HEALTHY
LIVING
HEALTHY
PLANET
EATING WELL
WHY FOOD IS MEDICINE How to SLEEP Better Naturally RUNNING as a Spiritual Practice
SIZZLING! Sustainable Grilling
Urban Gardening F O R FOOD SECURITY
July 2021 | Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex Co. | NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
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UIETLY hidden and closely-guarded for centuries, the OJAYA “Armor” technique is a supremely rare and powerful meditation that protects your mind and emotions with a calm “armor” of core inner strength. As you meditate, its soothing resonance attacks stress, clears out brain fog, and recharges your vital energies in
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The Holistic Dental Center Working Together with Other Holistic Practitioners to Create a True Holistic Approach to Your Health
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team approach to your overall health and it starts at the Holistic they don’t see, I do, and vice versa, seeing dental infections and Dental Center in Millburn, New Jersey, with their highly skilled how they can affect organ systems through meridians or directly and team of trained professionals in holistic and biological dentistry. From utilizing the benefits of networking with a holistic practitioner can and their award winning doctors and their state of the art technology to does make all the difference in patient care…I wouldn’t have it any their use of ozone and self-healing therapies, they are committed other way,” Dr. Gashinsky says about working with other practitioners. to not only treating your dental related symptoms, but also, the root So if you’re looking for an approach that is inclusive of all aspects cause thereby eliminating disease and promoting optimal health. of holistic care, visit Dr. Gashinsky and his team at The Holistic Dental Little did conventional practitioners know so many years ago that Center in Millburn, New Jersey. It’s their priority to ensure complete it took more than just looking at the mouth. A generation ago there holistic care by promoting the benefits of holism. “It’s not just your was a disconnect, a thought that our mouth and teeth had no bearing teeth anymore,” as he says, “It never was,” but now they have the on the health of the rest of our body. Now more and more research ability to not just treat overall disease but truly prevent and promote has been showing that there is a strong connection between dental whole body wellness. disease and systemic health. Dr. Gashinsky, Holistic Dentist, has always known that. A holistic approach to health is multifaceted, so he Other than being a dentist for 40 years, Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky, is a certified nutritional consultant, Accredited by the International Academy has built a network of healthcare practitioners to assist his patients in of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, SMART certified and a Naturopathic obtaining their desired level of optimal wellness. doctor “My passion for learning is never complete, I will continue to Working hand in hand with Naturopaths, Functional Medicine research and learn the latest in alternative treatments and team up practitioners and many others in the field of holistic medicine has with the best in the fields of holistic and alternative medicine to bring expanded Dr. Gashinsky’s ability to help more people. “I find it to be my patients the best treatments available, this I can assure you.” incredibly fulfilling to work synergistically with these practitioners to be able to improve patients’ health so dramatically. Some are coming Holistic Dental Center is located at 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn, to me so very sick and by working together we’re seeing drastic New Jersey. For more information, call (973) 457-4688 or visit improvements in their quality of life,” says Dr. Gashinsky. HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com. Dr. Gashinsky feels strongly in the need to practice in such a manner as to take patients whole health into consideration. So much so, that he traveled to Switzerland this past spring to visit the Paracelsus Clinic and Swiss BioHealth Clinic; two healthcare models that promote the oral-body connection, to study their holistic approach to patient care. Dr. Gashinsky says, “To truly practice holism; the thought that everything is understood in relation to the whole and not just its parts, it’s important to remember that when treating a person it’s not just what one practitioner does, but how they can work together for your appointment today! to improve the final outcome.” “Finding and working with like minded practitioners to help my patients has not only been professionally satisfying, but also on a Mercury Free and Mercury Safe personal level knowing that my patients are being well taken care of,” Metal Free Implants say Dr. Gashinksy. “Finding and addressing the root cause of disease Fluoride Free • Holistic Cleanings in all our disciplines is the key to success in our patients’ health. What __________________________________________ A D V E R T O R I A L __________________________________________
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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.
24
Contents
12 THE POWER OF
32
PLAYFULNESS
16 SWEET SLUMBER Natural Tips for Deep Sleep
22 PET HAPPY
How Animals Help Kids Thrive
24 FOOD AS MEDICINE
38
The Healing Power of Nutrition
28 SOULFUL STRIDES Running as a Spiritual Practice
32 GROWING FOOD SECURITY The Benefits of Urban Gardening
38 SIZZLING ON THE GRILL
28
Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare
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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 kudos 10 health briefs 12 inspiration 16 healing ways 18 virtual fare 20 global briefs 22 healthy kids 28 fit body 31 yoga corner 32 green living
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34 teen voices 38 conscious
eating 41 eco tip 42 calendar 43 classifieds 44 business directory
HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET
publisher letter
The Cheerleader Within
N
o matter how hard I try to organize, simplify and structure my life for accuracy and efficiency, I never reach the “aha moment”. Life is complicated, as Scott Peck points Joe Dunne, Publisher out in his bestselling book The Road Less Traveled, one of my favorite reads. Relationships are complicated, parenting is difficult, business is an ongoing challenge. Running a household with all the moving parts of finance, maintenance, shuffling (taxi service) kids around (if you fall into that category) and somehow squeezing in a social life. Yes, life can be complicated. Top that off with taking care of oneself. Achieving optimum health feels like a full-time job. Commitment to daily routines of meditation, exercise, eating right, visits to our health care practitioners, serving others. I could go on and on, and I’m sure you could add in a few lists of your own. When I look at this on paper, I already feel exhausted. “Time (as the say) takes time.” So, how do I get from where I am to where I want to be? I believe, in part, the key is my inner thinking. Do I give myself points for what I have accomplished, or do I beat myself up for what I did not accomplish? Do I ever give myself a break and express self-compassion and lighten up on myself? Have I ever considered being my best cheerleader rather than my biggest critic? We do a lot, but do we acknowledge it, pat ourselves on the back, and take a humble bow for all that we contribute? For all the small, but necessary tasks we do, for the time and sacrifices we make for ourselves, our families, and others, should we not look within and acknowledge our worth? I think we should. Self-compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance go hand in hand. When we add in a positive attitude and positive thinking, life is less difficult. With peace, love and laughter,
NORTH CENTRAL NJ EDITION
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© 2021 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. The content herein has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and is not meant to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any condition. Statements are the opinion of the author/speaker. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.
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Directory of Advertisers
Thank you for being part of our community! Aesthetic Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . 30, 48 Ayni Healing Arts Center . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Be the Medicine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Blossoming into Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Cathy Ludwig Ed.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Center for Systemic Dentistry . . . . . . . . . 29 Deborah Nelson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Dr. Andy Rosenfarb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 15 Functional Brain Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Hemberger Structural . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Holistic Dental Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3, 13 Jean O’Toole/Moving Into Wellness . . . 27 KnowWEwell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Kwee Jack Salmon & Halibut . . . . . . . . . 15 Leslie Lobell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
news briefs
Blossoming Into Oola in Chester
W
hen individuals work toward improving their own lives, it impacts not only them but all those around them. This is the foundation for Oola, a framework for achieving a balanced life, focusing on goals and inner circles for support and coaching through those goals. Blossoming into Light is pleased to announce that co-founder Rev. Leslie Treloar has become a Certified Oola Life Coach. “Oola is that state of awesomeness. It’s when your life is balanced and growing in the seven key areas of life. Are you living your life by design? Or is life designing it for you? Is your life in balance? Do you have overwhelming debt? Are your relationships in crisis?,” shares Treloar. “Maybe you have time bandits that leave no room for family, friends, or fun. This all adds up to being overscheduled and overworked creating an unbalanced life. Luckily, there is a solution! A 7-step formula based on the bestselling book series, Oola: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World.” From 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., on July 31, Treloar will be conducting an Oola workshop to introduce participants to the Oola framework and dive right into beginning to design a life that works. Attendees will learn Oola means, begin looking at where their life is out of balance and what they want to do about it, plus forming an inner circle of accountability. Workshop fee: $33. Location: Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave., Ste. 105, Chester, and also Zoom. For information, call Leslie 973-879-1718 or Sue 862-222-4268, or email info@blossomingintolight-chester.com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com. See ad, page 27.
Linda LaMarca Mindful Experiences . . . 43
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kudos
And The Award Goes To…. Heather Kerner We are pleased to announce that we have selected Heather Kerner, currently enrolled in YTT 200 at Niyama Yoga in Randolph; planning to enroll in the YTT 300 in January 2022, to be our Natural Awakenings #NextChapter Scholarship recipient for spring 2021. We were impressed by her dedication to continuing education and her focused alignment with the Natural Awakenings mission of healthy living along with a healthy planet.
Natural Awakenings is proudly distributed at: Bound Brook (Bridgewater)
Winning Essay
I
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.
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am inspired to continue my education because everything I have learned so far has enriched my life beyond measure. I love learning, I love how yoga and its philosophies have improved my life and that of my family. My professional pursuit is to bring the healing and principles of self-care and wellness of yoga to as many people as possible, particularly our youth whom I feel is in the greatest need of mindfulness. I feel this aligns with the mission of Natural Awakenings as we should all make ourselves a priority; that if we engage in the practice of healthy living, our planet will also directly benefit. I feel that anyone who seeks to further their education in the pursuit of bettering their lives so that they may be of service to others is deserving to be the recipient of this wonderful scholarship, whether it’s myself or someone else. I have spent a good deal of my life searching for my purpose; at times I often felt lost. Yoga has been my journey back to myself. The minute I stepped foot in the classroom at Niyama [Yoga Shalas] to begin my training, I knew I was where I belonged. As I have progressed through the program, I realize that I have at last found my purpose. I am a teacher and a healer. Between my college degree (BA in Psychology, Centenary College), experience in the field associated with my degree, professional experience in other fields (Farm Tour Guide for school trips and camps), as well as being a paraprofessional in middle and elementary schools, I have had many new chapters in my life. I feel these experiences have served to validate the discovery of my purpose which I found through yoga. I intend to continue to educate myself through personal study and exploration. Whether or not I am selected, I love learning and will continue to enhance my knowledge through continuing education opportunities. I appreciate the opportunity to be considered as the Next Chapter Scholarship Recipient.
Currently, Heather works as an assistant manager at Niyama Yoga Shalas. She is also the lead youth yoga program director for its studios as well as a RYT 200 Therapeutic Yoga instructor. Congratulations, Heather, on your award winning essay. We hope that this scholarship will serve you well as you continue on your path of healing and service.
Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
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health briefs
Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk
Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report Danish researchers. Measuring the physical activity of 104,046 women and men of ages 20 to 100 for 11 years, researchers found that leisure physical activity reduced the risk of dying from heart disease by 26 to 41 percent, but high physical activity at work increased that risk by 13 to 27 percent. “A brisk, 30-minute walk will benefit your health by raising your heart rate and improving your cardiorespiratory fitness, while work activity often does not sufficiently increase heart rate to improve fitness,” says study author Andreas Holtermann, of the National Research Centre for the Working Environment, in Copenhagen.
