CULTIVATING

CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy

by Marlaina Donato

Our four-legged friends—from pampered pooch to stray cat— have the inborn ability to seize the moment. No matter what chaotic circumstances may swirl around them, they have a knee-jerk response to spring into playful action or curl up in a patch of inviting sunlight.

As humans, we tend to postpone the smallest of joys and avoid emotional self-care, opting for that extra glass of wine or spending more than usual to feel better for a brief period of time. Tending to our own happiness begins by seeing joy

not as a mood dependent upon circumstances, but as a spiritual discipline like any other. Emotional well-being is a garden we must weed and water daily, and in turn, our physical health can’t help but be well-nourished by the harvest. Studies through the years have shown that certain sites and organs in the body, including the thymus, immune cells and bone marrow, have receptors for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which could explain why cultivating contentment might boost our natural defenses.

Seasoned yogis and meditators often speak of an inner wellspring of joy that can be accessed through a committed practice. Perhaps joy is less of a mood and more of a frequency that is accessible to all of us when we’re willing to align with its bandwidth. Making it a habit to step outside for 10 minutes to witness a sunset or greet the twilight while dinner cooks can be a beautiful way to advance felicity.

Taking five-minute joy breaks during the workday to listen to a favorite piece of music with earbuds, read a few pages of an inspiring book or notice the clouds is another easy way to tend to happiness. Filling a “joy jar” with lovely memories written on scraps of colorful paper can prompt a spontaneous smile any time of day. Taking a half-hour drive on a pretty back road instead of scrolling through social media can reset depleted emotional reserves.

Today, we can shift our thinking and see contentment as a precious, deserving loved one that needs nourishment like any other. Feeding joy in our lives can pave the daily humdrum road with jewels. In the end, perhaps fostering inner happiness by example is the greatest legacy we can leave behind.

Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

ask the therapist

Imagine an Awakened Planet

Q: Dear Karen Kaye Do you feel there is hope that we can heal our planet? Thomas

A: Dear Thomas, The way to heal our planet is one person at a time. Just as a person can heal, so can the planet. It is the actions and inactions of people that create the challenges we face on the planet. Our thoughts and feelings create an energy. We are either conscious or unconscious. I have come to believe that there is no good or bad, only willingness or a lack of willingness to receive the lessons that come our way, whether as individuals, companies, countries or even the planet. This united consciousness allows us to influence change on a larger scale.

To get to this place, individuals will need to remember, “If I fear people who are not like me or if I do not stay knowledgeable on current affairs and situations, what will happen to the planet if most people do the same?” As people become more aware of the consequences of their beliefs and actions, “a people of the world” will emerge. I think these messages are best reflected in the words of the song Imagine by John Lennon:

Imagine there’s no heaven It’s easy if you try No hell below us Above us only sky Imagine all the people Living for today Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for And no religion too Imagine all the people Living life in peace, you You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world, you You may say I’m a dreamer But I’m not the only one I hope someday you’ll join us And the world will be as one

As each individual works on letting go of their own limitations, that person becomes a light amongst the darkness. One “light” can be seen in miles of darkness. That person can be called a person of the world.

Remember, on a spiritual level we adhere to the philosophy that everything happens for a reason… out of the bad comes good. It takes time.

Many thanks, Karen Kaye, LMHC

Karen Kaye is currently accepting new clients. Sessions take place via telehealth to ensure safety. To schedule a session, call 954- 384-1217 or email KarenKayeCares@ bellsouth.net.

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We at Natural Awakenings know that supporting the health of our population is of the upmost importance. We encourage everyone to be conscious of the social distancing mandate and to support our community by following the health guidelines set forth by our health professionals. We have received multiple reports from our providers of wellness and health services about how seriously they take following and maintaining the strictest guidelines as it relates to their office environments in creating the most safe and clean space they can for those that need to come in and use their services. For any doctor appointment, class, or service provider you want to visit, attend, or participate, we suggest you call ahead to address any questions you may have and then to confirm your appointment.

To help stimulate and encourage the continuation of connecting our readers and providers of services, we’ve modified our corporate policy to have our ongoing and datespecific calendar items include information for us to connect via the internet through our various electronic devices. We understand the importance of being able to stay “in touch” with one another and thus support the expansion of online events, podcasts, webinars, Skype, support sessions, and other communication software systems that can be utilized for us to stay connected and stay safe.

