Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / May 2022 by Natural Awakenings Central NJ & Eastern PA

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

MOMS MAKING IT WORK FORGING AHEAD IN UNCERTAIN TIMES WAYS TO FIND

RELIEF FROM FIBROIDS

Take Me Home

HOW TO MAKE A BLENDED FAMILY BLEND

SAVING BIRDS FROM KITTIES

May 2022 | Somerset-Middlesex-Hunterdon-Mercer-S. Warren NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450 Hibernatebedding .com

Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress. Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your total purchase.

We offer an exclusive collection of ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FREE Mattresses and Accessories and have something for everyone at all prices…..a truly ONE OF A KIND store! Over 30 Years Family Experience. Once a Customer, Always a Customer. Education is our top priority.

Platform Beds, Headboards, Adjustable Bases, Toppers, Pillows, Sheets, & Crib Mattresses.

From one of our satisfied NY customers.

We were interested in an Organic Mattress Inc. innerspring mattress set, so made the lengthy trip from western New York to the Hibernate Bedding store in Bernardsville, NJ. Our experience with Pam and her operation was well worth the investment of our time. From the moment we entered the store, Pam was welcoming, attentive and worked hard to understand our needs and concerns. The "white glove" delivery process was flawless. We can't recommend Hibernate Bedding and their products highly enough following our very satisfactory experience.

Free Delivery 2

Free Set Up

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Free Removal

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Natural Health and Beauty Products. Holistic and Traditional Medicines. Unmatched Expertise.

Disease begins in the gut.

Test. Don’t Guess. 1 in 7 people suffer from a wheat related disorder. If you think you may be suffering from any undiagnosed digestive issues, you may benefit from this highly accurate, quantifiable test. The Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer Test can identify and decipher celiac disease, leaky gut, gluten sensitivity, wheat allergy, wheat sensitivity and other autoimmune reactions.

Vibrant Wellness tests include: • Micronutrient • Assorted gut health tests • Food sensitivities • Food additives • Cardiometabolic Call 908-658-4900 and make an appointment today.

SHIPPING

VIP CONCIERGE

& SHIPPING SERVICES

We’ll deliver or ship right to your door. $3.00 delivery charge.

Spend $50 Get 15% off Every time. In store or by phone only

75 Washington Valley Road, Bedminster, NJ 07921 • 908.658.4900 • valleypharmacyrx.com Located next to Fresh Market • Current hours: Monday-Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 10am - 3pm May 2022

Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 14 THE BLENDED FAMILY Tips for Creating a Successful Stepfamily

30 16

16 JEFFREY BLAND

on Rejuvenating Our Immune System

20 INTERMITTENT FASTING BASICS

How to Improve Health by Eating Less Often

24 RESILIENT MOTHERING

How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

30 FENDING OFF FIBROIDS

Natural Approaches Offer Relief

34 EASY CONTAINER GARDENING

How to Grow Edibles in Pots and Planters

36 STAYING HYDRATED

It's Not Just About Drinking Water

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 908-405-1515 or email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Kathy@ NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email calendar events to: Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

38 SAVING BIRDS FROM CATS

Simple Strategies to Protect Feathered Friends

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 14 healthy kids 16 wise words 18 lit bits 20 conscious eating 27 scam alert 28 teen voices 30 healing ways 32 eco tip

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

33 34 36 38 40 41 42

yoga corner green living fit body natural pet calendar classifieds business directory 46 crossword

publisher letter

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

The Journey to Beautiful

never knew what I wanted out of life. As with many people, my search was filled with low self-esteem, feeling less than others and wondering what others possessed that I missed. I worried about others’ opinion of me and how I measured against the norm. My life was built on this type of thinking and behavior. Peace was a distant dream. I didn’t feel like I fit in, even in a crowd. As it turns Asta & Joe Dunne, Publishers out, I did not. Naturally, over the years, things changed. I learned a little more. I found that nothing—not the rock and roll night life or the excitement of searching for the new—ever fixed me. Too many of us think that the perfect man, woman, partner will solve the problem of “me”. And therein lies the problem. It took a lot of time and effort to understand that all the solutions were already within me. That fixing my life is up to me; it’s my responsibility, but at that time in my life I was not ready for the solution. The need for change was there, but my awareness was way behind. I did not know how to grow, how to listen, how to open my mind and learn from the success of others. My point here is to acknowledge that life is one day at a time. It’s a process and sometimes that process takes more time than we would like. While the one thing you can count on is change, it takes drive, right intentions, good thinking, and the knowledge that success is a series of good, small decisions to feel a sense of control within the change. We can accomplish almost anything, and the key is not to give up on our dreams, desires (good ones), wish lists and the pursuit of being a better human. This year I turned 78. Many of my truths have changed over the years. Many of my past beliefs ended up being just plain wrong. Many brain programs that shaped my thinking were wrong. Many of my defenses and ego-centered thinking patterns were wrong. But I am okay with my past. It shaped me and allowed me to understand things that can only be understood through experience. So now I celebrate and accept all the good and bad together, because life is beautiful. Its beauty is still there even when life is painful, complicated, hard and stressful. In those times I just want to scream, even give up, but I have learned most situations will change. Hopefully it changes for the better, but sometimes you are dealt a bad hand, and the only way through is to play it. In those times, acceptance can bring the focus necessary to see the way through, and hope becomes life’s miracle maker. For those who may be suffering, I pray you will find peace and serenity in your life. As you know, May is our annual Women’s edition. So, Asta and I would like to close with a sincere wish that each of you, our readers, finds your own moments of tranquility, as well as an oasis of calm, relaxation and peace in your lives. With peace, love and laughter,

& Asta

CENTRAL NJ EDITION Publisher Joe Dunne Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147 Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell Kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-912-4569 • 770-867-2101 direct Design & Production Kathy Tarbell Website Kristy Mayer Accounting/Billing Asta Dunne Asta@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-4040

SALES & MARKETING Joe Dunne • Bedminster, NJ 908-405-1515 Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Visit our Facebook page for the latest health updates and information, or to post your events and comments.

NaturalAwakeningsCentralNewJersey

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/Founder COO/Franchise Sales Production Designer Financial Manager Asst. Director of Ops Digital Content Director National Advertising Administrative Asstistant

Sharon Bruckman Joe Dunne Gabrielle W-Perillo Yolanda Shebert Heather Gibbs Rachael Oppy Lisa Doyle-Mitchell Kristy Mayer

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4851 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 200 Naples, FL 34103 NaturalAwakenings.com

© 2022 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Please Recycle

May 2022

Directory of Display Advertisers

news briefs

New for You in Natural Awakenings

Celebrant Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

his month, we are excited to introduce two new columns: Lit Bits and Scam Alert. Lit Bits features amazing news and technological advances from around the world, primarily dedicated to healing the planet. “It’s easy to become disheartened about the state of our eco system and the growing threat of climate change. But, if you look, you can find absolutely incredible work being done by individuals, groups, and companies to transform problems into solutions,” shares Managing Editor Kathy Tarbell. Scams abound, and there is no lack of creativity in how tricksters attempt to trick us into giving away our money or identity. Scam Alert provides warning of the new and recycled versions, along with helpful advice on how to protect oneself.

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

See Lit Bits on page 18, and Scam Alert on page 27.

Thank you for being part of our community! 7 Chakras Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Be Here Now Yoga . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Be the Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 CardFly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Center for Advanced Health . . . . . . . . 47 Through Dentistry

Dr. Clare Larkin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Full Circle Energy Therapies . . . . . . . . 18 Guna Allergy Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Health Yeah with Michelle . . . . . . . . . . 13 Hibernate Bedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Holistic Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Hunterdon Integrative Physicians . . . 21 Hypnosis Counseling Center . . . . . . . . . 9 KnowWEwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Mad Lavender Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Natural Awakenings Singles . . . . 19, 37 New Jersey Natural Medicine . . . . . . . 17 Numinous Mama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Ondov Relationship Coaching . . . . . . . 10 Paint with T-Anya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Personally Yours Lingerie . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Qi Gong for Healing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Quantum Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 RegeneSpine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Samsara Chiropractic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Sunrise Nutrition Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 The Hair For Life Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The Hemp Oil Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Valley Integrative Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . 3 Whole Foods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 * New / Returning Advertisers

Let them know you found them in Natural Awakenings Central NJ!

Lavender Madness Returns

et back to nature on Mad Lavender Farm as it opens in May for its sixth year of goat yoga, hands-on workshops, and “pick your own” lavender. The lavender fields are in full, glorious bloom from mid-June through the first week of July. Pick Your Own Lavender is offered by reservation only, so book your appointment early through the website. The farm also hosts a private picnic area (by reservation only) that’s perfect for gathering with family and friends. In addition to workshops in crafting lavender wands and wreaths, the farm offers workshops in herbology, self care and a new workshop on oil distillation that teaches participants how to distill oils and hydrosols from favorite herbs. Visitors can also enjoy an array of lavender products such as soap, honey, candles, cookies, body and bath at the open-air Lavender Shop. Location: 452 County Road 579, Milford. Shop hours: Friday-Sunday, 10am-2pm. The farm is open May through October. For information, visit MadLavenderFarm.com. See ad, page 10.

Numinous Mama Brings Holistic to the Motherhood Experience

r. Christine Dolahan, Ph.D., founder of Numinous Mama, is passionate about the benefits of holistic and integrative therapies in helping women and mothers with the challenges they may encounter in the different states of the feminine experience. From fertility issues all the way into motherhood, she views the journey as a spiritual and holistic path. As she works with clients, Dolahan combines life purpose coaching techniques with different lineages of Reiki, along with any other holistic practice she feels guided to use. The result is that her clients feel more peace, fun, confidence and joy in their identity as a mother as well as relief on a physical and emotional levels. Text for free 30-minute Discovery Call. Location: 1 Cherry Tree Lane, Sparta. For more information, text 973-995-6271, email ChristineDolahanWellness@gmail.com and visit NuminousMama.com. See ad, page 25.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

NOW, THIS IS THE COOLEST WAY TO RELAX! From helping you treat your migraines, to reducing your muscle and joint pains, Cryo Therapy (Full body or localized), a non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment will improve and stimulate your body's self-healing acceleration processes. Experience this and other relaxing alternatives at Quantum Wellness, your holistic spa / wellness Center in the historic district of Pluckemin. We have therapeutic massages, acupressure, reiki, reflexology, floatation therapy, yoga, workshops, and much more.

QUANTUMWELLNESSNJ.COM

@quantumwellnessnj

973-782-3227 327 US - 202 Bedminster, NJ 07921 May 2022

health briefs

The 17.6 million Americans living within one kilometer of one of the country’s 100,000 hydraulic fracturing (fracking) facilities face a higher risk of heart problems, cancer and respiratory disease, recent research suggests. In the latest study from Harvard, statisticians found that living near or downwind from a fracking site contributes to earlier death among elderly people. Combining the Medicare records of 15 million people over age 65 with zip codes of fracking wells, they found that the closer to the wells people lived, the greater their risk of premature mortality. Those that lived closest had a statistically significant elevated mortality risk (2.5 percent higher) compared with those that didn’t live close by, and those living downwind faced a higher risk of premature death than those upwind. The results suggest that airborne contaminants emitted by the wells are contributing to the increased mortality, the researchers write.

Try Tai Chi to Boost Neurological Health With its slow, rhythmic, controlled movements and synchronized, deep breathing, the ancient Chinese practice of tai chi has been shown to improve balance, reduce falls and enhance the quality of life for people with neurological challenges such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. A meta-review of 24 studies by researchers at the University of North Texas Health Science Center concluded that tai chi may be able to reduce pro-inflammatory contributors to cellular activity, increase anti-inflammatory cytokines that help regulate immune response, decrease oxidative stress factors and increase neurotrophic factors regulating neural health. Researchers pointed to its “potential effectiveness in neurorehabilitation,” which aims to improve the functions and well-being of people with diseases, trauma or disorders of the nervous system.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

picture partners/AdobeStock.com

Avoid Living Near a Fracking Facility

A popular staple since ancient times, prunes have long been esteemed for their culinary, nutritional and medicinal purposes, and a new review of research has found that they can also help counter the bone loss linked to fragility in postmenopausal women. After reviewing 28 studies, Penn State University researchers reported in the journal Advances in Nutrition that eating five to 10 prunes each day can help prevent or delay bone loss, lowering the risk of fractures. In one study, women that ate 100 grams of prunes (about 10) per day for one year experienced improved bone mineral density in their forearms and lower spines. In another study, eating five to 10 prunes a day for six months was shown to prevent bone density loss and decrease TRAP-5b, a bone-loss marker. The nutritional benefits of prunes, including minerals, vitamin K, phenolic compounds and dietary fiber, may reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress that contribute to bone loss, said the authors. In a separate study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Harvard Medical School researchers that studied 1,700 older adults for 12 years found that those that ate a highly pro-inflammatory diet rich in simple carbohydrates and saturated fats were more than twice as likely to develop fragility—increasing the risk of falls, hospitalization and death—as those eating the least amount of those sweet, fatty foods.

picture partners/AdobeStock.com

Eat Prunes and Anti-Inflammatory Food to Reduce Bone Loss and Fragility

READY TO LOSE WEIGHT? SPRING INTO SHAPE!