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Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life
reproductive issues and gastrointestinal conditions. 10 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
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Two readily available natural strategies— sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep— appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Researchers from the UK University of Edinburgh examined records of 2,474 U.S. counties from January to April 2020 to compare numbers of COVID-related deaths to levels of UVA rays from the sun. They found that people living in counties with the highest UVA levels Either sidehad on average, a 29 percent lower chance of stepping an dying from the coronavirus. They ruled out the argument or vitamin D factor by not including counties with resolving it UVB levels that would produce the vitamin. on the same Repeating the analysis in England and Italy day pays off produced the same results. The researchers quickly by theorized that nitric oxide released by the skin halving the when in sunlight may reduce the ability of that reactivity levvirus to replicate. el—negative A second study of 2,884 high-risk health“aftertaste”— care workers in five European countries and the that day and U.S. found that every additional hour of sleep often erasing reduces the risk of COVID-19 infection by 12 any darkened percent. However, insomnia, disrupted sleep emotional and daily burnout are linked to a heightened response the risk of becoming infected with the coronavirus, following having more severe symptoms and a longer day, say University of Oregon researchers. Based on surveys of more recovery period, reports the researchers in than 2,000 people reporting their emotional ups and downs during an BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health. People that eight-day period, the researchers found that when people feel they had problems like difficulty falling or staying have resolved an argument, the emotional response associated with asleep or regularly using sleeping pills were that disagreement is significantly reduced or even eliminated. Stress 88 percent more likely to be infected with reactivity has been found to significantly reduce lifespan, studies COVID-19 than those without such issues. show, and is linked to heart disease, a weakened immune system,
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
HBOT
Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps Painful, involuntary muscle cramps have hit 39 percent of marathon runners, 52 percent of rugby players and 60 percent of cyclists, studies show, but gulping down too much water has also been linked to the condition. The solution might be to drink an oral rehydration solution rather than spring water, suggests an Australian study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Ten men were repeatedly tested with each liquid while running downhill in 96-degree heat for 40 to 60 minutes. When their calves were stimulated electrically to induce cramps, those drinking the oral rehydration liquid were less susceptible to the condition. “It is possible that drinking a large amount of plain water dilutes sodium and other electrolytes in the blood and extracellular fluid, increasing [muscle cramp] susceptibility,” conclude the authors.
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inspiration Coming Next Month
AUGUST
The Power of Playfulness by Marlaina Donato Postponing levity accomplishes nothing and doesn’t solve today’s problems, yet we may find it almost impossible to grab downtime without guilt gnawing away at our joy. Try making a to-do list that is solely dedicated to pure, inner-child-approved, illogical fun. Some activities to consider penciling into the calendar:
BACK-TO-SCHOOL WELLNESS TIPS Plus: Shamanism Today Boost Happiness & Well-Being Benefits of Having a Life Coach
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n Roll around the floor with the dog or play hide-and-go-seek with the kids.
M
irth has been a memory for most of us this past year; something that we need now more than ever. White-knuckle survival and transition can drain neurotransmitters, those chemical messengers vital for strong immunity and good mental health. Taking a vacation from seriousness just might be what the doctor ordered. As kids, we rarely turned down an opportunity to roll in the grass, laugh ourselves into bellyaches or catch a wave of spontaneous fun. With the advent of adulthood, pouring a drink or going on a shopping spree often becomes a knee-jerk relaxation strategy, leaving the option for nourishing play in the distant past. Recent research shows what kids and kittens already know: Snippets of playtime are good for the soul and provide benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity on the job. A study by Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, in Germany, published last year in the journal Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being suggests that even serious, poker-faced humans can train themselves to be more playful.
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Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
n Host an adult sleepover; stay up late watching a scary movie or one made for a younger audience. n Make ink blots with watercolors or play with air-dry clay or easy-to-make salt dough. n Grab some crayons and adult-designed coloring books. n Blow bubbles in the backyard or during a morning shower. n Go out for low- or sugar-free ice cream or gluten-free pizza. n Fly a kite or find shapes and faces in passing clouds. n Roll in the leaves or down a grassy hill with that special someone. n Bounce a ball during work breaks. n Belt out karaoke songs and delight in being off-key. n Play charades or a favorite childhood game. n Have a staring contest. Having some fun doesn’t break the bank, and the only requirement is to check self-consciousness at the door. “Wasting” time is being free, and that is worth its weight in gold. Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer of healing and inspiring music. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
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Structural Integration and the Yoga Connection by Ed Hemberger
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14 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
tructural Integration (SI) is a system of soft tissue manipulation and movement education, and affects the body’s posture and alignment by manipulating the myofascial, or connective tissue, system. It’s been shown to promote improvement in balance, flexibility, total range of motion, and a general sense of well-being. Similarly, yoga focuses on lengthening, balancing, strengthening, and flexibility through poses or postures, each offering specific physical benefits. The poses can be done quickly in succession, creating heat in the body through movement, or more slowly to increase stamina and perfect the alignment of the pose. In attaining and maintaining certain postures, yoga helps to relieve stress and, like Rolfing, promote an overall sense of well-being. It’s no surprise, then, that Dr. Ida Rolf, the developer of Structural Integration, was influenced by hatha yoga. She researched and practiced it to alleviate her own back pain from scoliosis, and that practice contributed to the evolution of her bodywork principles. She aligned her vision of SI with the goals of yoga in enriching body, mind and spirit through an understanding of the importance of structural balance. Many who do yoga now reach out to SI to improve performance in their practice. Since SI eases movement, it makes doing yoga that much easier. SI can also help to regain flexibility that is lost due to age or inactivity. Its influence on alignment and posture will also help those hoping to achieve more advanced yoga poses. Combining SI and yoga leads to an even more enhanced sense of well-being and reduces everyday stress, leading to higher levels of happiness. Yoga and SI are twin paths to alignment, a synergistic method of relaxation that allows
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
practitioners to achieve better body awareness. The pairing offers increased flexibility and coordination, improved posture and alignment, and much-soughtafter relief from chronic pain and tension. SI works primarily in two ways, with hands-on manipulation and movement education. It physically changes the body’s structure and energetically improves movement and function. Yoga and SI both work subtly with energy inside and outside the body. Let’s look at the breath, and how SI works with energy. Sometimes stress makes us short of breath, so we breathe more tensely. By guiding the breath throughout the body, SI can potentially help relieve tension and increase energy levels. The most common objectives that guide people to SI and yoga are: »
to gain relief from chronic or acute tension or pain
»
to increase flexibility or coordination
»
to improve posture and alignment
»
to learn to relax and obtain more body awareness
»
to offset deleterious effects of aging
»
to release emotional blocks stored in the body
»
to have more energy and stamina
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to find relief from breathing difficulties
While yoga can be a way of life, SI is designed to be short term and uses a 10-session system of deep bodywork that addresses the entire body, with the option to continue as needed for maintenance. Because SI is corrective and whole body in nature, those who have received the full set of adjustments often report the correction lasts far longer than other types of bodywork. Edward Hemberger is a Certified Structural Integration specialist based on the Rolf Method. He also practices Active Release Therapy (ART), Muscle Release Therapy and Neuromuscular Therapy. For more information, contact Hemberger at 973-4623112. HembergerStructuralIntegration.com. See ad, page 6.
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healing ways
Sweet Slumber Natural Tips for Deep Sleep by Ronica O’Hara
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good night’s sleep is a challenge for a growing number of Americans. Even before the pandemic, 35 percent of adults reported sleeping less than the recommended seven hours a night, and in a new survey by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 56 percent said they were sleeping worse due to what’s termed “COVID-somnia”. Being sleep-deprived not only makes us crabby and accident-prone, but also raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system, studies show. Fortunately, we can stave off fretting about lack of sleep by adopting some simple, natural practices.
MUNCH SMARTLY ON SLEEP-INDUCING FOODS. Many experts advocate foregoing food two hours before sleeping. As another option, “sleep snacks”, is suggested by New York University adjunct nutrition professor Lisa Young. She says, “These are foods that contain natural substances that may help promote a good night’s sleep.” They include warm milk or turkey (tryptophan), tart cherries (melatonin), kiwi fruit (vitamin C and serotonin), bananas (potassium and magnesium) and nuts and seeds (magnesium). DON AMBER GLASSES OR AN EYE MASK TO BLOCK LIGHT. The blue light emitted by ordinary light bulbs and device screens prevents the pineal gland from releasing melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, which is why it’s wise to shut down electronic devices an hour before sleeping. If doing so isn’t easy, at least block the blue light by using amber or orange (not clear or yellow) glasses to restore melatonin production, advises former General Electric lighting researcher Richard Hansler, Ph.D., of Cleveland; he also advises replacing regular bedroom bulbs with only those that produce low levels of blue light. To encourage deep sleep, fully darken the bedroom or wear an eye mask: a Chinese study found wearing such an accessory along with earplugs significantly increases the restorative rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep. 16
Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
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GET A PATTERN GOING. “Keeping to the same routine will signal to the body and brain that it is time to wind down and prepare for sleep,” says Dallas nurse educator Jenna Liphart Rhoads. This means sticking to the same bedtime and awakening schedule, and doing quieting activities an hour or so before bed, such as stretching, meditating, drinking tea or journaling.
WRITE A TO-DO LIST TO CALM A RACING MIND. Baylor University researchers found that compared to people that journaled about what they had accomplished that day, those that spent five minutes writing a to-do list for the next day fell asleep nine minutes sooner—the same effect as taking a prescription medication. The more specific their list, the quicker the shut-eye. GET COZY WITH A WEIGHTED BLANKET AND SOCKS. Weighted blankets, ideally weighing about 10 percent of a person’s body weight, lead to better sleep and reduced fatigue, depression and anxiety, reports a Swedish study. Some are filled with natural ingredients like rice and cloves, and can be warmed in a microwave beforehand, providing a fragrant, swaddled feeling. Plus, Korean researchers found that wearing warm socks to bed helped subjects fall asleep about seven minutes sooner, sleep 32 minutes longer and experience fewer light awakenings.
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TAKE A NATURAL SLEEP AID. Prescription sleeping pills for insomnia can produce dependency and additional unwelcome side effects such as grogginess, diarrhea, headaches and stomach pain. Natural choices without these drawbacks include melatonin, a pineal gland hormone that primes the body for sleep; small doses of 0.3 milligram (mg) to 1 mg work effectively by mirroring natural circadian levels, research shows. Half of U.S. adults are estimated to be deficient in magnesium, which relaxes muscles and increases levels of a neurotransmitter with calming effects; 500 mg is a common dose. Valerian (300 to 900 mg) has been found to improve sleep quality in women during menopause. CHECK OUT HEALTH ISSUES TO GET TO THE ROOT. Apnea, thyroid conditions, anemia, menopausal hot flashes, heartburn, incontinence and depression can affect the quality and quantity of sleep, as can medications such as beta blockers, blood pressure medications, some antidepressants and decongestants. If anxiety or depression is causing tossing and turning, cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to improve sleep in up to 70 to 80 percent of people with insomnia. Whether in-person, via Zoom or by email, even one or two sessions can lower insomnia symptoms, with six to eight sessions typically being more helpful. Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.
