to elevate and inspire individuals in cultivating self-care practices to promote relaxation and renewal.
Greenshire was founded in 2006 and continues to this day, inviting you to explore their many gatherings, workshops, healing sessions. Greenshire is open to All People, Races, Creeds.
Location: 3620 Sterner Mill Rd., Quakertown. Entrance Donation: $20/individual. $30/family; vendors & healers: $80/space; presenters: Free. For more information and to reserve, contact info@Greenshire Institute.org. Visit GreenshireInstitute.org. See ad, page 10.
No Embalming • Caskets Must Be Biodegradable • No Concrete Burial Vaults
At Green Meadow, we believe that death is no mere end. In our natural, green cemetery, it’s a continuation, part of the great Cycle of Life – of death and rebirth, regeneration and decay – that turns to make all life possible.
To schedule a tour or for more information contact Ed Vogrins: 610-868-4840 | Info@GreenMeadowPA.org 1121 Graham Street • Fountain Hill, PA 18015
Lifestyle, Nutrition and Bone Density
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, bones that contain more minerals are denser, stronger and less likely to break. With age or certain medical conditions, bones can become less dense, and osteoporosis can develop, causing them to become weak and brittle.
A study published in the journal Nutrients evaluated the role of lifestyle and nutrition on women’s bone mineral density. The study included a cross-section of more than 850 healthy premenopausal Saudi women divided into two age groups: 20-to-30-year-olds and 30-to-40-year-olds. Participants had their bone mineral density measured, provided a blood sample and self-reported sociodemographic, medical history, lifestyle, diet and physical activity information. The results showed that adequate vitamin D levels, physical activity and proper nutrition positively influence bone mineral density values, which can impact bone health later in life.
Asbestos in Cosmetics
Talc is used in many forms of makeup, including bronzer, blush, eyeshadow, foundation, mascara, lipstick and dry shampoo, because it absorbs moisture and prevents caking. But when it is mined, talc may be contaminated by naturally occurring asbestos, which is not evenly distributed, making testing for it difficult.
British women have sued leading cosmetic companies in U.S. courts, claiming they contracted mesothelioma, an incurable cancer of the lining of the lung, heart or stomach, through their use of cosmetic products. Unless related to employment, it is difficult to bring legal action for mesothelioma in the UK, and many of the large cosmetic companies are based in America. These women are seeking compensation and to raise awareness of the risks.
Johnson and Johnson (J&J) faces nearly 54,000 lawsuits related to claims that talc in baby powder caused ovarian cancer. A Reuters investigation found that J&J executives knew for decades that talc can contain asbestos.
Harmful Chemicals in Decaffeinated Coffee
Environmental activist groups filed petitions with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove two chemicals from their safe list that are used in the production of decaffeinated coffee. Trichloroethylene and methylene chloride were found to cause cancer decades ago by the National Cancer Institute. Notably, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently banned the use of methylene chloride for industrial use due to its risk of causing cancer and other serious health conditions. Safer methods for decaffeinating coffee exist, and some brands, like Peet’s Coffee, have made the switch. To find out how a brand of coffee is decaffeinated, consumers can visit CheckYourDecaf.org or contact the producer.
Western Diet and Colorectal Cancer
Researchers from Ohio State University (OSU) have provided another reason to choose a more natural, plant-based diet: lowering the risk of colorectal cancer. Twenty percent of colorectal patients are under age 55, and the rate is increasing, according to the American Cancer Society. OSU scientists believe that the Western diet upsets the balance of gut bacteria, which, in turn, causes inflammation and accelerated cell aging, making individuals more susceptible to cancer. The researchers found that colorectal cancer patients were biologically 15 years older than their chronological age.
A study in the journal Nutrients characterized a Western diet as “high intakes of pre-packaged foods, refined grains, red meat, processed meat, high-sugar drinks, candy, sweets, fried foods,
Natural Remedy for Radiation-Induced Dermatitis
Dermatitis affects 95 percent of patients undergoing radiation therapy. According to a review published in Drugs in Context, the symptoms of radiation-induced dermatitis include pain, ulceration, swelling, itching, burning and physical and psychological discomfort. In some cases, opportunistic infections may also arise. While initial treatments involve moisturizers, dressings and antihistamines, more severe cases are treated with topical corticosteroids and antibiotics.
Seventy breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment participated in a 2024 randomized, double-blind study published in Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications to test the effectiveness of Alantel, a topical body cream that contains concentrated levels of aloe vera, chamomile and thyme. Half the group applied Alantel during the four-week trial, and the control group applied a standard moisturizing emollient cream that contained beeswax. The Alantel group had significantly lower incidence of lesions and a significantly lower duration of dermatitis than the control group.
conventionally raised animal products, high-fat dairy products and high-fructose products.”
Africa images/CanvaPro
Drought at the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal, a 51-mile waterway connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, transports $270 billion of cargo annually. Located at each end of the canal, locks lift and lower ships, moving them into and out of Gatun Lake, an artificial freshwater lake. A severe drought during the May to December 2023 rainy season has resulted in the lake being six feet below its pre-drought levels. As a result, the Panama Canal Authority has restricted the number and size of ships that are able to pass through the canal since June 2023, causing ships to have to travel around the tip of South America to reach their destinations, adding delays at other ports and escalating the demand for trucking and rail services—all of which have increased greenhouse gas emissions and the cost of imported goods. In addition, water in the locks that is usually flushed into the oceans is being recycled to maintain Gatun Lake’s water level, and because this reused water can become saltier, it poses a threat to Panama’s main source of drinking water.
Environmental Realities of Detergent Sheets and Pods
Makers of laundry detergent sheets tout their products’ eco-benefits, including their compact size; a reduction in detergent waste caused by drips, spills and overfilling; and their efficient, plastic-free packaging. The sheets contain polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), an ingredient that is also present in dish-detergent pods, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has deemed safe for humans and the environment due to the fact that it biodegrades into water and carbon dioxide when exposed to certain microbes.
Unfortunately, PVA biodegradation conditions are not always present in municipal wastewater treatment plants. A 2021 study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health estimates that approximately 75 percent of PVAs end up in the environment through sludge or water released from treatment plants. Because the majority of PVAs are made from fossil fuels, they add to global microplastic pollution.
Designer Handbags Use Mushroom Leather
Mycelium, the soft, dense and strong roots of fungi, are being used in mycotextiles, a potential replacement for leather. MycoWorks, a South Carolina-based biotechnology company, is working on a scalable approach to grow uniform sheets of interwoven mycelium that are customizable for varying thickness, surface features and dimensions. The goal is to produce a more ethical, environmentally sustainable and efficient alternative to animal leather. The fungus is grown in sterilized agricultural waste such as sawdust and bran, and the growth process ends when the sheets of mycelium are peeled off the sawdust block, at which point they can be tanned and crafted into a range of marketable products. To date, MycoWorks materials have been used in designer handbags for Hermès, making them biodegradable at the end of their life cycle.