Spring into Shape with Hypnosis It’s Springtime! You’ve been hibernating over the winter and it’s now that time to get back into shape, especially before the bathing suit season. If you diet, you know the routine: you get serious and lose some weight, feel better and relax, and the lost weight comes back. How can we stop the yo-yo dieting? Hypnosis, that’s how. It’s been proven the most effective way to lose weight by Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Mt Sinai, Dr. Oz and Dateline NBC. The problem lies not in the body, but the mind. Attitudes toward ourselves and food lead to our behaviors and resulting physical health. If we can get beneath the surface and look at psychological factors involved, we can change our relationship to food forever. Hypnosis teaches how to eat satisfying, healthy meals, get to an ideal weight, and stay there. At the Hypnosis Counseling Center, we assess your past experiences your current patterns. We identify the subconscious elements that contribute to unhealthy attitudes and develop a plan unique to your needs. Each client receives

a personalized audio tape that reaffirms the positive messages needed to get healthier each day. Imagine putting down the guiltand-reward approach to weight loss, enjoying a variety of foods again, and seeing the pounds you want to lose drop away! Joseph, after losing 105 pounds, writes, “I feel confident that I am not going to gain back the weight…I wish I had attended this class years sooner!” Hypnosis is safe, medically approved, and best of all, it works. Barry Wolfson, MS is the Director of the Hypnosis Counseling Center which has been in practice 35 years. The center also provides classes to help people build confidence, overcome anxiety, and quit smoking. So, if you have the desire to change something in your life and the willingness to do it… you can, with hypnosis. The Hypnosis Counseling Center is located at 28 Mine St., Flemington, with additional offices in Princeton and Livingston. For more information, go to HypnosisCounselingCenter.com or call 908-303-7767.

As seen on Dr. Oz, Hypnosis is the most effective way to lose weight! As Proven in Studies at Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Mt. Sinai Hospital. Whether you need to lose 5 pounds or 50, our time-tested methods will help you reach your target weight... and stay there.

908-303-7767

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com

Like us on

NJ’S MOST SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS WITH 35 YEARS OF PROVEN SUCCESS! 28 Mine Street, Flemington 5 E. Northfield Ave., Livingston • 43 Tamarack Cir., Princeton

Regain A Full Head Of Hair! without

Needling, Injectables or Lasers If you’ve tried other approaches to regain your hair and been disappointed with the results, visit us today for a free consultation.

We can guarantee you a full, beautiful head of hair in 2 to 3 hours! Results last up to 3 years.

Call 201-731-3530 Today

to Reserve Your Free Private Consultation before

after

Over 30 years experience helping women with hair loss.

The Hair for Life Center

163 Engle St., Bldg 4A, Englewood, NJ

TheHairForLifeCenter.com May 2022

As up to 50 million Americans can personally testify, autoimmune disorders (AD) defy easy treatment, but a new study from Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, offers hope that vitamin D3 supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of incurring these disorders in the first place. Researchers divided 25,871 older adults into four groups: the first took 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily; the second took 1,000 milligrams a day of marine omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil); the third took both D3 and fish oil; and a fourth was given a placebo. After two years, those that took vitamin D with or without the fish oil had a significantly lower rate of autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, autoimmune thyroid disease and psoriasis, compared to the placebo group. While the fish oil alone didn’t lower AD risk, there was some evidence that

Recover from the trauma, bridge the divide, and put the pieces back together. With or without your partner!

Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC Relationship Coach

908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com

OndovRelationshipCoaching.com 12-14 E. Main St., Somerville Sliding Scale Rates

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

olga/AdobeStock.com

Take Vitamin D to Protect from Autoimmune Disorders and COVID-19 Severity

it had an effect over time. “Autoimmune diseases are common in older adults and negatively affect health and life expectancy. Until now, we have had no proven way of preventing them, and now, for the first time, we do,” says first author Jill Hahn, Ph.D., an epidemiologist. Vitamin D may also protect against COVID-19 severity, report Israeli researchers in the journal PLOS One. Examining the records of 1,176 patients admitted to a hospital with COVID-19-positive PCR tests, they found that those with a vitamin D deficiency (less than 20 nanograms per milliliter in their blood) were 14 times more likely to have a severe or critical case of COVID-19 than those with levels higher than 40 nanograms per milliliter. Mortality among patients with deficient vitamin D levels was 11 times higher than those with sufficient levels—25.6 percent compared to 2.3 percent.

Stay In The Game with

Regenerative Medicine

It’s not just for professional athletes any more.

If staying in the game is a priority,

Call 609-570-6980 Today to schedule a free informational call.

Regenerative Medicine utilizes your own cells, including Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to facilitate your body’s natural ability to heal from orthopedic and spine problems that were previously treated with steroids and surgery. We specialize in treating pain in the spine and joints including osteoarthritis. With minimal down time, Regenerative Medicine can help you return to work, sports and activities quickly. For over 15 years, Dr. Roman has provided care to thousands of patients including professional athletes with various spine and joint disorders, arthritis, and pain issues.

609-570-6980 | info@regenespine.com Offices in Mercerville and Cedar Knolls, NJ & NYC. Stephen J. Roman, Jr., M.D.

RegeneSpine.com May 2022

It’s

Goat Yoga Time!

oat Yoga arrived at Mad Lavender Farm in June 2016 when a yoga teacher friend shared a video of goats jumping up on people doing yoga. It looked like so much fun. She informed us that this was a “thing” and that it was called Goat Yoga. We had five Dwarf Nigerian goats on the farm, so our friend offered to teach it and so we started offering goat yoga sessions. It took off right away. This will be our sixth season of Goat Yoga and we have learned a few things:

Yoga Goats are different than farm goats. Goats are really only friendly when they are raised by hand. A typical farm goat is actually shy of humans. The more goats are handled at a young age, the friendlier they become. Yoga goats are

Feeling Vibrant is Natural (at least it should be)

Imbalances in a woman’s health can feel like being bombarded (or ambushed) from within. Life can become uncomfortable, irritating, painful and even sad. Ayurveda uses natural and holistic methods to address these imbalances allowing vitality in body/mind/emotion to flow more freely.

Menopause • Infertility • Digestive issues Sleep Disorders • Anxiety/Stress Free 30 Minute Consults

908-251-1200 7ChakrasWellness.com

Jennifer Agugliaro AYURVEDIC PRACTITIONER

super friendly because they spend so many hours interacting with people during goat yoga. They even develop different personalities, ranging from silly to serene. During a goat yoga session, they may ask to be petted, eat out of your hand, leap onto your back, sit in your lap or play with each other.

Goat Yoga teachers are a very special breed. Goat Yoga teachers must have a big call to adventure, an unflappable inner calm, a love of goats (naturally) and a sense of mischief to match. Folks of all ages and levels of yoga experience do goat yoga and goat yoga teachers need to be responsive to all their needs. It also takes a big dose of creativity to run a goat yoga session because goats are unpredictable and they don’t always follow the “lesson plan.”

Why Goat Yoga?

People sign up for goat yoga out of curiosity at first. They keep coming back for the love of the goats. I don’t know how many times I’ve been asked, “why goat yoga?” I try to explain how goats lift the spirits, how they take you out of the mundane and into an adventure, but it really is something that needs to be experienced to be understood. We have hosted Goat Yoga bachelorette parties, birthday parties, and even octogenarian parties. It is so gratifying to witness the pure pleasure I see on the faces of people enjoying a yoga session on a beautiful summer day with goats. Mad Lavender Farm is a family farm owned by Adrienne Crombie and Don Dalen, and located at 452 County Rd. 579 in Milford. For more information on all the farm offers, call 908-310-5973, email info@madlavenderfarm.com and visit MadLavenderFarm.com. See ad, page 10.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Peace, Clarity, and Health are within reach Get Unstuck in All Areas of Your Life! Janet StraightArrow’s unique blend of ancient wisdom with practical methods opens the door for discovering your true self.

Meet Your True Self free of fear & anxiety free from trauma free to grow in love

Awaken

Deep Love, Complete Healing, Practical Spiritual Living.

Shaman, Healer, Teacher, Yogi, Sage

973-647-2500 | BeTheMedicine.com Workshops, Shaman & Reiki Training, Energy Healing Private Sessions | Remote, Virtual, In-Person May 2022

healthy kids

The Blended Family TIPS FOR CREATING A SUCCESSFUL STEPFAMILY by Ronica O’Hara

josue michel/Unsplash.com

he Brady Bunch aside, blended families seldom look like TV sitcoms. They often come with a cast of characters—freshly remarried parents, a number of kids and step-kids, up to four sets of relatives and exes in the wings—all with their own needs, hopes and issues. One in six children today lives in a blended family, so the stakes are high for their well-being, and yet, understandably, two out of three blended marriages fail. They don’t have to, says Kimberly King, a children’s book author in Fairfield, Connecticut, who was raised in blended families and as a parent, now has her own blended batch of kids. “Blended families work when parents plan for challenges, have space for disagreements and have an incredible amount of patience and love. But they are not for the faint of heart!" she says. Therapists and blended-family veterans offer advice for those on this important journey:

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Go slow and steady. It can take two to four years for a blended family to adjust to living together, counsels the American Psychological Association. The process can be particularly hard for youngsters from 10 to 14. “Don’t pressure the children. If they don’t want to call you Mom or Dad, don’t take it personally. They have their own biological parent whom they love, and they didn’t ask for their parents to get divorced. Stay positive and realize that time itself is an important factor,” counsels Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, a licensed clinical professional counselor, in Baltimore, and founder, with his wife, Rivka, of TheMarriageRestorationProject.com.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Determine discipline roles. “My husband and I thought we were total failures because we couldn’t agree on how to parent his son. To save our marriage, we agreed that I would ‘resign’ as the boy’s mother and allow my husband free rein to parent as he saw fit,” recalls Nancy Landrum, a relationship coach in Murrieta, California, and author of Stepping TwoGether: Building a Strong Stepfamily. Studies show that blended families work best when each parent disciplines his or her own child, while the stepparent works to develop affectionate bonds with their stepchild and serves as the child’s sounding board, particularly in the beginning. “One of the worst things you can do as a stepparent is talk negatively about your stepchild to the bio-parent. Nothing will strain a relationship more quickly,” says King. Keep an eye out for turning points. In a classic 1999 study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, University of Iowa researchers reported on factors they called “turning points” that can knit a blended family together. These include celebrating holidays and special events together, perhaps by creating new rituals; spending quality time together, even doing such ordinary things as shopping or watching a football game, either as a family or as a parent-stepchild activity; and pulling together over a family crisis. On the other hand, unresolved conflict among parents and children drives families apart. “The best thing my dad did to blend our post-divorce, new family was take us on a four-day hike to Mount Washington,” recalls King. “We hiked, talked, helped each other, suffered, whined, got wet, struggled, laughed, slipped, learned campfire songs, slept in bunks and found a new respect for teamwork, nature, overcoming adversity, and our stepmother!”

NDABCREATIVITY/AdobeStock.com

Give talking a chance. Over shared meals, board games, nature hikes and everyday activities, stepfamilies can build bonds with each other. Having regular meetings to hash out problems also strengthens a new family unit. King’s family uses the summer camp strategy of the talking stick. “When you have the talking stick, it is your turn to talk and everyone else has to pay attention and listen. No interruptions,” she says. They also keep a family journal in which kids can write out their problems, enabling parents to respond in writing or conversation.

DEEP TALKING

Deepening the Dialogue When the going gets tough in a blended family, an Oprah Winfrey-endorsed dialogue technique known as Imago Therapy can help transform animosity into harmony. As laid out by relationship therapist Harville Hendrix in his New York Times bestseller Getting the Love You Want, it involves specific conversational steps that ensure each side is heard and responded to with empathy. “Imago is effective for parents of blended families because it teaches them to listen and validate the feelings of the children, as well as to better communicate with each other about the challenges,” says Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, of Baltimore, whose own marriage was saved by the process and who, with his wife Rivka, teaches it to couples. “If your children are not adjusting well, it is important to be able to give them a voice. The Imago dialogue process does just that, without judgment.” The three basic steps include: Mirroring. Person number one describes the problem in a few sentences, using “I” and feeling words. For example, “I feel shut out when you pick up your phone when I’m talking.” Person number two repeats it back as closely as possible. “You feel shut out when I pick up my phone when you’re talking.” It may take a few attempts to get it right. Person number two then asks if there’s more to that feeling, and again repeats the phrases back. Validating. Person number two responds showing respect for the problem, with words like, “I can see why …” Showing Empathy. Person number two searches for the place inside himself or herself that connects with person number one’s concerns. “I get upset, too, when it feels like someone cuts off a conversation.” Then, they reverse positions and go through it again. Demonstrations can be found on YouTube and worksheets can be viewed at PositivePsychology.com/imago-therapy.

