PETER RUSSELL

Peter Russell on the

Healing Power of Letting Go

by Linda Sechrist

In Letting Go of Nothing: Relax Your Mind and Discover the Wonder of Your True Nature, Peter Russell reminds readers what lies at the heart of all spiritual traditions. Based on his half-century of practicing Transcendental Meditation and applying the lessons of ancient and contemporary spiritual teachers, he offers a new perspective on the age-old practice of letting go, which involves not being attached to outcomes, surrendering desires, accepting the present, opening to a higher power, relinquishing the ego and practicing forgiveness. He traces the seeds of many ideas in the book to his time in India studying with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, as well as immersing in A Course in Miracles and the writings of contemporary teachers including Eckhart Tolle and Ram Dass.

What exactly do you advise us to let go of?

While the thought-provoking title suggests that individuals might be asked to let go of a situation, possessions or a relationship, the fundamental theme running through the book is not the letting go of things themselves, but rather letting go the things that only exist in the mind—thoughts, interpretations, fixed beliefs, points of view, expectations of the future, attachments to possessions and relationships, judgements, grievances, assumptions about how things should or should not be. These things in the mind are the lens through which the things of the world are experienced. For example, looking at things through blue-tinted spectacles gives everything a blueish tinge. But the lens itself is not part of the world you see. In a similar way, the lens through which we see our world is not another thing we see. In this sense, we are letting go of the “non-things” that color our view of the world.

What led to your understanding of this?

The questions “Is there another way of seeing this?” and “Could there, just possibly, be another way of seeing this?” occurred spontaneously, without an effort on my part. With an open, curious attitude and without trying to find an answer or even assuming there was one, my inner knowing was able to shine through and reveal another more helpful way of seeing things.

What benefits have you experienced from letting go?

I’m more in touch with my intuition and my feelings and less consumed by my thoughts. I feel better, experience more peace and am content. Discontent is largely self-created by thinking how things should or should not be. When discontent drops away, contentment becomes more prevalent. No one walks around wonderfully enlightened all the time. Letting go is a lifetime process. Noticing where I get caught up, pausing, coming back to the present, to what is, has a feeling of “Ahhh.” It’s a sense of coming home to my inner home.

The world pulls us outward, taking us out of ourselves. When we step back from it and let go for a while, it’s like coming home to our self.

How can we better savor each moment?

In just pausing and noticing what is in the present moment of experience, you’ll simply be stopping and withdrawing your interest from the thoughts that showed up when you paused. If you notice that your attention relaxes and if there is a sense of ease, a gentle sense of happiness or joy or a quality of spaciousness and clarity, savor it. Later, when it occurs to you, pause again and again. But don’t let the practice of pausing become routine or a ritual. Instead, make each pause a fresh inquiry into the moment and be curious about what it feels like, as if it were the first time, because it is the first and only time you will savor “this” moment.

Linda Sechrist is the Natural Awakenings senior staff writer. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

healing ways

High Times for the Cannabis Industry by Jim Motavalli Emerging Trends with a COVID-19 Caveat

It’s fair to say that the cannabis industry has arrived. Recreational marijuana has now been approved in 17 states, and 37 have allowed marijuana for medical purposes. “We have CBD!” proclaim store signs selling the buzz-free cannabidiol. In 2020, more than 240,000 people worked in cannabis-related jobs. The Brightfield Group says the medical cannabis industry will reach $16 billion in annual U.S. sales by 2025. Cannabis market research firm Headset predicts this will be “a year of positive growth” for the industry.

Legalization and expansion are strongly in line with public sentiment: Two-thirds of Americans believe marijuana should be legal, says the Pew Research Center. Opposition has fallen from 52 percent in 2010 to just 32 percent by the end of 2019.

“Dispensaries and cannabis cafés are as commonplace as Starbucks, and ordering edibles is as easy as getting pizza,” reports marketing firm Grassfed Media. The National Retail Federation noted a 700 percent increase in the demand for CBD-based products in 2019.