The scents of ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome can still be used today to induce deep, restful slumber. “A scent of an essential oil reaches the brain within seconds and activates the hypothalamus, the hormonal control center. It then releases hormones promoting sleep,” says Milana Perepyolkina, Salt Lake City author of Gypsy Energy Secrets. Some doze-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists include:
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Sleepy Scents
n Lavender to improve sleep quality n Valerian to fall asleep faster n Bergamot, which lowers heart rate n Clary sage, a natural sedative n Petitgrain to ease restlessness n Marjoram to soothe the mind
“Put a couple of drops of the above essential oils on your palms, rub them together, cup your nose and breathe in to the count of four. Then hold your breath to the count of two. Breathe out to the count of eight. Hold your breath again to the count of two. Repeat for several minutes. You will fall asleep fast and have a deep and restful sleep,” advises Perepyolkina, adding, “Always choose only therapeutic-grade essential oils.”
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Intuition & Spiritual Energy Healing Ayni Healing Arts Center Denise and Joshua Zoppi Wellness Sanctuary and Store 862-268-3213 aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com
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Doctors’ Orders
global briefs
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Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change
Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. The natural process of rock weathering provides a proven method of capturing carbon from the atmosphere and putting it into the soil, where it may remain for centuries. Benjamin Z. Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, says, “Soil can be part of the solution set. It will not save us, but it can help to put us on path to negative emissions.” Field testing has been conducted for a year with positive early findings. Iris Holzer, a Ph.D. student at the University of California-Davis, has seen a doubling of the rate of carbon capture in soils with rock amendments compared to soils without. Excess carbon speeds up the greenhouse effect, which causes rising temperatures and other challenges to global security, food production, economic growth, infrastructure and human and ecosystem health. Over a five-year period, crushed volcanic rock added to agricultural soils across the globe could remove 2.8 billion tons of carbon.
Local Veggies
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Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert
Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Patients will no longer be greeted after waking up from surgery with ham, cheese, milk and eggs, the same foods that may have contributed to their health problems. The family-owned private hospital emphasizes the health benefits of vegan diets, which have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers. The hospital says deciding factors included the World Health Organization classification of processed meat consumption as carcinogenic, as well as the role that animal agriculture plays in spawning diseases and pandemics. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that three out of four new or emerging infectious diseases in humans come from animals. The American Medical Association passed a resolution in 2017 requesting U.S. hospitals promote better health by offering plant-based meals to patients, staff and visitors, and similar recommendations have been issued by the American College of Cardiology. New York and California now have laws requiring hospitals to provide a plant-based option with meals.
The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in the South Los Angeles suburb of Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Traditional farms are usually only able to harvest crops a few times a year, but because Plenty’s hydroponic farms are free of the limitations of seasonal changes, weather conditions, pests and natural disasters, they can produce food year-round. The crops are cultivated in a clinically sanitary environment with full personal protective equipment for staff, as well as robots to do much of the picking. The first time produce is touched by human hands is when the
consumer opens the package. Plenty’s project condenses 700 acres of farmland into a 95,000-square-foot warehouse. Its first vertical farm opened in South San Francisco in 2018, and it maintains a research and development farm in Laramie, Wyoming. By building farms vertically, healthy, quality produce can be grown without harming the environment, especially in urban areas, where land is limited and food insecurity may be widespread. In addition to the vertical plant towers, Plenty uses LED lighting and automation to plant, feed and harvest crops. The warehouses grow plants faster and with more nutritional density with no need for pesticides, using a fraction of the water required by traditional farming. 20 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
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All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital
Rock On
Gaining Momentum
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Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars
Green Gone
Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass
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With Assembly Bill 356, Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose the first policy in the U.S. banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. This ornamental grass, which occupies about eight square miles in Las Vegas, requires four times as much water as drought-tolerant landscaping like cactus and other succulents. Removal by 2026 could reduce annual water consumption by roughly 15 percent. Clark County Commissioner Justin Jones says, “To be clear, we are not coming after your average homeowner’s backyard.” California imposed a temporary ban on watering ornamental grass during a recent drought, but no state or major city has eliminated specific categories of grass permanently. The water authority banned developers from planting green front yards in new subdivisions in 2003 and offers owners of older properties up to $3 per square foot to tear out sod and put in desert-type landscaping. Still, water consumption in southern Nevada has increased 9 percent since 2019. The Colorado River, which accounts for 90 percent of southern Nevada’s water, is under intense pressure. Last year was among the driest in the region’s history, when Las Vegas went a record 240 days without measurable rainfall. If the initiative is successful, it may be duplicated in other areas that face their own water crises.
Traditionally, auto dealerships have presented a skeptical and confusing experience for those seeking to purchase electric transportation. When Tesla launched the Model S electric sedan in 2012, it had to build its own stores to educate consumers about electric vehicles (EV) because dealers wouldn’t sell them in Texas or Michigan, for instance. The subsequent success of Tesla, Ford and GM EV models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. The American division of German automaker Volkswagen is delivering large quantities of their electric SUV ID.4 as part of a nationwide launch, with more than 650 dealers on board. U.S. CEO Scott Keogh reports that the goal is to have at least one vehicle initially at every VW dealer in America. He says, “We see the potential for EV sales to double this year. We’re optimistic that this is a turning point year for electric vehicles.”
Program Highlights
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Comprehensive study of origin, history and traditional yogic teachings
Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training
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healthy kids
Pet Happy How Animals Help Kids Thrive by Ronica O’Hara
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reported that kids were happier with their dogs and cats than with their brothers and sisters.
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s any parent whose child has begged long and hard for a puppy or kitty can testify, animals are close to children’s hearts. Up to 90 percent of kids are lucky enough to live with a pet at some point in their childhood, and studies show the effects can be profound for their health, character development and well-being. Kids and pets seem to share a deep and special bond. “Kids often recognize a kindred spirit in animals, especially pets. Like children, pets are cared for and nurtured in families by big people who get to make the rules,” says Gail F. Melson, Ph.D., professor emeritus of developmental studies at Purdue University and the author of Why the Wild Things Are: Animals in the Lives of Children. In one of Melson’s studies, 40 percent of 5-year-olds said that they turn to their pets when they feel sad, angry or have a secret to share. Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets, her research shows. A University of Cambridge (UK) study 22 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
PETS ENHANCE KIDS’ HEALTH. A study by UK’s Warwick University found that children with pets had more robust immune systems and attended school an extra nine days on average each year compared to those without pets. Early exposure can be optimal: Babies living in homes with two or more dogs and cats are less than half as likely by age 7 to develop reactions to indoor and outdoor allergens like pet dander, dust mites and ragweed, reports a Medical College of Georgia study. Pets can have a measurable impact on children with special conditions. In a University of Massachusetts Medical School study of young people with Type 1 diabetes published in PLOS ONE, those that actively helped care for family pets were 2.5 times more likely to have well-controlled blood sugar levels, perhaps by learning the importance of daily routines. In families with an autistic child, owning a dog reduces stress and significantly improves interactions, benefits that grow over time, report UK University of Lincoln researchers. PETS BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS. According to a large American Humane study, small pets like guinea pigs and reptiles in thirdand fourth-grade classrooms improve students’ levels of communication, cooperation, responsibility, empathy, engagement and self-control. Pets can also train kids to set boundaries. Growing up in Verona, Wisconsin, twins McKenna and Samara Fagan became skillful at stopping their 70-pound golden retrievers and great Pyrenees from jumping on them, stealing their toys or persisting after a petting period had concluded. “As girls, they learned how to create boundaries not just with words, but also with body language and energy,” says their mother, Tia Fagan, a certified conscious parenting and authenticity coach. Now, she says, the 20-year-olds know “how to create and hold healthy boundaries with people.” PETS TEACH RESPONSIBILITY. “A child who knows that every day they will need to walk the dog (if it’s safe), feed the dog (with guidance) or even scoop the yard, will thrive on the routine of care and often will feel a confidence boost because they are taking care of their dog. This is empowering for kids who may not have much control over other things in their lives,” says
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Children with pets demonstrate more empathy toward their peers and are less anxious and withdrawn than children without pets. Antoinette Martin of Cornelius, North Carolina, head veterinarian with the online vet locator HelloRalphie.com. PETS TEACH THE CYCLES OF LIFE. Because pets have shorter life spans than humans, surveys indicate that about 80 percent of children first experience death when a beloved pet dies, offering a teachable moment for the whole family, says Melson. Veterinarian Michelle Burch’s 3-year-old daughter grieved when the family dog died, but the child was encouraged to express her sadness and was helped by the award-winning book Dog Heaven, by Cynthia Rylant. A year later, “She loves to bring up her dog Baxter to strangers and how he is in dog heaven, but she knows that not all animals will stay on Earth forever,” says Burch, veterinarian for the pet insurance site SafeHounds.com. Difficult as the grief is, it’s still worth it, says Fagan. “Our pets have taught my children that to give and receive love unconditionally is the greatest gift of all and is worth the sadness and pain we feel when they pass.”
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Ongoing Ad Natural health writer Ronica O’Hara can be Love the emerald green for sure! Not loving the yellow background. Can we make it blue instead? Maybe a deep bl reached at OHaraRonica@gmail.com. with white lettering? Love the way you added a white glow to “We Offer” but maybe change the glow to gold color And I need my title “Medicine Woman” changed to “The Soul Doctor”. My bad on that I didn’t ask this initially.
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FOOD AS MEDICINE The Healing Power of Nutrition by Julie Peterson
24 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
SAD is a primary risk factor for high blood pressure, abnormal blood lipids, increased blood glucose and weight gain, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). These intermediate conditions can lead to full-blown chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, all of which are on the rise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 60 percent of American adults have at least one chronic disease and 40 percent have two or more, making chronic disease the leading cause of death and disability in the country. The good news from WHO is that up to 80 percent of heart disease cases, 90 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases and one-third of cancer incidences could be avoided by a healthier diet, as well as lifestyle changes like stopping smoking and increasing physical activity. A healthy diet is not as simple as cutting out convenience foods, because many people literally can’t stop eating them. Studies have compared the addictive properties of added sugar and salt to those of nicotine and cocaine. “Additives like sugar release opioids and dopamine in the brain. The same neurochemical changes in the brain occur in addictions,” says Claire Stagg, DDS, founder of Health Connections Dentistry, in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida, and author of Smile! It’s All Connected, a layperson’s guide that explains the essential connections between the mouth and
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E
ating is a basic need, but many Americans are not filling this need with healthful choices. Among the more than 700,000 Americans that die each year from heart disease, stroke or Type 2 diabetes, about 45 percent eat meals heavy in salt, processed meat and sugary drinks, and low in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts, according to a March 2017 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. “I fully understand and empathize with people in the public,” says T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the groundbreaking The China Study and founder of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies, in Ithaca, New York. Campbell has often stressed that public and professional understanding of nutrition is lacking. The problems with the Standard American Diet (SAD) start with the very ground it is grown in. Large-scale farming in the U.S. has depleted the soil, producing lower nutrient foods. In addition, many foods are processed by manufacturers to improve shelf life, which further destroys nutrients and requires toxic additives. “The default choice, the easy choice, is the inexpensive, highly processed food. Our built environment throughout the country has made it easier to find fast food than a produce store,” says Lisa McDowell, director of lifestyle medicine and clinical nutrition at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
overall wellness. “People need to be educated, or re-educated, to take ownership of their health by remembering the basic premise that their bodies can be healthy if they get the right nutrients to facilitate and support that basic process.” Campbell agrees that more people need to be educated. A major theme in his latest book, The Future of Nutrition, is how to sift through the conflicting information that exists.
