3 minute read
Walking in Wonder
from Natural Awakenings Magazine, Broward, August 2023
by Natural Awakenings, Broward and Palm Beach Counties, Florida
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.
Calendar Of Events
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1
Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months! — 9am-5pm. Fall class, September 5, 2023. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. 954-763-9840 ext. 213 or admissions@atom.edu.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5
Tai Chi Classes — Improve cardio vascular fitness. 1st Saturday each month, $20 (cash only). Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM),100 E Broward Blvd, Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Call or text 754-280-2282 to sign up.
Upcoming Event
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11
Frequency 432 Healing and Wellness
Expo – 11am-5pm. Are you a Patron or Interested Vendor that is a Holistic Healer, Helper, Wellness Practitioner, or Metaphysical Practitioner? Contact for more info: frequency432.us. Location: Carlin Park, Jupiter.
Ongoing Events
sunday
Flower Picnic in the Park — 10:30amNoon $111 (& Monday - Thursdays), Enjoy a purposeful picnic! Create a fresh flower crown, dine brunch alfresco. Register, limited space. TY Park, 3300 N Park Rd, Hollywood, FL. Jowana at houseofpetali@ gmail.com
IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies tuesday thursday
1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Locations vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.
Nia Fitness Dance Class of conscious, safe movements — 10-11am, $13. Fun, no impact, conscious exercise we call “adult recess” for strength, balance, flexibility, confidence and rhythm. Star Ballroom, 2305 E Atlantic Blvd, Pompano Beach, 954-383-9667.
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Inner Child Work — 2:45-3:45pm. Fourth Friday monthly. Lauderdale by the Sea Community Center, 4501 N Ocean Dr, Fort Lauderdale. Register (or details) call Ilka at: 754-222-6971.
Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shoreline Cleanup 9–11am, help remove trash (third Saturday monthly). Kayaks, and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own. Location varies. Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.
TAI CHI Classes — Offered to the public by The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM). 5–7pm, 1st Saturday each month, $20 (cash only). 100 E Broward Blvd, Ste 100, Ft Lauderdale. Sign up, call 754-280-2282.
Weight Loss Tips with Naturopath Ahuva Gamliel (Dr. G.) — 9-9:30am. Free. Different topics, 3rd Thursday each month. Learn how to manage weight naturally, followed by Q&A. ZOOM ID: 838 039 7818 Passcode: M3WM0n . tinyurl.com/DrGamliel.
Multisensory Revitalization Chakra Alignment Vibrational Healing Sessions Activate, rebalance, & reset your body with Sound Healing, Tesla Energy Waves, Intuitive Reiki, & Access Bars. 38 S Federal Highway #4, Dania Beach. Sheri Kaplan, Appt. 786-419-1389.