One caveat, however, is COVID-19. Ron Newman, a sustainable development analyst with Lee Enterprises Consulting, says the hemp/ CBD business was flat during 2020 because of the pandemic. “With the economic situation, people were buying only essentials,” he says. “But we’re seeing the business start to come back now.” With COVID-19 recovery, more growth is certain, and here are some upcoming trends.

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the active ingredient in marijuana that gets the user high. The natural compound CBD—said to have healing and pain/anxiety relief properties—is being heavily marketed in the form of oils, edibles (including gummy bears and lollipops), oral sprays, creams and pills. The third-most popular food-related Google search term in 2018 was “CBD gummies”. CBD dietary supplements are the biggest category, followed by topical applications and third, food and beverage additives.

THC is still illegal in many parts of the U.S., but CBD cultivation and sales were legalized by the 2018 Farm Bill. California offers a model for the states in regulating cannabis. Both medicinal cannabis and adult recreational use are legal, but the industry is strictly regulated by the Department of Cannabis Control to ensure that businesses operate safely and that products are free from contamination, properly labeled and kept away from children.

Research into cannabis is an emerging field, with 23,000 papers published since 2010, and Grassfed believes that some future products will be based on “other cannabinoids and terpenes such as CBN, CBG, THCA and THCV.” In addition, strains labeled indica, sativa or hybrid, or with names like Gorilla Glue and Wedding Crasher, may increasingly be replaced by a scientifically supported classification system.

Bar & Restaurant magazine wants its bartenders to know there might be THC-free CBD cocktails on their future bar menus. It reports that these drinks are “a legal grey area; federally they’re illegal, but some states have their own CBD-related laws.” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says flatly, “It is currently illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or labeling it as a dietary supplement,” but the agency has said it is considering relaxing this prohibition.

There’s a Wild West quality to the CBD/hemp industry today. An FDA study found many CBD products to be mislabeled, with either more or less CBD than indicated. A significant number contained THC.

And then there are the laws, with federal prohibitions and state regulations, that can be quite different. For instance, New York bans CBD products with more than 0.3 percent THC, and bans CBD from any alcohol or tobacco product. So determining whether any specific product is “legal” or not in different locations is complex. But marketing benefits are plain. Wynk alcohol-free seltzer says it has “2.5 milligrams of THC and 2.5 milligrams of CBD in every can.” A store locator shows pockets of availability across the country.

Jody McGinness, executive director of the Hemp Industries Association, says the FDA doesn’t actually have strong enforcement powers, and that the worst thing CBD/THC legal violators can expect from the agency is a warning letter posted on the FDA website.

Gregg Sturz, co-founder of Florida-based CBD Hemp Experts, a leading wholesale provider of cannabis-derived products, says he expects the FDA to eventually approve CBD for use in dietary supplements. “I don’t think they’re trying to shut the industry down, just come up with some clear guidelines,” he says.

The legal status of THC is such a question mark that, according to Investopedia’s Marijuana Investing Guide, large banks “are currently afraid of money-laundering charges they may face if they work with these businesses … The American Bankers’ Association has been pushing for more legal clarity.”

Newman, who studies the medicinal uses of CBD, notes that in some cases it’s being marketed as a topical analgesic for pain relief, when actually the other proven ingredients in analgesics— including methanol and camphor—are doing the heavy lifting. This situation has also produced FDA warning letters, because if CBD is claimed to relieve pain, then it is required to go through a new drug application process for efficacy.

In 2018, the FDA approved Epidiolex, an oral solution with CBD as an active ingredient, used for the treatment of rare and severe forms of epilepsy. While it’s the only approved product so far, studies suggest CBD might be useful for anxiety, insomnia, skin protection and addiction.

McGinness sees the major growth area for cannabis-related products not in CBD, but in industrial hemp fiber. As hemp growers gear up in the Midwest after decades of federal bans, they’re likely to expand beyond cottage clothing companies into such areas as auto and industrial parts and building materials, he says.

