The Cellular Magic of Compassion

by Marlaina Donato

Dropping off a homemade treat on a neighbor’s porch or going out of our way for a stranger can make the recipient’s day, but the giver also gets a boost. Thanks to a scientifically proven cascade of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, performing regular acts of kindness forges new neural pathways in the brain, amping up our cognitive ability while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The “helper’s high” is as real as the runner’s high and, according to sources cited by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, neurotransmitters stimulated by compassion have a stronger influence on health and longevity than exercise and other positive lifestyle factors. Studies show that practicing kindness for just seven days increases happiness, but the magic is ephemeral. Oxytocin, the “love chemical” that bonds humans to each other, floods the bloodstream for only four minutes after a positive interaction, which means the more doors we hold for each other and the more we offer small soul-gifts to others, the more we train our brains to be happier and our bodies to be less sensitive to chronic pain patterns.

Of course, giving must be counterbalanced with a healthy ratio of receiving. Expressing compassion to ourselves is equally as important and effective. Including the self is paramount in purposeful generosity. Allowing ourselves the full range of human emotions without judgement, giving our bodies that much-needed extra hour of sleep, buying fresh flowers for our office and crediting ourselves for daily accomplishments are all easy ways to turn on endorphins.

The more joyful we can be in our own skins, the more likely we are to beam that joy out into the world. Being both giver and receiver to ourselves blesses us with an understanding of why expressing benevolence is vital to the planet. “The more you are motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be,” said the Dalai Lama, exemplifying how giving in itself is the greatest reward.

Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for healing the community. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Calendar Of Events

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Learn to Use Flower Essences: Powerful Emotional Healers — 6-8pm, Free. Heal Trauma, Grief, Energetic Protection, and Hundreds of Other Issues. Explore powerful healing remedies. Soothe Your Soul, 835 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. 561-650-2226 facebook.com/sootheyoursouljunobeach

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Get a Free Chakra Reading and Learn About Essential Oils and Crystals to Open and Activate Chakras — 6:30-8pm, Free. Soothe Your Soul, 835 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. 561-650-2226. facebook.com/ sootheyoursouljunobeach

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Free Intro to Herbal Medicine – Noon1pm. Curious about herbalism? Discover what herbal medicine is, how herbs are used, and ways to select helpful herbs. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsAndOwls.com/classes.

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

NewLife Two-Day Expo — March 11 & 12, for Rejuvenation and Enlightenment, “The Disneyland of Health & Wellness,” Exhibitors, Speakers, Yoga & More. DoubleTree Hilton, 100 Fairway Dr, Deerfield Beach, 516-897-0900. Opportunities & Tickets: NewLifeExpo.com

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

Budding Herbalist — 10am-1pm. 8-part program. May 10. Learn how to select and use herbs. Topics include: making tea, nourishing tonics, kitchen remedies, and more.

$695. Herbs & Owls, 725 N. Highway A1A, D-103, Jupiter. 561-768-9005. HerbsandOwls.com/budding-herbalist-program.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

Developing Your Intuition — 6:30–8pm Free. Everyone is intuitive; learn to develop your innate intuitive abilities through meditation, crystals, flower essences, and essential oils. Soothe Your Soul, 835 Donald Ross Rd, Juno Beach. 561-650-2226. facebook. com/sootheyoursouljunobeach

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

Aromatherapy for Health, Well Being and Spiritual Development — Learn how to use Essential oils for Healing, Stress Relief, Household, and Spiritual Uses. 6:30-8pm, Free. Soothe Your Soul 835 Donald Ross Road, Juno Beach. 561-650-2226. facebook. com/sootheyoursouljunobeach

Mark Your Calendar

Sol y Luna Tantric Shamanic Festival

A four-day retreat experience with a festival vibe to heal, transform and learn how to create meaningful relationships and intimacy. Sol y Luna is an immersion where we learn to master self-acceptance, self-love, and self-allowing. Sol y Luna is a safe gathering for learning, practicing, and embodying Tantric Shamanic practices

April 6 – 8am

H’OM, 25100 SW 153rd Ave, Homestead, 33032 Learn from 25 Relationship and Intimacy Experts. SolyLunaFestival.com

$575, 10% off with code Solyluna10.