Natalia Kopyltsova from Getty Images/CanvaPro
SL_ Photography from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Refreezing
the Arctic
Human-caused warming of the air, oceans and land is heating the Arctic region faster than anywhere else on the planet. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently reported the warmest surface air temperature ever observed in the Arctic during the region’s sixth-warmest year on record. Scientists agree that the loss of Arctic ice will increase the rate of warming for the rest of the planet.
To combat the issue, geoengineers are experimenting with ways to slow the melt in conjunction with efforts to reduce carbon output and recapture carbon already found in the atmosphere. One experiment by Arctic Reflections, a Dutch company, involves pumping water onto the surface of existing ice sheets to form a protective layer of new ice. The inspiration for their experiment comes from a method the Dutch have used for decades to make ice for skating marathons. Another experiment uses reflective glass beads scattered on top of snow and ice to reflect the sun’s rays. In early testing, the beads reflected 30 percent more sunlight than the snow alone.
Fungi Carbon Capture
Kew Gardens, in London, England, maintains a fungarium that displays about half of all known species—the largest collection in the world. Mycologists there are studying how fungi help soil sequester about 1.5 trillion tons of organic carbon around the world. Approximately 90 percent of plant species have a symbiotic relationship with fungi species, by which the fungi trade water and nutrients for carbon. Understanding this relationship will help in the design of reforestation schemes to sequester more carbon. Scientists have also noted that nitrogen pollution from burning fossil fuels and from agriculture reduces the diversity of fungi in the soil, thereby reducing the potential for carbon sequestration—pointing to one more reason to find ways to reduce the use of fossil fuels.
The Power of Community
Finding a Path to Meaningful Connection
by Thais Harris, BCHN
Despite society’s increasing emphasis on individualism, the concept of community remains a powerful force for personal and collective well-being. Loneliness is detrimental to both mental and physical health and comparable to smoking or obesity in terms of risk factors. Among older adults, isolation is associated with an increased probability of dementia.
In his book Project Unlonely: Healing Our Crisis of Disconnection, Dr. Jeremy Noble discusses the public health and economic impacts of widespread seclusion, as well as the importance of building meaningful connections. He advocates making loneliness screening a routine part of health care and prescribing social activities such as museum visits, classes and nature walks
for patients. These measures have been effectively used in the United Kingdom.
There is a growing movement that encourages us to find our tribe—those that resonate with our own core values, interests and lifestyle. While historically associated with Indigenous groups, a “tribe” is defined as a social division consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect. The point is to surround ourselves with supportive individuals that uplift us and provide a sense of belonging.
Multigenerational Communion
Family is, in a sense, our original tribe, serving a crucial role in our sense of belonging throughout life. Regardless of interpersonal dynamics, maintaining consistent connection with relatives can ease loneliness and improve longevity and other health outcomes. In the world’s Blue Zones, where people live the longest and have a better overall quality of life, the happiest centenarians build their lives around their families, and multigenerational households are common.
To remain anchored in our heritage, it is essential to regularly share moments and activities with kin, enjoying family meals, holiday parties, game nights, walks around the neighborhood or even living room hangouts. Simply spending time together allows us to share family stories, learn from each other and create traditions. Outside the family, there are many ways to find or create a tribe of cheerful acquaintances and deeply held friendships that form a safety net to shield us from drifting into isolation.
Serving Others
Volunteering is a powerful way to engage in activities that align with our passions and values while also connecting with like-minded people and helping a cause or deserving group of individuals. One
example is Volunteers in Medicine (VIM), founded in 2003, which brings together 70 medical professionals and approximately 100 community stakeholders that volunteer their time to provide free health care for the uninsured people of the Berkshires, in Massachusetts. While the practitioners treat patients—in-person and online—the others serve as interpreters, drivers and receptionists. The generosity of these individuals addresses an important need in the community and keeps people out of hospitals.
“By engaging in VIM’s mission, volunteers find purpose and meaning through the act of giving back, enhancing their own lives while improving others,” shares VIM Executive Director Ilana Steinhauer. “The opportunity to serve the community not only fulfills a personal desire to help those in need, but also fosters a deep sense of connection and community among volunteers. This camaraderie and shared mission enrich the volunteers’ lives, creating a ripple effect of positivity that strengthens the entire community fabric, making it a cornerstone of community and personal development.”
Another example is nonprofit Citizen University, which equips Americans to be cultural catalysts. Their Local Civic Collaboratory aims to shift the paradigm of success from individual achievement to shared triumph. Through collaborative gatherings, participants are empowered to address local issues, launch educational initiatives and spark artistic endeavors while relishing in deep conversations, forging meaningful bonds and launching networks of unified action.
Making Deep Connections
Coming together around shared beliefs or devotional practices can be another avenue to step away from seclusion and into a loving fraternity. Some people with shared values and goals choose to live with each other in what is known as intentional communities, many of which emphasize sustainability, cooperation and mutual support. The Foundation for Intentional Community offers an online directory to find the right living situation based on multiple criteria, including geographical
location, community type, dietary preferences, educational styles, religious or spiritual beliefs and renewable energy sources.
The Kindness of Strangers
When we are out and about, we encounter people we don’t know—strangers in supermarket aisles, bank lines or walking their dogs in the local park. Instead of passing by without acknowledging them, we have the choice to say hello or exchange pleasantries. On his podcast “Hidden Brain”, Shankar Vedantam explores how these tiny encounters can impact our lives. Smiling at people in the street, expressing gratitude for small acts of kindness or complimenting someone’s style elevates both parties. Studies by Amit Kumar, assistant professor of marketing and psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and Nicholas Epley, professor of behavioral science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, highlight the beneficial, long-term impact of small acts of kindness and positive interactions on recipients and givers.
Bonding Online and In Person
If friendships were lost during the pandemic, rebuilding a tribe will require intentionality and creativity. Reaching out with purpose to create community might just be what saves us and the planet. When we feel a sense of belonging, we can collaborate for the common good and boost our ability to protect nature, innovate and find solutions for the world’s problems. How we network is limited only by our imagination: Take classes at the local library, community college or arts organization; find a fun activity on MeetUp.com; or form a group to make new friends that share a common interest.
While online tribes can offer accessibility and a broader reach, thus facilitating connections with people from different geographies and backgrounds, face-to-face interactions are essential to our well-being. Holistic psychologist Victoria Kar shares, “Never in history has humanity been more disconnected from each other than now. The predominance of urban lifestyles creates barriers for deep social connections, and technology creates a false sense of belonging—where we can reach someone on the other side of the world on a screen— yet have no one to hold next to us.”
In-person communities provide a more heartfelt sense of fellowship. When we are present, we emit energetic fields, and the heart radiates perhaps the most powerful energy. Studies conducted by the HeartMath Institute have shown that the heart’s magnetic field can be detected by other individuals up to five feet away, igniting our sense of belonging in a way that is not possible online.
