Walking in Wonder

by Marlaina Donato

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

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

Discovering a new musical artist, learning about a country we never heard of and touching emerald moss during a Sunday hike wakes up the child in us, the self that is impervious to pessimism. Observing a flower at ground level with the bees or reacquainting ourselves with the changing wheel of constellations not only re-sparks our ability to respond to life but also reinforces our connection to the infinite. Courting curiosity is the domain of cats, as well as the most contented humans. Rekindling our wonderment is even better when shared with kindred souls, and the ripple effect can travel further than we might expect. Here are some inspirations: n Without a set plan, get in the car with a friend and see where the day takes you. Pack a picnic and stop for lunch somewhere off the beaten path. n Regardless of artistic ability, begin a nature journal and record small bits of the seasons throughout the year. n Check out a book or two from the children’s section at the library and be young again. n Create a daily practice of daydreaming about something delightful that has nothing to do with the past or the future. n Start a local meet-up with others that share a common passion: books, healthy baking, trains or thrifting. n Revisit a childhood or teenage interest and don’t explain why.

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

Ongoing Events

sunday

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Closed 12/25/2022 and 1/1/2023. Find local grass-fed beef; whole chickens; eggs; goat milk; cheese; produce; hydroponic lettuce; herbs; microgreens; local and regional honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. 28 N Barrett Sq, Rosemary Beach. 850499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. 30AFarmersMarket.com monday

Free Yoga in Maritime Park – 9:30-10:30am. First Sun of the month. Sponsored by Breathe Yoga and Wellness Center, this one-hour yoga class is open to all ages and experience levels. BYOM (bring your own mat), water, and other props you enjoy. Community Maritime Park, 301 W Main St, Pensacola. Facebook.com/PlayPColaParks.

Community Yoga Class – 4:30-5:30pm. Enjoy a yoga class and support a charity at the same time, with donations for this class going to PAWS, Children in Crisis, Headstart, Southern Dog Rescue and more. Donations accepted. Dragonfly Yoga Studio, 184 Brooks St, Ste 2, FWB. DragonflyYoga.com.

Veterans Talking Circle – noon-1pm. For and by veterans discussing veteran issues that affect your daily life. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB. 850-863-1044. RootsShoppe.com.

Celebrate Recovery – 6pm. Open to everyone as a safe place to heal from hurts, habits and hang-ups. This is a 12-step program that uses the traditional steps and 8 Principles in the Beatitudes from the bible. We recognize Jesus Christ as our higher power. Dinner is also available from 5:15-5:45pm, $5-adults, $3-children, and no one turned away. Community Life Church, 4115 Soundside Dr, Gulf Breeze. Facebook.com/CRatCommunityLifeChurch/ tuesday wednesday friday saturday

Okaloosa County Farmers’ Market – 7am-2pm. Tue, Thur & Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits and flowers. Free. 1954 Lewis Turner Blvd, Fort Walton Beach. 850-689-5850.

Downtown FWB Farmers’ Market – 8am-1pm. 2nd and 4th Sat. Find seasonal vegetables, fruits, handcrafted jams, hot sauces and local honey. Free. 139 Brooks St SE, FWB.

Refuge Recovery Meeting – 6:30-7:30pm. A Buddhist-oriented, non-theistic recovery program offering recovery from all forms of addiction. Free. Roots Shoppe, 357 Beal Pkwy NW, FWB.

RefugeRecovery.org.

Let’s Talk about Gut Health (Zoom) – 7pm. Weekly discussions about gut health and why it matters. Also, we will discuss the science of the microbiome and disease. Free. Email to register: PCBPlexus@gmail.com.

‘Movers’ & ‘Shakers’ Low Impact Dance Fitness – 9-9:45am. Wed. Join instructor Emily Mixon for an interactive and low impact dance class for seniors 55+. Free. Bayview Senior Center, 2000 E Lloyd Street, Pensacola. 850-436-5190.

Walton County Farmers Market – 1-5pm. Find locally grown fruits; vegetables; grass-fed meat; local vendors; and small businesses. Free. 3001 Brown Rd, Defuniak Springs. 850-834-2084. PonceDeLeonFL.com.

Essential Oils for Beginners – 6:30pm every 3rd Friday. Natural ways to improve your health. HH Arts, 100 Beal Pkwy, FWB. 850-543-1619.

Grand Lagoon Farmers Market – 8am-1pm. Stroll the docks of the historical Capt. Anderson’s Marina while sampling the region’s local makers, bakers, and growers. Free. 5551 N Lagoon Dr, Panama City Beach. 850-481-6848.

30A Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find local grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch bread, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautiful arts and crafts, including fusion glass, jewelry, handmade stationery and beautiful soaps. Free. 30A Farmers’ Market at Palm Plaza, 1003 John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail. com. 30AFarmersMarket.com.

Grand Boulevard Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Find grass-fed beef, whole chickens, eggs, goat milk, cheese, produce, hydroponic lettuce, herbs and microgreens. Also, the best honey, including Tupelo honey; homemade from scratch breads, pies and pastries; pickled veggies; jams; salsas; BBQ sauces; pesto sauce; tuna and shrimp dips; and the best Maryland crab cakes you have ever had. In addition, beautifully handcrafted soaps. Free. Grand Boulevard at Sandestin, 600 Grand Blvd (in Grand Park between Tommy Bahama and Cantina Laredo), Miramar Beach. 850-499-4697. 30AFarmersMarket@gmail.com. GrandBoulevardFarmersMarket.com.

Seaside Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Small, but definitely worth visiting, this beach-front market offers local pasture-raised beef; fresh local produce; homemade bread and bakery items; local and regional honey; heirloom eggs; local berries; pickled veggies; crab cakes; and locally-made kombucha. Free. 2235 East County Hwy 30A, SRB.

Niceville Florida Community Farmers’ Market – 9am-1pm. Local and regional produce, honey, mushrooms, farm fresh eggs, bakery items, teas, fresh local seafood and hand-crafted jewelry. Free. Palm Plaza, 1003 C. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville. Palafox Market – 9am-2pm. Find live plants; local fruit; vegetables; herbs; fine art; and antiques. Free. Martin Luther King Jr. Plaza on N Palafox St between Wright St and Garden St, Pensacola. 850-434-5371. PalafoxMarket.com.

Classifieds

Fee for classifieds is $20 for the first 20 word and $1 per additional word per month. To place listing, email content to Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com Deadline is the 10th of the month.

ROOMMATE WANTED

SEEKING A FEMALE ROOMMATE –or a Furnished room/Studio in or around FWB area. I am Spiritual, honest and over 55. Contact: Jolene @561-767-5448.

Services

KELLEY’S HANDYMAN – John and Sherri Kelley, owners are BBB members, licensed and insured to perform all types of repairs including cabinets, painting, drywall, trim, bathrooms, and kitchen. Honest and affordable we provide estimates you can count on. 850-378-6262. KelleyHandyman@gmail.com. KelleyHandyman.com.

SPIRITUAL COUNSELING AND COACHING – Spiritual counseling and coaching available with Rev Jamie Sanders. Metaphysical approach, meditation and affirmative prayer. Jamie1118@aol.com. 850-438-2277.

WEDDING SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL MARRIAGE CEREMONIES – Spiritual marriage ceremonies with Rev Jamie Sanders at Unity of Pensacola or your location of choice. Packages available. 850-438-2277. UnityPNS.org.

YOGA APPAREL

WILD FLIER BOUTIQUE – Carrying unique yoga apparel, jewelry and accessories with men's and women's coastal fashion. Gifts for everyone. 127 Harbor Blvd 3B, Destin. 850-687-3023.