Healthier Helpings As the food industry continues to woo Americans with fast and easy processed foods, there are consumer shifts taking place. “About a quarter of U.S. adults are trying to manage a health or medical condition by making healthy food and beverage choices,” stated the NPD Group consumer research firm in 2019. “Younger adults, ages 18 to 24, are particularly interested in using foods to improve their health.” It turns out that it’s most beneficial to focus on adding what is needed for optimal health, instead of worrying about what to eliminate. As William Li, M.D., counsels in Eat to Beat Disease, “Human nature abhors deprivation.” As president of the Angiogenesis Foundation, in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Li advises us to “practice health care at home every day in our own kitchens.” He suggests frequently eating such simple, but disease-defying foods as dark chocolate, walnuts, kiwis, sourdough bread and sauerkraut. “I recommend participating in bigger box stores. They do a great job at making high-quality food available at an inexpensive price,” says McDowell. She also suggests batch cooking and planning meals ahead for the week.
The Power of Plants Plant-based eating is finally becoming mainstream, thanks in part to such eye-opening documentaries as Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, PlantPure Nation and Food, Inc. Research backs up the benefits. In a 2019 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association, Johns Hopkins researchers report that in a 30-year period, people eating a mostly plant-based diet were 32 percent less likely to die from a cardiovascular condition and 25 percent less likely to die from any cause. A 2017 report published in International Journal of Epidemiology suggests that fruits and vegetables are associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases and may protect against certain types of cancers. For treatment, reversal and prevention of chronic disease, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, in Chesterfield, Missouri, recommends eating a primarily plant-based diet containing minimally processed vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds. Campbell says that moving to a 100 percent plant-based diet “and staying there for one to three months, provides an opportunity for virtually everyone to finally crave a salad on a regular basis. This is a place wherein people have little or no interest to backslide because their taste preferences have profoundly changed.” As plant-based eating gains momentum, there are more imitation meat products. These foods can be helpful to transition away from meat, but Campbell cautions, “They do not replace July 2021
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the whole plant-based foods, even though they are plant-based, because salt, sugar and added oil are usually added.”
Eating by the Colors Eating fruits and vegetables in a rainbow of vibrant colors ensures we get a variety of phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion recommends consuming two and one-half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. McDowell suggests including “deeply pigmented fruits and veggies in at least five different colors, so that you’re getting all of the micronutrients and they’re all working together.” Aim to include a couple different foods from each of the following color groups over a week’s time. Infographics and charts are available for download from the American Heart Association (Heart.org), VeganEasy.org, Dr. Ranjan Chatterjee (DrChatterjee.com) and others. Apps such as Eat the Rainbow Food Journal, Eat Five and VegHunter also make vegetable and fruit intake easy to track.
Food to Heal the Planet Eating healthy also means making a choice for the health of the planet. Organic, locavore and small-farm advocates are speaking out against the industrialized U.S. food system with its extensive use of pesticides, poor treatment of animals and lack of regenerative soil management. Organizations like the Rodale Institute, Regeneration International, Kiss the Ground and the Ecological Farming Association are working to train farmers to regenerate soils to not only restore climate stability, but also provide far healthier foods from nutrient-rich soils. “I believe if we have a greater understanding of our local and regional food systems, we will be moving in a more sustainable, intentional and responsible direction for ourselves, our communities and the planet,” says Andrea Bemis, author of the farm-to-table cookbook Local Dirt and operator of Tumbleweed Farm with her husband Taylor in Mount Hood, Oregon. Local food is easier on the planet for several reasons. “Large commercial farms work the soil so intensively that they must use synthetic fertilizers to get anything to grow,” says Brock Hall, owner of Florida Fields to Forks, in Malabar, Florida. Alternatively, cover crops keep nutrients in the soil, requiring less water and naturally sequestering more carbon from the atmosphere. Shorter transit or shipping distances after picking uses less pollution-causing fuel. “Choosing the right food is not only important for our personal health, but also is important for our planet and for our checking account,” says T. Colin Campbell, author of The China Study and The Future of Nutrition. “I have come to believe, after being in this discipline for 65-plus years, that our choice of food is the easiest and most important choice we can make to address the many existential problems that we now face.” 26 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
Green: Dark greens have cancer-blocking chemicals like allyl sulfides, lutein and indoles, which inhibit carcinogens. They also contain folate for healthy cells and calcium for stronger bones, muscles and heart regulation. Get plenty of asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green tea, kale, kiwi, spinach and green herbs. Blue and purple: Anthocyanins wipe out free radicals, boost brain health and reduce inflammation. Resveratrol can delay cellular aging, protect the heart and reduce risk of some cancers. Add blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, elderberries, figs, grapes, plums, raisins, eggplant and purple cabbage. Red: Rich in lycopene, a potent scavenger of gene-damaging free radicals, red plants lower risk of certain cancers and boost heart, brain, eye and bone health. Try apples, beets, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, red peppers, tomatoes and watermelon. Yellow and orange: Contain vitamin C, hesperidin and carotenoids such as beta-carotene to inhibit tumors, protect eyes, detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system and heart health. Add apricots, bananas, cantaloupe, carrots, mango, oranges, pineapple, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, tangerines and yellow peppers. White and brown: The onion family contains allicin and beta glucans, which have anti-tumor properties and can help lower cholesterol. Nuts contain healthy fats. Other foods in this group contain blood pressure-regulating potassium and antioxidant flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol, along with digestion-boosting fiber. Choose beans, cauliflower, garlic, leeks, mushrooms, nuts, onions, parsnips and whole grains.
Gaining Gut Health The gut contains the organs that make up the digestive tract and the gut microbiome, a balance of microorganisms that survive on food. A healthy gut can prevent and heal illnesses in the digestive tract, immune system, cardiovascular system, kidneys and brain. If the gut is burdened with unhealthy foods and digestion is impeded, illness may arise. However, shifting to healthier, plantbased foods can cause a measurable shift in the gut microbiome in three to four days, Duke University researchers report in Nature. Gut health can be enhanced and restored with specific foods: Enzymes to break down food are found in raw fruits, vegetables, sprouts, nuts and fresh herbs, and can be destroyed by cooking or processing. These work before the body’s digestive enzymes kick in to improve digestion, eliminate toxins and boost energy. Studies have shown that raw plants also help with weight loss, decreasing cholesterol and reducing inflammation. Probiotics, live bacteria that promote healthy gut flora, are found in fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, sourdough bread, yogurt, kefir, pickles, miso and cheddar cheese. Prebiotics, undigestible natural fibers that feed probiotics, abound in apples, asparagus, bananas, barley, burdock root, dandelion greens, flaxseeds, garlic, oats and onions.
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Going Local Whole foods grown locally provide the most nutrition. Michael Pollan, professor of science and environmental journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, and author of In Defense of Food, famously said, “Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.” Buying, preparing and eating whole foods may seem laborious at first, but the shift away from “easy foods” can quickly become a way of life as the body begins to feel better. “We hear stories every week about people who have fixed health issues from eating healthy,” says Brock Hall, owner of the Florida Fields to Forks organic community supported agriculture (CSA) farm in Malabar, Florida. He adds that everyone “ought to get closer to your food” by growing it or getting to know organic farmers at local markets, self-pick operations or through CSAs. Healthy eating is about balance. Enjoy comfort foods occasionally, focusing on the bigger picture of more healthful foods overall. Julie Peterson has contributed to Natural Awakenings for more than a decade. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.
The Shift in the Medical Field “We, as a society, have gotten locked into focusing on disease cure over health care,” writes T. Colin Campbell, Ph.D., author of the bestselling The China Study and the recently released The Future of Nutrition. Fortunately, as studies prove that diabetes, kidney disease, cancer and Crohn’s disease improve with changes in diet, the medical community is slowly shifting toward using nutrition in tandem with traditional care to help manage and prevent disease. Unfortunately, says John Osborne, M.D., director of cardiology at State of the Heart Cardiology, in Dallas, “The amount of nutritional education in medical school is minimal.” Now, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) is aiming to fill that void by training healthcare teams to prevent and reverse chronic disease through lifestyle behaviors. Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is one example. After a group of physicians and registered dietitians received ACLM certification, it launched a Lifestyle Medicine and Clinical Nutrition program. “The goal is to provide support to individuals and teach them to hardwire best practices that optimize their own personal health and potential,” says Lisa McDowell, program director. The Food as Medicine Institute, in Portland, Oregon, also offers a training program for healthcare professionals and nutritionists to implement community-based nutrition programs. The Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, in Ohio, offers programs that help patients identify genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors to shift health from illness to well-being. The Gaples Institute, in Naperville, Illinois, offers nutritional training and accreditation for medical clinicians, as well as free nutritional instruction online for the public.
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Soulful Strides Running as a Spiritual Practice by Marlaina Donato
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acing up sneakers and going out for a run helps to manage weight, high blood pressure, depression and addictions, but pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise. Runners often refer to the “runner’s high”—attaining a profound sense of well-being after a good jog. According to David Linden, a professor of neuroscience at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, this boost in mood is due to endocannabinoids, the body’s natural chemicals that are similar to the molecules in marijuana that promote relaxation. Running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. “Something seems to unite the physical and spiritual when pounding the pavement,” says Michael Fitzgerald, a seasoned runner and multi-genre author in Santaquin, Utah. “The discipline of running is a gift I give to myself. It gives me time away from the expectations of daily life and allows me to enter a world all its own.”
