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.

Calendar Of Events

FRIDAY, AUGUST 4

Free Intro to Herbal Medicine — noon-1pm. Free. Discover selection and use of herbs and how earth-based practices fit into a holistic health model. Herbs & Owls, 725 N Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 15, 22, 29

Guided Meditation — 9:30-11am. $55. Relax with guided imagery, vibrational flower essences and sound therapy to restore energy and well-being. Class led by Gina Kearney. Herbs & Owls, 725 N Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls. com/classes.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17

Addressing Problems Below Deck – 4-6pm. Free. Learn about nonsurgical, painless treatments for female and male pelvic floor/sexual health. Demo treatments. Wine, hors d’oeuvres. Institute of Health & Wellness, 218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart. 772-539-9556. InstituteHealthWellness.com.

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

tuesday thursday

Holistic Wellness Circle for caregivers, children 0-6 years old, and mindful friends – 6-7:30pm. Free. Mindfulness practices for adults, complimentary childcare on-site. Cocoplum Nature School, 342 N Swinton Ave, Delray Beach, FL 33444. Info@SoilAndSoul.org, 561-232-7891.

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 saturday classifieds

Create Powerful Crystal Grids –9-11am. $40 deposit for Crystal Grid materials. Manifest your intentions. Selection/arrangement of crystals guided by Rena Joy. Soothe Your Soul, 835 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. Limited registrations 561-650-2226. facebook. com/sootheyoursouljunobeach.

Kindly use our online form to order. NApalmbeach.com/pages/ classifieds.

FOR RENT

HUGE TREATMENT ROOM FOR LEASE – in well established beautiful Boynton Beach holistic organic salon/spa. $1,150 per month. 561-270-3803.

OFFICE SPACE IN ESTABLISHED MIND/BODY CENTER – Jupiter. Large shareable space, wi-fi, waiting area. 561-744-9123.

RESPONSES....

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine , get real results, distributing monthly throughout Palm Beach County. Call 561-626-5584.