THE JOYS AND BENEFITS OF AQUARIUMS

by Carrie Jackson

There’s something meditative about observing the movement of colorful fish among swaying aquatic plants while hearing the soothing sounds of water. In our culture, where stress has run amok, the restorative ambiance created by a well-placed and properly designed aquarium may be a welcome remedy for the busyness of life.

A study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health reports that aquariums help lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lessen feelings of loneliness and serve as emotional support during mental health crises. Gazing at fish for just a few minutes every day can reduce stress, improve sleep and instill an overall sense of calm. People have kept fish for more than 4,500 years, and since the late 1800s, the idea of marine life as pets has emerged as a popular pastime. Large public aquariums with multimillion-gallon exhibits thrill visitors around the globe, while smaller fish tanks adorn doctors’ offices, health spas, libraries and a myriad of public and professional spaces. With a little planning, the beauty and calming influence of these underwater displays can be incorporated into the home, offering a unique way to bring nature indoors, spark curiosity and teach kids valuable lessons.

Dr. Ran D. Anbar, a board-certified pediatric pulmonologist and pediatrician, has two aquariums in his waiting room in La Jolla, California. “Watching fish doesn’t require a lot of thought, and this allows the mind to settle down. It’s generally calming because the viewer’s interest is captured by the fishes’ unique appearances and smooth, rhythmic and repetitive navigation through water. Aquariums have been associated with improvement of mood, better pain management and blood sugar control,” says Anbar, who also offers hypnosis and counseling services to his patients.

If a child shows interest, Anbar incorporates the aquarium into his counseling sessions. “I thank them for being kind to my fish, and this helps reduce tension. Kids love feeding the fish and watching them happily eat. We talk about how the fish might feel, which helps the kids describe their own thoughts and feelings. Sometimes, when children describe a fish’s response, they are able to verbalize thoughts they cannot say about themselves,” he explains. “Children also like to photograph or draw the fish, and I ask them to imagine the fish’s name, origin and hobbies. This sparks creativity, and they often become interested in setting up their own aquariums after seeing them in my office.”

Maintaining an aquarium can teach kids empathy and trustworthiness. “Children learn to be responsive to their fish’s needs, including how to observe the animals closely for signs of distress. Children learn to be patient and how to follow a schedule.

They can learn to calm their own emotions in dealing with their fish, because otherwise the pets might become agitated,” Anbar says, urging parents to supervise their kids closely until it is clear they are able to care for the animals responsibly.

Steven Waldron, the owner of Aquarium Zen, in Seattle, Washington, helps people create artistic installations inspired by the aquarist Takashi Amano, who combined Japanese gardening techniques with the wabi-sabi principle of finding beauty in imperfection. “Aquariums are living aquatic ecosystems, and it is deeply compelling to have a slice of that biome in your home,” Waldron says. “The very act of creating and maintaining that ecosystem taps into something instinctual and gives people structure, a sense of purpose and peace. With endless design possibilities, people are able to create a projection of their own aquatic paradise ”

To reap benefits, an aquarium need not be large or overly expensive. Waldron notes that a few green plants combined with colorful fish provide the right kinetic energy to be both soothing and invigorating. “Choose fish that complement the plants and are enjoyable to watch. Siamese fighting fish, tetras, dwarf cichlids and dwarf shrimp are excellent for home aquariums. Some of these simply provide beauty and some, such as the Amano shrimp and the Otocinclus catfish, act as a cleanup crew and eat damaging algae,” he says. “Once it’s set up, routine maintenance, such as cleaning the tank and changing the water, should take less than an hour a week, and most people find caring for their aquarium to be a fulfilling and meditative task.”

While it may be tempting to put an aquarium in a bedroom, Waldron believes that can be too much energy for a space meant for slumber. “From a feng shui perspective, a dark corner of a common living space is the ideal location for an aquarium. This allows it to become the central focal point and provide light, life and positive energy,” he says. “Once you start to see natural energy flowing through the plants and animals, it becomes intuitive, and you see the connection to nature everywhere.”

Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.

Calendar Of Events

NOTE: Events were accurate at the time the magazine went to press – please call ahead to check for date or time changes. All calendar events must be received by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Review submissions guidelines at NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com or email Publisher@NaturalAwakeningsSWPA.com for more information.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 1

Tuesday Morning Yoga Vinyasa Flow – 9:3010:30am. Tuesdays thru Dec. Hosted by YHL The Mind & Body Boutique. Flow from slow to warm with the intention of waking up the body and mind. $15. Tickets at YoughioghenyHolisticLiving.com/ events-workshops. YHL The Mind & Body Boutique, 110 South Pittsburgh St, Connellsville.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