For many, running is competitive and involves the pursuit of excellence, but directing attention to inner emotional terrain and bodily sensations can foster a practice that transcends personal goals. “Once we see that we can be with the discomfort, the joy, the pain, the thrill of running, we realize that we can be present in every moment of our lives, no matter what it brings,” says Vanessa Zuisei Goddard, author of Still Running: The Art of Meditation in Motion. Goddard, a teacher of Zen in New 28 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
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Inner Milestones
Inhaling and exhaling with mindfulness during running, much like yoga, helps to foster the unity of body, mind and spirit. ~Vanessa Zuisei Goddard York City, underscores intention. “We can practice running not just as exercise, but as a form of moving meditation—what I call ‘still running’. It’s a way of saying to ourselves, ‘Every moment of my life matters. I want to be present for all of it. I want to be awake.’” Julia Chi Taylor, a London-based life coach and avid runner, highlights the breath as a guide, the option of using a mantra and “being mindful of any dynamic of pushing too hard or internal criticism, and instead practicing quietening the mind as you run.” The 20-year veteran of international races sees no division between the mundane and the divine. “Running has been a spiritual practice for me since I was a teenager, as I have always been on a spiritual path. Running seemed to me to be my soul expression.” Taylor’s challenge during her competitive years was to slow down inside. “I was often getting caught up with my ego’s desire for approval and recognition. It was always evident when I was caught up in pushing and losing the presence of the step; I always became ill or injured,” she relates.
Breath as Guide Inhaling and exhaling with mindfulness during running, much like yoga, helps to foster the unity of body, mind and spirit. “The breath is the most common object of meditation. I pair my breath with my stride, and this both keeps me connected to my body and it quiets my mind,” explains Goddard. Taylor concurs, noting, “Running asks that we breathe more deeply, and the more we are in touch with the breath, the mind stills, or at least starts to work in a freer way, and we realize we are not the mind. July 2021
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When we run with no purpose but to run, after a while we become the run, and each step takes care of itself.” For Fitzgerald, running has helped him to overcome negativity and find a sense of freedom. On the practical level, nixing earbuds for silence helps him to pave the way for a deeper experience. “I find my thoughts are clearer when I am running. Self-discipline for me is a spiritual endeavor. Overcoming internal, trite objections to exercise such as running always feels like a spiritual triumph. Such triumphs give me hope and motivate me to reach higher, again and again.” Moving the body invites transformation and a broader, deeper perspective. Taylor shares, “As our body gets fitter and develops endurance, it becomes easier to recognize the body as a temple of the soul. The skills we learn to master the art of running can then become skills to help us master the art of living.” Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at Autumn EmbersMusic.com.
Spiritual Practices on the Run Michael Fitzgerald: Occasionally, run just for the sake of running. Don’t wear a watch or carry your phone. Take a break from the slavery of electronics. Then pay attention to nature and the weather. Don’t judge it or wish it away. Just behold and honor it. You will find that your mind will quiet and you will feel more at peace. Julia Chi Taylor: It can help to practice a short, five-minute breathing meditation before running. Simply sit and watch your breath, without changing the rhythm. You can become connected to the silence within you and it becomes easier to stay more present to each step and to watch your breathing as you run. It also helps to stay at a relaxed pace with no effort of pushing. Listen to your footfall and run without any feelings of self-criticism.
Yoga Corner Power by Nicole Zornitzer
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s most know, I have spent minutes, hours, weeks, and years on my yoga mat. The mat has been my place of redemption, clarification, acceptance, power, and surrender. My mat has seen all sides of me, all versions of me and most certainly all emotions of me. My mat has endured struggle, tears, moments of absolute joy and moments of contemplation. As I grow older, what I realize is that my mat has become my cherished friend, possibly even considered a family member. I am attached to my mat; it is sacred to me, and I care for it accordingly. It is my aspiration that others develop this special relationship with their mats as well. As a yoga instructor for the past 16 years, it has been my role to encourage, inspire, motivate, challenge, accept and offer a place of peace for my students. I have taught in studios, in football stadiums, in hockey arenas, in corporations, outdoor, indoor, rooftops, beaches, schools, public parks, in the middle of the street, in homes and most recently our favorite (and thankfully past-time) ZOOM. These experiences have shown me that my role goes beyond introducing asanas or shapes to people. My influence on people may have been far reaching or fallen upon ears not yet ready to go deeper; yet I have always remained true to my own mission or dharma which is to share energy. Sharing energy cultivates connection which creates community which ultimately encourages love of self and of others who share in a common desire to be part of “something”. This “something” happens on the mat. When one first graduates as a ripe 200 RYT Yoga Instructor, one is often influenced by their teacher and may try to emulate the teacher whom they respect. The natural progression
or evolution for the teacher who also continues to be the student (something that is of utmost importance to me) is to find their own words of expression, their own method of teaching, their own platform to share in the best way that maintains an authenticity of their offerings. We ultimately find ourselves as teachers and grow comfortable in our own skin. We mature and reach a point in our career where we know what we offer, how it can change or affect others and step onto our mats with confidence, command of a room and a security that only comes with age and time. As I have experienced all of the above, I recently realized that “power” is not about the tricky inversion, or the contorting of the body in shapes that are unnatural, or even the ability to speak fluent Sanskrit. Power is the ability to bring something of value to an audience, something that changes their life, their perspective of their body or perspective of their life. The ultimate place of power in yoga is to find stillness. Stillness, quiet and the skillset to remain present in life is why we do yoga. There is no other purpose than to seek this comfortable seat in yoga or in life. Don’t be discouraged by social media that encourages competition, unattainable asanas and separation of self. None of this exemplifies what yoga was intended to offer nor is any of this necessary to “do yoga”. Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey, Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey, and Delray Beach in Florida. NiyamaYogaShala.com. See ad, page 21.
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Growing Food Security The Benefits of Urban Gardening
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or a lot of Americans, healthy food is scarce. According to FeedingAmerica.org, more than 35 million Americans faced food insecurity in 2019. That number is expected to increase substantially due to the pandemic, which disrupted the food supply chain in ways that most Americans have never seen. The good news is that urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, healthy, organic, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household. A 2013 abstract from Michigan State University published in Agriculture & Food Security states that urban gardens could not only provide healthy food, but also create a more resilient food system. During the pandemic, many people jumped at the chance to put in a garden, and in cities, where available land is limited, creative solutions have emerged. Just about any space could serve as a viable garden, including a spare room, rooftop, shipping containers or an empty warehouse. With hydroponics, no soil is required and with vertical systems, planters are stacked, requiring a small footprint.
Veggies Instead of Lawns Phan Truong, known as A Suburban Gardener on Instagram, turned her entire yard into an organic vegetable garden and invited her Scaggsville, Maryland, neighbors to share in 32 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
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by Laura Paisley Beck
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green living
the bounty. “I had this table of abundance in front of my house, but people weren’t taking anything! So, I hid in my garden, waiting for neighbors to walk by, and then I’d rush the fence and encourage them to take food,” Truong says. “My husband thought everyone would think we were weird.” Now, instead of getting polite waves from afar, the garden has become a communications hub among neighbors.
Sharing the Abundance When Truong witnessed friends losing jobs and struggling, she was inspired to lend a hand by assisting some of them to plant their own low-maintenance, high-yield gardens to save money on healthy meals.
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Once she had assisted people close to her, she decided to expand her reach. “My garden spits out a lot of food. I discovered there are local food banks and charities that collect food. I was surprised that they will take any abundance,” says Truong. Garrett Livingood, a North Atlanta, Georgia, blogger, developed GrowMyCommunity.org where local farmers, growers and community gardens can upload their location and what they offer, so that the locals know where to go for fruits, vegetables, herbs and other healthy eats. According to Livingood, “Forty percent of produce gets thrown out every year, so it’s not that we don’t have enough food, the problem is access.”
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Food Security Equals Health Ashlie Thomas, a research scientist known as The Mocha Gardener on Instagram, started gardening for healthy produce and medicinal plants at home in Graham, North Carolina, when family members on limited incomes living in a food desert had been diagnosed with health issues like hypertension and Type 2 diabetes. “Imagine having diet requirements that included mostly plant-based food, but your resources are simply not there,” Thomas says. “I didn’t know there was a term for that: food security. There is an increasing population with disease, and food could be the answer.” The problem is particularly prevalent in communities with no grocery stores, forcing residents to buy food at gas stations or drive considerable distances to big-box stores. Thomas observed that choices at these kinds of facilities are often between expensive produce or inexpensive junk food. Healthful food is not available or affordable for all. Thomas believes gardening empowers people to take control of their diet and their health, not only physiologically, but psychologically and spiritually. “It doesn’t just stop at the garden,” she says. “How you treat your body and other people has a positive healthy impact, as well.”
I don’t want to control Mother Nature, I want to work with her,” says Thomas. HERB IT UP. Mint, rosemary and basil taste great and can deter pests.
Tips to Get Started Follow local gardeners on social media to get ideas. THINK LOW-MAINTENANCE, HIGH-YIELD. Cherry tomatoes, salad greens, cucumbers and beans are high-producing, low-cost staples. FLOWERS CAN BE FOOD. Try violets, pansies, nasturtiums and chives to beautify the garden and the plate. GROW ORGANIC. It’s cheaper and doesn’t harm anyone or anything. “I grow organic because I want to respect my space.
Overall, keep it simple. Set up for success with just enough to learn and enjoy a new lifestyle. It can be expanded upon year after year, providing a bounty of nutritious food security. Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach her at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.
StraightArrow Wisdom “ACKNOWLEDGE THE LITTLE THINGS EACH DAY. In a world with big expectations we can forget to acknowledge ongoing success. It’s the little things that bring us big results, moment by moment, and day by day. Keep moving in the correct direction and we arrive. We can miss a lot and stop progressing if we wait for the big finish when we are clearly doing well and on our way. Notice and celebrate each step and enjoy the journey.” — Janet StraightArrow, Be The Medicine “HOW TO REALLY HELP PEOPLE. Give them the space, support and time to learn how to do things for themselves. When we do everything for people, including having the drive and intention for them to change or do something, we are taking responsibility for them and not allowing them to live their life. Parents, friends, partners, clients, students and children are not us nor are we them. When you find yourself exhausted or hitting resistance, step back and ask yourself, what is my role here? You are likely to find it is very different than what you are doing and being. When we only do our part, everyone feels better and relationships improve.” — Janet StraightArrow Be The Medicine JANET STRAIGHTARROW is a Shaman, Reiki Master, and Sage. Her healing, teaching, retreat and coaching work is found at BeTheMedicine.com. Over 30 years of experience helping people help themselves with love and wisdom. See ad, page 9.