“Hemp products made in a green way create fewer emissions,” McGinness says. “And the bioplastics made from hemp are lighterweight, which increases fuel efficiency. I expect we’ll see heartland industrial hemp grow so much it will make CBD look like a niche.” Jim Motavalli is a Connecticut-based journalist who writes about the environment, cars and music. He can be contacted via JimMotavalli.com.

Local ongoing calendar items for the community are to be submitted online at NaBroward.com/events/new

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 2022

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

MONDAY, JANUARY 3

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medi-

cine—Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months & learn how to become a Licensed Acupuncturist. Enrolling Now for Winter class starting January 3, 2022. Financial Aid available & approved for Veteran training. Contact Admissions@ATOM.edu or 954-763-9840 ext. 213 for information. SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

NewLife Expo — Two days of Natural Healthy, Enlightenment & Fun. Saturday, and Sunday, January 23. For more information on exhibiting, lecturing, volunteering, advertising, and pre-registration discounts, email Mark@NewLifemag.com, visit NewLifeExpo.com, or call 516-8970900. Event location: Boca/Deerfield Doubletree Hilton Resort, 100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach. See ad page 7.

CALENDAR

Even more local events are posted online. Visit and bookmark: NaBroward.com/Calendar NaturalAwakeningsFla@gmail.com Email for information on how to submit your event for free or feature your event for $25.

sunday

Sacred Journey Interfaith Seminary —

9am–5pm. Classes for Interfaith Ministry Ordination. A Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917-579-3750.

IANDS South Florida - International Association for Near Death Studies

— 1st Sunday monthly, 3-5pm Meeting - Discussions include Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies are welcomed. Notice, during Winter 2021/2022 season locations will vary, call for details. Reverend Gail Fein, 305-798-8974.

Sacred Celebration of Spirit —6:30-7:30pm. Weekly Sunday night. Sacred Celebrations of Spirit. Free love donations. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 East Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 102, Oakland Park. 917-579-3750. DarshanCenterWiltonManors.org.

monday

Chiropractic — Every 1st Monday, 5–6pm. Free, attendees will receive a discount off their first visit. New Life Upper Cervical Chiropractic, 820 S. State Road 7, Plantation, 33317. Phone: 954.389.8297.

thursday

Max Meditation System — Made for today’s modern seeker, 7pm is based on a fusion of ancient Yogic techniques and Zen mind training mixed with modern psychological science and Neurolinguistic programming (NLP). Max Meditation is a guided meditation experience at Temple Medicine, 120 E Oakland Park Blvd , Ste 101. Phone: 954-406-8199.

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

saturday

Reiki Healing Circle — 9–10am, Free. Usui Reiki Circle. All are welcome. Love & Light Spiritual Emporium, 1419 E Commercial Blvd. Ste B, Oakland Park, FL, 33334, 954-261-3878.

Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and

Shoreline Cleanup — 9–11am, help remove trash and make new friends (third Saturday each month). Kayaks and canoes available on a first come, first serve basis; bringing your own is encouraged. Location varies. Information, Robert Figueroa, 917-652-1050.

Holistic Healing, Wellness & Psychic Fair — Last Saturday Monthly on Zoom. 1–10pm est. 15 Global Speakers, Lectures, Door Prizes, Fun Experiences. By Love Donation. Call for info: 786-419-1389. SheriKaplan.com/healersnetworkvirtualfair.

Healthy Saturdays: Health for Your

Body, Mind and Spirit — series in Herb Skolnick Center, Pompano Beach Starting Dec. 4th, 2–3pm, $10; Q and A’s available. To Register or for more info, call Ilka at 754-222-6971.

Rock Kirtan: Sacred Devotional Sing-

ing — bi-weekly 7–8:30pm, $10. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Call Rev. G. 917-579-3750.