Don’t give up. “For me, the time I knew it was going to work forever was actually directly after one of our lowest points,” says Brooke Carlock Lobaugh, of Lititz, Pennsylvania, a teacher and creator of TheBlendedMess.com, an online resource for stepfamilies. “We had separated, and we just both really missed each other and missed the family, and we realized that the kids would eventually get older and our problems would lessen, and that we needed to choose each other, over and over again. I realized that if our separation led to another divorce, I would either be alone or find someone new with a new set of problems, and I wanted to fix the problems with the person I loved. We haven’t looked back since.” Health and wellness writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. May 2022

wise words

Jeffrey Bland on

Rejuvenating Our Immune System by Sandra Yeyati

nown worldwide as the founder of functional medicine, Jeffrey Bland, Ph.D., began his career as a professor of biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound, in Tacoma, Washington. In the 1980s, he was chosen by Nobel laureate Linus Pauling to serve as director of nutritional research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine. Bland’s expertise and visionary influence helped to popularize science-based nutrition and establish standards for evidence-based formulations, quality ingredient sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices in the natural products industry. Bland is the author of more than 100 peer-reviewed research publications and several bestselling books, most notably The Disease Delusion. His latest project is Big Bold Health, a company designed to transform the way people think about the immune system.

environment and isn’t overreacting or under-reacting, while still working as you would like it—to defend us.

What is Immuno-Rejuvenation? Recent discoveries show that exposure to things like a toxin, a serious viral infection or even post-traumatic stress syndrome may create an alarm reaction in our immune system, and the memory of that gets encoded in something called the epigenetic programming of our immune system, becoming a controller of how the immune system functions. This new state of alarm is passed on from immune cell to immune cell, locking the immune system into an imbalanced state that is tipped either towards too much response, which we call inflammation, or too little response, which is immune suppression and increased risk to infection. A balanced immune system, on the other hand, is resilient and capable of moving forward and backward depending on the exposure that the individual is living through. We believe we can activate Immuno-Rejuvenation through a process built into our body’s system of renewal called autophagy. Its discovery won a Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology in 2016. In the immune system, autophagy selectively prunes damaged cells that are carrying bad epigenetic messages, allowing cells that are not predestined to be alarmed to take over, leading to a rejuvenated, balanced immune system that can be more resilient to the

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

There are two parts to our immune system. One is the adaptive immune system, which produces antibodies that remember what we were exposed to in terms of viruses or bacteria, and can mount a response if we are reinfected. The other, the innate immune system, is the first line of defense, found on our mucosal surfaces like our gastrointestinal tract, our respiratory tract or on our skin. In the last five to 10 years, immunologists have discovered that the innate immune system can be epigenetically retrained to be more in balance through things like time-restricted feeding, regular activity or exercise, predictably getting into REM sleep and the incorporation of plant-derived nutrients called phytochemicals into our diet, which are believed to activate selective autophagy processes. In conjunction with these lifestyle principles, you want to remove exposure to specific chemicals, including agrochemicals, airborne pollutants, heavy metals—things known to increase inflammation. The innate immune system is cleansed in part through the activity of the lymphatic system, which is circulated by physical motion. If we’re not moving, our lymphatic system becomes sluggish. Many types of physical medicine—massage, acupuncture, manipulation, chiropractic—are ways of activating lymphatic draining. This is a very important additional component for the improvement of our immune function. At Big Bold Health, we put together

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

quangho/Shutterstock.com

How can we reset our immune system?

resources to take people through an assessment of their own immune system by answering a questionnaire and a host of educational assets including videos, podcasts, blogs, recipes and more. You can access these for free on our website, BigBoldHealth.com.

What targeted, phytochemical-rich foods are you excited about?

Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat. Over the millennia of its evolution, this unique plant developed the ability to activate its immune system to defend itself against bugs, pollutants, poor soils, drought, sun. As a result, it has in its genes the ability to produce the highest level of immune-activating phytochemicals of any plant we know—50 to 100 times higher. Human clinical trials indicate that people who consume about 100 grams a day of the whole-meal Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat experience distinctive health advantages, reducing inflammation, lowering blood fats and blood sugar, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which are conditions related to dysfunctions of the immune system.

Since 2004 Naturopathic, Chinese & Biological Medicine COMPREHENSIVE & COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

All who come to NJ Natural Medicine benefit from our holistic approach to treatment. Regardless of the reason for the visit, the guiding principal remains

How does the ImmunoRejuvenation concept relate to women’s health?

Women have evolved mechanisms to modulate the immune system to accommodate pregnancy, but that estrogen/ androgen balance that controls pregnancy also influences their immune system, and we’re starting to learn how it can significantly influence immune cell aging and injury. So this process of selective immune autophagy is very important in women who go on to have the most prevalent cases of autoimmunity, meaning they are more sensitive to some of these things that would produce an immune response that would be inflammatory. Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

constant: to observe and treat the whole person, not just his or her symptoms.

Acupuncture Bio-resonance Therapy Diagnostics Infrared Sauna

Dr. Jason Frigerio ND LAC 2424 Lamington Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 973 267 2650 www.njnaturalmedicine.com

May 2022

lit bits

Amazing news from around the world. In 2016, a “Green Newspaper” was published by a company in Japan that wanted readers to be able to grow herbs with it. The special edition shared environmental news and was printed with plant-based ink on 100% biodegradable paper. Seeds were embedded in the paper that would grow into butterfly and pollinator attracting flowers or edible herbs.

Ono Yoshinaka

Newspaper for the World Garden

Using the Green Newspaper as a tool, the publisher also hosted environmental educational events in schools throughout Japan. Plus, demonstrations were held on how to plant the paper along with lessons on sustainability and recycling. The initiative reached 4.6 million people, and generated over $700,000 for the publisher. Its significance carries further in that it reimagines how newspapers can be transformative for both the environment and publishing. Source: OneEarth.org

Full Circle Energy Therapies

Solar Without Sun In 2020, Carvey Ehren Maigue, a 27-yearold Filipino student at the Mapua University Manila, won the James Dyson Award for Global Sustainability, beating over 1,800 applicants.

Do you need energetic support on your healing journey? This heart-centered approach helps empower individuals to gently peel back layers so they may radiate their true essence and vibrationally align with the life they deserve.

Giving New Meaning to

Head in the Clouds, Feet on the Ground. Featured Services

Personalized Energy sessions (In person and distance for people & pets) Group Facilitated Breathwork, Sound Healing Transformation Coach

Deep Healing is Our Right. Call today for free consult.

Lori Hoff

Energy Practitioner, Teacher & Coach 2041 Pennington Rd, Ewing Twp

908-268-7169 call/text feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com FullCircleEnergy.net IG: fullcircleenergy FB: fullcircleenergytherapies

Drawing inspiration from the Northern Lights, Maigue imagined a method to suspend rotting fruits and vegetables mixed in a resin so that when hit by sunlight, the particles would absorb and emit light at the edges. From there, the light could be captured and converted to electricity. He calls this technology AuREUS which stands for Aurora Renewable Energy and UV Sequestration. Because AuREUS can harvest UV light regardless of weather, it opens the door for walls and windows to become new energy sources. Research is ongoing to get the right luminescent particles to allow sourcing of the dyes from fruits and vegetables to 100% rather than being supplemented by chemicals. Source: JamesDysonAward.org

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

FIND YOUR

We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members.

TRY FOR FREE!

Visit us at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

May 2022

conscious eating

Intermittent Fasting Basics HOW TO IMPROVE HEALTH BY EATING LESS OFTEN

tатьяна kреминская/AdobeStock.com

by Sheila Julson

asting has been part of religious and cultural practices since ancient times, but now it is entering into everyday American eating habits. Intermittent fasting (IF), which involves restraining from eating for periods ranging from hours to days, was the most popular dietary strategy among Americans in 2020, outpacing low-fat keto diets and “clean eating”, reports the International Food Information Council. About 10 percent of survey respondents reported that they were following IF diet procedures, usually for weight loss and better health. “Intermittent fasting is a lifestyle,” says Jerron Hill, an anesthesiologist, in Plano, Texas, who has practiced it for two years and found himself with more energy. “Many metabolic syndromes and diseases can be avoided by making IF a way of life.” Research on the health benefits of IF is ongoing, but Hill says that advantages include stabilized blood sugar levels, because

insulin levels rise after eating meals. “In a fasted state, insulin levels fall, blood sugar stabilizes and fat stores can be utilized as a source of energy,” he says. Other benefits he cites include lowered blood pressure, decreased low-density lipoprotein, or “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower triglycerides There are several IF methods. The 16/8 method is most popular and involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an eight-hour window each day. The 5:2 plan is for those that would rather fast twice a week and eat regularly the other five days. Another method known as OMAD involves eating one meal a day. While most IF models do not restrict specific foods, they encourage the consumption of nourishing, satiating, whole foods. Snacking is discouraged.

Women’s Fasting Needs Differ “In the United States, 90 percent of Americans are metabolically

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

unhealthy. Fasting is one of many strategies that can help people improve their metabolic health. That translates to being a healthy weight and having balanced hormones,” says Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner in Washington, D.C., and founder of the Everyday Wellness Project, an online subscription plan. Her new book, Intermittent Fasting Transformation, integrates IF with women’s hormonal needs during every stage of life. “Women need to fast differently,” Thurlow emphasizes. “A woman in peak childbearing years under age 35 has to account and fast for her menstrual cycle, meaning her body is much more sensitive to macronutrient depletion or changes than a menopausal woman. Younger women need to limit fasting if they are already lean. They need to avoid fasting five to seven days prior to their menstrual cycle and remain attuned to messages their bodies send them in response to sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise.” In general, once women reach menopause, they experience less hormonal fluctuation and thus more flexibility to fast on a daily basis, she says, although they, too, should keep an eye on their experiences with sleep, stress, nutrition and exercise.

Planning for Success The word “fasting” often conjures up thoughts of hunger and starvation, but proper planning will leave us full and satisfied while practicing IF. “When you’re eating a balanced diet and not necessarily following a particular fad or specific type of diet, you can enjoy nourishing meals without restrictions and still practice IF,” says lifestyle coach Laura Fuentes, of Madisonville, Louisiana, author of the e-book Intermittent Fasting for Women. Fuentes recommends starting with the 16/8 model, because approximately half of the 16-hour fasting time is spent sleeping. “There’s also downtime in the evening while you’re preparing to sleep. In the morning, most of us are getting ready for work or getting kids off to school, and we don’t eat right away. Those hours are generally not focused on food.” When it’s time to eat, fasts should be broken with satiating, nutritious food, not a light snack. The first meal of the day should be nutritious, with protein and healthy fats. Breaking a fast with just an apple, or carrots and hummus, will lead to hunger and eventual snacking. A common misnomer is that we must eat ketogenic or lowcarb diets while practicing IF. While carbs need to be considered, Thurlow emphasizes eating nutrient-dense, whole foods and fewer processed foods, whether they are part of keto, paleo, omnivore or vegetarian diets. Some people practice “clean” fasting by consuming only water, black tea or other calorie-free beverages during the fasting time. Others prefer “dirty” fasting and might consume a handful of grapes, walnuts or other foods or beverages containing less than 50 calories during the fast. “I like patients to understand the value of a clean fast,” Thurlow says. “People might think 50 calories doesn’t count, but that is food, and that does break a fast.”

MATRIX REPATTERNING

Your body holds onto

trauma on a cellular level.

Matrix Repatterning is a revolutionary treatment that offers healing from concussions, impact injuries, headaches, acute and chronic pain. Learn more at MatrixRepatterningNJ.com. Call 908-930-0628 today to begin your journey back to normal.

Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP drlarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com conveniently located in Warren

Sheila Julson is a Milwaukee-based freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines throughout the country. May 2022

STRESS

balance. Schedule yourself an acupuncture treatment, massage, or a facial to carve out some time just for you. Do not let the harried and hectic world get the better of you!

Change the way you view problems.

in Today’s World

Look for silver linings and good news; make a gratitude list. If I ask a patient to “show me your hand” they often will show me the palm side, but do not think to look at the back of their hand. In the world nothing can exist that has one side only. This is the concept of Yin and Yang; nothing is only good or only bad – both exist in everything. Learn to pay attention to both, but put emphasis on the positive.

by Kat Dunbar

n today’s world, physical and emotional stress are a fact of modern life. Natural disasters, war in the Ukraine, the pandemic and general unrest are painting an uncertain picture of the future leaving many people facing higher levels of stress than normal. So, what is stress? Stress is the body’s natural reaction to any difficulties that arise in our lives. It is actually healthy to experience some low-degree, short-term stress on occasion. However, unmanaged and chronic stress can negatively impact our health at every level. Women in particular are experiencing more stress now than ever before. Many modern women have to balance work life with their personal life and take on numerous responsibilities between career and family. Women have multiple areas in which they “compete”: how they mother; how they look; the quality of their friendships; the quality of the work they produce. Then, they apply additional pressure onto themselves to do it all with great skill, precision and love. This balancing act can sometimes feel like there are just too many ways to fail and that is when self-doubt, low self-esteem, and self-criticism can come in. Increased blood pressure and cortisol levels, as well as lowered immune system function, can result when stress affects the body. When stressful periods are prolonged, the body can lose the ability to shut off the “fight or flight” response from the sympathetic nervous system (the alert that says something is wrong). This

state of sympathetic overdrive can lead to more serious health problems such as autoimmune disorders, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and cancer. In addition, stress is more likely to manifest as anxiety and depression in women. Women have a unique hormonal system that can cause them to react more emotionally and to become more easily fatigued. Dealing with the ever-changing physical stressors of shifting hormones puts additional strain on a woman’s nervous system. This can cause PMS, fertility issues, and more severe menopausal symptoms. Studies show that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can significantly help reduce stress. Acupuncture targets the nervous, immune, cardiovascular and digestive systems to naturally heal the body and improve health. Acupuncture treatment often reduces cortisol levels and brings people immediate stress relief as they leave the clinic feeling calm, relaxed, or even euphoric.