If you have an ongoing calendar item with us and would like to modify it, kindly email us your updated information; we’ll change it starting with the upcoming issue at no additional charge. We have also increased the word count for Date-Specific Calendar items to be up to 55 words, and Ongoing Calendar items may include up to 45 words for each one.

upcoming event

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medi

cine — Earn a Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine in 36 months & be on the path to become a Licensed Acupuncture Physician. We are now accepting applications for our Fall class which starts September 8, 2020. Contact us at admissions@atom.edu or call 954-763-9840. Financial Aid & VA Benefits accepted.

ongoing events

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.

Thubten Kunga Ling Buddhist Center: Zoom

classes — Meditation Hour: 10–11am an overview of meditation including basic medita tion techniques, breathing meditation, mindfulness meditation, visualization meditation, and analytical meditation, Tibetan Mahayana Tradition. Coping with Difficult Times: 11am–12pm. For details and other classes, visit ThubtenKungaLing.org.

Catholic Mass (non-Roman Catholic) —

10:30am, (+ Sat 5pm) The Parish of Sts. Francis & Clare, staffed by Franciscan friars. 2300 NW 9th Ave (Powerline Rd), Wilton Manors, 33311, 954.731.8173.

Non-Denominational Spiritual Center —

11am. Empowering, Universal Spiritual Prin ciples, honoring the wisdom and divinity within you. Bridges Spiritual Centers, Wilton Plaza, 1881 NE 26th St, Ste 244, Wilton Manors, 33305. Call 954.530.6006.

IANDS South Florida- International Asso

ciation for Near Death Studies — 1st Sunday monthly, 4:30–6:30pm Meeting - Pavilion’s Gym (behind Main Hospital) Discussions in clude; Spiritually Transformative Experiences. All interested in the studies, are welcomed. University Hospital, 7201 N. University Dr, Tamarac. Questions Reverend Gail Fein, 305.798.8974.

Interfaith Sacred Celebrations of Spirit —

Weekly on Sunday evenings 6:30–7:30pm at Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution at a Healing Space, 840 E Oakland Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Rev. Dr. Grace Telesco 917.579.3750.

Free Meditation Gathering — 7–9pm, first Sunday each month. Guided meditation, kirtan, spiritual reading, Sivananda tradition. Yoga Warehouse, 508 SW Flagler Ave, downtown Ft Lauderdale, 954.525.7726.

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.

Group Shayman Sound Vibe Healing —

6:30pm $20. Just walk in. Crystal Junkie Metaphysical Shop 819 SE 8th Ave, Deerfield Beach 33441 Details, 954.254.3828.

Men and Women’s Support Group: Conscious

Awareness — 8–10pm. $25 per session. Designed for men and women to learn from each other regarding relationships, self-worth and the rewrite of negative patterns. Contact: Karen Kaye, LMHC, 954.384.1217 (landline).

tuesday

Schedule something for your health.

Free Tai Chi Classes — 5–6pm (except Holidays). Relax your mind and body at ATOM’s Wellness Center! Tai Chi is a low-impact, slowmotion exercise that can treat & prevent many health problems. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E. Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft. Lauderdale. 954.763.9840 ext. 219.

Sunset Yoga at Holiday Park — Free, donations accepted. 6:30pm. Call Mardi for additional info 786.227.2173.

thursday

Free Tai Chi Classes — 5–6pm. Relax your mind and body at ATOM’s Wellness Center! Tai Chi is a low-impact, slow-motion exercise that can treat & prevent many health problems. Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM), 100 E. Broward Blvd., Ste 100, Ft. Lauderdale. 954.763.9840 ext. 219.

Group Reiki Circle with Crystals — 6:15pm. $20. Just walk in. Crystal Junkie Metaphysical Shop, 819 SE 8th Ave, Deerfield Beach 33441, Details, 954.254.3828.

Free Teletalk on Ancestral Clearing/Emotional Release — 7pm, last Thursday of month. Learn how to release blocks and limiting beliefs and change energetic thought patterns, to move ahead to live with freedom, fulfillment and happiness! Call Ilka for details: 754.222.6971.