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how to be included in the Natural Awakenings Directory, kindly email your request to NaturalAwakeningsFla@gmail.com or order online: NaBroward.com/pages/directory.

BEAUTY & HEALTH

ONENESS PERFUME

OnenessPerfume.com Oneness ~ Let the beauty of this essence and its message inspire peaceful co-existence; may it encircle all nations and all peoples with the loving gift of gratitude to encourage cocreation and renewal of our sacred planetary home – knowing in spirit – We Are All One. See ad page 2.

CHIROPRACTIC PHYSICIAN

NEW LIFE UPPER CERVICAL CHIROPRACTIC

820 S State Rd. 7, Plantation FL 33317 954-389-8297 TopDocFL.com Upper Cervical Chiropractic, light force extremity adjusting, whole-food nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, The Emotion Code, Energy medicine, Mysofascial release.

CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY

PERFECTING TOUCH

Kathy Bates Wilton Executive Suites 2312 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-647-9010 PerfectingTouch1@ymail.com Cranial sacral therapy - CST- a light touch approach releasing tension and restrictions, reducing pain and dysfunction. Therapeutic massage also available. Feel good within yourself. MA70919. TOTAL BALANCE 4 U

TJ Robinson 954-234-3299, Fort Lauderdale TotalBalance4U.com Feel good again! Restore your vitality and vibrant health! Release stress and “stuck” areas in your body that cause chronic pain. Your safety is priority – COVID compliant. MA24266, MM30072. See ad page 22.

DAY RETREATS

THERMAE STILLNESS RETREAT

604 S. Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-604-7930 ThermaeRetreat@gmail.com ThermaeRetreat.com FB: @ThermaeRetreat IG: Thermae.FtLauderdale

Thermae reTreaT An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy.

DENTAL HEALTH

ADVANCED DENTAL WELLNESS CENTER

Boris Lipovetskiy, DMD 104 SE 1st St. Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-525-5662 ADWCenter.com Dr. Lipovetskiy specializes in natural, biological, and cosmetic dentistry offering latest in technology in our relaxing environment. We provide mercury safe dentistry, metalfree braces, and biocompatible metal-free zirconia implants. He specializes in TMJ and sleep apnea. BRENT J. BRACCO, DDS – COMPREHENSIVE DENTISTRY

2467 E Commercial Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-771-5300 DrBrentBracco.com Do you wait till it hurts to see the dentist? Enhance your smile at our new tranquil, state-of-theart office. We have been providing wholistic family dental care since 1985. Most insurance accepted. Mon – Thurs, 7:30am – 5pm.

INTEGRATED DENTAL CENTER

Aurel Chebanu, DMD, PhD 333 NW 70th Ave., Ste. 207 Plantation FL 33317 954-792-6266 Chebanudmd@comcast.net Dr. Chebanu recognizes the importance of natural therapies and health solutions. His office specializes in Biocompatible and Holistic Dentistry, Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, Ceramic Dental Implants, Oral Surgery, and TMJ Disorders. See ad page 13.

THE INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR DENTAL EXCELLENCE

Yolanda Cintron, DMD 2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308 954-938-4599 GoNaturalDentistry.com All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry. • Sedation dentistry • Removing of toxic metals • Replacing them with bio-compatible materials • Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions • Zirconia/ceramic implants • Natural bone augmentation / Plasma Rich Growth Factor • Oral DNA Testing • Add gums to receding gums. See ad page 9.