Things you can do in your daily life to manage stress: Take time for a hobby. Whatever you

enjoy – do more of that! Focus on doing something active for your mind and body. Inactive pastimes like watching television, or surfing the internet can actually increase stress overtime. Keep time spent on those passive activities to a minimum!

Find ways to relax. Learn some tech-

niques or schedule some self-care. Yoga and meditation are examples of techniques that will help you to achieve an internal

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Connect yourself to nature; unplug and connect to energy outside of yourself. Sit by a river and feel the water;

walk barefoot in dirt or sand. If you are angry go out and face something – a mountain or the woods. Breathe out, remove negative energy and take in the positive. In doing this, you gain the perspective of playing a small yet vital part within the greatness of the universe.

Eat healthy, balanced meals. Your

body needs good nutrition to help fight off stress. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, or junk food. But know that it is okay to indulge from time to time!

Engage in regular physical activity, especially cardiovascular things like walking, swimming or biking. If you do this outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine, it will be even more beneficial than going to a gym.

Encourage yourself to engage in social activities. Build a support system. Stress can cause depression and sadness, making people close themselves off. So push yourself to go out, keep up with activities. Talk with friends, volunteer, or join a club. Kat Dunbar, MSOM, L.Ac., is a licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist specializing in internal medicine at New Jersey Natural Medicine located at 2424 Lamington Rd., in Bedminster. For more information, call 973-267-2650, email info@njnaturalmedicine.com and visit NJNaturalMedicine.com. See ad, page 17.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

YOUR ONE TRUSTED GLOBAL ONLINE DESTINATION FOR

Regenerative Whole Health™ Benefits 24/7 ACCESS

KnoWEwell is a One-Of-A-Kind Platform that centralizes today’s trusted global knowledge, resources and community to Prevent and Address the Root Causes of Chronic Diseases. Find best-matched Vetted Practitioners. Learn from Top Educators and Experts. Access Evidence-Based Resources. Make Meaningful Connections in Community Topic Groups. Explore Funding Help for Outof-Pocket Costs of Practitioner Services.

Invest in Your Optimal Health & Well-Being.

Visit KnoWEwell.com Today and receive 50% Off your first year.

Practitioners Apply: NANJ20221P | Individuals Apply: NANJ20221 May 2022

Resilient Mothering How Moms Are Forging Ahead in a Changing World

daniilvolkov/AdobeStock.com

by Carrie Jackson

wo years after “coronavirus” became a household word, the pandemic continues to affect every aspect of our lives. Mothers, in particular, have learned to reimagine what it means to be a parent, employee, partner and friend, while still finding time for themselves. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, almost 70 percent of mothers say that worry and stress from the pandemic have damaged their mental health. While social distancing, quarantining, remote learning and masking quickly became a new and often unwelcome normal, positive shifts have also been developing. Already resilient mothers are exploring how to adapt to an ever-changing situation and learning when to hold on and when to let go. They are discovering new ways to be available for their children’s mental health, maintain their jobs, stay connected with other moms and prioritize self-care. Shae Marcus, publisher of Natural Awakenings South Jersey (NASouthJersey.com), says that the pandemic has brought a number of unforeseen silver linings. As a single mother of two

young children, she has been in a constant state of transition the last two years and is starting to achieve greater balance. “Like most other mothers, my life before the pandemic was nonstop. I was getting by, and at the same time comparing myself to other parents. The world had to slow down so I could catch up, and I’ve been forced to stop, breathe and take it in stride,” she says. Marcus shares a common concern, that the isolation has affected her kids’ development. “I worry that the lack of social integration over the past two years will have a lasting impact on my children. My son, who is now in third grade, was in kindergarten the last time he had a full year in a ‘normal’ school setting. That’s a lot to miss out on. While he is academically on track, I’m concerned about him being mature enough. Having sports and other extracurricular activities starting back now is helping to get them integrated again, and I’m able to fully appreciate going to an outdoor spring football game that wasn’t able to happen for so long,” she says.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Marcus has discovered that working from home has had advantages. “Now, I can do a load of laundry in-between meetings, go to the grocery store when I would have been commuting and be more present when my kids are home. Since I’m not worried about rushing out the door, we have time to talk during breakfast, and I’m able to accompany them to the bus stop. Afterwards, I take 10 minutes for myself to walk around the block and gather my thoughts for the day,” she explains.

Reordering Priorities Seventy-one percent of mothers describe being a working mom during the pandemic as very challenging, according to research done by the global consultancy group APCO Impact. As president of Families and Work Institute (FamiliesAndWork.org), a New York-based research nonprofit, Ellen Galinsky has seen employers grant access to a wider variety of benefits that fit their employees’ individual and family needs. “The pandemic, coupled with racial reckoning, has made many of us rethink our priorities. It now is becoming clear that the world that seemed relatively normal before wasn’t working. Mothers and fathers were thrust on the front lines of schooling and saw firsthand how different teaching and parenting are,” Galinsky notes. An estimated 82 percent of employers plan to allow their employees to keep working remotely after the pandemic, reports a survey by human resources consultancy Mercer, but that turnaround is just a first step, says Galinsky. “Studies show that having workplace flexibility procedures in place is a floor, but how employers treat you when you need that flexibility matters the most. The pandemic made us all experience collective and multiple losses together and brought some difficult issues to light,” she explains. In juggling work and life duties, Galinsky shies away from the word “balance”, which suggests that time and energy needs to be split evenly. “Work and home lives are deeply intermingled, and often when one is in sync, the other will follow,” she says. “It’s important for mothers to set realistic expectations for themselves and let go of the notion that they’re not doing a good job, their kids have to be perfect or they don’t have time to take care of themselves. Children will absorb what they see, so being mindful in your words and actions around work will have an impact on them. If you have a stressful meeting and bring that home with you, the energy in the house will change. It’s okay to tell the kids that you’re upset at your boss and are going to call a friend and talk or go for a walk; let them know it’s not their fault and that parents get stressed, too.”

The Journey of Motherhood is a Spiritual & Holistic Path.

Dr. Christine Dolahan is passionate about the benefits of holistic and integrative therapies in helping women and mothers with the challenges encountered in the different stages of this life path.

Fertility • Conception • Pregnancy • Postpartum • Motherhood Experience

Specialties include:

more peace, fun, confidence & joy

» Life Purpose Coaching &

in your identity as a mother as well as relief on physical & emotional levels. Text Today for a Free 30-minute Discovery Call.

Consulting Sessions » Reiki Healings & Other Energy Modalities » Intuitive Guidance, Mediumship, Psychic Healing » Prenatal & Therapeutic Yoga » Postpartum Doula Services

Numinous Mama

Dr. Christine Dolahan, Ph.D.

1 Cherry Tree Lane, Sparta, NJ 07871 text: 973-995-6271 ChristineDolahanWellness@gmail.com NuminousMama.com

Free Yourself

in the Joy of Creativity Paint with TeaAnya brings the powerful benefits of painting to your location. With unique warmth and a calm approach, Anya helps everyone relax and celebrate their inner artist. No special skills needed but be prepared to be amazed at what you can create.

• • • •

Special Occasions Group Painting One-On-One Sessions Therapeutic Painting

All paint supplies and delicious teas provided. Additional light catering and group rates available. Call for details.

Stress Survival Skills The pandemic also put many mothers in a chronic state of hypervigilance, because they not only had to manage their own anxiety, but also help kids manage their experiences. A University of Rochester study of 153 mothers of toddlers found that ongoing strains can disrupt the body’s natural stress response, making it more difficult to respond with patience and sensitivity to a child’s needs.

Anya • 973-710-8809 anya@tanyapaint.com

www.tanyapaint.com May 2022

Elizabeth Cohen, a clinical psychologist and director of the Center for CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in New York City (CenterForCBTInNYC.com), says that a shock to the nervous system can only be released with the acknowledgement that the trauma is being experienced in the first place. “Having an understanding of how you’re responding to this stress and uncertainty is key to moving through it. Even going back to the office after so long may trigger a panic attack if the trauma of the past two years isn’t addressed,” she says. “Mothers need to practice compassionate awareness for themselves and what they’ve gone through. They need to be seen, heard and witnessed in the same way their children are.” Cohen advises that while part of a mother’s job is to make kids feel emotionally safe, it’s not as effective if they are themselves depleted. She recommends adopting simple, actionable practices throughout the day to help restore and reset the mind and body, suggesting, “Put some Epsom salt in the bottom of the tub and allow your feet to soak for a few minutes during a shower. Before brushing your teeth, take three deep breaths and pay attention to where you might be feeling tension in your body. Keep a gratitude journal handy to reflect and record your observations and interactions.” She advises us to remember that we have all had different experiences of this trauma, and nobody is the same as they were in 2019. “It’s okay to tell a friend, ‘I’m excited to see you and also, I’m uncomfortable not wearing a mask.’ We’ve also had to be more selective about who we spend time with, and that has allowed us to foster more nurturing relationships,” she says. “Be more discerning about who you spend time with, instead of saying yes to every invitation to get coffee. It’s okay to do less, and making authentic decisions in the moment will help you truly feel aligned with your thoughts and actions.”

Joint Healing Claire Zulkey, a Chicago-based writer and mother of two young boys, has found creative ways to stay connected with other mothers and not feel so isolated. She pens

a newsletter, Evil Witches (EvilWitches. substack.com), which gives her a platform to share stories of everyday motherhood triumphs and concerns. Topics have included perimenopause, end-of-life options for the family pet, finding the best hand lotion and other subjects that mothers in her circle think about. She also maintains a Facebook group of 100-plus mothers, providing a safe place for members to commiserate and support each other. “The group has allowed me to really get to know mothers in a more intimate way, truly understand what they’re going through and appreciate how much they care about their kids,” says Zulkey. She made a personal decision to stop drinking a few months into the pandemic, a lifestyle choice that she has maintained for the past year. “While I was not an alcoholic, there were too many times when I would wake up with a hangover or get into a tipsy argument with my

husband. I quickly learned to appreciate how much easier parenting is when I’m in a stable mood, and the entire household has benefited, especially during the pandemic, when we were in such close quarters,” she says. For all of us, moving forward after two years of collective grief, loss and uncertainty will undoubtedly present new unforeseen challenges, yet maintaining a sense of perspective can help if things start to feel overwhelming. “At the start of the pandemic, I started to feel sorry for myself, but soon I realized that I actually was so much better off than a lot of people. Once I oriented myself with that reality, it was easier for me to move on with a sense of gratitude and desire to help others,” says Zulkey. Carrie Jackson is an Evanston, IL-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

SELF-CARE FOR STRESSED-OUT MOMS For mothers trying to juggle it all, making their own mental health a priority is key. Here are some practical ways busy moms can incorporate their overall wellness into a daily routine. Set Up Self-Care: Sneaking in breaks throughout the day can have a positive cumulative effect. Follow a guided meditation while waiting for soccer practice, use essential oils in the car, keep a favorite lotion next to the bed or savor a favorite nourishing snack. Cultivate a Network: Nurturing relationships with supportive peers can provide emotional and social support. Meet a friend for a morning coffee or afternoon walk, join a book club, host a potluck with other mothers or volunteer with a community group. Prioritize Therapy: The right therapist can provide an unbiased and supportive perspective and help process new and lingering issues. Find a practitioner that understands a mom’s unique needs and a modality that resonates with us. Traditional talk therapy works well for some, but be open to exploring other forms, such as movement therapy or art therapy. Keep Communication Open: Modeling and encouraging dialogue gives kids a safe space to practice sharing and lets everyone feel valued. Find time during car rides, at the dinner table or before bed to check in with the family and share each other’s thoughts. Take a Class: Learning a new skill can spark creativity and help build a social network. Try a pottery workshop, join a dance club, take a photography class or study a foreign language just for fun.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

scam alert

In the shadow world of tricksters posing as government officials, the Social Security Administration scam is the new IRS scam. Whether via a robo or direct call, fear is always the bait to get people to respond. It starts with a scary message that your SSA number has been suspended or that the account is threatened in some way that requires immediate action. Next, they will ask to confirm your SSA number and personal information or say you need to withdraw money from the bank and store in gift cards that they will then assist you in “safekeeping”. Stay safe by following these simple rules provided on FTC.gov. ■

The real Social Security Administration will never contact you out of the blue. If the administration is trying to reach you, they will send a mail notice. Best practice: Call SSA directly at 1-800-7721213 to find out if SSA is really trying to reach you via phone or email and why.

