eco-conscious • healthy • fun • creative
Spring Renewal
ISSUE 2 VOLUME 1 SPRING 2019
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY PUBLISHER TRUE LIFESTYLE GROUP, INC. 257 Grand Street #1152 Brooklyn, NY 11211 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | CO-PUBLISHER Jennifer Wojcieski CREATIVE DIRECTOR | CO-PUBLISHER Daniella Cippitelli CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Nick Yasinosky Chef Robert Springer Linda Lombardo April Diane CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Munger Robert Springer Jessica Sorrentino CONTACT TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE 257 Grand Street #1152 Brooklyn, NY 11211 (646) 907-9655 hello@truelifestylemagazine.com
Issue 2, Volume 1 - Spring 2019
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Cover Photo by Daniella Cippitelli
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Daniella Cippitelli creative director
Publisher’s Letter Spring, one of my favorite seasons. The smell in the air starts changing, the weather gets warmer and the world gets greener, depending on where you live. In the northeast United States the grass starts getting green again and the flowers start springing up. The earth is waking up from its winter slumber. Pretty soon we will start to see the baby birds hatching and the wildlife starting to scurry about. There is a magic in the air that you can feel and a sense of being connected to the universe and nature. Milder weather in many areas also means the season of outdoor sporting events. But before the weekend warriors take it out there for their glory, it is wise to train properly for the activities you enjoy. Ever so popular on the everyday athlete’s list is the beloved marathon. We lace up the kicks this issue to bring you safe and effective guidelines to training for that marathon, whether you are new to running or have a collection of bibs and medals. It’s also a great time to talk about the arts. The music and art festivals and outdoor concert season will soon be in full swing. While the most associated vision of visual art is in the context of galleries, museums and fairs, we take it to the streets this issue and get a look at some of the amazing street art throughout New York City. And we can’t forget to talk about cuisine, after indulging all winter on the ‘comfort’ side of things we slip into something lighter. Perhaps you can even start getting local seasonal vegetables in your area.
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Table of Contents
6
14
10
Personal Growth
Self Care
Health
Spring Renewal
Not Just A Pretty Scent
Weather to Run
Honoring the cycle of Nature that lives within us and embracing all Spring offers.
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The aromatic power of flowers help our psyche transition into the new season.
Quality foundation principles that yield maximum results for your best performance.
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
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26
20
Cuisine
Travel
The Arts
Earth and Sea
A Monumental Spring
Take to the Streets
Refresh the palate with this ancient grain and seafood delight flavored by the earth.
Taking a different path to enjoy the beauty of the Cherry Blossoms in Washington D.C.
A photographic journey of amazing art that does not require an admission fee.
The Pause ......................................................pg.25
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PERSONAL GROWTH
Spring Renewal
By Linda Lombardo
Our hearts, minds, and bodies long to celebrate the coming of Spring. Even if it hasn’t been a long, hard winter, there’s something in our internal clocks that tell us it is time for renewal. It’s no wonder, since Spring renewal, marked by the Vernal Equinox in late March, is in our ancestral DNA. Consider all the stone circles and structures around the world in remote places, such as Teotihuacan and the pyramids in Mexico or the Senegambian Stone Circles in The Gambia. And then, of course, the most-photographed Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England, along with thousands and thousands of other Neolithic stones structures and circles in the UK alone, with magical names such
Photo by Jennifer Wojcieski
PERSONAL GROWTH
as The Whispering Knights or the King’s Men. If you’re a fan of the Outlander books or TV series, you know of the stone monolith in Scotland, the fictional Craigh na Dun, based on the very real Callanish Stones. They hum like a frenzy of bees as ancient dances are performed on moonlit nights until the sun rises between the stones, to begin a new day; a new season; to renew. And it’s not only in remote corners of the world. Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, USA, for example, is home to enormous natural and human-made structures: Fajada Butte along with Wijiji and Piedra del Sol, Pueblo Bonito and Casa Rinconada, all designed to capture the alignments of the seasons*. Our ancestors lived by the seasons. We live by the seasons, too, but in a very different way. Our hearts, minds, and bodies still want that ancient renewal. That’s why it always feels right to intention change, rebirth, growth, and renewal for the arrival of Spring. But what do we do? As modern-day humans, we think about finally decluttering the attic, basement, or garage. We go through our closets and decide what stays and what goes, and there’s always one item that remains, even if we haven’t worn it in ages, or ever worn it, it’s tag still acknowledging that there was something about it that we liked. We lament the extra weight we put on during our winter dormancy, vowing to lose it before the vacation or bathing suit season. We get the house painted, our windows washed. We are in the do-ing of Spring, once the warmer weather comes. We also clear out the mental and emotional clutter that modern-day humans seem to collect. We are suddenly eager to release any tolerations in our lives, the things that don’t serve us, and instead, create renewal and rebirth, whether it be in our lifestyle, our health, our relationships or our jobs. Often, we wait until Spring to do just that. Our hearts, minds, and bodies remember. So, these modern-day intentions often come as tasks on our human to-do list ‘once the weather gets warmer.’