The beginning is the most important part of the work. ~Plato

EDITORIAL CALENDAR 2022

JANUARY HEALTH & WELLNESS FEBRUARY HEART-CENTERED LIVING MARCH FOOD & NUTRITION APRIL SUSTAINABLE LIVING MAY WOMEN’S WELLNESS JUNE MEN’S HEALTH JULY FOOD CONNECTION AUGUST SELF-EMPOWERMENT SEPTEMBER INSPIRED LIVING OCTOBER HEALTHY PLANET NOVEMBER MENTAL HEALTH DECEMBER UPLIFTING HUMANITY

DR. YANI HOLISTIC AND HEALING DENTISTRY

Dr. Yani, DMD 212 SE 12th St (Davie Blvd) Fort Lauderdale FL 33316 954-525-6010 info@Yanidmd.com Yanidmd.com

We follow strict amalgam removal protocols incorporating nutritional supplements for safe mercury detoxification ~ IAOMT member. To promote better healing, our hygiene care incorporates ozone and essential oils for gum treatments. Only mercury-free biocompatible crowns and dental materials used. Free holistic toothpaste recipe. See ad page 17.

EDUCATION

ATLANTIC INSTITUTE OF ORIENTAL MEDICINE (ATOM)

100 E Broward Blvd., Ste. 100 Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 954-763-9840 ATOM.edu

ATOM offers a Master’s degree and a Doctoral degree in Oriental Medicine. ATOM has an Intern Clinic that is open to the public. See ad back page.

ENSOFIC REIKI SPIRIT IN TRANSITION

Matthew Koren 954-406-8199, Oakland Park Activate.SpiritInTransition.com Spirit in Transition is a community of spiritual seekers applying traditional lineage teachings to live every moment in the new paradigm. Join us for a meditation or class today! See ad page 12. HOLISTIC MEDICAL CENTER

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CENTER OF FORT LAUDERDALE

Dr. Gary Snyder 2640 E Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale FL 33306 954-486-4000 DrGarySnyder.com A holistic medical center for wellness and healing, where caring professionals approach the whole person instead of just treating symptoms, with natural, scientific products and services. See ad page 11.

INTEGRATIVE HYPNOSIS

CATHERINE A. EDELSON MA, CH

954-745-0735 TheBest@FunctionalHypnosis.com Access the best toolkit nature gave you with Hypnosis! Your first Hypnozoom session is 50% off. Hypnotists believe everything is hypnosis. We offer powerful, ecological and practical solutions to each client. Benefits are obvious as you allow it to happen!

INTUITIVE READER

PSYCHIC STEPHANIE MILLER

700 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton FL 33432 561-757-5899 PsychicMedium.net@yahoo.com PsychicMedium.net Specializes in Love & relationships. Offers palm & tarot card readings, Energy healing, & chakra balancing. Call now to book your in-person or phone reading.

954-630-1610 NaBroward.com

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. ~Anton Chekhov

HUNTER METHOD

Stephanie Hunter, Owner & Developer 185 E. Indiantown Rd., Ste. 118 Jupiter, FL 33477 561-747-8700 DoYouHunter.com Many people with pain feel frustrated and hopeless, masking symptoms, instead of getting the real relief they deserve. We offer a proven approach that changes muscle memory. Significant, lasting relief from issues like Vertigo, Sciatica, Frozen Shoulder and more. • Self-Treatment Courses • DIY Therapy for Dogs. MA15772, MM24536

SALON

HAIR HOLISTIC ECO-FRIENDLY STUDIO

Ibana Villasenor 141 NW 20th St., Ste. B7 Boca Raton FL 33431 561-372-5354 HairHolistic@gmail.com HairHolistic.com Hair services & products with a truly holistic approach like scalp-hair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or eco-friendly dyes, and formaldehyde-free keratine.

SPIRITUAL GUIDE

GLASS ROOTS ENERGETICS

256-631-8923 GlassRootsEnergetics@gmail.com LilithReese.com Lineage Of King Salomon through the Modern Mystery School. Providing Initiation, Life Activation, Soul Retrieval, Negative Energy Removal, Conscious Mothering Groups, and more. Let’s Connect! Classifieds are to be ordered online: NaBroward.com/pages/classified. Due date is the 10th of the month.

HEALTH CARE EMPLOYMENT

SPIRITUAL CNA-HHA – for senior male in Boca Raton. 10+ years experience. Contact LisaSpitzer@yahoo.com.

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