First Friday Hike: Churchill Valley Greenway – 10-11:30am. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Nature hike at Churchill Valley Greenway – rain or shine. No walk-ins. $5. Info and tickets at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood.com/ events/55772-first-friday-hike-churchill-valley-greenway. Churchill Valley Greenway, 899 Beulah Rd. Beers at the Bosque – 3-7pm Fri Aug 4, Noon7pm Sat Aug 5. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy with 11th Hour Brewing. Pop-up beer garden at the Schenley Plaza Bosque. Music, lawn games, access to beer assortment including 11th Hour Brewing’s limited-edition Schenley Park Brew. Limited seating - bring lawn chairs or blankets. Children/teens get complimentary snack bags. Food is available at many Schenley Plaza food kiosks. Attendance is Free. Get information, location, and updates - register at PittsburghParks. org/Beer-garden.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Fire Flow Yoga – 8:15-9:15am. Saturdays thru Sept. Hosted by YHL The Mind & Body Boutique. A blend of Buti yoga, traditional Vinyasa yoga, heart-pumping sequences, tribal dance, deep stretches, big music, primal energy, and lots of fun! $15. Tickets at YoughioghenyHolisticLiving.com/events-workshops. YHL The Mind & Body Boutique, 110 South Pittsburgh St, Connellsville.

Yoga in the Park Allegheny Commons West – 1011am. Hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Free, all ages, all levels. Meet at 638 W Ohio St. Info CounselingWellnessPGH.com/yoga-in-the-park.

August Patch Chat Live! – with Patch Adams –5pm. Facebook Live event. Hosted by Patch Adams, of the Gesundheit Institute. Best known for his work as a medical doctor and a clown, this social activist has spent 50 years devoted to changing America’s healthcare system. Stories, smiles, question and answer session. Follow the link Facebook.com/ events/148787551553406/.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 6

FREE Yoga! – 10am-11am. Hosted by Ales & Asanas x South Side Works Out. Made in PGH and SouthSide Works summer fitness series at South Side Works Town Square in front of Cheesecake Factory. Free, but please register at MadeInPGH. com/Uncategorized/SouthSide-Works-Out-August6th. SouthSide Works, 424 S 27 Street #300.

MONDAY, AUGUST 7

Teacher Workshop: Population Education –4-6pm. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust at Fern Hollow Nature Center. All about people. How many of us there are, how we shape the world, and how we interact with each other. This workshop supports K-12 teachers across content areas. Provides access to over 40 cross-curricular lesson plans. If needed, purchase an ACT 48 ticket and bring your PPID number to the workshop. $5. Tickets and info AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood. com/events/55773-Population-Education-teacherworkshop. Fern Hollow Nature Center, 1901 Glen Mitchell Rd, Sewickley.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9

WMNBikePGH Group Ride – 6-8:30pm. Hosted by Everyday Café and Bike Pittsburgh. A no-drop bike ride with BikePGH’s Women and Non-Binary Program. Free. Meet at Everyday Café, ride to East End Brewing for optional Happy hour/hang out. 11.5 miles of fairly flat terrain with a leader, a caboose, and a ride marshal. Pace 10-12/mph. Everyday Café, 532 N Homewood Ave. Info 412-727-2169.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 10

Y12SR Relapse Prevention Group – 8:15-9:30pm. In person and online, hosted by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Recovery services for those seeking holistic relief from addiction. Join Yoga for 12-Step Recovery at Yoga Factory Pittsburgh (space limited) and online. Complete member form, sign waiver and register for session at YogaRecoveryPGH.com. $Donation requested. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, 3418 Penn Ave.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 11

Plant Walks-Allegheny Commons West – 6-7:30pm. All ages. Hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Join community herbalist Annie Fox to learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with nature. Meet at Allegheny Commons West near the intersection of Monterey North Ave and Monterey St. Info at PittsburghParks.org. 412-682-7275.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Yoga in the Park Allegheny Commons West – 1011am. Hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center of

Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Free, all ages, all levels. Meet at 638 W Ohio St. Info CounselingWellnessPGH.com/yoga-in-the-park.

Co-op Crafts – with Creative Reuse – 11am – 1pm. Hosted by East End Food Co-op. Turn recycled materials into beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. All material provided by Creative Reuse. Free event. Register at EventBrite.com/e/co-opcrafts-with-creative-reuse-tickets-646222016447. Bring an open mind, and we’ll cover the rest. East End Food Co-op, 7516 Meade St.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 13

Yoga for Makers – 10-11am. First Sundays thru Dec. Hosted by All Bodies Welcome Yoga at Prototype PGH. Gentle, accessible floor or chair yoga addressing common physical woes of makers: neck and shoulder pain; hand and wrist fatigue; low back aches. Bring towels, mats, yoga props. $10 at EventBrite. Info 412-204-7080. Prototype PGH, 460 Melwood Ave #208.