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teen voices
Thru-Hiking the AT By Jared Zornitzer
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his summer marks the beginning of my journey to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Two years ago, I made it my goal to hike the entire 2,190 mile long Appalachian Trail (AT) after I graduate from college. My mom and I are starting to train for the hike this month by going on a fourday guided trip in North Carolina which will teach us the basics of making camp, preparing food and hiking the AT. One question all thru-hikers are asked is, what are your reasons for hiking the AT? My number one reason for hiking the AT is to experience a true adventure. What better way to venture into the unknown than to set off on a 2,000-mile trip through the wilderness? I love exploring new places. Not only will the trail present me with a new perspective on nature every day—it will also expose me to different ways of living and unique trail towns. Ever since I
began learning about the AT, the thought of being out on the trail enthralls me. As an avid hiker, the AT is the ultimate test of my physical strength and resilience. It is typical for thru-hikers to traverse 15-20 miles each day, including steep ascents and descents, all while carrying a 30 pound pack. They do this in temperatures below freezing and above 100 degrees, and in rain and snow. Their diet is whatever fits in their packs in between re-supply trips at trail towns, which might only occur once per week. I am eager to face these challenges and for my body to become stronger and adaptable to harsh conditions. One of the biggest obstacles which I anticipate is motivating myself each day to continue on the trail for over five months. The AT may seem all grit and glory to me now, but the reality is that in the midst
of the thru-hike, the trail can become monotonous and unforgiving. More than physical strength, I believe that the greatest indication of one’s ability to persevere is fighting the urge to quit and successfully hiking from Georgia to Maine. I think that this hike can push my determination to its limits and increase my fortitude. Finally, immersing myself in nature excites me as a change from living in the comforts of home. I look forward to witnessing sunsets and sunrises, hearing the noises of nature outside of my tent, gazing up at the stars by a campfire and countless other aspects of daily life on the AT. The thru-hike can provide me with a break from school, work and a society that moves quickly and often forgets to live in the moment. Overall, the AT can give me months of enjoyment in nature. At a time in between college and starting to work and become a true adult, it can help me reflect and shed light on a new trail to follow in the outside world. In short, I have no doubt that the Appalachian Trail will forever change my 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.
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Coming Next Month
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Boost Happiness & Well-Being Plus: Shamanism Today Back-to-School Wellness Tips Benefits of Having a Life Coach
Benefits of Local Honey by Gina Saka
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h, honey. It isn’t just a sweet delight that cartoon bears seek out— it’s a traditional, natural medicine that treats everything from stomach issues to acne. Whether ingesting or using topically, the benefits of local honey are abundant. In fact, honey has been used medicinally by people for nearly 8,000 years. Honey is a natural antiseptic with antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that helps support a healthy body from the inside out. When consumers choose sustainably sourced, raw, local honey, they reduce their carbon footprint, protect local honey bee populations, boost the food system, support small businesses and even reduce their allergy symptoms. Luckily, an abundant selection of local honey can be found right here in Oklahoma.
Three Benefits of Local Honey:
1
Alleviates Allergies. Raw, local honey is super beneficial for allergy sufferers, working almost like a natural vaccine. The reason is that honey contains not only the nectar, but also the pollen from local flora. This pollen that a person would typically be allergic to can be introduced into the body via a spoonful of local honey per day. This helps accustom the body, causing less of a reaction when exposed to pollen in the air.
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Treats Sore Throat. Honey on its own or in warm herbal tea brings almost immediate relief to anyone with a sore throat. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that soothe the throat and reduce irritation. Honey is also an effective cough suppressant. Studies have found that honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines.
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Full of Vitamins. Honey is bursting with vitamins and minerals, including B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and zinc. It also has high levels of antioxidants. And while it’s mostly composed of natural sugar, it has a sweeter taste, but a lower glycemic index than table sugar, making it a better option for people with diabetes. By consuming just a teaspoon of local honey each day, people can help protect themselves from seasonal allergies and illness, while providing themselves with a huge dose of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Gina Saka, currently residing in San Diego, is a contributing writer for Natural Awakenings editions across the country. To connect, email GinaMarieSaka@gmail.com.
CELEBRATING 27 years in THE business of
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conscious eating
Sizzling on the Grill Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare by Laura Paisley Beck
The Downside of Grilling Most charcoal and all lighter fluids contain chemicals that create air pollution when burned, harming our health and the environment. Better alternatives are sustainably sourced, organic and natural materials, such as charcoal made from bamboo or coconut shells. Entrepreneur Fred Grosse sought to solve another problem associated with conventional grilling materials: the taste of lighter fluid on barbecue foods. He invented Mojobricks, a carbon-neutral alternative to charcoal designed to impart a smoky flavor to grilled foods. “You’re breathing in 50 percent less particulate matter standing at the grill than if you grill with charcoal or wood,” he says about his bricks made with compressed sawdust from wood mills. “They heat food more efficiently, take up less storage space than bags of charcoal and keep trees growing in the forest.”
What Gets Grilled Matters Americans eat three times more meat than the global average. To meet the immense demand, mass-produced beef is trucked across the nation with dire environmental impacts including cow methane emissions, the burning of fossil fuels for transport and excessive land use. To curtail these impacts, Americans can choose to reduce or eliminate their beef consumption and when they do decide to grill a ribeye or New York strip, choose local, organic, grass-fed beef. Eliminating meat is simple as vegetarian and vegan options are innumerable. “Question what a burger is, and off you go with legumes, root vegetables, mush38 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
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rooms, cheese or whatever you happen to feel like,” says Martin Nordin, author of Green Burgers. Genevieve Taylor’s new cookbook, Charred, features enticing meals to cook over a flame that include vegetables, spices, nuts, herbs and other inventive ingredients. Amy Lawrence and Justin Fox Burks, co-authors of Low-Carb Vegetarian, have had a dramatic increase in requests for grilled versions of vegetarian dishes, a sign of increasing outdoor cooking trends.
Presentation for the Planet When hosting backyard dinner parties, consider that paper and plastic dinnerware will end up in the landfill. Ask guests to bring a plate and fork or mix and match whatever dish sets are on hand. Another suggestion is to go vintage. “There has already been so much manufactured of everything, we wouldn’t need to manufacture another plate, for example, for another generation or two,” says Morgan Miller, owner of Rewind Decor vintage store in Madison, Wisconsin. With a few adjustments, eco-grilling is easy, delicious and much better for the planet. Marinate locally sourced ingredients, burn as carbon-neutral a fire as possible and serve up delicious food on real plates that friends and family will help wash. Guests will be inspired and follow suit in their own homes. As Grosse says, “Each small difference adds up to big change.” Laura Paisley Beck is a freelance writer and self-proclaimed foodie in Madison, Wisconsin. Reach out at LauraPaisleyBeck@gmail.com.
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or most Americans, summer smells like fresh-cut grass and barbecue sizzling in the backyard. Approximately 64 percent of U.S. adults own a grill or smoker, but common practices are bad for the environment. Fortunately, many great chefs have the problem covered with delicious alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting methods.
Great Grilling
image courtesy of Justin Fox Burks
1 white onion (quartered and sliced) 2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 Tbsp of The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub 1 cup BBQ sauce 6 hamburger buns
BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw Yield: 6 sandwiches 2 lb Brussels sprouts 1 cup shredded carrot (about one large) 2 Tbsp mayonnaise 1 Tbsp grainy mustard Kosher salt and cracked black pepper (to taste)
Preheat the grill on high for 10 minutes. Cover the grill with a single layer of aluminum foil. Slice the remaining Brussels sprouts in half. In a large bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and the onion with the sesame oil, vinegar and BBQ dry rub until everything is coated. Place the Brussels sprouts on the grill for 5 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side, or until the edges are brown and they’re cooked through. Remove sprouts from the grill and place them into a medium bowl. Pour in BBQ sauce. Using a spatula, toss the Brussels sprouts in the sauce until they’re well-coated. Put the BBQ Brussels aside until ready to assemble the sandwiches. On the bottom part of each hamburger bun, pile on the BBQ and top it with the slaw.
Mix all ingredients in a large food storage container until equally distributed.
The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub (measure all ingredients by volume)
*Dried porcini mushrooms can be found at almost any specialty grocery or ordered online. Turn the dried mushrooms into a powder by placing them in a coffee grinder or food processor and pulsing until no large bits remain.
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2 parts chipotle chili powder 2 parts sweet paprika 2 parts smoked paprika 2 parts granulated garlic 2 parts kosher salt 2 parts cracked black pepper 2 parts cumin 2 parts dried thyme 2 parts dried oregano 1 part cinnamon 1 part ground ginger 1 part light brown sugar 1 part powdered, dried porcini mushrooms*
First, make the Brussels sprout slaw. Thinly slice enough of the Brussels sprouts to have 2 cups. Reserve the remainder of the Brussels sprouts. In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups shredded sprouts with the shredded carrot, mayonnaise, mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well-incorporated. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (Makes about 2 cups of slaw.)
Recipe by Justin Fox Burks and Amy Lawrence of The Chubby Vegetarian blog and cookbooks.
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Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs
“Cooking demands attention, patience, and above all, a respect for the gifts of the earth. It is a form of worship, a way of giving thanks.” – Judith B. Jones
Yield: 4 to 6 side-dish servings 1 lb 2 oz bunch of carrots, preferably with the tops on 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp cumin seeds, lightly crushed in a pestle and mortar 1 tsp soft, dark brown sugar 1 tsp dried chili flakes, ideally chipotle chili flakes 1 clove garlic, crushed 1¼ cup ricotta ½ bunch of spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced ½ cup pecans, toasted and chopped 1 small bunch of coriander (cilantro), chopped Extra-virgin olive oil, to drizzle Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Trim the tops off the carrots and scrub under running water. Slice in half lengthwise, or into quarters if they are a little larger, to approximately finger-thickness. Fill a pan with boiling water and add a little salt, then set over high heat and bring back to the boil. Once boiling, add the carrots and blanch for 3 minutes. Drain well and tip into a mixing bowl. While they are still hot, add the olive oil, cumin, brown sugar, chili flakes and garlic, and stir well to mix. Cover and leave to marinate for a couple of hours at room temperature. Once ready to cook, fire up the barbecue for direct grilling, or preheat a cast-iron griddle pan on the hob. Lay the carrots on the grill bars or griddle and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, turning regularly, until they
are nicely caramelized. If barbecuing, add a few smoking wood chunks or chips to up the smokiness. Use a brush to baste the carrots with any excess marinade from the bowl while turning. Once soft and caramelized, scatter the carrots over a serving plate and dot with heaped teaspoons of ricotta. Sprinkle over the spring onions, chopped pecans and coriander. Finally, add a generous drizzle of olive oil and finish with a good grind of pepper. Serve while still warm. Recipe from Genevieve Taylor’s book Charred.
Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.
40 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
but an old pan will work. Countertop positioning makes it easy to toss in kitchen scraps, but it could also be placed under the sink or in the freezer. A review of several options can be found at TheSpruceEats.com.
eco tip
n A yard bin or pile. Due to critters
skórzewiak/AdobeStock.com
and pets, a lid is recommended. Gardening stores sell compost bins, but they can be made using instructions at Homesteading. com.
