Walking in Wonder

by Marlaina Donato

Calendar Of Events

Before life snagged us in its insidious net of obligations, our child selves discovered awe around every bend. We poked our noses into fluffy, new dandelions and saw faces in passing clouds. “Why?” was a perpetual mantra we lived by, no doubt testing the patience of loved ones. Somewhere along the way, our eagerness to jump into the lap of the world and be held by magic gave way to a new way of being.

In 1942, Albert Einstein wrote to his old friend, German psychiatrist Otto Juliusburger, “People like you and I, though mortal of course like everyone else, do not grow old no matter how long we live. What I mean is we never cease to stand like curious children before the great Mystery into which we were born.” This quote reminds us to stop wading in the daily grind and dive into the deep end of everyday magic.

Discovering a new musical artist, learning about a country we never heard of and touching emerald moss during a Sunday hike wakes up the child in us, the self that is impervious to pessimism. Observing a flower at ground level with the bees or reacquainting ourselves with the changing wheel of constellations not only re-sparks our ability to respond to life but also reinforces our connection to the infinite.

Courting curiosity is the domain of cats, as well as the most contented humans. Rekindling our wonderment is even better when shared with kindred souls, and the ripple effect can travel further than we might expect. Here are some inspirations: n Without a set plan, get in the car with a friend and see where the day takes you. Pack a picnic and stop for lunch somewhere off the beaten path. n Regardless of artistic ability, begin a nature journal and record small bits of the seasons throughout the year. n Check out a book or two from the children’s section at the library and be young again. n Create a daily practice of daydreaming about something delightful that has nothing to do with the past or the future. n Start a local meet-up with others that share a common passion: books, healthy baking, trains or thrifting. n Revisit a childhood or teenage interest and don’t explain why.

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

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties eNaturalAwakenings.com

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 2

Lioness: 13 Moons - A Healing Women’s Circle – 6:30-8:30pm. We begin each sacred moon circle by calling in the directions, lighting candles, and introducing ourselves and a wish for the circle. $39. Twin Star Herbal Education, 5 Booth House Lane, New Milford. Bekah Sutter at BekahTwinStar@ gmail.com. TwinStarTribe.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. Join Bradford for a deeply restorative and activating Sound Healing Meditation. Please Bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Register for remote ZOOM access at CrystalMusicHealing. com. $20-$30. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578. Tinyurl.com/ BridgeSoundBrad2023.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8

August 2023 White Time Healing Circle – 7-9pm. Round-robin style healing circle featuring White Time Energy and Gemstone healing. RSVP: 860830-5841, Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com. $30. Center For Higher Living, 130 Webster Square, Berlin. Tinyurl.com/WhiteTimeCircle.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

Sip, Stretch & UnWine – 6-7:15pm. Join us for a one hour yoga class in the vineyard and then stay a while and enjoy a glass of your favorite Aquila’s Nest wine and snacks for purchase. $19. Aquila’s Nest Winery, 56 Pole Bridge Rd, Newtown. 203518-4352. AquilasNestVineyards.com.

Holy Fire Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. Online via Zoom with Gail Christie. Join us to release anxiety and connect to peace and joy with a Holy Fire meditation and shared Reiki. No experience needed. Sign up by 5pm on 8/10 for logon link. Joyful Living Reiki. Free. 203-979-0918. GailChristieReiki.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Holy Fire Reiki 1 Certification Training – 10am5:30pm. In person with Gail Christie, Holy Fire Usui, Karuna and World Peace Reiki Master. Included are an attunement to Reiki 1 energy, an ICRT manual, course materials and a certificate. $200. Register by 8/6. Sign up with a friend and save 20%. $200. Joyful Living Reiki, LLC, 55 Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. GailChristieReiki.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. Join Bradford for a deeply restorative and activating Sound Healing Meditation. Please Bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Register for remote ZOOM access at CrystalMusicHealing. com. $20-$30. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578. Tinyurl.com/ BridgeSoundBrad2023.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 18