My Awakening Story — 7pm. My awakening, twin flame, psychic abilities story, shared weekly, episodically, anonymously. Floored, Just Floored, Type “floored JustFloored” in YouTube search bar.

friday

Tea Time — 10am–6pm. Enjoy an organic, crystal infused tea for $3 at Crystal Junkie Metaphysical Shop, 819 SE 8th Ave, Deerfield Beach 33441. Details 954.254.3828.

Reiki Circle — Noon & 7:30pm, $10. Love @ Bridges Spiritual Centers, Wilton Plaza, 1881 NE 26th St., Ste 244, Wilton Manors, 33305. Rev. Scott Friedman 954.854.7937.

Monthly Gallery Night, Meet the Artists,

Show & Sale — 6–11pm, (second Friday ea. mo). A great gathering of varied talents. Host/ Artist: Michael D. Colanero. Uncommon Gal lery, 2709 E Commercial Blvd, Ft Lauderdale, 954.336.4305.

saturday

Reiki Healing Circle — 9–10am, Free. Usui Reiki Circle. All are welcome. Love & Light Spiritual Emporium, 1419 E Commercial Blvd. Ste B, Oak land Park, FL, 33334, 954.261.3878.

Paddle With A Purpose, Waterway and Shore

line 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 encour aged. Location varies. Info, Robert Figueroa, 917.652.1050.

Free Reiki Circle — 10–11am. Divine Love Institute & Gift Shop, 2832 Stirling Rd, #H, Hollywood FL 33020. Conveniently located just west of I–95 on Stirling Rd, 954.920.0050.

The Sistrunk Farmers Market — 10am–2pm. Locally, organically grown fruits & vegetables, old fashioned family fun, Artisan Market Ven dors. Market hours EBT & SNAP accepted at the Market. Corner of Sistrunk Blvd & NW 10th Ave, Ft Lauderdale.

Rock Kirtan: Sacred Devotional Sing

ing — bi-weekly 7–8:30pm, $10. Darshan Center for Spiritual Evolution, 840 E Oak land Park Blvd, Ste 102, Oakland Park. Call Rev. G. 917.579.3750.

Daily — 9:30pm Join Sheri Kaplan for a Nightly Virtual Sound Healing Meditation on Zoom Live Stream. bit.ly/livestreamsoundbath. Call 646.876.9923 EST- bit.ly/localzoom -Meeting ID: 846 189 611-Virtual Tip Jar.

Sculpture is like farming. If you just keep at it, you can get quite a lot done. ~Ruth Asawa

classifieds

To order a listing, email Info@NaBroward.com or order online: NaBroward.com/classified. Due date is the 10th of the month.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD HERE – With Natural Awakenings Magazine, get real results, distributing monthly to over 25 cities throughout Broward County. Call our office today 954-630-1610.

community Resource Guide (crg)

An update

Why we may want to take a closer look at the Community Resource Guide this month with some information that seems to be “grayed out” and what that really means for us.

As we have been in communication with our advertisers who have either had their businesses closed down due to mandates, or other reasons at this time during the pandemic, many of these businesses were looking for ways to share that they are offering additional ways to connect, such as, an individual appointment, Video-Conferencing, Facebook, Zoom, email, website, etc. Collectively the idea of graying out their street address was created, and thus some of our resources listed, have a portion of their information in gray ink instead of black, denoting that their business location is currently not open. Their photo or logo is also purposely faded to reflect their temporary closure.

Some of the businesses that are listed here that are “GRAYED OUT” may be in the process of fully reopening. As the CDC guidelines are reviewed and put in place for the safety of us all, some companies may be “partially open.” As that can mean different things to different companies, we suggest you contact the individual companies to get the latest information.

Our digital version of the magazine nabroward.com/issues/ now has twice the views it normally has. Included within these GRAY CRG listings, additional links, besides the standard website, may be included, such as Instagram or LinkedIn. They are “active” within our digital issues, as we recognize the importance of having these links active. According to Google, “Links help our crawlers find your site and can give your site greater visibility in our search results.... Google interprets a link from page A to page B as a vote by page A for page B.”

You may want to connect with our advertisers, and thanks to the collaborative process, we have some additional choices. Be healthy; stay well.