MONDAY, AUGUST 14

Monday Morning Yoga with All Bodies Welcome – 9:15-10:15am. Hosted by East End Food Coop. Gentle, accessible, trauma-informed yoga. All abilities, floor or chair. Full-body feel-good tune-up. Free. Register at EEFCyoga.Eventbrite. com. AllBodiesWelcomeYoga.com. East End Food Coop, 7516 Meade St.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16

Webinar: Butterflies 101 – 5-5:45pm. Free online event hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Join Senior Director of Education and Curriculum, Julie, for a look at some of the amazing biology of butterflies. Follow the link at Facebook.com/ events/3445570422379380. Info 412-741-2750.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

Little Italy Days – Thurs Aug 17 thru Sun Aug 20 – Hosted by Bloomfield Little Italy Days. Non-stop entertainment across 3 stages. Food, bocce tournaments, kid’s zone, and more. Free event with VIP experience available. $19.95/each or $34.95/two. Details and festival hours at LittleItalyDays.com. Little Italy Days, Liberty Ave, Bloomfield.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 19

Yoga in the Park Allegheny Commons West – 1011am. Hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Free, all ages, all levels. Meet at 638 W Ohio St. Info CounselingWellnessPGH.com/yoga-in-the-park. Open House at the Carrie Blast Furnaces –1-5pm. Hosted by Rivers of Steel and the Borough of Rankin. Self-guided tours of the landmark furnaces, including the new Mini Greens 2 art installation in the Iron Garden. Experience arts programs including graffiti, blacksmithing, folk art, and a live hot metal pour. Enjoy the local vendor market. Food and drinks available for purchase. Carrie Blast Furnaces, 801 Carrie Furnace Blvd. Info 412-464-4020.

Crouse Run Guided Forest Bath (Shinrin-Yoku) – 6-9pm. Hosted by Rooted in Sound. The healing way of Shinrin-yoku Forest Therapy combined with the sounds of the Singing Bowls and the sounds of nature. Tickets $55 at RootedInSound.com/ event-calendar/2019/8/4/introduction-to-forestbathing-shinrin-yoku-august19. Crouse Run, 2684 Wildwood Rd, Allison Park.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 24

Y12SR Relapse Prevention Group – 8:15-9:30pm. In person and online, hosted by Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh. Recovery services for those seeking holistic relief from addiction. Join Yoga for 12-Step Recovery at Yoga Factory Pittsburgh (space limited) and online. Complete member form, sign waiver, and register for session at YogaRecoveryPGH.com. $Donation requested. Yoga Recovery Pittsburgh, 3418 Penn Ave.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 26

Yoga in the Park Allegheny Commons West – 10-11am. Hosted by Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Free, all ages, all levels. Meet at 638 W Ohio St. Info CounselingWellnessPGH.com/ yoga-in-the-park.

26th Annual Shadyside…The Art Festival on Walnut Street – 10am-5pm. Hosted by Howard Alan Events. A summer festival favorite showcase for unique locally owned shops, restaurants, bars, and eateries, and artwork from national and local artists.739 Bellefonte St, Shadyside.

Pittsburgh Oddities & Curiosities Expo 2023 –10am-6pm. Hosted by Oddities & Curiosities Expo. Strange, Unusual, and Bizarre. Vendors, dealers, artists and curators of all things weird. Taxidermy, artwork, antiques, clothing, funeral collectibles, horror inspired pieces, jewelry, and more. All items legal to own. $10/advance $15 at door. 12 and under free. Special exhibits, workshops, classes at additional cost. Info and tickets ShowPass.com/ Pittsburgh-Oddities-Curiosities-Expo. David L Lawrence Convention Center, Hall A, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 31

Campfire Cooking: Foil Packet Fun! – 6-7pm. Hosted by Allegheny Land Trust. Learn unique campfire recipes using foil packets and take home a list of recipes for camping. No walk-ins. $5. Info and tickets at AlleghenyLandTrust.NetworkForGood. com/events/55789-campfire-cooking-foil-packetfun. Barking Slopes Biological Diversity Area, 37 Barking Road, Plum.