Usui/Holy Fire Reiki Master Certification Training – 8/18, 8/19, 8/20. 10am-5:30pm each day. In-person with Gail Christie, Holy Fire Usui, Karuna and World Peace Reiki Master. Included are attunement to the Usui Master and Holy Fire master levels, instruction and practice of all techniques, a 232-page manual and a certificate. Last day to register 8/4. From $888. Joyful Living Reiki, LLC, 55 Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. GailChristieReiki.com.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Open House Crystal Healing – 10am-2pm. Experience relaxation and energy balancing in just a short session, and learn more about the offerings at my studio. No appointment needed. 10-Minute Etheric Crystal Light taster: $10; 20-minute Crystal Dreaming Express session: $20. The Liminal Studio, 696 Amity Rd, Unit B-1, Bethany. 203-435-5650. LauriIngram.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20

Flow and Restore with Melissa Lemieux –6-7:30pm. Begin with a 30-minute hatha flow, a set of physical postures and breathing techniques, practiced more slowly. Transitioning to a 45-minute restorative flow. Ending with guided meditation and shavasana. $30. The Angel Wing, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23

Plant Wisdom: Digest Your Best - Bitters and Beyond – 6:30-8:30pm. Presented by Rebekah Sutter. Join us for an introduction to over a dozen herbs that can aid in soothing acute and chronic digestion issues. Participants will blend a custom bitter blend to take home. $39. Twin Star Herbal Education, 5 Booth House Le, New Milford. TwinStarTribe.com.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 25

Universal White Time Healing Level 1 –8/25: 6-9pm; 8/26:10am-6:30pm; 8/27: 11am-6:30pm. UWT is an unparalleled powerful new energy healing modality that will enhance abilities already within you. Pre-registration required. Registration by 8/18. $525. Center For Higher Living, 130 Webster Square, Berlin. 860-830-5841. Info@CrystalMusicHealing. com. Tinyurl.com/UWTHL1Register.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Reiki and Guided Meditation – 1-2pm. Online with Gail Christie. Join us to release stress and restore balance and joy with a Holy Fire Reiki meditation and shared Reiki. No experience needed. All are welcome. Free. Sign up by 11am on 8/26 for Zoom link. Joyful Living Reiki. 203-979-0918. GailChristieReiki.com.

Yoga with Kailey – 5-6:15pm & 6:30-7:30pm. Explore movement, chanting, and meditation curated to connect and awaken you to the deeper awareness inside. Your first class with Kailey is free. Use the code KAILEY for the discount. $25. The Angel Wing, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-4312959. TheAngelCoop.com.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 27

Holy Fire Reiki 2 Certification Training – 10am5:30pm. In person, with Gail Christie, Holy Fire Usui, Karuna and World Peace Reiki Master. Receive a Reiki 2 attunement, manual, course materials and a certificate. $275. Prerequisite: Reiki 1. Reg- ister by 8/13. Joyful Living Reiki, Three Lakes Dr, Stamford. 203-979-0918. GailChristieReiki.com.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Shamanic Sound Healing Meditation – 6-7pm. Join Bradford for a deeply restorative and activating Sound Healing Meditation. Please Bring your own blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. Register for remote ZOOM access at CrystalMusicHealing. com. $20-$30. The Bridge Healing Arts Center, 304 Main St, Farmington. 860-404-2578. Tinyurl.com/ BridgeSoundBrad2023. markyourcalendar

Health And Wellness Expo

Sunday, September 17 ● 12-4pm

Indoor & Outdoor Vendors

Readers, Naturopath, Counseling, Books, Natural Balms, Organic Supplements, Replacement Windows, Traveling Farmer, Massage, Tumblers, Clothing, Soaps, CBD, Candles, Sound Healing, Natural Minerals, Handbags, Pain Patches, Salves, Gourds, Health Resources, Healing Modalities, Local Art, Reiki, Jewelry, Balms, Crafts, Travel, Essential Oils, Honey, Syrups, Tinctures, Natural Personal Care Products, Natural Supplements, Crystals, Auricular Therapy, & More! VFW Hall Post 574, 7 Northwest Dr., Plainville, CT Tinyurl.com/HBE09172023