In his recent advisory report, “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation,” U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Hallegere Murthy notes that, across age groups, people are spending less time with each other in person than two decades ago, and this is most pronounced among young people aged
15 to 24 that are engaging in 70 percent fewer interactions with friends. Murthy points out, “The impact of this lack of social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces and organizations, where performance, productivity and engagement are diminished.”
The report outlines six recommendations to enhance social connection, including:
• Urging for greater social infrastructure at parks, libraries and public programs
• Enacting pro-connection public policies at every level of government such as access to public transport and paid family leave
• Mobilizing the health sector to address needs stemming from isolation
• Reforming digital environments
• Investing in research to deepen our understanding of social isolation
• Cultivating a culture of connection
In his book Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely
World, Murthy identifies three types of connections that play a crucial role in our lives: intimate (close friends and family), relational (friends and acquaintances) and collective (communities). Factors such as work culture, social media and urbanization can hinder meaningful connections, contributing to a growing sense of isolation.
As a solution, he emphasizes the importance of small, consistent actions such as active listening, expressing gratitude and engaging with community. True connection is a source of healing. The Surgeon General urges, “Answer that phone call from a friend. Make time to share a meal. Listen without the distraction of your phone. Perform an act of service. Express yourself authentically.”
Finding a tribe can significantly impact our health and happiness, providing support, joy and inclusion. The connections we choose to nurture can enrich our lives in profound ways, ensuring we thrive in body, mind and spirit.
Thais Harris is a board-certified holistic nutritionist, bestselling author and international speaker. Connect at NourishTogether.com.
FangXiaNuo
thanks you
The Power of Healing Circles
Resilience and Enjoyment in Nurturing Company
by Maya Whitman
Throughout history, cultures around the globe have used the circle to represent wholeness, vital energy and community. When humans of like hearts gather in a circle, this timeless geometric symbol becomes embodied, lessening the space between individuals. In today’s challenging times, healing circles echo ancient traditions by offering support from the deep well of human bonds. People from all walks of life are coming together to tap into their own healing potential by picking up a hand
drum, sharing the cancer treatment journey, dancing to tribal beats or expressing the deeper self with colorful paints.
Circles with inspired focus can help us navigate the rough waters of addiction, grief, illness and transitions by breaking down the protective walls we so often build in the name of survival. “We humans are a social species, and whether you are extroverted or introverted, the experience of belonging amongst others brings an impactful sense
of purpose,” says Natalie Lain, executive director at Amethyst Retreat Center, in Duncannon, Pennsylvania. She relates that seeking communal bonds in gatherings like ecstatic dance events isn’t about covering up hardship with false positives, but rather finding grace by “cultivating a foundation of inner strength and ease.”
Drumming Through Tough Times
Inspired by diverse cultural traditions, drum circles are offered at medical centers, hospitals and nursing homes for people with cancer, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders, brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, dementia and viral-based illnesses, including AIDS. In a 2001 study at an outpatient medical facility in Pennsylvania, researchers found that group drumming that followed a music-therapy protocol boosted the body’s natural killer cell activity and lowered the stress response among participants. Japanese research published in 2020 in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience shows that drumming communication programs help older people with dementia experience improved cognitive function and body composition.
Family members and caregivers can find much-needed relief by releasing challenging emotions through rhythmic drumming. “It’s been very rewarding hosting drum circles with those navigating dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” says Laura Cerrano, a reiki practitioner and healing drum circle facilitator in New York City and Long Island. “We’ve seen improved social interactions, joy, acknowledgment, feeling more present and restoring dignity.”
A Place To Be Ourselves
Some healing circles use the arts for selfexpression and restorative benefits. In such settings, it is not necessary to aim for excellence or have any special talents; simply being present in the moment will suffice. Whether it’s a free-form dance gathering or painting session, the main objective is being
in our skin, and this, Cerrano notes, initiates “a greater capacity for heart-to-heart connections and healing.”
Lain concurs, saying, “Creative healing circles are all about learning how to accept ourselves as we are and remembering to nurture our inner child. We open up our hearts in these circles and let ourselves experience the joy of pure expression, shedding layers of self-criticism and competitiveness.”
Expanding our capacity to love is a running thread through cacao ceremonies—gatherings that incorporate the consumption of unadulterated chocolate in its purest form, often prepared as a warm, frothy beverage. In the ancient Americas, cacao was used both ceremonially and medicinally. Modern cacao circles are highly diverse and go beyond religious structure. Often interwoven with music, dance, prayer or meditation, these gatherings inspire reflection and self-exploration.
Online circles can also provide deep emotional sustenance, especially for those unable to attend local events. Cerrano, who has been hosting reiki circles since 2014, saw a need to expand virtually when the world came to a halt in 2020. “The pandemic inspired me to provide weekly virtual reiki circles because people needed a place to gather, feel safe and be heard.”
Whether online or in the neighborhood, healing circles offer something for everyone, and starting up a circle can be just as rewarding. “One of the most important things as a host of mindfulness-focused events is to embody the idea that we are all each other’s teachers,” advises Lain. “It’s important to create an inviting, safe space within your group where people can feel at ease and let their guard down.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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Ilarion Merculieff
on The Wisdom of the Elders
by Sandra Yeyati
Ilarion Merculieff is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and the harmonious relationship with Mother Earth. For decades, he has served his people—the Unangan (Aleuts) of the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea—and other Indigenous peoples in a number of capacities. He was city manager of Saint Paul Island, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Commerce and Economic Development and chairman of the board of The Aleut Corporation.
Merculieff has chaired global climate change summits, led Indigenous gatherings for the healing of Mother Earth, participated in sacred ceremonies around the world, given keynote addresses at government conferences and lectured about traditional ways of knowing at universities. His many articles and books include Wisdom Keeper: One Man’s Journey to Honor the Untold History of the Unangan People.
Today, Merculieff is president and founder of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership & Lifeways, and as the co-founder of Wisdom Weavers of the World, he collaborates with Indigenous Elders to propagate their vital messages.
Could you describe your Unangan upbringing on St. Paul Island?
I come from a remarkable people. Unangan means “people by the sea”. We’ve lived in the Bering Sea for over 10,000 years, and we’re still there. My generation was the last to have a fully intact traditional upbringing. The adults’ job was to create the space for a child to learn, not to tell them what to learn, how to learn or to define anything.
At age 5, I had a traditional mentor, my Aachaa, who took me under his wing until age 13. He taught me much of what I know about being a man, reverence for life, hunting and fishing, and the ethics and values of being Unangan, and yet he may have said no more than 200 words to me that whole time. I learned by watching and listening.
Why is it important to be present in the moment and in the heart?