Composting Made Easy
Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’ Just 3 percent of uneaten food in the U.S. is composted, reported the Natural Resources Defense Council in 2012. The remaining food scraps rotting in landfills account for 23 percent of U.S. methane emissions, a greenhouse gas at least 25 times more powerful than carbon monoxide in global warming. With minimal planning and effort, however, food scraps can be recycled through composting into an organic, high-nutrient fertilizer. Compost is called “black gold” for its high value in gardening, but it’s simply decayed organic material. Consider all the organic materials that fall to the forest floor, break down and return to the earth. This process can be easily recreated at home. To start composting, get a couple of containers.
n A covered kitchen bucket. Beautiful containers abound,
Bins in place, start collecting and piling. Organic materials will break down—it’s just a matter of time. The pile should consist of yard waste (grass clippings, plant scraps, small sticks) and kitchen waste (peels, cores, eggshells, tea leaves, coffee grounds, bread). Do not include invasive weeds, meat, bones, dairy products, oils or pet excrement. The basic recipe is a mix of nitrogen-rich/green materials (food waste, grass clippings, plant trimmings) and carbon-rich/brown materials (dried leaves, sticks, shredded newspaper or cardboard). Shoot for 25 percent green materials.
An unbalanced pile can be amended.
n If it’s wet, moldy or stinky, add more brown materials and stir with a pitchfork to increase oxygen flow and loosen the pile.
n A pile that is too dry will take longer to break down. Add kitchen scraps, green grass clippings or sprinkle with water to encourage microbial activity. A balanced pile that is stirred or turned weekly will decay the fastest. Seeing worms and other soil organisms in the pile is a good sign that the process is working. Finished compost looks like dark, rich soil. Spread it onto the garden in the spring. Scoop some into the holes for new plants. Side dress plants all season. Compost releases nutrients gradually, improves soil condition and helps retain water. Plants thrive with better root systems. Compost gardeners reap bountiful harvests.
Medical Massage Therapy, Bodywork, & Energy Healing
Awaken to self-healing naturally with our post-mastectomy massages, manual lymphatic drainage, and reiki services. Visit SeasonsInWellness.life to schedule an appointment today. 614 Meyersville Rd., Gilette NJ 07933
www.SeasonsInWellness.life 908-456-0038 July 2021
41
daily & ongoing
All calendar events for the August 2021 issue must be received by July 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit https://www.naturalawakeningsnj.com/ pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.
JULY 2021 THURSDAY, JULY 1 Yin Yoga Sound Bath Fusion – 5:30-7pm. With Nicole and Stacy Campoli. $35. Niyama Yoga Shala, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. For information call 973-5002939 or email niyamayogastudio@gmail. com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.
FRIDAY, JULY 2 Witchling Summer Series at Ayni – 5-7pm. For kids ages 5 and up. Upcoming dates/ topics — 7/2: Chakras; 7/8: Angels and Ancestors; 7/9: Spirit Animals and Guides. $20 per child or $15 each for multiple children. Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. For information call 862-2683213 or email aynihealingartscenter@ gmail.com. Pre-registration required by day of event via AyniHealingArtsCenter. com/Events.
SATURDAY, JULY 3 Blueberry Summer Fest Market – 10am2pm. Live music, handmade crafts and art, blueberry picking all on a smaller scale in the historic farm and village. Free, but donations welcome. Whitesbog Preservation Trust, 120 W Whites Bogs Rd, Browns Mills. Whitesbog.org. Psychic Saturday – 11am-4pm. Receive a holistic treatment, a reading (or two!), and so much more. Your choice of readers— psychics, shamans, and mediums— available. 15mins/$29. Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. Walk-ins welcome or pre-book your preferred time/reader by calling 862-268-3213 or email aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com. AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/Events. Shamanic Healing Circle – 7:30pm. Receive personal healing attention within group setting. Shamanic Techniques: Shamanic Extraction, Psychic Surgery, Clearing Ceremonies, Soul Retrieval, Rattle Doctoring, Medicine Songs, and more! $50 or bring a friend and you each pay just $40! Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. For information call 862-2683213 or email aynihealingartscenter@ gmail.com. Pre-registration required by July 3 via AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/ Events.
FRIDAY, JULY 9 Witchcraft 103 – 7:30pm; In-Person or Online. Beginners class into poisonous herbs, safety in use, and when to combine them for spell work and other purposes.
$40 or bring a friend and you each pay just $30. Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. For information call 862268-3213 or email aynihealingartscenter@ gmail.com. Pre-registration required by 7/9 via AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/ Events.
MONDAY, JULY 12 Spiritual Acceleration Class – 7-8:30pm; Zoom. Join our next spiritual acceleration class! Explore a variety of topics with provided tools and meditations for spiritual growth and enlightening discussions. Next topic is on the White Brotherhood, White Sisterhood and Spiritual Hierarchy. $25 per class or $90 for four classes. Blossoming Into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268. BlossomingIntoLight-chester.com.
purpose, success and satisfaction. Learn about the Oola framework and dive right into beginning to design your life the way you want it to be! It’s about living life on purpose! Let by Leslie, Certified Oola Life Coach. $33. Blossoming Into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862222-4268. BlossomingIntoLight-chester. com. Niyama Mini Summer Retreat: Honoring Your Inner Wisdom – 10am-4pm. This is perfect for the yogi who wants a respite from the normal daily routines and desires a day of pure relaxation and rejuvenation. Includes two yoga sessions, personal sadhana rituals/presentation and spa experiences, therapeutic sound bath, hiking mini trip. $150. Niyama Yoga Shala, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 17 Usui Reiki 1 and 2 Certification and Attunement – 7/17-18; 11am-6pm. Come for one or both. Professional instruction. High energy attunement. Full manual and unique tips from a true pro. $247 for one class or save $50 to sign up for both ($394). Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. For information call 862-2683213 or email aynihealingartscenter@ gmail.com. Pre-registration required by 7/15 via AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/ Events.
SATURDAY, JULY 24 Reiki Level II Training – 10:30am-4:30pm; In Person or Zoom. We welcome anyone who has completed Reiki Level I to join us for Reiki Level II (regardless of your Level I teacher). Learn three Reiki Symbols, distance healing, Reiki journaling, using intuition and more using the symbols, plus how to do a simple Reiki Grid to send continuous healing. Essential Oils for this level are discussed and sampled. Includes two attunements and handbook. A certificate for Reiki Level II. In-person or Zoom. $95 deposit reserves space. $295. Blossoming Into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268. BlossomingIntoLight-chester.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 31 Oola Workshop – 9:30am-1:30pm. Oola is a 7-step formula based on the bestselling book series, Oola: Finding Balance in an Unbalanced World, designed to quickly lower stress and make space for a life of
42 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
PLAN AHEAD FRIDAY, AUGUST 20 Vision Quest Mitote Retreat Art Farm, Fawn Lane In Accord Ny – 8/20, 12noon8/22, 3pm. A sacred rite of passage. A time for you to pause and get off the track of your life to go inside and discover your authentic voice, needs, and choices. Be The Medicine Janet StraightArrow, shaman, sage, healer. $625. For information or to register, call 973-647-2500 or email Janet@ BeTheMedicine.com. BeTheMedicine.com.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 Yama Therapeutic Yoga Teacher Training 200 Hour RYT Begins – Sat/Sun; 8am6pm. 9 Month Program, ends June 2022. This is the most in depth and useful anatomy training available to teacher training programs today. This full online and in-person experience is available only through studios like Niyama Yoga & Wellness. See website for tuition and payment plan information. Niyama Yoga Shala, 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 21 Retreat to Tibet in the Catskill Mountains – Oct. 21-24. Join Niyama Yoga as we venture to the Catskill Mountains and experience Tibet in New York State. Held at Menla Retreat Center and includes workshops, daily asana, meditation and some special guest speakers. Just a few spots left for this magical 3 nights / 4 days retreat. $750. Reserve your spot now by contacting the studio directly. Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala. 973-500-2939. NiyamaYogaShala.com.
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 908392-1313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail. com. QiGongForHealing.com.
sunday Pop-Up Main Street Pops Artisan Market – 11am-4pm. 3rd Sun each month through Nov. A varied collection of local makers, artists offering their unique, hand-crafted creations. New offerings each month. COVID-Compliant Outdoor Space. Free to Attend. Meets under the 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken. For information, visit MainStreetPops.com/main-street-popsartisan-market.
wednesday Focus on the Joints – 8:45-10am. This class focuses on warming up the body and moving the joints. Small movements reap big rewards as we move stuck energy through the body! Simple pranayama (breath work) and asana sequence is followed by relaxing savasana. Adults $18, Seniors/Students $16 or class card. Yoga Central, 953 US Hwy 202
North, Branchburg. 908-707-0759. YogaCentralNJ.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 &amp; 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 $152 value. Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics & Implants, 11 Chambers Street, Princeton. 609924-1414. princetondentist.com/holisticdentistry. Qigong –7-8pm. In person or Zoom. Qigong is a way to create balance, harmony and well-being. Join Sal each week in-person (limited space for inperson) or via Zoom. $35 per class. To RSVP, text/call Sue at 862-222-4268 or info@blossomingintolight-chester. com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com. $35. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.
saturday Creek Care Day – 10am-noon. 2nd Sat. Volunteer to help remove invasive plants, clean up litter and plant native plants. Free. For location, RSVP to 215744-1853 or Ryan@ttfwatershed.org. WatershedAlliance.org.
Mindful Experiences
modern psychology meets ancient insight & tools for mindful, authentic living
Are you hesitant to use traditional therapy?
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou
You aren’t alone.
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.
INTUITIVE SERVICES READINGS: Oracle card and palmistry readings offered in person, phone, parties welcome. Spiritually guided channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029.
SOUND IMMERSION GONG PORTAL EXPERIENCE:Private sound immersion. 24 gongs including the entire planetary series and 2 - 60 inch gongs. covid friendly hepatic air filter. Denville 252-646-3283
REIKI SERVICES TMJ RELIEF: Rebecca Brooks, Reiki Intuitive, channels your healing vibrations when she comes to your home for a restorative TMJ massage. While listening to a body scan, you will receive a facial/head massage to release any tension within the jaw region. $75/45 Minutes. Call to book 862-926-7327.
Many people rightly fear that their spiritual experiences will be misunderstood or that the transformative illuminations they have received will be lost if they ask for help. Linda’s classic training combined with her unique background and understanding of ancient wisdom allows her to respect your experience and gently help you find your own balance within a new life.
Call Today for Free Consultation 908-689-6896
LindaLaMarca.com
Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor July 2021
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North Central New Jersey Community
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Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle. Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
Acupuncture
Brain Training
Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc
FBT - Functional Brain Training
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, pages 15, 11.
Modern Acupuncture – Florham Park Joan Arata 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park 973-457-4467 ModAcu.com/nj001 Modern Acupuncture is revitalizing the ancient practice of acupuncture with enhanced fullbody treatments using tiny needles (smaller than human hair) to access distinct points to help restore the body’s balance, alleviate pain, reduce stress, promote relaxation and/or improve overall well-being. See ad, page 47.