What is Renewal? Renewal requires an opening of the heart, mind, and body to new thoughts, new ideas, new behaviors, yes. Renewal shouldn’t be a to-do list, and it certainly doesn’t have to be a ‘stop/start’ behavior that stops in November or December and waits to begin again in March or April. In the words of Pablo Neruda, “Perhaps the Earth can teach
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Photo by Jennifer Wojcieski
SECTION HEADING
us, as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive.” It only takes a walk in the woods or in your garden, to see the trees, some who’ve set their buds for the coming Spring in next Fall, offering the thought, “You may think I’m dormant, and yet, I am already in renewal. As should you be.” The trees are more aligned with James Russell Lowell’s “Each day the world is born anew for him who takes it rightly” than what the experts say about making Spring resolutions. More resolutions that we have to take care of or let go of, wondering why they’ve failed a month or two later? Consider those New Year’s resolutions and ask yourself, do you want more of that? Clean out the garage, donate some clothes, change the job or the relationship. That is not what Spring renewal is about. There is no prescribed method about how to renew. We know in our hearts, minds, and bodies how to renew in our own unique and personal way. Call it our heart’s longing, or our mind’s yearning; our body’s hunger for connection to the seasons.
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PERSONAL GROWTH
“We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise, we harden.” - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Honor the seasons, the cycles of nature that live within us; honor the ancient memories of knowing we are part of the greater whole. Be amongst nature, dig in the garden, get your hands dirty, play like a child in the warm, dark earth. And if you must, call it working, if playing in the dirt is unseemly. Do what makes you happy. Leave the Spring to-do list on the fridge. You’ll get to it eventually. Linda Lombardo is a certified life coach and forest therapy guide living on Long Island, NY. Her work includes life purpose and one-on-one coaching in nature. She writes and podcasts at Voice of Evolution Radio. You may find her at www.thevoiceofevolution.com and www.liforestwalks.com.
Photo by Jennifer Wojcieski
https://exploratorium.edu/chaco/HTML/fajada.html
HEALTH
Weather to Run by Nick Yasinosky
Prepare Well, Finish Strong PRE - MARATHON TRAINING If you have never run a marathon before give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Start by slowly building a quality base that is not too aggressive with reasonable and achievable goals. Base training is just as necessary as your peak training and should not be overlooked or neglected.
Photo by Filip Mroz
During this phase the body will adapt to building endurance, increasing strength in your muscles, and allow the connective tissue to begin the neurological response needed for what you are looking to achieve. If you approach this section too fast or just go into training, you can open up the possibility of getting injured and decrease your efforts for training further. The idea of building a quality base training program will allow you to gauge your level of intensity not only for speed but for distance as well. The goal is to improve and increase the overall effectiveness of your entire training cycle.
Photo by Filip Mroz
When you feel comfortable with where you are in the base training, then we would move on to the next phase of harder and faster running. Try different combinations of running, like running hills, tempo runs, distance runs, or sprints, just to name a few. Focus on any weakness that you may have. What area do you feel that you are not so strong in? Work your running gait and any possible muscular imbalances. If you are able to build a training program that will exceed the marathon that you have in mind, then you will be “over prepared” sort of speak and will over succeed.