Our people understand that the heart never guides us wrong. It is a place of love, compassion, patience and understanding. When you’re out of the mind and in the heart, present in the moment, that’s when you commune with all that is, or as we call it, the Maker. The heart receives things and communicates them to the mind. Traditionally, all people around the world used to have the heart tell the mind what to do. Today, the mind tells the heart what to do, which is a masculine imbalance, because it’s top-down, it’s control, it’s fear. Today, we have shut off the communication vehicle for receiving information.
Can you explain the Hopi saying: “Seek not to fight evil, let goodness take its place”?
We are energy beings. When we focus our energy on stopping wars, political corruption or the violation of women, we are taking
Courtesy of Ilarion Merculieff
our mental, physical and spiritual energy and putting it into those things, which increases the power of the negative things that we’re trying to stop. Instead, the Hopi say, just focus on the world you wish to see without reaction to anything else, and then we will see real change happen. When we are in alignment and in harmony with the vibrational field of Mother Earth, then we will have real impact. Even the smallest thing that you do that is positive, that is not in reaction against something, adds to this effort.
How should we approach the problem of climate change?
People are depending upon governments and science and technology to figure out a way out of global climate change, but the Elders know that this is not going to be the answer. What we understand is that we must let go of this thing that everybody is attached to, which is the mind. What we call state-of-the-art technologies is nothing but the old regurgitated as new. For example, when the U.S. committed to hybrid fuel, that was considered good environmentally, but the Elders understood that this was going to have repercussions. Many of the world’s farmers stopped raising food crops to raise fuel crops like corn, and that led to food shortages, starvation and increased food prices around the world.
Depending on logic and rationality to guide us is the wrong place to look. The answers are in our hearts. When we access that place, when we receive that information, we will have a gift to give to the world. Each and every person is needed now. You cannot do anything about climate change until you receive your gift. It’s challenging because, accepting that as a paradigm, you have to do things that your heart is telling you to do, and it might be something that people think is crazy, like going around dancing in a circle or leaving a good job. You might be worried about where you’re going to get your food the next day.
When you stop worrying and just trust by being present in the moment and in the heart, you will contribute to the survival of the human race. Each person that does that changes the vibration that the world now is surrounded by, which is in a masculine imbalance. We need to change our consciousness now.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this con versation, visit online at Natural Awakenings.com/2024/07/31/498361/ ilarion-merculieff-on-the-wisdom-ofthe-elders or scan the QR code.
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Overcoming Generation Z Loneliness
Prioritizing Human Interactions Over Screen Time
by Thais Harris, BCHN
Generation Z, defined as those born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, has grown up in a digital era characterized by constant connectivity, yet accompanied by profound isolation. The pervasive use of social media, economic uncertainty, hybrid work environments, climate change anxiety and societal pressures contribute to this sense of loneliness.
The Cigna U.S. Loneliness Index found that nearly eight in 10 Gen Zers (79 percent) are lonely. Schools reported that between 2012 and 2018 nearly double the number of high school students worldwide expressed a sense of loneliness compared to the previous decade. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, loneliness is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety and
premature death. Those that experience social isolation have a 32 percent higher risk of early death.
A leading theory for this phenomenon is that 2012 was the first year when more than 50 percent of Americans had access to a smartphone, and the use of social media platforms reached critical mass. While these platforms offer connection, they often lack the depth and authenticity required for meaningful relationships. They give us the illusion of being connected while having our heads down, focused on our devices and ignoring the people and experiences around us. The curated nature of online profiles also can foster feelings of inadequacy and increasing loneliness.
To address this epidemic, it is essential to focus on creating environments that encourage genuine interactions and a sense of belonging. Understanding our needs and triggers, while also nourishing a sense of connection from within, can open the possibility to greater social connection and deeper interactions in the world. Here are some strategies:
Engage in community. Active participation in local activities can significantly reduce feelings of isolation. Volunteering, joining clubs or participating in neighborhood events foster a sense of purpose and connection. Engaging in community service can enhance social networks and provide emotional support while helping others.
Share interests and hobbies. Finding and participating in groups centered around shared interests can lead to deeper connections. Whether it’s a book club, sports team or foreign language class, these gatherings offer opportunities for meaningful interactions and friendships. Researchers from The University of Queensland, in Australia, found that engaging in activities that align with personal interests helps to form a coherent social identity and reduces feelings of isolation.
Talk to strangers. Contrary to what older generations taught their children, talking
to strangers is not necessarily a dangerous endeavor. It might seem easier to interact with our devices than start a conversation with someone new, but the results of the latter provide a greater sense of well-being and a feeling of belonging. Happier people spend more time talking to others, and when people have more conversations with others, they report being happier.
Be authentic, kind and open. Building genuine relationships requires authenticity. Being open and honest about our feelings and experiences fosters trust and deeper connection. When unsure about what to say, a random act of kindness can profoundly impact the day for the better, creating a ripple effect in the community.
Start from within. “Our epidemic of loneliness corresponds to an epidemic of self-neglect. This isn’t just about being out of touch with others, but with our own
body’s needs. Screen time can invade the space for adequate sleep and movement, leading to less resilience and reduced immunity,” says Peter Sholley, a psychotherapist in Massachusetts. “The gut biome is directly implicated, affected by low-nutrition foods, antibiotics, and sleep and exercise deficiencies. Many studies point to a connection between a compromised gut biome and lack of microbial diversity with an increase in depression and anxiety.”
The Power of Community
A strong, in-person community provides a support system, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being. To combat the loneliness epidemic among Generation Z, we can start by extending a kind greeting to everyone we meet—on a bus, in the classroom or in the checkout line.
Thais Harris is a holistic nutritionist and author. Learn more at NourishTogether.com.
Unresolved oral inflammation contributes to systemic disease and illness. Dental risk factors remain one of the most overlooked aspects of health and wellness. The Lanap & Implant Center has utilized an integrative biohealth methodology for accurate diagnosis and treatment for over 25 years.
Our solutions include:
• Biocompatibility testing, health risk assessment
• Incisionless, same-day tooth replacements utilizing titanium or zirconia implants
• Donor less stem cell gum grafting
• LANAP single-visit laser gum regeneration
• TMJ, complex case diagnosis
• IV sedation
We incorporate acupuncture, laser bio stimulation, reflexology, massage, oral detoxification, nutrition and homeopathy for optimal outcomes.
Expertise Doctors Trust, Experience & Comfort Patients Love.
This is the story of Yasmine Rega’s experiences with novel therapies offered by Advanced Frequency Energy Spa.
Yasmine, can you tell us about how you came to Advanced Frequency Energy Spa?
I came during the open house and was very excited to try the technology, especially the Superhuman Protocol (SHP). I was drawn to that and wanted to try it so I signed up and started using it twice a week.
What did you notice from your initial experience with the Superhuman Protocol?
I immediately noticed an increase in my energy and my mood. As I began to feel better I was encouraged to keep using the technology. I tried to do the SHP two times per week for several months.
As you got into the SHP twice a week what else started to change?