■

Do not trust caller ID. Scam calls may show up on caller ID as the Social Security Administration and look like the agency’s real number. Best practice: let it go to voice mail. To check legitimacy, call SSA directly.

■

Never give the caller your Social Security number or other personal information. If you already did, visit IdentityTheft.gov/SSA to find out what steps you can take to protect your credit and your identity.

Report government imposter scams to the FTC at FTC. gov/complaint. To learn more, visit ftc.gov/imposters. May 2022

coming in the june issue

Men's Health

teen voices

Minimalism

an alternative to the expansion mindset By Jared Zornitzer

ife is all about growing, developing and taking means to better oneself. In America and many other countries, this starts with education—children progress through grade school, middle school, high school and even college. With a degree, graduates search for a well-paying job which will allow them to get married and start a family. Money plays an important role in all of this because it allows one to pay their bills and purchase anything which they or their family “need” to live a happy life. Are there alternate ways of living that don’t revolve around constant self-improvement and expansion? This question was recently raised in my sustainability course at college. We studied how an expansion mindset has dominated the industrialized world for several centuries. The notion that people ought to enhance their personal comfort, relationships, and social class through the acquisition of material wealth and goods has the unfortunate side effect of environmental degradation. For example, factory emissions are largely due to the high demand for consumer goods. At the opposite end of the spectrum is minimalism; the idea that one can achieve the same, if not a superior level of happiness by living with what they absolutely need and cutting out unnecessary items from their life. When I glance around my bedroom I see an abundance of clothes, school supplies and technology. Minimalism preaches lessening the burden of all these items. I could reduce my wardrobe to just enough outfits to last between laun-

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

dry cycles and get rid of all technology other than my phone and computer to live a minimalist lifestyle. I am trying to achieve balance between these two opposing ways of life. To have the luxury of new clothes every so often and state of the art devices to aid in my schoolwork are certainly aspects of my life that I enjoy and would find very difficult to erase. However, I am also a passionate advocate for the environment and try to be conscious about how my actions might better or will worsen our planet. If this means extending the lifetime of my clothes and devices, I am willing to do so to reduce the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing their replacements. Additionally, certain doctrines of minimalism are appealing to me such as being content with what one has instead of seeking more. In turn, one can focus on the relationships that truly matter such as family and friends. Indeed, minimalism is a viable lifestyle to a certain extent. There is much to be learned by incorporating even hints of it into one’s life. Jared Zornitzer is a full-time college student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY studying engineering. An advocate of balancing work and school with exercise and healthy living, he loves hiking, biking, running, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and learning in his classes.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

QiforGong Healing

classes|seminars|workshops

Classes & Seminars Online Beginner Series / 4 Classes Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi Journey with Patty Pagano Not sure? First 1-hour class is FREE!

Nutrition is the Foundation of your Health. Strengthen Your Immunity Nourish Your Body Energy For Life Don’t rely only on drugs for your healthcare. You may really be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits.

Affordable fees that fit almost any budget.

Take the first step to better health!

Call Today!

For info, contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com

QiGongForHealing.com or call Fran Maher & Brian Coffey

908-647-1563

SunriseNutritionCenter.com 137 Mountain Ave, Hackettstown, NJ 07840

High Quality CBD Oil 3rd Party Lab Tested Trusted CBD Brands Drops • Pet Products • Capsules • Sprays • Flower Softgels • Gummies • Topicals • Beauty Products And More! 855-904-4367 3 E Afton Ave Mon-Sat: 10am-6:30pm TheHempOilStore.com Yardley, PA 19067 Sun: Closed May 2022

healing ways

Fending Off Fibroids NATURAL APPROACHES OFFER RELIEF

freely/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

ptimal reproductive health is key to our vitality, which is why living with uterine fibroids can be debilitating. Studies indicate that as many as 80 percent of American women develop these non-cancerous growths during their childbearing years. Oftentimes, the condition is free of symptoms, but an estimated 26 million women currently suffer from associated effects like chronic pelvic and back pain, frequent urination, excessive menstrual bleeding and a swollen abdomen. Also called myomas, fibroids can often be a hidden cause of infertility, even in asymptomatic cases. Asian women have a lower incidence of fibroids, while African American women are two to three times more likely to develop them than white women, particularly at a younger age. Genetics, obesity, estrogen-promoting foods and environmental toxins can fuel the fire of this condition, but a tailored, natural approach can minimize symptoms and for some, ward off the need for invasive surgery.

Happier Hormones Through Diet While there is no definitively known cause of fibroids, the most accepted theory is a disruption in the ratio between estrogen and progesterone. Italian researchers that examined data from 1990 to 2020 reported in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health last year that diets deficient in fresh fruits, green vegetables and vitamin D increase the risk for the onset and formation of uterine fibroids. “I do believe prevention is important by avoiding the use of toxic cosmetics and cookware with chemical components, and by choosing lower-inflammatory foods,” says Crystal Fedele, a doctor of Chinese medicine who treats patients with acupuncture and Chinese herbs at her clinic, Holistic Women and Families Natural Health Center, in Port Orange, Florida. Conventionally farmed produce and farm-raised fish are treated with environmental

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

estrogens to stimulate growth, which in turn contribute to estrogen dominance and an increased risk of fibroids in women that consume such foods. “It’s important to eliminate dairy and meat raised with synthetic hormones that can act like estrogen in the body,” advises Alisa Vitti, a New York City-based women’s hormone expert and author of In the FLO: Unlock Your Hormonal Advantage and Revolutionize Your Life. “While no diet can guarantee fibroid prevention, altering the food you eat may help slow fibroid growth. When it comes to food, your first step is to remove inflammatory foods.” Vitti recommends opting for fiber-rich whole grains that aid in the elimination of excess estrogen, as well as nixing gluten and all dairy products unless they are made from organic goat or sheep milk. “High insulin levels from white, starchy stuff—which acts like sugar in the body— is a factor in making fibroids grow,” she says.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale and bok choy are allies in the fight against fibroids by boosting detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Regular servings of sweet potatoes, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, spinach and other carotene-rich foods are also valuable.

Ancient Healing Modalities Traditional Chinese Medicine offers promising benefits, but when using recommended herbs, it’s important to seek out qualified practitioners rather than self-treat, advises Fedele. “In Chinese medicine, each case is individual, so herbal formulations are often constructed to treat the whole health of the person and modified as we see improvements,” she says. “We also use a lot of supplements that can help regulate hormones—DIM (diindolylmethane) and broccoli seed extract being two that are commonly used for estrogen-related disorders.” Fedele also recommends acupuncture, but says it is most effective when combined with herbals, supplements and dietary therapies. Susannah Neal, a licensed acupuncturist in Iowa City, Iowa, concurs, saying, “Chinese medicine is highly effective for rebalancing the flow or energy and breaking up old patterns of imbalances.” Neal, certified in the Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy, attests to this gentle modality designed to invigorate the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems of the digestive and reproductive organs. “Fibroids may be a result of impaired blood flow in the uterus, and while many styles of massage use techniques to improve circulation, these techniques focus specifically on the reproductive and pelvic organs,” she says. According to Neal, one benefit of the Arvigo technique is regulation of the menstrual cycle. When applied regularly, the massage may reduce the size and severity of fibroids. In cases of larger, chronic or more severe fibroids, she says that three to six months of treatment or longer may be required, and in some cases will be used only as adjunctive treatment along with therapies prescribed by a medical doctor. No matter which alternative approach is taken, monitoring progress is key. Fedele says, “I usually suggest six months to a year of trying holistic options under the care of a licensed provider and then at that time re-evaluating the scenario.” Marlaina Donato is an author and multimedia artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

FOODS TO CONSUME FOR ACHIEVING HORMONE BALANCE Almonds and hazelnuts Arugula Cold-water, deep-sea fish: salmon, tuna, herring, halibut, mackerel, sardines Garlic Green tea

Organic wheat germ Radish Reishi mushrooms Turnips Vitamin E, vitamin B complex, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids Watercress

Build faster & more effective business cards than ever before.

Exchanging information is important—now it is pretty, professional and customizable with CardFly, a digital business card that keeps all your information in one place. Perfect for: Organizations, realtors, personal cards, pictures, videos, interactive connections. Creativity galore.

Start Making Your Life Easier Today! Scan the QR code cardfly.io/?ref=joe97 May 2022

eco tip

DIY Salt Scrub

with Himalayan Salt and Essential Oils Margarita salt scrub: 12 drops lime essential oil, 8 drops orange essential oil

Natural Awakenings

Rose salt scrub: 15 drops rose essential oil, sprinkle with dried rose petals

is proudly distributed at:

Citrus burst salt scrub: 5 drops orange essential oil, 10 drops grapefruit essential oil

Bound Brook (Bridgewater) sunny bunny/AdobeStock.com

319 Chimney Rock Rd.

Clark 1255 Raritan Rd. Unit 150

Madison (Rose City) 222 Main St.

Metuchen 645 Middlesex Ave.

Millburn-Union 2245 Springfield Ave. Vauxhall

Montclair 701 Bloomfield Ave.

Morristown 110 Washington St.

Newark 633 Broad St.

Parsippany 60 Waterview Blvd

Princeton 3495 US Rt 1 S

Ridgewood 44 Godwin Ave.

West Orange 235 Prospect Ave.

A sea salt scrub is an easy and inexpensive way to maintain a glowing complexion. Salt scrubs work hard to exfoliate and remove dry skin from the surface, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and pores, and improve the overall tone. Exfoliating scrubs are good for the entire body, especially dry areas like feet and hands. They are easy to make because they are a simple combination of salt and oil. In addition to standard sea salt, adding Himalayan pink salt to a scrub recipe adds an extra boost of health because it contains 84 trace minerals and nutrients. Grapeseed oil, which can be found at natural grocery stores, is a good carrier oil for a scrub because it is extremely nourishing. Adding both almond and jojoba oils, and vitamin E into the mixture increases the scrub’s moisturizing effect, making it especially good for dry skin. Essential oils add fragrance and healing qualities to the scrub, and they can include such variations as:

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Lavender vanilla salt scrub: 15 drops lavender essential oil, 5 drops vanilla essential oil DIY SALT SCRUB RECIPE 1 cup finely ground sea salt ½ cup Himalayan pink salt 4 Tbsp grapeseed oil 3 Tbsp almond oil 1 Tbsp jojoba oil 10 drops vitamin E 15-20 drops essential oil Put sea salt and Himalayan salt into a mixing bowl. Add in grapeseed oil, almond oil, jojoba oil and vitamin E. Add the essential oils last, right on top of the other oils. Mix until all of the salt is coated with oil. It should not be swimming in oil, just coated. Store in a glass or metal container. This recipe fills a single, pint- sized Mason jar or two half-pint jars. Because this salt scrub recipe does not contain any water, it will last up to six months. Make sure to keep it sealed in a jar with a lid to ensure it stays fresh and free of contaminants. If it is kept in the shower, store the scrub away from the water stream. For more healthy DIY recipes, along with natural skincare and eco-friendly home and garden ideas, visit EcoLiving Mama.com.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Yoga Corner Springtime

An Ayurvedic Perspective by Nicole Zornitzer

yurvedic medicine teaches life in accordance with seasonal change and alignment of our bodies with the dynamic rhythms of the natural world. These environmental shifts create subtle and not so subtle fluctuations of the mind, body and spirit. It is important to be aware of how such change impacts our daily lives and therefore knowledge of our constitution (dosha) is important to best balance the body during change. Springtime aligns with the kapha dosha, which in Sanskrit translates to “that which flourishes in water” as the season of spring brings rain and increased water in the environment. Depending upon one’s primary dosha, spring can either revitalize the body or create havoc in someone who is a kapha dosha by nature. For the individual, awareness of their primary dosha allows them to continue to balance the physical, emotional and mental bodies through proper mindful behaviors. Abiding by a seasonal diet creates an awareness of what measures should be taken during the transition into the beautiful season. To add lightness, sharpness, dryness and heat into our lives will support spring renewal and revitalization. One may notice an

increase in the desire to eat lighter food which may include seasonal vegetables, fruits, and salads. The human body is naturally craving a cleanse of the system to better support balance. To help eliminate the production of mucus and regulate moisture levels while improving the channels of elimination, an Ayurvedic counselor may suggest: ■ Begin the day with a light breakfast that includes fresh fruit that is in season ■

Lunch and dinner should be light, incorporating cooked grains, steamed vegetables, and legumes

■

Drink room temperature water

■

Consuming bitter greens, broccoli, and cauliflower

■

Avoid heavy, watery vegetables such as avocado, olives, squash

■

Do not overeat and avoid snacking between meals

■

Minimize dairy consumption as this increases bodily mucus

Ayurveda is the sister science of yoga; therefore, we encourage a yoga asana practice that will emphasize a cleansing

of the lungs and opening of the heart/ chest. Examples of yoga asana that may be incorporated are: ■

Cobra

■

Bow

■

Side Arm Plank

■

Spinal Rolls

■

Supported Savasana on a bolster

■

Pranayama (breathwork) that supports creating internal fire (i.e., Kapalabhati)

So, while it is exciting for many to leave the cold winter months, it is very important for our community to take appropriate self-care measures to maintain balance and wellness in the body. A personal sadhana practice that fluctuates with the seasons is essential in creating a healthy mind-body connection. Ayurveda, much as life, is a balancing act that requires the knowledge, the tools, and the acceptance of all these subtle shifts in the mind and body during seasonal change. It is essential to educate others on the importance of this information and encourage a peaceful transition through all phases of life. Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey; Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey; Roseland, New Jersey; and Delray Beach in Florida. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

May 2022

green living

EASY CONTAINER GARDENING HOW TO GROW EDIBLES IN POTS AND PLANTERS

freely/AdobeStock.com

by Maya Whitman

ontainer gardening offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned green thumbs. Growing vegetables, flowers and herbs in pots can be cost-effective, inspiring and tailored for any urban balcony or country patio. The perks of planting in pots include a reduced risk of disease spreading from one crop to another, fewer critters helping themselves to a free lunch, and less weeding and overall work. For urban garden expert Mark Ridsdill Smith, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, tending to plants has provided a sense of community. “When I lived in London, I knew almost no one on my street after 10 years, but when I started growing food by the front door, I was constantly chatting to passersby as I tended my tomatoes and squash,” says the author of The Vertical Veg Guide to Container Gardening, who also enjoys the practical side of making connections: swapping seeds, gifting produce and exchanging advice.