Photo by Martins Zemlickis
HEALTH
Give each of your workouts a purpose or different focus either with a visual or auditory distraction. Make the workouts fun! POST - MARATHON TRAINING For the first few days after your race, allow yourself to completely rest, meaning do nothing at all. Allow your body to recover fully; take hot baths, book massages. This will increase blood flow (vasodilation) and speed up recovery. Keep up on a high carbohydrate caloric intake to regulate and restore the depleted glycogen levels. It is also essential to keep the water intake up as we get dehydrated from running such long distances. All of these procedures will help expedite the recovery process. By the end of the week and the beginning of the next, start back with a brisk walk and of jog using maybe 50-60 percent
of your max. If anything starts to present itself negatively, stop immediately. The body may not be able to endure this demand just yet. Most of the time mentally we think that we are ready to go back to training when in actuality physically we are not. We don’t have to “work through it” or have the mindset of “no pain no gain.” Pain is the first defense indicator that our body sends out that something is wrong. We do not want pain ever! We want all of our systems working together like a welloiled machine. The main focus of implementing these protocols is to have the mind, body, and spirit all heal so we can look forward to the next exciting goal. Nick Yasinosky, ISSA CFT, is a certified fitness professional with over 20 years experience in competitive bodybuilding and the fitness industry. Contact Nick to achieve your personalized fitness goals at nickyaz77@gmail.com and follow him at www.Instagram.com/nick_yasinosky.
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SELF CARE
Not Just Another Pretty Scent By Jennifer Wojcieski
T
he allure of fragrance dates as far back to the time of the ancient Egyptians. Archaeologists uncovered the earliest perfume factory in Cyprus and believed it existed in 2000BC. Perfumery then spread across the globe, typically used in religious ceremonies or as a symbol of prominent status. Over time, the science of perfumery became a work of art, similar to the way we perceive it today. People began to discover the potential for a scent to impact the mind and started to use it for more than just covering up a foul odor. Or perhaps the power of aroma existed all along in the subconscious mind? What is it that makes us desire these scents? Our reaction to a particular aroma, whether it is a memory, instant uplifting of the spirit, or even being rid of a headache, has primary roots in aromatherapy. Early perfumes were created with the essential oils from plants and glandular secretion of animals. In modern times, due to the high cost and ethics, true animal scents are rarely used and often synthetically made. But some modern perfumes still use plant essence or essential oils. In truth, this is a form of aromatherapy, even if not marketed that way. The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) defines aromatherapy as �the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of the body, mind, and spirit.�*
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Photo by Annie Spratt
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SELF CARE
Aroma is sensed by the olfactory nerve in the nose, and this nerve impulse is carried to the hypothalamus in the brain. In a millionth of a second, scent can spark an emotional response because of its direct impact on the limbic system. But let us forget about the technicalities and focus on the emotional reactions brought about by aromas. When the seasons change from winter to spring, we feel a spark of energy as the earth is imbued with color. We think it is because the sun is shining and the weather is warmer that we feel optimistic and ready to embark on an adventure. But it is much more than that. In many instances, we can thank a flower, such as a tulip. The intensity of this aroma rejuvenates the senses and invigorates the mind. It alleviates anxiety and tension after a long winter of hibernation. The tulip boosts the spirit, thereby curbing negative thoughts. A daffodil has a playful floral design, with these adorable little heads protruding from a stem. The aroma, however, is what projects its playfulness. The slightly sweet scent is light, feminine, and captivates the mind. Daffodils are extremely useful in reducing irritability and tension after a long workday. The essential oil of the hyacinth is touted as very valuable and not often used due to its expense. However, this plant essence
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SELF CARE
has the potential as a remedy for addictions, depression, and exhaustion. Hyacinth can help to alleviate the grieving from losing someone as well as overcome anxiety and fear. A genuinely amazing flower that can help refresh the psyche. So you see, this optimism we feel at springtime is the result of breathing in the aromas of the earth and its new beginnings. Mother Nature knows how to take care of us after a long winter. The aromas of flowers are not just another pretty scent. Jennifer Wojcieski is the owner and brainchild of in2ition Mercantile, an online boutique offering sustainable and holistic products with an emphasis on design. Jennifer has an education in Aromatherapy and uses her knowledge of naturalbeautyingredientsin her own skincare creations. You can find her all natural handmade products at www.in2itionmercantile.com
*(https://naha.org/explore-aromatherapy/about-aromatherapy/what-is-aromatherapy/)
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Photo by Robert Springer
CUISINE
Spice Salmon with Carrot Farro Serves 2
Add vegetable stock and carrot juice to sauce pan and bring to boil. Lower to simmer, then add salt and farro. Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring. While simmering farro, heat sauté pan (preferably non-stick if you have one available) on high heat and add vegetable oil (or any neutral oil with a high smoke point). Take both salmon filets and place skin side down. Once oil is shimmering, hold the salmon down to prevent it from curling away from the pan for the first few seconds. Cook for 1-2 minutes under high heat, then lower to medium/high until skin is nice and crispy and releases from the pan easily. Turn salmon over and cook on the flesh side still on medium heat. Remove salmon and set aside reserve oil in pan. Now mix in shallots and tomatoes with cumin/salt/pepper into the same pan and add a touch of oil if necessary.