I had severe anxiety for many years and had
My Story Yasmin Rega
trouble sleeping. I also suffered from a restless leg. My leg was always moving I could never sit still. I think it was a coping mechanism for the anxiety and stress that I had been dealing with pretty much my entire life. I had a heavy weight on me that made it very difficult to sleep, I had terrible insomnia. I needed to take the medication in order to sleep at all but the medication made me drowsy when I was awake. It was terrible. I constantly had a pit in my stomach that never went away. During this initial period of using SHP twice a week, my anxiety completely subsided so did my restless leg. I was able to be still for the first time in as long I can remember. I became much calmer and my mood dramatically improved. I became much happier. I also started sleeping better and no longer required medication to sleep. My energy, mood, sleep and anxiety all improved dramatically. This was very encouraging and made me become a regular user of the spa and SHP.
As time went on were there any other changes that occurred?
Yes, I had hyperthyroidism also known as Graves’ disease with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Thyroid Eye Disease caused me to have double vision which was very disruptive. I could not drive or watch TV at night and I had difficulty maintaining eye contact. My eyes also had a bulging appearance which really bothered me. All of this made me very self conscious. After doing SHP for a couple of months gradually all of my symptoms began to disappear. This was
very exciting! I scheduled an appointment with my eye doctor who confirmed that my thyroid eye disease was completely gone. As time has gone on the bulging of my eyes has subsided. This was an amazing result which I was not expecting. I was simply doing SHP because I thought it would be good for my general health and well-being. This was a very pleasant surprise and I have continued to use SHP to maintain my health benefits.
You also did the PNOE metabolic and biological age testing. Can you tell us a little bit about that?
Yes, This is a new service that the spa started doing in the spring. This is a breath analysis test that previously was only available in university hospital physiology labs. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa purchased a portable unit that gives all kinds of great information about your health including your real biological age. That is the age that you really are biologically not your actual birth age.
I was apprehensive to take the test because I feared it would say my biological age was older than my chronological age. However, I was very curious to try it because I had been doing SHP for 10 months and was hopeful that it had lowered my biological age. When we did the test I was afraid to look at the results however when I did I was very pleasantly surprised. My biological age result was 12 years younger than my chronological age! This was a huge surprise and I give all the credit to SHP. It is so good for your health, it has completely changed my mental, spiritual and physical health. I am a new person and am extremely grateful. I am a believer and will continue to use this tremendous technology for the rest of my life. I highly recommend SHP. If you want to look and feel younger and want to be healthy and happy give it a try.
Advanced Frequency Energy Spa is located at 431 US HWY 22E (Bishop’s Plaza), in Whitehouse Station. For information, call 888-460-4050 and visit AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com. See ad, page 21.
In Search of the Healthiest Diet
Sustenance and Habits Inspired by Blue Zones
by Maya Whitman
The average life expectancy is 77.5 years in the United States, but residents of the Seventh-Day Adventist city, Loma Linda, California, are outliving the rest of the country by 10 years. Like other regions of the world classified as Blue Zones, Loma Linda’s soil and water aren’t sprinkled with magic, but daily lifestyle and dietary habits might be key contributing factors.
Coined by National Geographic explorer and researcher Dan Buettner, the term “Blue Zones” is bestowed upon intriguing corners of the world where people reach their ninth decade and beyond without suffering from chronic illness and disease. While no definitive formula for longevity exists in Loma Linda or any of the other four Blue
Zones—Nuoro Province, Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Okinawa, Japan; and Ikaria, Greece—commonalities include staying physically active, eating unprocessed food and enjoying a vibrant social network.
“By prioritizing physical activity, encouraging plant-based diets and creating spaces that promote social interactions, communities can reduce the incidence of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being,” says Buettner, author of The Blue Zones Kitchen, who found his life’s work traveling the world in search of centenarian secrets.
Delicious Simplicity
In 2023, JAMA Internal Medicine published the findings of a long-term study
involving more than 75,000 women and 44,000 men over 36 years, which determined that adherence to one of four plantbased and Mediterranean dietary patterns can lower the risk of premature death. All of the dietary guidelines in this study included whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Growing evidence suggests that nutrient-dense, unprocessed meals play a major role in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes.
“Diets in Blue Zones are predominantly plant-based, with a heavy emphasis on vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grains. They also eat a variety of beans, which are a staple in their diets and an excellent source of protein and fiber,” Buettner points out, adding that moderate portion sizes, unhurried mealtime and leaving the table when 80 percent full are also highlights of the Blue Zone lifestyle.
Anna Freedman, a natural-food chef, educator and founder of Wholefood Harmony, in London, England, specializes in a health-supporting macrobiotic approach based on ancient Japanese philosophy and developed in the 1920s by George Ohsawa. She says, “Whole foods are essential to health and longevity. Plants capture the sun’s energy, so consuming vegetables, fruits, legumes and grains bestows both nutrition and vibrancy upon the body. These foods are alkalizing and directly nourish the cells, restoring the blood quality and supporting health and longevity.”
Aamulya from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Macrobiotic favorites like lentils, chickpeas, whole grains and dark, leafy greens echo Blue Zone dietary models and are believed to promote overall systemic balance. The macrobiotic approach, adds Freedman, “can be adjusted to focus on improving a certain health condition or adapted to meet climate, phase of life or another factor.” In her work with clients, she encourages the consumption of a wide range of plant ingredients and cooking styles, and even incorporates certain animal proteins, to accommodate client preferences.
Diets that seek to promote a longer, healthier life usually include powerhouse ingredients such as naturally fermented sauerkraut and kimchi, legumes like lentils and split peas, and whole grains, especially barley, millet and oats.
Social Sustenance
In our modern world, feelings of isolation are reaching epidemic proportions, and in the medical community, loneliness is now seen as a risk factor for mortality that is equal to the effects of obesity, smoking or a sedentary lifestyle. Through Blue Zone research, it is understood that emotional nourishment is vital to
good health. According to Buettner, “In Blue Zones, people often engage in regular social interactions, whether it’s through communal meals, faith-based gatherings or simply spending time with neighbors and family.” A table of delicious food surrounded by loved ones is an inspiring way to eat and age gracefully.
For Gladys McGarey, M.D., cofounder of the American Holistic Medical Association, who is still practicing medicine at 103 years of age, our thoughts are also a form of nourishment. “What we feed our minds grows and lives, and we become it,” says the author of the bestseller The Well- Lived Life. “It has to do with love, the whole process of life. Love must be shared to flow, and life is the same. We must not only create community, but live it.”
Freedman sums it up saying, “Eating and togetherness is a key feature of humanity, which is alarmingly in sharp decline. Food was always meant to be enjoyed together, and doing so serves up much more than simply nutrition.”
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings magazine.