Ongoing Events

tuesday saturday

Facebook Live Shop from Home –6:30-8:30pm. Enjoy some community, comic relief, and retail therapy all in one! Each week we feature a unique collection of items. Hang out with Margaret Ann, Cait, and Katrina while we show a wide selection of products from our shelves. on.fb.me/1I2Tql5. Free. TheCrystalGarden.com/product/ facebook-live-shop-from-home.

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.

Classifieds

Kindly use our online form to order. Due date is the 10th. NApalmbeach.com/pages/ classifieds.

Employment

SEEKING MATURE INDIVIDUAL –part time retail position, Soothe Your Soul Juno, Email resume customerservice@ sootheyoursoul.com.

For Rent

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

Business Opportunity

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

Acupuncture

GARDENS WHOLISTIC HEALTH CENTER

Dr. Bill Rice, DC, LAc, DCBCN

4360 Northlake Blvd., 2nd Floor Palm Beach Gardens, 33410

561-439-6644

Healthy-Answers.com

Experience Feeling Great!

Dr. Rice – a wholistic physician serving patients since 1977 using Acupuncture, Kinesiology, Gentle Chiropractic care and Nutritional Counseling. We Listen • We Care • We Get Results.

Alternative Medicine

THE HEALING CENTER FOR ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

16244 S. Military Trail, Suite 120 Delray Beach FL 33484

561-498-1414

DoctorEsther@att.net

Elishea.com

Dr. Esther Elisha, AP is a Hadassah Medical School graduate MD practicing alternative medicine.

• Acupuncture

• Homeopathy

• Holistic Therapy • Tailored Wellness Programs

• Pain Management

• General Health Enhancement

We accept all major insurance companies. Call to see if yours covers acupuncture!

Assisted Living

COURTYARD GARDENS OF JUPITER

1790 Indian Creek Drive West, Jupiter

561-743-5966

Marketing@CourtyardGardens.com

CourtyardGardens.com

Courtyard Gardens Of Jupiter offers Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult Day Care, & Respite for your loved ones. Peace of mind for you and a Piece of Adventure for your loved ones.

CANNABIS — MEDICAL MARIJUANA

DELIA WEISS MD & WELLNESS

Delia Weiss

500 Gulfstream Blvd., Suite 202 Delray Beach, FL 33483

561-243–8783

Info@DeliaWeissMD.com

DeliaWeissMD.com

Holistic Medical Cannabis consultation, rapid certification, guidance, treatment for many conditions including: Sleep; Pain; Stress; Cancer therapy sideeffects; Medicine side-effects. $155.00.

Call or Text 561-243-8783; or Email: Info@DeliaWeissMD.com

Chiropractic Physician

INNER HEALTH CHIROPRACTIC, LLC

Dr. Kristina Jensen, DC, Reiki Master 1000 Linton Blvd., Suite A7 Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-272-0388

InnerHealthChiropractic@hotmail.com

IHCChiro.com

Chronic Pain Specialist

THE DONATELLI WELLNESS CENTER

James J. Donatelli, Owner, Pain Specialist

200 Hypoluxo Rd, Ste. 104 Hypoluxo, FL 33462

561-221-7123

DonatelliWellness.com

Get relief from Back, Knee, Neck, and Shoulder Pain from Sports Injuries, Accidents, and Emotional Trauma. Come in with Pain and leave Pain-Free! MA69175, MM31053. Free Consultation. See ad pages 7 and 20.

Compression Socks

GO COMPRESSION

Info@GoCompressionLab.com

GoCompressionLab.com

Serving South Palm Beach County since 1992. We are committed to providing our patients with healthcare that is effective and affordable in a friendly and family oriented environment.

MARJAN KAVEH, DC, DACNB

7035 Beracasa Way Ste 104 Boca Raton, FL 33433 561-542-9755

ChiropractorHealth.net

20+ years experience helping patients to optimal health, transforming acute and chronic pain.

After the first visit, patients can pay using a sliding scale.

All-day wear, breathable compression socks made of durable fabric, mesh design, seamless woven construction. Leg protection and support. Promotes blood circulation and muscle recovery.

Conscious Tree Trimming

WOODY’S CREW TREE AND LANDSCAPE

561-325-8917

WoodysTreeCrew@gmail.com

WoodysTreeCrew.com

Experienced, Licensed and Insured. ISA Certified Arborist Techniques Used. Trees Big or Small We Do Them All! See ad page 18.