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Upper Cervical Chiropractic, light force extremity adjusting, whole-food nutrition, Applied Kinesiology, The Emotion Code, Energy medicine, Mysofascial release.

COLON THERAPY

A COLON CARE CENTER Michele Miglino, LMT/CCT 837 SE 9th St. Deerfield Beach FL 33441 954-421-0703 954-695-6595, cell AColonCareCenter.com Colon hydrotherapy is one of the best things you can do for your health and wellness, and to keep your body functioning at peak efficiency. MM18325, MA0007506.

COUNSELING/THERAPY

KAREN KAYE, HOLISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPIST, LMHC 1500 Weston Rd. Weston FL 33326 954-384-1217 KarenKayeTherapist.com Therapists.PsychologyToday.com/rms/ name/Karen_L_Kaye_MS,LMHC_Weston_ Florida_35986 I am Natural Awakenings’ “Ask the Therapist.” Please refer to the column and archives for the many topics I specialize in. I counsel individuals, couples and families. You can also view my website.

Nothing is more beautiful than the loveliness of the woods before sunrise. ~George Washington Carver

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. Release “stuck” areas in your body that cause chronic pain: migraines, neck, low back, PTSD, anxiety, and more. It feels good to feel good! MA24266, MM30072. 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 Re rea An organic serene daily retreat to prevent or heal. Infrared saunas, massage, skincare, body scrubs and masques, holistic healing, energy therapy. Yoga, meditation, hydrotherapy. 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 –

TOTAL BALANCE 4 U TJ Robinson 2800 E. Commercial Blvd, Suite 211 Ft. Lauderdale FL 33308 954-234-3299 Thurs, 7:30am – 5pm. Land really is the best art. ~Andy Warhol

Ourstandards aren’t standard anywhereelse.

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. .

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INTEGRATIVE HYPNOSIS

FORT LAUDERDALE HYPNOSIS AND COACHING Catherine Edelson MA, CH 2550 N Federal Hwy. Fort Lauderdale FL 33305 954-745-0735 InFocus@CatherinEdelson.com FB business: Fort Lauderdale Hypnosis Hypnotists believe everything is hypnosis. We offer powerful, ecological and practical solutions to each client. Benefits are obvious as you allow it to happen! PRONUNCIATION COACH

PERFECT YOUR AMERICAN ACCENT Professor Alice Wujciak / woo-jack / 954-963-7661 PerfectYourAmericanAccent.com Upgrade your accent and speak English confidently. “Quick fixes to language issues.” Uncover and transform limiting and damaging belief systems with individual and group therapies, including heartcentered hypnotherapy and inner child healing. Free one half-hour consultation offered. SALON 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 CONSULTANT

DEBORA RAMOS 305-401-0607 DeboraRamos07@gmail.com DeboraRamos.com Angel Coach Readings and Therapy. Clear past lives, blocks to prosperity and relationships. Reiki (continuing education). Crystal therapist. Certified classes. Archangels Soy Candles.

PSYCHOTHERAPY

A HEALING SPACE Kris Drumm, LCSW, ACHT 954-549-0263 AHealingSpaceWiltonManors.com

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 English/Spanish. WELLNESS CENTER

DEEP ROOTS FAMILY WELLNESS 9532 Griffin Rd. Cooper City FL 33328 954-434-1800 DeepRootsHolistic.com Natural treatments for enhancing fertility, supporting pregnancy and postpartum, natural children’s remedies, lasting relief from pain, fatigue, i n s o m n i a , a n x i e t y, a n d migraines. Your personal consultation is free. MA39137

WHOLISTIC PHYSICIAN

DR. AMADI’S WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER Hepsharat Amadi, M.D., L.Ac. 10189 W. Sample Rd Coral Springs FL 33065 954-757-0064 954-757-2612, fax DrAmadi@DrAmadi.com GreatNaturalDoctor.com Primary Health Care with a Natural Approach including B i o i d e n t i c a l h o r m o n e replacement therapy, Quantum Biofeedback, Weight Loss, Detoxification, Natural Allergy Tr e a t m e n t , H e r b a l a n d Homeopathic Remedies, Supplements, Nutrition, Lifestyle Counseling and Circulation enhancement/BEMER therapy.