Immune-Boosting Soup With Miso and Ginger Scent
This macrobiotic soup combines all the healing and digestive benefits of miso and ginger. Noodles, fish and a variation of vegetables can be added, too.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
Dash sesame oil
1 leek, finely sliced
1 carrot, finely diced
1 zucchini or summer squash, finely diced
3-inch portion of wakame sea vegetable, rinsed and cut into small strips
3 cups boiling water
Spring onions, finely cut for garnish
4 tsp brown rice miso paste
1 inch ginger root, juiced
Heat the sesame oil and sauté the leek for one minute. Add the other vegetables and wakame. To make a broth, add water to cover the ingredients, bring to a boil then simmer for 4 minutes.
Remove one ladle of broth and place in a bowl. Add the miso to this broth, stirring to dissolve and incorporate the paste into the broth, and then pour it back into the original pot of cooked vegetables. Add ginger juice and simmer for another minute or so. Garnish with spring onion.
Recipe courtesy of Anna Freedman.
Toasted Spiced Chickpeas (Sardinia Side Dish)
YIELD: 1½ CUPS
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp garlic salt
½ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350°F.
Toss the chickpeas, oil, cumin, garlic salt, chili powder and black pepper in a large bowl until well coated and uniform. Pour the mixture onto a large, lipped baking sheet and spread into one layer. Bake 45 to 60 minutes until browned and crisp, stirring occasionally.
Set the baking sheet on a wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the chickpeas to a serving bowl. Serve warm or at room temperature with plenty of napkins.
Recipe courtesy of Dan Buettner.
Divine Freedom
by Dan McMeans
Believing in the impossible sets the wheels of possibility in motion to enable us to excel beyond our boundaries. As we embrace trust and freedom from above, a power beyond our imagination brings positive elements within our projects into fruition. It empowers us to reach within ourself to help us reach our goals and achievements.
This power is existential. It is always renewable and indomitable and filled with combustible Divine energy.
Our inner thoughts are critical because it takes a serious mind to propel life forward with the right attitude. Our attitude is our biggest asset because this is how we are measured by all people. It also will help you with all your projects and goals.
God is infinite and because God is bountiful so are all His superlatives. Through His principle of hope, we connect to God’s eternal power, and find the path to believing in the impossible.
It’s important to wake up each morning with the affirmation “I Love Life!”. That confirmation in itself will send positive intangibles forward with such energy that it will unravel a pathway of positive outcomes for us to align ourself, our thoughts and our dreams. Fruition awaits and draws upon the energy of the positive. As we align ourself with God, we become a microcosm of God which helps us to bring all our interests and goals to materialization.
Dan McMeans is a mind, body and spirit advisor that practices pranic healing and Reiki. For information, contact Dan at 267-570-9042 or dan_mcmeans@yahoo.com or visit Holistic PranicHealer.com. See ad, this page.
PRANIC HEALER
PRANIC HEALER & REIKI CONSULTATION
WHAT IS PRANIC HEALING?
Pranic Healing influences your natural life force to bring about healthier living body. Pranic Healing is a method of healing that uses the body’s energy fields and the life-force energy known as prana, which is used to help heal the mind, body, spirit.
WHAT IS REIKI?
Reiki dates back to 770 AD, and was rediscovered in 1922 when Dr. Usui who climbed Mount Kurama in Kyoto City in a Buddhist Temple where he discovered the ancient healing techniques and symbols of Reiki.
“My experience was wonderful! Dan explained everything to me as the session was going on. I feel like a new person.”
— Diane Wesoski
With each healing session, each client will receive a free book of Dr. Wayne Dyer’s encouraging study of The Power of Intention which propels one to succeed and explore the boundaries of your unlimited mind.
Cross-Brain Fitness
An Integrative Workout for the Mind and Body
by David J. Sautter, NASM (CPT, FNS, PES), ACE (SCS)
Holistic approaches to health and well-being that consider the entire person—body, mind and spirit—are especially effective in cultivating creativity and mental equilibrium. Cross-brain fitness training encourages the use of both the left and right hemispheres of the brain in tandem to improve body and brain function.
One study published in Advances in Physical Education suggests that exercises involving movements across the middle of the body improved the ability to transfer motor skills from one hand to the other, most likely due to improved communication between the two sides of the brain. A 2016 study published in the Journal of Exercise, Nutrition and Biochemistry found that a 12-week brain health exercise program for seniors improved lower and upper body strength, as well as aerobic endurance, while also increasing cognitive function and levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that plays an important role in neuronal survival and growth.
Engaging Sports
Physical activities that engage both brain hemispheres boost health and enhance creativity by integrating analytical and creative thinking. Team sports such as soccer and basketball are excellent for cross-brain development. They demand strategic planning and logical thinking, activities typically associated with the left hemisphere. At the same time, they require players to use spatial awareness and creativity—skills linked to the right hemisphere. This combination encourages players to continuously switch between different modes of thinking, thereby improving brain agility and coordination.
“Team sports require players to analyze the game situation, anticipate opponents’ moves and strategize accordingly,” says Danielle Smith, a registered dietitian and personal trainer. “Players need to understand the rules of the game, their position-specific responsibilities and how to execute plays effectively. Team sports offer a great way for these skills to develop naturally in a fun environment.”
Rock climbing is a prime example of an activity that blends cognitive demands. It requires meticulous problem-solving and advanced planning (left-brain activities) to choose the best routes and techniques for ascent. Simultaneously, climbers must employ spatial awareness and adaptability (right-brain activities) to navigate and adjust to new challenges on the fly, making it a comprehensive brain exercise.
Sailing combines the technical knowledge and analytical thinking characteristic of the left brain, such as navigating and understanding sailing mechanics, with the intuitive grasp of environmental elements like wind and water, a right-brain activity. Sailors must continuously interpret these dynamic elements and adjust their strategies accordingly, promoting an advanced level of hemispheric integration.
Implementing a Routine
Incorporating a variety of cross-brain training activities into a regular fitness routine is crucial for engaging different parts of the brain and maximizing cognitive development. Here are some tips and strategies for creating an effective cross-brain fitness routine:
• Add variety. Rotate between activities that challenge different cognitive skills. For example, blend team sports, which enhance strategic thinking and cooperation, with individual pursuits like rock climbing or sailing that require problem-solving and
Artur Didyk from Getty
adaptability. This diversity not only prevents boredom but also stimulates different brain areas.
• Be consistent. Schedule brain-stimulating physical activities several times a week. This regular engagement helps to encourage new neural connections and improve brain function over time.
• Progress gradually. Start with simpler tasks and gradually increase the complexity of the activities as cognitive and physical abilities improve. This progression keeps the brain challenged and engaged as training advances.
• Track results. Use a journal or digital app to record the types of activities performed, their duration and any noticeable improvements in thinking, problem-solving or creative output. Also reflect on changes in emotional and mental well-being. Such monitoring is
essential to appreciate the benefits of a cross-brain fitness routine.