Craniosacral Therapy

EILEEN YOCHEVED HANDE, BS, MA, LMT

Back in Balance

7035 Beracasa Way, Ste 104 Boca Raton, FL 33433

561-715-6185

BodyMassageAndBeyond.com

Upledger Certified CranioSacral Therapy for All Ages and Alternative Pain Management/ Advanced Manual Therapies. I have developed innovative approaches to Pain Relief through the integration of these Advanced Healing Therapies for the treatment of: Trauma/Anxiety, Stress, Migraines, TMJ, Car Accident Injuries, Sciatica, Neck/Back Pain, etc. Since 1993.

MA14975, MM10999

Dating

REVOLUTION DATING

Kelly Leary, M.S. Clinical Psychology

5090 PGA Blvd #208, Palm Beach Gardens

561-630-XOXO (9696)

772-932-HERE (4373)

RevolutionDating.com

Attention: Single, divorced, and widowed readers! This awardwinning matchmaking firm has 31 years of experience bringing quality singles together. Their clientele ranges from young professionals to seniors from South Florida through the Treasure Coast. If you would like to find love offline — call today to book your private consultation.

Dental Health

GO NATURAL DENTISTRY

Yolanda Cintron, DMD

2021 E Commercial Blvd., Ste. 208 Fort Lauderdale FL 33308

855-381-6001

954-945-7355 (new patients)

GoNaturalDentistry.com

All phases of dentistry for optimum health, holistic, biocompatible dentistry.

Functional Medicine

MERNA MATILSKY, M.D.

Boca Center for Healthy Living

2900 N. Military Trail, Suite 245

Boca Raton, FL 33431

561-994-2007

BocaMed.com

Facebook.com/bocaimaginewellness

Services Provided by Dr. Matilsky include Integrative Medicine, Age Management Medicine, BioIdentical Hormone Therapy, Healthy Lifestyle Management, and Weight Loss Programs. Call for details on attending a free seminar on the Solution to Imbalanced Hormones.

HEALTH & WELLNESS SPA

ZEN SWEAT DEN, SAUNA SPA

4514 S Dixie Hwy, WPB, FL 33405 561-223-2156

Boost your immunity, reduce inflammation, “Relax, Detox & Recover” with holistic modalities, private Infrared Saunas, LED Light Therapy, Hydromassage & Vibration Therapy, and on staff Health/ Life Coach.

Herb Medicine

HERBS & OWLS

Gina Kearney, RH (AHG), Clinical Herbalist

725 N Hwy A1A, D-10, Jupiter, FL 33477 561-768-9005

HerbsAndOwls.com

Offering Private Herbal Consults, Flower Essence Therapy and Herbal & Shamanism classes. Visit our Herb Shop with 200+ herbs, barks, flowers & roots plus, tinctures, oils, crystals & more!

Holistic Hair Salon

GLISTEN ORGANIC SALON

14545 S. Military Trail

Phenix Salon Suites, Suite 102 Delray Beach, FL 33484

561-767-0371

GlistenOrganic@gmail.com

GlistenSalon.com

“Where nature and beauty meet.” A hidden jewel in the heart of Central Delray. Come and relax in the serene, private environment while receiving the finest in organic and conventional services and products. Let our experience and professionalism guide you to Delray’s First and Best Organic Salon. Celebrating 12 years! See ad page 27.

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 scalphair detox, and jet rejuvenation. Hair coloring with Henna or ecofriendly dyes, and formaldehydefree keratine.

Holistic Veterinarian

HEALING HEART

Nancy A. Keller, DVM, CVH, CVA, CVC 222 W. Boynton Beach Blvd. Boynton Beach, FL 33435

561-740-1313

561-740-0819, fax augmentation

Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Medicine. Holistic Veterinary Care for our animal friends. See ads on page 7 & 20. By appointment only.

DNA Testing

• Removing of toxic metals

• Sedation dentistry

• Replacing them with bio-compatible materials

• Laser dentistry for painless surgeries & extractions

• Natural bone

• Zirconia/ ceramic implants

/ Plasma Rich Growth Factor

• Add gums to receding gums.

• Oral

Hypnotherapy

PALM BEACH PSYCHOTHERAPY

Lisa Lee, LMHC CHt.

1515 North Federal Hwy, Suite 300

Boca Raton, FL 33432

561-289-3663

Lisa@PBPT.cc

PalmBeachPsychotherapy.com

Let Hypnosis help you take steps to improve your life forever! Lisa Lee, Master Hypnotist, provides quick, effective solutions for anxiety, depression, grieving, and other issues. Contact for an appointment.