Plan Ahead

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

Savethe Date

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5

9th Annual Pittsburgh VegFest – 11am-5pm. Hosted by Pittsburgh VegFest. An outdoor ‘goto’ summer festival in the heart of the city bringing the best veg food, music, shopping, speakers, yoga demos, and family and pet friendly entertainment together, celebrating the vibrant and diverse animal advocacy in the Steel City. $Free. Join us at the Allegheny Commons East Park, East Ohio St. Info PittsburghVegFest.org.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Savethe Date

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12

Building Bridges Day – 9:30am-1:30pm. Hosted by Building Bridges. A community focused event promoting unity and connection among all individuals regardless of background or differences. Featuring mural painting, community dialogue, cultural performances, live bands, vendors with school supplies, food, and more. Join us at the Highmark Stadium parking lot, 501 W Station Dr. Info 703-229-7359.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

Savethe Date

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7

Point of Light Sound Healing Summit – 9am6pm. Hosted by Visions Reiki and Soul Spa. Immersive experience to elevate mind, body and spirit. Demonstrations, talks, experiential and meditation activities incorporating sound and healing modalities. Featuring Sven Hosford of Point of Light; Gerald Savage of Sound Pill; Wyatt Mylius of Rooted in Sound; Leza Vivio of Sacred Centered You; Stephanie and Bob Miller of Music for Life of Pittsburgh; and Steve Sciulli of The Singing Life of Plants. Includes boxed lunch from Fresh from the Farm Juices. Tickets $100 at VisionsReikiAndSoulSpa.com/event/point-of-light-sound-healingsummit. Info 724-745-1785. Visions Reiki and Soul Spa, 206 Alexander Ave, Strabane.

Ongoing Events

Sunday

Squirrel Hill Farmers Market– 9am-1pm. Thru Nov. Hosted by CitiParks. Local freshly picked fruits and vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods etc. SNAP accepted. Info CitiParks.net. Beacon/ Bartlett Parking Lot.

Hatha I Yoga – 10-10:45am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

Yoga for Makers – 10-11am. 2nd Sundays thru Dec. Hosted by All Bodies Welcome Yoga at Prototype PGH. Gentle, accessible floor or chair yoga addressing common physical woes of makers: neck and shoulder pain; hand and wrist fatigue; low back aches. Bring towels, mats, yoga props. $10 at EventBrite. Info 412-204-7080. Prototype PGH, 460 Melwood Ave #208.

Art as Therapy – 1-3pm. 2nd and 4th Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. Unlock the therapeutic potential of artmaking. All disciplines and levels. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration required: AtithStudios.com/programs.

The Writer’s Club – 1-3pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday. Hosted by Atithi Studios. Writers of all experience levels explore writing through discussions, feedback circles, prompts, and creative exercises. Pay what you can to keep this program going. Registration required: AtithStudios.com/programs.

Sunday’s Restorative Rejuvenation – 5-6:30pm. 3rd Sun. Hosted by Morgantown Power Yoga. All levels welcome. Learn to use breath, props, and focused awareness to decrease stress and anxiety in the body and the mind. Compliment your power yoga practice with restorative rejuvenation. $25. 235 Spruce St, Morgantown, WV. Tickets: Clients. MindBodyOnline.com.

The Poetry Atelier – 6-8pm. 1st Sunday each month. Hosted by The Space Upstairs. A series of sharing writings and writing processes, with writers invited to read their work, workshop their shared submissions, and experiment together in invented group exercises. Open and inclusive respectful forum. Drop-ins welcome. $5 suggested donation. 214 N Lexington Ave. 412-225-9269.

Hatha I Yoga – 7-7:45pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

monday tuesday

Hatha I Yoga – 10-11am and 6:30-7:30pm. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

Hatha II Yoga – 12:20-12:50. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. New lunchtime class with Christianne. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org, 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

1 Hood Power Hour – 7-8pm. A virtual forum hosted by 1 Hood Power to discuss all things political in SWPA and beyond. A virtual public affairs forum featuring elected officials, policymakers and thought leaders. 617-517-7600. Facebook.com/1HoodPower.

Hatha I Yoga – 8:45-9:30am. Hosted by Himalayan Institute of Pittsburgh (HIP) Yoga. Register online for drop-in and membership rates. HIPYoga.org. 300 Beverly Rd. 412-344-7434.

Tuesday Morning Yoga Vinyasa Flow – 9:3010:30am. Tuesdays thru Dec. Hosted by YHL The Mind & Body Boutique. Flow from slow to warm with the intention of waking up the body and mind. $15. Tickets at YoughioghenyHolisticLiving.com/ events-workshops. YHL The Mind & Body Boutique, 110 South Pittsburgh St, Connellsville. Sensory Friendly Afternoon – 1-5pm. Second Tuesdays monthly thru Nov 2023. Hosted by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Individuals with autism spectrum disorders and sensory issues enjoy a comfortable and accepting museum experience Lights and sounds are adjusted, there are designated quiet areas, and sensory kits with noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses, and fidgets are available. Regular rates of admission apply. Info, PittsburghKids.org/visit/accessibility. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 Children’s Way.

WVU Core Arboretum Nature Connection Series – 6-8pm. Through August. Hosted by WVU Core Arboretum. Meet at the woodland amphitheater to learn about nature from regional and local experts. Free. Visit Arboretum.WVU.edu/#calendar for topic. WVU Core Arboretum, Monongahela Blvd and Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV. 304-293-0387.