Fertile Foundations Vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash, radishes and beans are ideal for container gardens, and with a little know-how, other crops like watermelon and muskmelon can also thrive. “Many types of vegetables can be grown in pots if they are large enough to accommodate the root system, even potatoes,” says Lisa Hilgenberg, horticulturist at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s four-acre Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, in Glencoe, Illinois. Choosing pots with the right size and materials is an investment worth making, she notes. “Peppers and tomatoes prefer terra cotta pots. Many herbs thrive when root-bound and do well in smallish pots or grouped together in shallow bowls. Plants

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

needing to climb can be trained to grow on a trellis placed in a container.” Melinda Myers, the Milwaukee-based author of Small Space Gardening and more than 20 gardening books, encourages gardeners to think outside the box. “Repurposing items is another way to add fun and plantable space. I have seen old teapots, coffee makers, washtubs, coolers and more converted into planters.” For the well-meaning, but sometimes absent-minded gardener, she recommends self-watering pots to reduce maintenance. “These containers have a water reservoir you keep filled. Water moves from the reservoir into the soil, so you need to water less often.”

Generational Nourishment Using high-quality potting soil is paramount and can be store-bought or made at home for less by combining pH-fostering

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

M. Production/AdobeStock.com

peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Plants started from seed are more nourishing for both people and the planet. “Some seeds thrive most when sown directly in the soil, and cilantro is one of them, as are all root vegetables, as well as beans and peas. Other seeds, like tomato and ground cherry, are best started indoors. Some seeds, like kale and basil, thrive either way,” explains Petra Page-Mann, co-owner of Fruition Seeds, an organic seed company in Naples, New York, that specializes in open-pollinated heirlooms and offers free online tutorials. Seeds can easily be saved for future plantings from crops such as beans, peas, cilantro, dill, sunflower and cosmos. “No one can save seeds better adapted to your garden than you,” she says. Children are prime candidates for container gardening, especially in cities. Smith muses, “Children get to smell and feel the whole plant—the extraordinary smell of tomato leaves, the bristles on zucchini—and they love getting their hands into the compost. I’ve witnessed children who rarely eat salad demolish a whole tray of fresh pea shoots in minutes!” For young gardeners, he recommends growing “pea shoots, new potatoes (they love digging them up), herbs like mint (to play with and make drinks and potions), alpine strawberries and sorrel.” Even gardeners with conventional suburban or country plots may find that container crops come in handy. “For those with plenty of garden space, it is a way to bring the garden to your back or front door,” says Myers. “Keeping pots of herbs and veggies close to the house makes harvesting and using fresh herbs and vegetables easier. I have 11 acres, but still use containers to test new plants and bring the garden to my front and back doors.” Page-Mann attests to willingness and possibility when she says, “Seeds, again and again, remind me that our imagination is the limit, that regional adaptation is the language of resilience and that we can grow so much more than we think possible.” Maya Whitman writes about natural health and living a more beautiful life. Connect at Ekstasis28@gmail.com.

POT GARDENING TIPS FROM THE PROS FROM MELINDA MYERS, AUTHOR OF SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Mulch the containers. Covering the soil with an organic mulch like evergreen needles and shredded leaves helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds until the plants cover the soil surface. Use a slow-release, eco-friendly fertilizer. Incorporate it into pots at planting and if needed, make a second application mid-season. It’s a lot easier than applying a fast-release product every week or two. Incorporate organic wool pellets into the potting mix to reduce watering up to 25 percent and add air space, nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Tips on Types of Pots: Terra cotta pots are heavy and tend to dry out faster. Glazed ceramic pots hold water for long periods and are available in a variety of shapes and colors. Both should be moved indoors for the winter. Plastic pots come in a variety of colors, are lightweight and can often be left outdoors. Fiberglass is lightweight, pricey and designed to be left outdoors year-round. Metal is usually not a problem for northern gardeners and are quite trendy. For more information on galvanized steel safety, visit Seeds_for_Thought64596.pdf (ucanr.edu). FROM LISA HILGENBERG, CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN HORTICULTURIST: Climbing plants: Growing plants vertically is a great way to save space and add an architectural aesthetic to a container kitchen garden. Select a trellis to accommodate the type of climber. Peas and beans climb using tendrils that grow best around a thin fishing line netting; they won’t stay secure to an iron trellis. Some vining plants need help climbing, so they will need to be tied onto bamboo poles. Melons: The minimum diameter container is 12 inches for watermelon, provided it’s a smaller stature, bush-type cultivar. Generally, watermelons produce two melons per plant if they are provided with highly fertile, well-drained soils. Muskmelons can be trellised in pots. Apply organic fertilizer three times during the melon plant’s growth: when the vines begin to run, when the first flowers appear and after the first harvest. FROM AUTHOR MARK RIDSDILL SMITH: Seasonal favorites: Spring: new potatoes, kale, mangetout snow peas (edible pods) Summer: tomatoes, chilies, climbing French beans, Japanese wineberry Fall: arugula, kale, chard, apples

May 2022

fit body

Staying Hydrated IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT DRINKING WATER by Sandra Yeyati

aintaining proper hydration is one of the most important measures we can take to benefit our health. “The human body is made up of 55 to 75 percent water, and proper fluid levels are essential for many important body functions, including nutrient and oxygen transportation, temperature regulation, blood pressure stabilization, removal of waste from the body and muscle repair,” says Josh Axe, a Nashville-based clinical nutritionist and doctor of chiropractic and natural medicine. “Drinking enough water allows for healthy digestion and detoxification, supports hunger control and improves the appearance of your skin, eyes and hair.” Throughout the day, our bodies expend liquid to perform these vital functions. “Dehydration occurs when you lose more bodily fluids than you consume,” says Axe, the author of Ancient Remedies and founder of DrAxe.com. “Your body needs water and electrolytes replenished, otherwise you’ll experience symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, muscle weakness and spasms, headache, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.” “How we live today is why we’re so much more dehydrated than we were 30 to 50 years ago,” says Dana Cohen, a New York City integrative medicine physician and co-author of Quench. “Air conditioning and heating are so drying. Electronics, prescription drugs, processed foods, fluorescent lighting—all these things coming at us and affecting our cells—are sucking the hydration out of our environments and out of us.” According to Cohen—the risks of day-in-day-out, low-grade dehydration—the kind most of us experience—include constipation, joint pain, stiffness, brain fog and cognition problems. “There’s some evidence that it is also a risk factor for diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain cancers like colon and kidney cancers,” she adds.

Optimum hydration is more nuanced than simply drinking eight to 10 eightounce glasses of water a day. It depends on our body size, age, diet and level of physical activity or exposure to hot temperatures, Axe says. He recommends more fluids for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding, teenagers that are developing quickly and people on medications like antibiotics, diuretics, hormone pills, blood pressure medications and cancer treatments. Cohen points to a few reliable markers: “We’re meant to urinate every

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

castecodesign/AdobeStock.com

How to Hydrate

two to three hours throughout the day, and you want the color of your urine to be strong, but not too orange or too brown, which indicates dehydration, and not crystal-clear, because you could be over-hydrating.” In her book Quench, Cohen delineates a five-day plan to optimize hydration. Start every day with a big glass of water, which can include a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of real salt (pink or sea salt, not processed table salt). Drink a glass of water before every meal. “For people who are trying to lose weight, a few published studies suggest that this will help them lose five additional pounds over a three-month period when dieting,” she says. When feeling hungry, drink a glass of water. We often mistake hunger for thirst. Consume one or two green smoothies a day made with a blend of greens, water and added ingredients to taste. This will incorporate a healthy amount of daily fiber, which helps to absorb and hold on to water. Add what Cohen calls “micro-movements” throughout the day, such as nodding the head up and down, rotating the wrists and ankles, scrunching fingers and toes or twisting the torso. “These little movements help to move fluid throughout the body and lubricate joints,” she explains.

Hydrating Foods According to Axe, some foods are naturally hydrating, including coconut water, melons, celery, cucumber, kiwi, citrus fruits, carrots, bell peppers, berries, lettuce, avocado, zucchini and tomatoes. Cohen recommends one to two tablespoons of chia seeds mixed into a liquid every day. “They’re incredibly hydrating. If you soak chia seeds in water, they form this gel-like structure on them. Thanks to some fascinating research by Dr. Gerald Pollack from the University of Washington, in Seattle, this gel water, which has different properties from regular H2O, is believed to store energy like a battery. Getting more of this structured water by eating plants should be your goal, so your body and your cells are better hydrated.”

GET

SERIOUS SOMEONE ABOUT MEETING

This spring, join the largest holistic, conscious, spiritual and green network dating site online. We invite you to become a member and feel the energy on our site from the moment you first log in.

Best Fluids to Drink “The best option is purified water that goes through a filtering process to remove chemical pollutants, bacteria, fungi and algae, but still has beneficial minerals,” Axe says. Both Axe and Cohen recommend the Environmental Working Group’s water filter guide (ewg.org) to find the best at-home system for every budget, as well as its database that lists the safety of tap water in each U.S. zip code. “The research shows that under four cups of coffee a day is not a diuretic, so it does contribute to your hydration; anything above four cups starts to become a diuretic and goes against you,” Cohen notes, adding that herbal teas are always a great hydrating option with added medicinal properties.

Join now at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com TRY FOR FREE

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@gmail.com. May 2022

natural pet

Saving Birds from Cats SIMPLE STRATEGIES TO PROTECT FEATHERED FRIENDS by Karen Shaw Becker

Use Rainbow-Colored Ruff Collars A small study by the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC)

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

suggests that when bright, rainbow-colored ruff collars are placed on free-roaming cats, it reduces the number of birds they kill. Birds have excellent color vision, and the flashy collars work as an early warning system of impending stealth attacks. “To the bird, this rainbow color stands out like a sore thumb,” says Ken Otter, chair of the UNBC Department of Ecosystem Science and Management. “It’s the opposite of a hunter’s camo.” Another study at the UK University of Exeter focused on 219 cats whose owners regularly let them hunt outside. The researchers divided the cats into six groups, including a control group that didn’t change their habits. For 12 weeks, the owners took pictures of every animal their cats brought home and found that collar covers like those used in the Canadian study reduced the numbers of captured birds by 42 percent.

Feed Them a Fresh Meat Diet The UK researchers found that when cats were fed a high-meat protein, grain-free food, they brought home 36 percent fewer dead birds and other wildlife. Because cats are strict carnivores, a balanced diet rich in fresh animal meat, fed raw or gently cooked (rather than rendered meat or meat meal), meets their nutritional needs and reduces their urge to kill prey animals. A feline family member will do best with a diet that replicates that of captured prey: high in moisture content with excellent-quality meat, moderate amounts of high-quality animal fat and a very low percentage of

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

wegener17/AdobeStock.com

hen they’re roaming outdoors, domesticated cats turn into natural-born predators. According to the American Bird Conservancy, domestic felines are the number one human-caused threat to birds in the U.S., killing an estimated 2.4 billion birds every year. Cats have contributed to the extinction of 63 species of birds, mammals and reptiles in the wild. New studies suggest ways to let a cat enjoy the outdoors without endangering winged species.

the bowls in separate areas of the house.

Give Cats Safe Outdoor Access For reasons of safety and overall health and longevity, cats should be kept indoors, but with regular supervised access to the outdoors. Training her to walk on a harness and leash can be an ideal way to allow safe, controlled access to the great outdoors. An alternative is a catio (cat patio), which is a

safe outdoor enclosure that allows a kitty secure access to the outdoors. The enclosure should be open-air, allowing the cat to feel fresh air and sunlight, but shielded enough to prevent escape or a predator from getting inside. It also keeps birds safe. Veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has spent her career empowering animal guardians to make knowledgeable decisions to extend the life and well-being of their animals. For more information, visit DrKarenBecker.com.

carbohydrates. This means absolutely no kibble.