• Check cognitive progress. Consider periodic cognitive assessments to formally measure cognitive improvements. These can be simple online tests designed to evaluate brain functions such as memory, attention, problem-solving and creativity.
Holistic Support
Cross-brain fitness can be supported by other activities during the day. Regular meditation, for example, quiets the mind’s chatter, allowing both sides of the brain to work in harmony, thus enhancing the ability to generate new ideas and solve problems creatively. “Meditation and mindfulness practices are associated with strengthening the brain’s connectivity,” explains Kathleen Benson, a registered dietitian specializing in women’s health, sports nutrition and digestive health. “This can improve attention, memory, decision-making and general
mindfulness. Regular practitioners often have improved emotional control, lower stress and clearer thinking.”
What we eat significantly impacts our brain function and overall health. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and proteins can enhance cognitive function and support both the logical and creative faculties of the brain. Foods like blueberries, nuts, fish and green leafy vegetables boost brain health and foster mental clarity.
Adequate sleep helps consolidate memories and clear brain fog, making room for new ideas and creative thinking. Sleep also balances the emotional states, ensuring that both the analytical and creative sides of the brain can function optimally without the interference of stress or anxiety.
David J. Sautter is a certified trainer, fitness-nutrition specialist, and health and fitness writer.
CHRONIC HEALTH ISSUES
“In my 37 years of experience, I can assure you that your chronic health symptoms exist because some unresolved mechanical, emotional or nutritional stress is placing undue influence on the body and preventing your ability to heal. Once the cause is identified, the treatment becomes obvious, and healing can begin.”
Dr. Griffin
Protecting Waterways
How Individuals Can Make a Real Difference
by Kelcie Ottoes
The biblical adage that all rivers lead to the sea is one way of saying that all water is connected. This natural design moves water from one place to the next, which means that polluting or littering along one creek eventually pollutes all waterways.
According to the Ocean Conservancy, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, joining an estimated 200 million metric tons already circulating there. While many organizations and individuals engage in waterway cleanups on Earth Day in April, attention is needed the rest of the year, too.
Clean waterways support healthy ecosystems, beautify outdoor spaces, provide a safe
habitat for wildlife and improve outdoor recreational experiences. We can all play an impactful role in keeping waterways clean.
Getting Started
Most litter is found along the water’s edges, beaches, walking paths and parking areas. By committing to consistently keeping a section of waterway clean, we can deter others from littering in the area. “Studies have found that clean places stay cleaner,” says Lauren Berent Burgess, engagement director of Denver, Colorado’s The Greenway Foundation, a nonprofit steward of the South Platte River. “Something in our mentality will stop us from destroying a place that looks nice. We feel less guilty littering somewhere there is litter already.
You can always keep a waterway clean by maintaining it.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information online about actions to take around the house and in the community to support waterways. To learn more, visit epa.gov/urbanwaterspartners/how-youcan-help. Also consider joining a local nonprofit that hosts cleanups, including Adopt a Beach, Ocean Conservancy, Keep America Beautiful, Waterkeeper Alliance and American Rivers.
“If you know somewhere is going to flood, clean up the area before it happens and while water levels are still low to prevent the trash from being swept away,” says Callie Schaser, the communications specialist at Living Lands & Waters, a river cleanup organization headquartered in Illinois. “They may seem small, but picking up items like cigarette butts can have a big impact, especially because of all the contaminants that are in the filter. One cigarette filter can pollute up to two gallons of water before the contaminants are gone.”
Safety Tips
• Ensure minors are accompanied by an adult.
• Check the forecast for rain, flood warnings and high tides.
• Respect nature and leave wildlife alone.
• Do not enter high water.
• Exercise extreme caution when picking up anything sharp, hazardous or excessively heavy.
What to Bring to a Cleanup
• Drinking water
• Snacks
• Trash pickers
View Apart/CanvaPro
• Work gloves
• Closed-toed shoes
• Rain jacket
• Long sleeve shirt
• Long pants
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Trash and recycling bags
• Hand sanitizer
• Safety vest
The Impact of Organized Action
When individuals get organized, work together and execute cleanups consistently over time, their collective impacts can be transformative. The Ocean Conservancy has collected almost 349 million pounds of trash since 1986. Living Lands & Waters has cleaned up 25 rivers in 21 states and hosted 1,400 community-based cleanups that have removed more than 13 million pounds of trash since 1998. American Rivers has cleaned up 32.5 million pounds of litter and debris with the help of 1.3 million volunteers covering 261,000 miles of waterways since 1991.
Other Ways to Maintain Waterways
• Generate less trash by consuming less.
• Ensure local trails and parks have trash, recycling and compost bins.
• Eliminate single-use plastic, one of the largest contributors to waterway pollution, according to both Burgess and Schaser.
• Encourage others to take ownership of their trash and local waters.
• Persuade businesses and local groups to adopt sections of waterways and commit to keeping them clean.
• Support farmers using regenerative practices that do not contribute to chemical runoff.
Kelcie Ottoes is a copywriter and content creator specializing in sustainability and environmental topics. She is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings.
Calendar of Events
All calendar events for the September 2024 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.
Sunday, August 4
One Heart Collective: Worldwide Meditation Event for World Peace – 10am12noon. Join us for this live virtual education and meditation event and contribute to increasing the frequency of our planet. This event will take place simultaneously across hundreds of locations worldwide, connecting multiple Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) centers at once. The guest host this month is Jason Sherka. Held at Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 US HWY 22E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. To reserve a lounge chair, purchase your ticket $60 (plus tax) at AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.
Saturday, August 10
The Tibetan Three Heart Mantras Workshop – 10am-4pm. Spend a day of deep spiritual immersion on the farm with certified soul healer and teacher Lopon Bön Chong Ma, practicing the Tibetan Three Heart Mantra to help you to meditate, reduce stress, heal negative emotions, and open your heart. Rain or shine, in our Picnic Pavilion. $125. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/ workshops/.
Sunday, August 11
Frequency Fusion Sound Therapy with Singing Bowls and Planetary Gong – 4:306pm. Experience the fusion of the ancient healing art of Sound Healing Therapy featuring Ruth Ratliff, and the cutting-edge technology of Scalar Frequency with the EESystem at Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 US HWY 22E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. To reserve a lounge chair, purchase your ticket $77 (plus tax) at AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.
Thursday, August 15
Yoga in the Park – 6-7pm. Join us for an all-levels slow flow yoga class in the park. A combination of flow, stretch, and strength. Enjoy the beauty of being outdoors and disconnecting from daily stressors. $10. Weingartner Park, 254-344 Summit St., North Wales. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/ schedule.
Sunday, August 18
Aquariuan Full Moon Kundalini – 2-4pm. A transformative experience of Kundalini yoga under the powerful energy of the full moon. Uplift your spirit, balance your energy, and connect you with a community of likeminded souls. $45. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E. Walnut St., North Wales. 215-661-0510. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/schedule.