Integrative Medicine

DEBORAH A. DEMARTA, MD, FACS, FAARFM

Institute of Health & Wellness

218 SW Atlanta Ave, Stuart, FL 34994

772-539-9556

InstituteHealthWellness.com

Anti-Aging, Functional and Regenerative Medicine. Colorectal Surgery and Functional GI, hormone replacement, food allergy and nutritional testing, IV vitamin therapy, heavy metals testing, medical aesthetics, THERMIva vaginal rejuvenation, ThermiSmooth skin tightening, HALO skin resurfacing, BBL BroadBand Light skin therapy, laser hair removal, botox and fillers, skin care, weight loss. See ad page 23.

Intuitive Counseling

DR. DEBORAH ARMENTI

561-285-1479, Fort Lauderdale AMysticalAge@yahoo.com

AMysticalAge.com

Empower Yourself/ Holistic, Healer/ Health Coach Life/ Relationship Guide to help you with the when, what, and why of past experiences. Be empowered to a higher level of mind, body, and spirit. Expertise includes: Relationships, finance, family, health, past life influences, life purpose, path fulfillment, energy healing, and spiritual health.

Intuitive Healer

JANE GRAY FORD

561-827-3319

JaneGrayFord.com

It’s all about energy! Blockages occur in the physical body through karma, genetics, or experiences. Ford uses Hypnosis and an Intuitive understanding of energy frequencies to help heal her clients.

Mind Body Spirit Wellness

HEALING MOMENTS HOLISTIC WELLNESS CENTER

“A Healing Playroom”

Tracy McDonough MSW LMT

3200 N Federal Highway #107 Boca Raton, FL 33431

561-931-2187

Spa@HealingMomentsFL.com

We offer Post-Surgery Lymphatic Drainage, Massage Therapy, Certified Health Coaching, Physical Therapy, Reiki / Quantum Touch Healing, Vibroacoustic Sound Therapy, Meditation, Chakra Balancing, BEMER Therapy, Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, Kangen Water and many other healing products and services. Goals are: Stress Reduction, Pain Management, Detoxification, & more. MM36169, MA27196

Primary Care Physician

DELIA WEISS MD & WELLNESS

500 Gulfstream Blvd., Suite 202 Delray Beach, FL 33483

561-243–8783

Info@DeliaWeissMD.com

DeliaWeissMD.com

Internal Medicine, Primary Care, and Holistic Health for adults. Acute/chronic illness treated. Blood vessel health. Nutrition, Weight, Anti-aging, Dementia prevention, Nutrient supplement consultation.

We take a proactive health and wellness approach. Telemedicine and private medical text messaging. Home visits for Medicare homebound. We accept insurances, Medicare, and direct pay.

Sound Therapy

CENTER FOR CONSCIOUS THINKING & CONSCIOUS LIVING

Mi Sun Donahue

781-367-5421, Lake Park MiSunsYoga@gmail.com

MiSuns.com

Sound Therapy — removes blockages to heal. Special instruments create frequencies focused on healing, boosting the immune system, and more. Additional services: Yoga, Energy Healing.

Spiritual Bookstore

THE CRYSTAL GARDEN

2610 N Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL

561-369-2836

TheCrystalGarden.com

A unique gift store, book store, and spiritual center with more than 50 events a month. Check the calendar and website for listings. See ad page 10.

Sprouts

GOT SPROUTS?

8420 Resource Rd

Riviera Beach, 33404

561-689-9464

Info@GotSprouts.com

GotSprouts.com

Purveyors of Quality

Wheatgrass, Sprouts, Juicers, Seed and Supplies. We supply Juice bars, Restaurants, Green Markets, Grocery Stores, and The General Public with Healthy Sprouts! We Ship and Deliver. See ad page 8.

Tantra

LOURDES STARSHOWER

561-843-1261

LourdesTantra@gmail.com

TantraHealerFlorida.com

Lourdes Starshower is an Advanced Certified Tantra Educator and Founder of the Ecstatic Dakini Tantra Practitioner Certification Program. Sacred Sexuality Coach, Relationship Coach, Clairvoyant Energy Healer, Ordained Minister, Hypnotherapist and EMDR Therapist. Video program, “Tantra Practices for Divine Ecstasy.” Private PBG office or Zoom meetings. A free phone consultation available.