Bakery/Specialty Starseed Bakery Linda Beg 100 Hibernia Avenue, Rockaway 973-957-0500 StarseedBakery@gmail.com StarseedBakery.com 100% gluten-, dairy-, soy- and GMO-free retail and wholesale bakery. Available products: artisan breads, custom cakes, pies, cookies, desserts, seasonal, vegan, Paleo, natural sugars, nut-free. See ad, 40.
Dr. Don Joergens 862-777-8612 info@functionalbraintraining.com FunctionalBrainTraining.com Unlike conventional medicine we assess the function between areas within the two sides of the hemispherical brain. This allows a deeply revealing approach to where unbalanced strengths and weaknesses create your issue. Then we physically create symmetry, making you whole. See ad, page 17.
Coaching Law Of Attraction Life Coach David Scott Bartky, CLOALC 973-444-7301 David@LifeCoachDavid.com LifeCoachDavid.com D av i d i s a ce r t i f i e d a n d experienced Law of Attraction life coach. His clients all have great success because he teaches them powerful processes and techniques so they can attract what they want, instead of what they don’t want in all areas of life (both materialistically and emotionally). The Law of Attraction is always responding to you, so if you’re ready to say “Yes!” to attracting what you want, and/or improving your life in some way, contact David today. Coaching sessions are held over the phone and the first session is always free.
Coaching/Counseling/ Therapy Mindful Experiences Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC
Beautification Services Unlock Your Hidden Beauty Natalia Schweitzer, Licensed Esthetician & Board Certified Permanent Makeup Artist 1236 US Highway 46 West, Suite B-1 Parsippany 862-432-9074 UnlockYHB@gmail.com UnlockYHB.com We provide natural permanent makeup application: m i c ro b l a d i n g ( h a i rs t ro ke b rows) , p owd e re d b rows , eyeliner, lip blush, 3D realistic areola and nipple reconstruction, and natural skin rejuvenation treatments. Our permanent makeup and skin rejuvenation services can help enhance your natural beauty and make you feel more relaxed, confident and beautiful. See ad, page 7.
“The greatest and most important problems of life are all fundamentally insoluble. They can never be solved but only outgrown.”
44 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
– Carl Jung
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
908-689-6896 lindaschuler@rocketmail.com LindaLaMarca.com
Your mental and emotional well-being is key to living an abundant, healthy, peaceful existence yet reaching out to a therapist may feel uncomfortable. I employ a spiritual, holistic, educational and heart centered philosophy. Virtual sessions are judgment free; HIPPA secure. Plus online courses. See ad, page 43.
Colon Hydrotherapy Living Waters Wellness Center Ann Ochs • Colon Hydrotherapist I-ACT Certified, Advanced Level Certified National Board for Colon Therapy, Body Ecology Diet Certified 26 Elm St, Morristown 973-998-6550 • ColonHealthNJ.com AnnLivingWaters@aol.com Ann Ochs has more than 20 years experience as a colon hydrotherapist. She holds an advanced certification from the International Association of Colon Therapists (I-ACT), is certified by the National Board for Colon Hydrotherapy, and is a certified body ecologist. Living Waters offers the Angel of Water®, an advanced colon hydrotherapy system, designed to offer the ultimate in privacy and dignity. Call today Cosmetics – Organic
Enzyme Nutrition
Healing Arts
Holistic Healing & Therapy
Next Level Healing Of NJ, Inc.
Ayni Healing Arts Center
Susan Richter, RN, Nutritionist, CCH, LDHS Denville • 973-586-0626 NextLevelHealing.com
Rev. Denise and Joshua Zoppi 9 Moran St., Newton Call or Text: 862-268-3213 AyniHealingArtsCenter.com
Awakening Wellness, LLC
Enzyme nutrition is rapidly becoming a sought after therapy for the underlying digestive issues related to autism, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, skin problems, mood disorders, bowel issues and allergies. The system of analysis is scientific, non-invasive, and based on anatomy and physiology. The methods of correction are food-based, drugfree, and have no side effects. Regardless of age or diagnosis, correcting digestion, supporting the immune system, and following guidelines for healthy choices are the backbone of Susan’s successful private practice of 36 years. If you are looking for a gentle approach to healing, call her.
Massage, Certified Shamanic Healing and Psychic Development Courses, Holistic Psychotherapy, Shamanic Healing Ceremony, Readings and Mediumship, Spiritual Counseling, Ministerial Services, Movement Therapy, Retreats. In-person or Virtual Sessions. See ad, page 23.
Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 973-457-4688 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ads,
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. 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, pages 15, 11.
Functional Medicine
Morning Star Family Health Center 54 Old Highway 22, Clinton 908-735-9344 MorningStarFHC.com MorningStar’s team of health professionals cares for you like family. Our membershipbased practice cares for men, women and children age 8 and up with a functional approach to primary care. See ad, page 37.
“Fear paralyzes; curiosity empowers. Be more interested than afraid.” - Patricia Alexander
Hilary D. Bilkis, MS, CST CranioSacral Therapy • SomatoEmotional Release Work • Visceral Mobility Energy Healing • MELT Method Instruction 973-479-2229 • Awakening4Wellness.com Hilary uniquely blends CranioSacral Therapy with other healing modalities to alleviate chronic pain, headaches, stress and accumulated tension. Treatment benefits physical, emotional and energetic levels, and facilitates the body’s self-healing process; gently releasing restrictions in the connective tissue and removing energy blockages. Clearing the body of stuck stress improves health, feelings of wellness, ability to feel calm, centered and empowered.
Holistic Health Jule Lane Yoga Jule Lane 862-281-6686 team@julelaneyoga.com JuleLaneYoga.com Jule Lane Yoga provides tailored yoga, meditation, and breathing sessions based on your personal goals and needs. We work with you oneone-one to increase strength and flexibility, ease stress, establish the mind-body connection, and promote physical and mental
pages 3, 13.
Holistic Healing Services Heartmath+ Linda Sercarz Certified Heartmath Coach Serving North Jersey & surrounding area 973-714-8650 • Sercarz@aol.com Heartmath+ consists of simple heart-focused, science-based meditations. The techniques are designed to change the way your body responds to stress by learning to self-regulate. They create more resilience, coherence, clarity (even in stressful situations), and the capacity to selfregulate. Heartmath+.
“Life is known only by those who have found a way to be comfortable with change and the unknown. Given the nature of life, there may be no security, but only adventure.”
awareness.
Hypnosis Morris Hypnosis Center Linda West, BA, ACH 55 Madison Ave, Morristown 973-506-9654 MorrisHypnosisCenter.com Advanced Clinical Hypnosis using an interactive, personalized technique; based on a lengthy interview at first sess i o n a n d d i a l o g u es a t following sessions. Specializing in weight, stress, smoking, chronic pain, releasing the past, performance, obsessive thoughts, substance use, sleep, fears, confidence and attention issues. If you have constraints that you can’t seem to break through, hypnosis can free you and put you back in charge. Come for a free consultation to learn how you can reframe your past and design your future.
- Rachel Naomi Remen July 2021
45
An English nursery rhyme
They hang the
man and flog the woman
That steal the
goose from off the common,
But let the
greater villain loose
That steals the
common from the goose.
The law demands that
we atone
When we take
things we do not own,
But leaves the
lords and ladies fine
Who takes things that are yours and mine.
— circa 1764
Psychotherapy
Spiritual Healing, Teaching
Leslie Karen Lobell, MA, LPC
Be The Medicine
Pompton Plains (Rte 23) and Montclair 908-577-0053 • Leslie@LeslieLobell.com LeslieLobell.com Do you suffer from anxiety or stress? Want to lose weight, stop smoking, gain self-confidence or change a habit? Need support and guidance through a life or career transition? Are you ready to achieve your goals, pursue your dreams and actualize your potential? You CAN create the Life You Desire... I can help you MAKE IT HAPPEN! Using proven techniques—Holistic Psychotherapy, Hypnosis, Stress Reduction, Reiki and Dream Interpretation, I help teens & adults create happier, healthier, more peaceful and fulfilling lives. See ad, page 11.
Past Life Regression Therapy & Hypnotherapy Cathy Ludwig, Ed.S., LPC 109 Main St., Suite 1B, Succasunna 201-738-8311 • ludcat@optimum.net CathyLudwig.com Do you want to make peace with your past? Self-acceptance and clarity are yours when you determine how the past is influencing the present and when you make conscious choices about the future. As a licensed psychotherapist, Cathy helps you experience healing in all areas of your life. Using the powerful and effective treatments of Past Life Regression Therapy or Hypnotherapy alone or in combination with talk therapy, Cathy helps you develop your full potential, resolve conflict and have more compassion for yourself and others. Call to discuss which treatment option will work best for you. See ad, page 14.
Thermography is “Health Discovery” a very important part of your preventive wellness program.
Radiation Free Breast and Full Body Thermography for Both Women & Men
Find out if you have inflammation before it becomes a problem. Non-Invasive-Pain Free Imaging World class state of the art Infrared technology high quality images. All reports approved and written by Board Certified M.D.s
FREE Dry Brush for new clients only ~ Visit Website for Test Locations in NJ, NY & PA ~
Call for your appointment today! 855-667-9338
Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC • LisasThermographyAndWellness.com
46 Morris, Union, Sussex & Essex County Edition
NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com
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 p e rs o n , p h o n e o r S ky p e. Professional Reiki, S h a m a n i s m , a n d M e d i ca l I n t u i t i ve Tra i n i n g . Re t re a t s. 4 0 ye a rs’ experience. See ad, page 9.
Thermography Lisa’s Thermography and Wellness Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ, NY & PA 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Early stage disease screening is an area in which thermography excels. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers. Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women. See ad, page 46.
Yoga/Wellness Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala Nicole Zornitzer, Founder 1250 Sussex Turnpike, Randolph 270 Sparta Ave., Upper Lake Mohawk, Sparta 550 SE 6th Ave., Ste. 200K, Delray Bch, FL 973-500-2939 NiyamaYogaShala.com Vinyasa, hot vinyasa, yin yoga, HIIT, barre fusion, yogalates, Pilates and Iyengar rope wall, plus private yoga therapy, ayurvedic counseling, reiki healing and Thai yoga bodywork. All programs are International Yoga Alliance accredited. See ad, page 21.
FLORHAM PARK & SOHO Text GO FLO or GO SOHO to 89000 For SPECIAL OFFERS* 176 Columbia Turnpike, Florham Park, NJ 07932 | 973-765-9500 | modacu.com/nj001 65 West Houston Street, NY 10012 (SOHO) | 917-388-2886 | modacu.com/ny001
PAIN | STRESS | BEAUTY *Intro offers for new patients only. Must be local resident. Expires by 7/31/2022. Gift cards available to all. The laws relating to the practice of acupuncture vary from state to state. Please visit modacu.com for clinic ownership information, offer details and any state specific disclaimers. Individual results may vary. Not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Franchises Available.
July 2021
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