Play with a Cat Daily Households in which owners engaged in five to 10 minutes of daily object play with their cats (using, for example, an interactive feather toy like Da Bird) reported a 25 percent decrease in captured prey, according to the UK researchers. “Cats who are young and still kittenish will play with almost anything. Older cats who’ve been around the block a few times and know how to hunt and play with their toys do tend to get bored more easily,” explains feline behaviorist Marci Koski, Ph.D. “I recommend having a number of different lures and wand toys in your toolbox.”

Avoid Cat Bells or Puzzle Feeders Cat bells have “no discernible effect” on cats’ prey catch, the UK researchers report. Puzzle feeders containing kibble actually increased killed prey by 33 percent, perhaps because of cats’ “inability to easily access food and resulting hunger or frustration,” they write.

Have Them Hunt Indoors for Food To ease boredom, give a cat opportunities to “hunt” for their food indoors. Try separating his daily portion of food into three to eight small meals, fed throughout the day in a variety of puzzle toys, or indoor hunting feeder mice. Or, hide his food bowls in various locations around the house. Start with one bowl in his usual spot, and then place his food portion into additional bowls in other areas where he is sure to find them. If there is more than one cat, keep May 2022

daily & ongoing

MAY 2022

All calendar events for the June 2022 issue must be received by May 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit naturalawakeningscnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

SUNDAY, MAY 8

Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 9-12noon. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 9-10am. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 10-11am. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 11-12noon. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Hypnosis Counseling Center, 28 Mine St., Flemington. For more information, contact Barry at 908-3037767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

Silk Ribbon Natural Dye Workshop for Mother’s Day – 1-3pm. Join artist Rebecca Kelly for hands-on workshop on how to naturally dye pastel silk ribbons using flowers and herbs including lavender, elderberry and hibiscus. Receive a bar of Luxury Lavender soap gift wrapped with a silk ribbon and ready for Mom. sip lavender lemonade and munch on divine lavender shortbread cookies as our fabric brews. Rain or shine (but bring an umbrella if raining). $65. Register at MadLavenderFarm. com/Silk-Ribbon-Workshop-For-Mothers-Day. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908-3105973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

Usui Reiki Level 1 Certification –10am. Course may be 2 days depending on class size. This course lays the foundation for your Reiki practice. It includes but not limited to history, 1st attunement, learning to channel. Manual included. Certification given at the completion of class. $250 sign up/payment. Register at FullCircleEnergy. net/classes and select “Current Schedule” at midpoint on the page. Full Circle Energy Therapies, 2041 Pennington Rd., Ewing, NJ. For information contact Lori at 908-2687169 or feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com. FullCircleEnergy.net. Spring Foraging Workshop – 10am12noon. Come for a walk with Herbalist Katie Moxham (farmer, medicine maker and wildcrafter) around the fields and forest of Mad Lavender Farm. Learn the basics of foraging, how, where and when, what is edible, what can be used medicinally and how to prepare them and how easy it all can be. $35. Register at: MadLavenderFarm.com/spring-foraging-may/. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908-310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com. Reiki Level I Workshop and Certification – 11am-3pm. Reiki Level I Workshop and Certification. Get started on your Energy Healing journey with Reiki Master Maria Martin. Learn the basics of the art of healing with Reiki including: What is Reiki? How does it work? The Chakra System, Self -Grounding and more, Receive Reiki Level I attunement. Pre-registration required. $175 per person. A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848-2172371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

Mother’s Day Special – 6:30-8:30pm. Bathe yourself in sound and relax with crystal singing bowls, drums, gong, chimes, chanting and more. Enjoy and relax, then get a 10-minute Tarot reading with Anthony. $15 per person; pre-registration required. Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848-2172371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

FRIDAY, MAY 13 Reiki Sound Bath Meditation – 6:30 pm. Join Lori from Full Circle Energy Therapies for an hour of intention setting, breathwork, somatic movement, Reiki and sound healing. $25, sign up/payment at FullCircleEnergy.net/about and select “Current Schedule” at the bottom of the page. River Rock Healing Arts Carriage House, 1 S Main St Rear, Yardley, PA. For information contact Lori at 908-268-7169 or feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com. FullCircleEnergy.net.

SUNDAY, MAY 15 Stinging Nettle Workshop – 1-3pm. Stinging Nettle is a very misunderstood plant. Robyn leads this two-hour workshop to teach participants how to identify, how to forage, the health and medicinal properties and how to use them all. Includes recipes, sampling of Nettle Bread with Nettle Pesto and a glass of Nettle infusion. $35. Register at MadLavenderFarm.com/stinging-nettle-an-herbal-journey-with-a-powerfulplant-may. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com. Cacao Ceremony –7-8:30pm. Store shamanic practitioner, Lauren, teaches about

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

the power of cacao, hold space for a guided journey and provide a sound bath for everyone to enjoy. A cacao ceremony uses the medicinal power of this power plant to connect to yourself in a deeper, loving way, be more in your heart space and heal from within. Participants must bring their own mug and have an empty stomach. No one on antidepressants should participate in this event. $45 per person; pre-registration required. Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848-2172371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

MONDAY, MAY 16 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm; Virtual. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:307:30pm. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm. Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Sponsored by Hypnosis Counseling Center. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

TUESDAY, MAY 17 Full Moon Circle – 7:30-8:30pm. May’s moon is associated with fertility, blooming flowers and warming temperatures, which enable earth to give birth, including giving birth to new ideas and projects. We will have a sound bath and focus our intention and give blessings toward new starts. $20 per person; pre-registration is required. Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848-2172371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 Change Your Life with Hypnosis – 6:309:15pm. Barry Wolfson leads three one-hour sessions. Take any or all for tools to help you change your life for the better. Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm. Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:15pm.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. $60 each session. Palisades High School, 35 Church Hill Rd., Kitnersville, PA. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or 610-847-5131 x 2401, or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter. com. HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

Rattle Making Workshop – 7:30-9:30pm with Shaman, Lauren Porter. Learn the history of the Rattle and its native traditions, then, with the help Lauren, make your own personal rattle. Price includes cost of materials $60 per person; pre-registration is required. Location: A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe, 413 Bond St., Asbury Park. For information and to register, call 848-2172371. AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 21 Divination & Story Telling Picnic on Mad Lavender Farm – 10:15am-3pm. Between arrival at 10:15 and 1pm, receive a total of three 15 minute readings: Runes with Leslee, Tarot with Amy Fae and Tarot with Adrienne. Learn to wrap mini smudge sticks, ear a magical tale by Storyteller Rebecca Kelly and group Sound Healing performed by Leslee Penny. Complimentary picnic with light fare and lavender lemonade served. Gluten-free and dairy-free options provided. Limited to 8 participants, ages 18 and up. $180. Register at MadLavenderFarm.com/ divination-story-telling-picnic-on-mad-lavender-farm. Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908-310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

PLAN AHEAD SATURDAY, JUNE 25 Herbology: The Secret Life of Lavender – 1-3pm. In this two-hour workshop with Robyn, develop a personal ritual to connect with plants and our focus will, of course, be Lavender. Tap into the creative side with drawing and journaling, inspired by the energy of the plant. Lavender herbal infusion demonstration. Pick a fresh bunch of lavender to take home. Lavender lemonade refreshment. All materials and recipes provided. $45. Register at MadLavenderFarm. com/connecting-with-lavender-in-june . Mad Lavender Farm, 452 Co Rd 579, Milford. For information call 908-310-5973 or visit MadLavenderFarm.com.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 A Soulful Harvest: Soul Retrieval for You and Your Ancestors – 10/7-9; TBD. Transformation. Full Moon Magic. Healing. Goddess Embodiment. Soul Retrieval and Ancestral Healing. Luxury accommodations in Catskills NY to support the Medicine. Early bird discount through 5/31. Ayni Healing Arts Center. Retreat address provided upon registration. For information

and to RSVP call 862-268-3213, email aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com and visit AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/Retreats

ongoing daily Qi Gong for Beginner Series – Times and days vary. Four 1-hour classes. Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi journey featuring Patty Pagano live online. First 1-hour class is Free! Check schedule or register at https://forms.gle/k2kcv9tVJ6X1QfpD8. For information contact Patty at 908-392-1313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com. QiGongForHealing.com.

wednesday New Year, New You ‘22 – 6-7pm. 4th Wed. Let’s get together in a group session setting, the last Wednesday of every month to focus on making 2022 your best year yet. We will focus on all attributes of life to create positive and lifeaffirming changes. If you are interested in becoming a client of mine, you could attend these monthly events free of charge. . $49 per person/each session . Health Yeah! with Michelle, 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville. 973-420-9220. HealthYeahWithMichelle.com. Advanced Soul Shamanism Bi-Weekly Class – 7-9:15pm. 2nd & 4th Wed, ZOOM. Join us for a great night of profound experiences. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and other Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools, and practices within this practice Zoom link is provided upon signing up. $60. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-647-2500. BeTheMedicine. com.

thursday Holistic Dentistry: Materials Reactivity Testing – 8am-4pm. Learn about and discuss Materials Reactivity Testing with the expert holistic dentists at Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants. Biocompatibility testing can be a good way to learn what dental materials may be best suited to your oral health needs. This free consultation has a $152 value. It’s your opportunity to benefit from the decades of experience we offer all of our patients. For patients who so choose, we can arrange the testing process. Free. Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics & Implants, 11 Chambers Street, Princeton. 609-924-1414. Prince-

tonDentist.com/holistic-dentistry. Soul Shamanism 101-Be One with Your Soul – 4/21-5/19; 7-9:30pm ET; ZOOM. Initiations and Training. This class offers a profound experience and practice that is life changing. Discover your inner space of peace, wisdom, and divine connection. Knowing who you are as a soul and personality allows you to choose and live more fully each day. Led by Shaman Janet StraightArrow. Be on the lookout for next class. Be The Medicine (Online In-Person-Sessions-Classes-Retreats), 247 North Road, Chester. 973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com.

classifieds Have a business opportunity, job opening, space for rent or other need? Place your classified ads here, 30 words for $30, extra words $1 each. Email to

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY OPPORTUNITY: WHAT WOULD A RELIABLE RESIDUAL INCOME MEAN FOR YOU? Take Control of Your Future With A Reliable Residual Income. Visit: areliableincome.com/prosper. Call: 609510-0292

METAPHYSICAL SHOP OFFERINGS: A unique gift shop for the mind, body and soul. Check out our collection of angels, candles, cards, crystals, crystal soaps, jewelry, sage, salt lamps, solar wind chimes, tea, t-shirts, tumbled stones and more. Card readings, classes and workshops available. Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss, 19A Old Highway 22, Clinton. 908-2688029. FB Metaphysical & Spiritual Bliss. Instagram @cmatsen11

PHOTOGRAPHER SERVICES NEED PICTURES?: NJ Photographer specializing in portraits, still life, real estate, editorial, small events & more, available for booking. Contact 908-8872637 or andreamarinescu@optonline.net for details + pricing. Thank you! Instagram @unbrokenbeauty_photography

May 2022

Central New Jersey Community

business directory

Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Acupuncture

CBD Oil

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc

The Hemp Oil Store

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health. He is passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. See ad, page 43.

Eden Energy Medicine/ Sound Meditation

Joseph Wilker Cool Breeze Distributors 3 E. Ave., Yardley, PA 855-904-4367, 267-679-2949 coolbreezedist@gmail.com TheHempOilStore.com License Number: 82-2609404 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 TheHempOilStore.com with free shipping. We also have curbside pickup and walkins are always welcome. See ad, page 29.

Chinese Healing Arts

RedTail Energetics Karen E Adamo, EEM-AP

Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner Phillipsburg, NJ 908-752-0097 (phone or text) Karen@RedTailEnergetics.com RedTailEnergetics.com Experience more joy, peace, calm, health and vitality through the combination of two profoundly effective healing modalities—Eden Energy Medicine, which corrects imbalances in nine different energy systems, and Sound Meditation with authentic bronze Himalayan Singing Bowls and Gongs.

Ayurveda/Women’s Health Qi Gong For Healing

Energy Practitioner & Coach

7 Chakras Wellness

Full Circle Energy Therapies

Jennifer Agugliaro

Ayurvedic Practitioner, RN 908-251-1200 • jennifer@7chakraswellness.com 7ChakrasWellness.com Are you tired of feeling unwell? Jennifer offers natural, holistic methods to help you take control of your health and life. She focuses on women’s health issues such as reproductive health, digestion, sleep and anxiety. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 12.

Bedding - Organic Hibernate Bedding

80 Morristown Rd, Bernardsville

908-766-5450 HibernateBedding.com

Brian Coffey LMT, and Fran Maher, CA 908-647-1563 QiGongForHealing.com

Specializing in T’ai Chi and Qi Gong classes, as well as private session clinical Qi Gong and acupuncture since 1994. Chinese Medicine weekend seminars teach how to apply clinical Qi Gong remedies to specific disorders. Excellent for the lay person and healthcare providers. All are welcome to observe or join a class. See ad, page 29.