Ingredients For the Fish (2) 6 ounce each salmon filets with skin 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (save a few intact leaves for plating) ½ teaspoon cumin Salt and pepper to taste 2 shallots thinly sliced Farro 2 cups semi-pearled farro 2 cups vegetable stock 2 cups carrot juice
After 2-3 minutes, when shallots have turned translucent, add the red wine vinegar. Remove farro from sauce pan and fold in cilantro season to taste. Plate the farro, place fish skin side up on top, then spoon over shallots and tomatoes. Bon Appetit!
Chef Robert Springer is the owner of Chef Springer Catering and Private Chef. He is the winner of “The Mentorship with Tom Colicchio”, sponsored by Bravo TV. Chef Springer specializes in fine dining tasting menus for the epicurean at heart. In addition to catering private events, he is also available for in-home cooking and private tasting menus at clients’ homes. Contact Chef Springer at RobertSpringerFB@gmail.com and follow him at www.instagram.com/chefspringerish/. www.truelifestylemagazine.com 19
THE ARTS
Take To The Streets A new way to experience art With the arrival of milder weather, there is no better time to get out into the sunlight and air. While most people would think having a change of scenery might mean a weekend mountain hike, it can also mean a walkabout in your own city. In fact, you can find some truly inspirational and fun art by merely taking it to the streets and looking up. New York City is not just an art mecca in the formal sense of the word but also in the very unexpected ways messages, and creativity is presented to us. And while it is always a great experience to visit the plethora of museum buildings, sometimes we can experience so much in the simple act of observing our surroundings. Chris Munger shared with us some of the great “gritty� treasures along his path in this iconic city known for its fine arts and culture. Chris Munger, entrepreneur, & owner of Munger Music Inc, works in new business, branding, negotiating, company acquisitions, partnerships and consulting. He oversees, streamlines and rolls out new technologies as well as develops new joint ventures. You can catch up with him at www.mungermusic.com and on instagram at www.instagram.com/mungermusicinc/
THE ARTS
All photos in Take To The Streets by Chris Munger
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Photo by Daniella Cippitelli
THE ARTS
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TRAVEL
A Monumental Spring
by Jennifer Wojcieski, AIA
T
Photo by Jessica Sorrentino
ime of year is essential when traveling to any destination as our experiences vary based on the seasons. The beginning of Spring is the perfect time to visit Washington DC for an amazing dance with nature, for this is the time when the cherry trees bloom.
Photo by Brian Kraus
In 1912, Japan gifted the United States with 3000 of these breathtaking cherry trees, which now grace the pathways surrounding the Tidal Basin, leading to the Jefferson Memorial. Their pink and white blossoms invite you to walk below their branches and share in their beauty. Cherry blossoms are a friendly flower with a peaceful message, signifying the lasting friendship between Japan and the United States, and the flowers seem to smile at you when you walk by. Every year, Washington D.C. hosts a magnificent Cherry Blossom Festival, filled with cultural performances, special events, art exhibits and more to celebrate the arrival of Spring. This year, the Festival is officially set between March 20th and April 13th. It is never a guarantee that the trees will bloom during this time, but the National Park Service keeps watch and will post notifications online1. Tourism is at an all-time high during the Festival, so planning before a trip is essential. The absolute best way to travel around Washington D.C. is via The Metro. This pristine subway extends to the key areas of the Capitol city like the snaky locks of Medusa. Peak operating hours in the morning end around 9:30am and pick up again around 3pm in the afternoon, so be sure to travel between these time frames to avoid hectic commuters. If plans are to stay in the area to visit all that D.C. has to offer, definitely purchase a SmarTrip card which will help quicken travel time and save money. One major thing to remember when riding the DC Metro is to not eat or drink in the station or on the trains. This is unlawful, and the police will issue a citation. Instead, embrace the awe of the vaulted structural coffers overhead while waiting for your ride.