Tuesday, August 20
New Moon Yoga & Tarot Workshop –6-8pm. “Divination, moving meditation, introspection and a little body magic. A unique experience of the self, through the self, to the self.” Practicing yoga and reading tarot cards are two ways that many people learn to tune in, reflect, and strengthen their connection to themselves and the world around them. Led by Jenn of Wildflower Yoga and includes Moon Salutations, and Adrienne from Mad Lavender Farm for tarot themes. Tickets available through Wildflower Yoga Collective. $55. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908310-5973. WildFlowerYogaCollective.com/ moonflowandtarot.
Friday, August 23
Restorative Yoga with Reiki – 7-8:30pm. Release, relax, and renew. Learn how to cultivate a presence and truly reach a meditative state with this reiki and restorative yoga workshop. $45. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E. Walnut St., North Wales. 215-661-0510. WholeBodyYogaStudio. com/workshops.
Sunday, August 25
Table Loom Weaving Workshop – 10am2pm. Weaving is an ancient art, a timehonored tradition. Using a wooden lap loom (that you take home!) weave your very own piece of art. We will be discussing different techniques and exploring the practical and artistic uses for weaving. Please bring a bag lunch to enjoy on beautiful Mad Lavender Farm during our break. Early registration is $130 (10days before class) Coupon Code LOOMAUG for the August session and LOOMSEPT for the Sept session. $150. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-310-5973. MadLavenderFarm.com/ workshops/workshops/.
Ukrainian Folk Festival 2024 – 12noon-8pm. Celebrate the enduring, vibrant culture of a people that fights for freedom! ($2 of each paid admission donated to Humanitarian Relief of Victims of War in Ukraine). Exciting, spectacular, dazzling, breathtaking, exhilarating, spirited, soulful, enchanting,
captivating, and intriguing – modest words which describe but by no means capture the essence of Ukrainian folk art, music, song and dance. Tickets at gate only. Tickets: adults/$15; children under 15/free. Free parking. Ukrainian American Sport Center, Lower State and County Line Roads, Horsham. 267-664-3857. info@tryzub.org. tryzub.org/Ukraine-Festival-2024.
Mushroom Cultivation Workshop – 1-3pm. Join mushroom cultivator and forager Kacy Binz in a fun and hands-on mushroom cultivation workshop! Learn each step of the growing process from mycelium to mushroom. She will lead the group in an inoculation of blue oyster mushrooms, and you will leave with your own at home mushroom growing kit! Mushroom snacks and tea will be provided, as well as printouts of all the information. $65. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. 908-3105973. MadLavenderFarm.com/workshops/ workshops/.
ONGOING
Sunday
Qi Gong with JoeyG – 10:30-11:30am. Learn the ancient art of Qi Gong in the Scalar Field with JoeyG, a certified Holden Tier 1 Qi Gong Instructor. Beginners welcome. Learn to understand the energies of your body, harness that energy and direct its flow through breathwork, postures and effortless flowing movements. Wear comfy clothing. Bring a friend! Packages: 1 time drop-in $40; 4x $35/class; 12x $30/class; 16x $25/class. Sign up in person. Advanced Frequency Energy Spa, 431 US HWY 22E (Bishop’s Plaza), Whitehouse Station. AdvancedFrequencyEnergySpa.com.
Tuesday
Chair Yoga – 11:45am-12:45pm. A wonderfully accessible form of yoga that adapts to your abilities, incorporating breath work, modified movements, and relaxation techniques. Perfect for anyone seeking a gentler approach to their practice. $25 per class. Whole Body Yoga Studio, 103 E. Walnut St., North Wales. 215-661-0510. WholeBodyYogaStudio.com/workshops.
You are as amazing as you let yourself be. Let me repeat that. You are as amazing as you let yourself be.
—Elizabeth Alraune
Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.
Chiropractic
CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALING
Jeffrey L Griffin, DC 252 W Swamp Rd, Ste 26, Doylestown 215-348-2115 • C4NH.com Dr.griffin@c4nh.com
Life is full of symptoms stemming from just one cause… MEN! Mechanical, Emotional and Nutritional Stress. Well-studied, documented and very treatable provided the cause is known. That’s where we come in. Let our 37 yrs of experience help you begin feeling better today! Free phone consultation available when you mention Natural Awakenings magazine! See ad, page 27
Dentistry - Holistic
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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 metal-free 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 19
Energy Healing
DAN MCMEANS
Certified In the Arts of Pranic Healing and Reiki Consultation
267-570-9042 dan_mcmeans@yahoo.com HolisticPranicHealer.com
Pranic Healing influences your natural life force to bring about a healthier body. It is based on the fundamental priciples that the body is a self-repairing living entity that possesses the innate ability to heal itself. See ad, page 25
Enzyme Nutrition
CENTER FOR NATURAL HEALING
Jeffrey L Griffin, DC
252 W Swamp Rd, Ste 26, Doylestown 215-348-2115 • C4NH.com
Dr.griffin@c4nh.com
Feeling poorly? Lacking answers? Frustrated by your health issues? I understand and want to help. Mention Natural Awakenings magazine and receive your exploratory phone consultation with Dr. Griffin completely free of charge. New patients welcome! See ad, page 27
Hair Restoration
THE HAIR FOR LIFE CENTER, LLC
201-731-3530
TheHairForLifeCenter.com
For over 35 years The Hair For Life Center has been helping women who experience hair loss. In as little as 2 to 3 hours we restore your hair to its natural state safely without using glues or extensions. For more information, visit at TheHairForLifeCenter.com. See ad, page 23
Integrative Healing Health Coach
NEXT LEVEL HEALTH AND HEALING
Desiree Bohn Cherry Hill, NJ 609-541-1087 • NextLevelHH@outlook.com
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach specializing in HEALING YOUR BODY with food and vitamins for all areas of life including food education, skin conditions (acne, shingles, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, vitiligo), sleep hygiene, high cholesterol, constipation, fatigue, bi-polar, ADHD, aches/pains, eating for cancer prevention/treatment, anxiety, depression, Lyme disease, Epstein Barr virus, heavy metal poisoning.
A New Treatment for Low Back Pain
Introducing DiscSeel® — a revolutionary, patented, minimally-invasive new treatment for chronic low back pain. Even patients who have had prior surgery, including fusion surgery, may be candidates for this procedure.
Stephen J. Roman, Jr. M.D., PLLC
Dr. Stephen Roman’s practice serves patients from around the world. We are happy to provide services for disorders of the spine and joints in the fields of pain management and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
The Discseel® Procedure uses a natural biologic substance called fibrin to seal tears in the spinal discs, becoming a part of the disc, and then promoting the growth of disc tissue.
During the Discseel® Procedure, part of the process is to look for torn discs using x-ray images. If the disc is shown to have a tear, fibrin is injected. The goal of the fibrin is to seal torn, leaky discs and promote regrowth of disc tissue. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and improvement in pain usually begins in 1-4 months.