Coach/Counsel/Therapy & Nutrition Health Yeah With Michelle

Michelle LaVecchia Odendahl 243 N. Union St., Ste 201, Lambertville 973-420-9220 healthyeahwithmichelle@hotmail.com HealthYeahWithMichelle.com

Exclusive collection of Organic and Chemical Free mattresses and accessories. Over 30 years family experience. Come see how easy it is to shop for a mattress. Free delivery, free set up, free removal.

See ad, page 2.

ad, page 13.

Did you know you are born with unique talents, desires and motivations? As a Certified International Health and Wellness Coach, I will coach you to bring a strong sense of purpose to your everyday life with a positive mindset. See

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Lori L. Hoff 2041 Pennington Rd., Ewing 908-268-7169 feelslikesunshine124@gmail.com FullCircleEnergy.net

Taking energetic support to another level. Full Circle Energy Therapies is here to guide you with simple, gentle, effective tools. This is the sign you’ve been looking for. See ad, page 18.

Eye/Vision Health Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health and passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.See ad, page 43.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Healing Through Art T-Anya Paint

Anna Wasilczyk 17 Ross Rd., Wallington anya@tanyapaint.com TanyaPaint.com Paint with T-Anya is a mobile art service that brings a joyous creativity to any social gathering: birthday parties, retirement parties, fundraising, couples, one-on-one sessions and therapeutic sessions. See ad, page 25.

Holistic Chiropractors

Princeton Center For Dental Aesthetics & Implants

Holistic Spa/Wellness Ctr

11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 • PrincetonDentist.com

327 US - 202, Bedminster 973-782-3227 info@quantumwellnessnj.com QuantumWellnessNJ.com

Drs. Huckel, Huckel & Reine

Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime! We are trained in identifying holistic concerns beginning in the oral cavity that may cause issues elsewhere in the body. We use ozonated water, and choose systematically biocompatible materials for your treatment.

Quantum Wellness

Experience perfect relaxation at our premier spa and wellness center. Modalities include therapeutic massage, acupressure, reiki, cryotherapy and infrared saunas, yoga, floation therapy, workshops and more. See ad, page 7.

Samsara Chiropractic Wellness Center Dr Jennifer Redmond

7 E. High St, Somerville 908-300-8800 • DoctorRedmond.com We believe that the body is designed to heal itself but structural issues, toxins, lack of nutrients or an emotional component can affect overall health. We offer Whole-istic healing techniques including Neuroemotional Technique, Active Release techniques, Activator, Flexion Distraction and more! See ad, page 45.

Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 908-206-7848 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.

Holistic Dentistry The Center For Advanced Health Through Dentistry

Dr. Joseph R. Mele, DDS, FIND, CNC 215 Union Ave.,Ste D, Bridgewater 908-526-2266 • MeleDDS.com

Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks. We offer the highest quality dental services with a holistic approach for children and adults. See ad, page 47.

Better Vision in 10 Days Most Eye Conditions Are Treatable!

Our Integrative Medical treatment programs provide the best clinical outcomes for our patients.

25 Years of Experience • • • •

MACULAR DEGENERATION GLAUCOMA CATARACTS RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA

• • • •

OPTIC ATROPHY DRY EYE DIABETIC RETINOPATHY RETINAL OCCLUSIONS

Mention this ad for a FREE phone consultation. DR. ANDY

R OSENFARB Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc.

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine

332 S. Avenue E., Westfield, NJ Specializing in Holistic Eye Health • #1 Bestselling Author

908-466-1980 • AcuVisionAcupuncture.com

May 2022

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy

Matrix Repatterning

Naturopathic Medicine

Hypnosis Counseling Center

Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP

New Jersey Natural Medicine

Barry Wolfson 28 Mine St, Flemington 43 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 908-303-7767 HypnosisCounselingCenter.com

Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 13.

Hypnosis/Reiki Energy Health & Wellness LLC Michele Dellavalle, CH, CHTP, ART 65 Old Rt 22, Suite 10, Clinton Online Sessions available #908-403-2045 EnergyHealth4Wellness@gmail.com ReikiEHW.com

Master Clinical Hypnotist Certified in 5 Path ® Hypnosis, 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis, Reiki, Healing Touch & Guided Meditations. We identify & address the root cause allowing our clients to move forward and heal. Offering classes in 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis and Reiki Level 1 & 2. When all else fails, Hypnosis Works! Call for Free Consultation.

Integrative Psychotherapy Bobbie Lynn Edwards LPC, NCC,M.Ed

Licensed Psychotherapist 15 E. Main St., Clinton 908-892-8978 • HunterdonTherapist.com Bobbie Lynn Edwards is a licensed psychotherapist for 35 years. Practicing integrating psychotherapy focusing on a broad spectrum of spiritual philosophies and practices to assist in your healing. Clinically trained to provide guidance and direction to individuals, couples and families. Goals set within a mutual learning environment is the process. Meditation workshops for small and large groups are available. Call for a free consultation and further information.

located in Warren 908-930-0628 DrLarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com

Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC

2424 Lamington Road, Bedminster 973-267-2650 • NJNaturalMedicine.com

Your cells remember traumatic injury on a deeper level. Some injuries hang on because their energy gets trapped in the deeper tissues of the body. Matrix Repatterning allows the detection and release of these deeper injuries, improves electrical flow and allows the body to function normally again. See ad, page 21.

Since 2004, NJNM has treated patients with naturopathic, Chinese, ayurvedic and biological medicine. Our guiding principa: to observe and treat the whole person, not just symptoms to identify and treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance and promote optimal health. See ad, page 17.

Nutrition Meditation/Spiritual Center For Healing and Empowerment Phyllis Livera

172 Washington Valley Rd, Suite 3, Warren 732-882-9676 CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com

Sunrise Nutrition & Wellness Center Dr. John Harrington

137 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown 908-441-2276 drharrington@SunriseNutritionCenter.com SunriseNutritionCenter.com

Are you seeking deeper meaning in your life? Are you stressed and ready for a change? Tired of being in both physical or emotional pain? We offer spiritual development, meditation and mini-me yoga classes, which have been helping people live more productive, happier lives.

Get checked today! You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits. We provide health improvement programs unique to your body to improve your health through nutrition and other safe, non-invasive therapies. See ad, page 29.

Mystical Shoppe

Reiki & Hypnosis

A Year and a Day Mystical Shoppe

Alice Rich Reiki Center

413 Bond Street Asbury Park, NJ 07712 (848)217-2371 ayearandadaymysticalshoppe@yahoo.com AYearAndADayMysticalShoppe.com Facebook.com/ayearandadaymysticalshoppe Metaphysical retail store offering crystals, gemstones, incense, essential oils, books, Tarot and Oracle cards, specialty candles, smudge supplies and more! Psychics, Shamans, Ministers and Reiki/Energy/Crystal healers are available to provide guidance and healing. We provide Aura photos with 3D imaging for you and your pet, meditations and in-store classes and workshops. Additional services: dedications, weddings, funerals and house cleansings.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Alice Rich, Certified Master Teacher Usui Reiki Ryoho, Karuna Reiki®, Crystal Healing, Certified Hypnotist 732-501-7628 alice@AliceRichReikiCenter.com AliceRichReikiCenter.com

Reiki, Crystal Healing and Integrated Energy Therapy® or Hypnosis sessions can help reduce pain physically, mentally and emotionally, promote a healthy lifestyle, achieve personal and professional goals, create balance and harmony and advance your spiritual journey. Private sessions and classes. Certification classes on Reiki, Crystal Healing and IET.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

coming in the june issue

Men's Health

Do y you experience p chronic p pain, allergies, depression or anxiety? Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) is a safe, gentle, and effective body-mind stress reduction technique utilizing acupressure points and a gentle Chiropractic adjustment.

Relationship Coach Ondov Relationship Coaching Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC

12-14 E Main St, Suite 8, Somerville 908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com OndovRelationshipCoaching.com If you are in a troubled relationship, or dealing with infidelity, or facing possible divorce, you do not need Therapy. You are not mentally ill. You just need guidance and solutions. Relationship Coaching can help you repair these difficult situations, bringing clarity and restoring harmony. Eight years experience helping couples successfully navigate relationship crises. Does not require participation by both partners. See ad, page 10.

Spiritual Healing, Teaching Be The Medicine Janet StraightArrow

973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com Shamanic Healing, Energy Medicine, Past Life, Medical Intuition, Life, Health, Spiritual Coaching, Astrology Readings, House and Land Clearings. In person, phone or Skype. Professional Reiki, Shamanism and Medical Intuitive Training. Retreats. 40 years’ experience. See ad, page 13.

“The world is a stage, and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.” - Oscar Wilde

1 of 4 Doctors Advanced nced NET N certified in NJ

Dr. J. Redmond

CHIROPRAC CH C CHI HIIROP H ROPRAC ROP ROPRAC RO RA R AC TIC

Samsara Sa S ams msa arra ra Chiropractic Chir Ch irop irop opra pract ra acctticc Wellness Wel elln nes e s Center Cent Ce nterr nt E. High Ave., St., Somerville, 17Eastern Somerville,NJ NJ08876 08876 www.DoctorRedmond.com www.DoctorRedmond.com

908.300.8800

Nerve N er ve IInterference nterference can can cause cause tthese hese S Symptoms: ymptoms: Headaches/Migraines Sinus/Allergies Neck/Back Pain Shoulder Problems Anxiety Depression

Yoga Classes DailY/WeeklY

in stuDio & online 200 & 300 Hour teaCHer training

reiki training MontHlY reiki sHare

Earaches Sports Injuries

PerFeCt For Beginners

“i Can’t Do Yoga” Yoga Visit

our WeBsite

For Details.

Be Here noW Yoga

908.642.0989 63 Main st., FleMington, nJ BeHerenoWYoga108.CoM May 2022

Crossword Puzzle Look for clues in the articles in this month’s edition

Across 1 5 8 10 12 13 15 17

20 21 22 24 25 27 30 32 34 35 36 37

Cultivate and encourage Show communal spirit, in a way Company abbreviation Gardening tool Compassionate Humor Sacred Buddhist sound An excess of this hormone can cause uterine fibroids To and ___ Are situated Cruciferous vegetable Flower starters Letter addendum Corn piece One of the vegetable types that can be grown in pots Workshop dealing with ceramics Interchange of thoughts and emotions: it can often resolve many upsets Landscaper’s grass Have some Inspires

Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 14 16 18 19 20 23 24 26 28 29 30 31 32 33

Group of friends and acquaintances Plant system Applies Emotional intelligence (abbr.) Marked physically or emotionally Maturing Encourage, 2 words Raleigh’s state Hoop’s outer edge Catalina, e.g. Environmentally friendly Connect Clairvoyant’s gift, abbr. Tampa locale Wonder Father to a son, abbr. Adages Confirm Conviction Supports Intended Artist’s medium Hiker’s path

You can find the answers to this month’s puzzle by visiting

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

this month’s CROSSWORD PUZZLE 80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450 sponsored by:

Hibernatebedding .com

Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress.

80 Morristown Road, Bernardsville (Bernardsville Centre) 908.766.5450

Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your Hibernatebedding .com total purchase.

Come see how EASY it is to shop for a mattress.

Bring this ad & receive 20% OFF your total purchase.

For more information on Hibernate Bedding,

We offer an exclusive collection of ORGANIC AND CHEMICAL FREE see ad on page 2. Mattresses and Accessories and have something for everyone at all prices…..a truly ONE OF A KIND store! Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com Over 30 Years Family Experience. Once a Customer, Always a Customer.

Platform Beds, Headboards, Adjustable Bases, Toppers, Pillows,

The Center for Advanced Health Through Dentistry Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks.

Our patients come from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other states...some have even traveled from outside the United States! Why? Because quality biocompatible dental care provided by a warm, caring dental team in a comfortable, relaxed setting is worth the trip.

Start Early for a Lifetime of Benefits! Improvements to Your Child’s Crowded Teeth and Appearance Can Begin As Early as Age 7.

Does your child show signs of: • Crowded baby or adult teeth? • Mouth breathing? (Lips are apart most of the time due to obstructed airways.) For more information, see our video

“How To Start Fixing Children’s Crooked Teeth As Early As Age 7 to 10” at MeleDDS.com or YouTube®.

We offer the highest quality dental services including... • Safe removal of amalgam restorations (fillings) following OSHA and EPA guidelines • Biocompatible dental materials including BPA-free restorations • Non-surgical natural and nutritional therapies to treat periodontal disease and dental decay • Effective treatment of TMJ, teeth grinding, bad breath, snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing

Joseph R. Mele D.D.S., FIND, CNC Fellowship, Institute for Natural Dentistry Diplomate Member, American Association of Nutritional Consultants Member, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Member, The Holistic Dental Association

Come in for a complimentary Meet and Greet or visit our website for information. 215 Union Avenue — Suite D, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

(908) 526-2266

Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / May 2022

Articles inside

JEFFREY BLAND

STAYING HYDRATED

INTERMITTENT FASTING BASICS

THE BLENDED FAMILY

EASY CONTAINER GARDENING