Photo by Sarah Ferrante Goodrich
TRAVEL
When visiting the typical tourist sites, such as the blooming Cherry Trees, it is best to plan an outing midweek. This will ensure fewer tourists, which makes for a peaceful stroll with fewer interruptions and more opportunities to capture the natural beauty in photographs. Pack a delicious lunch and means of hydration for a gorgeous day outdoors. As you step off the Smithsonian Station, try not to be lured towards the National Mall. Wandering through the interspersed gardens and plethora of museums here would consist of a day or two in itself! It is best to section off areas when visiting Washington D.C. to make the most of your time and energy. Although on a map this area may seem an easy walk, trust that the monumental streets can tire a person out quickly. This spring day, focus on enjoying a route less traveled. Continue on Independence Avenue SW towards the Tidal Basin. The Washington Monument will be to the right, but be sure not to miss the discreet Floral Library to the left. The 93 beds of tulips will begin their bloom at this time and are a soft prelude to the intensity of the cherry blossoms. Crossing over the bridge at the north end of the water, be on the lookout for the Japanese Lantern, given to the United States in 1954 by the governor of Tokyo, Japan. This stone statue is lit during the Cherry Blossom Festival and begins the pathway around the water’s edge.
Photo by Brian Kraus
On a slightly breezy day, the blossoming petals break free of the branches and flutter like silky snowflakes all around. There is a break in the tree path at the northwest end of the
TRAVEL
water that directs the eye towards the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. This striking visual representation of the unwavering faith, strength, and leadership of one of the greatest civil rights leaders in history is meant for pause. Two massive granite pillars closest to the street corner represent the “Mountain of Despair.” Facing the water is the third massive granite pillar with a full body carving of Martin Luther King, Jr. known as the “Stone of Hope.” Turning back to the water, the Jefferson Memorial glistens in the sunlight on the other end of the Tidal Basin. This may seem to be the final destination, but there are more surprises hidden amongst the flowering cherry trees. Meander from the path slightly towards the public restroom ahead only to be captivated by a discreet labyrinth of granite walls. Allow the outdoor rooms and structured fountains to tell the story of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, the 32nd president of the United States, and his moral and spiritual legacy. A Japanese Pagoda, gifted to the District of Columbia by the mayor of Yokohama, Japan in 1957, marks the end of the FDR Memorial and shifts the journey back to the water’s edge. Cross the small bridge that extends over the water inlet from the Potomac River and continue walking toward the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The south bank of the Tidal Basin was filled in just so this original adaptation of Neoclassical architecture could be strategically placed in a north-south axis with the White House. Ascend the vast marble and granite steps of the Jefferson Memorial and once at the top level, turn towards the north to take in the commanding view across the Tidal Basin to the Washington Monument and White House. Gaze towards the left to see a glimpse of the Lincoln Memorial at the far end of the Reflecting Pool. The most dramatic impact is the explosion of color that surrounds the Tidal Basin, signifying the beginning of Spring. Complete the circle by ending the afternoon at the Tidal Basin Welcome Area. Here you can rent a swan or paddle boat, soak up the sun on the water, and experience the cherry blossoms from a different view. The National Cherry Blossom Festival headquarters tent is located here and a perfect end to the day, with an invitation to a variety of cultural performing arts that celebrate the beauty of nature and international friendship.
Jennifer Wojcieski is a Registered Architect and LEED Green Associatewho ispassionate about sustainability and excels in implementing creative solutions in design and planning.Her work focuses on the experience received in the environmentsthat surround us, which impart various metaphysical and psychological imprints that affect the wellness of not only humans but animals and the earth. Jennifer welcomesmindful collaborations with other creative thinkers. Connect with her fore new projectsherehttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-wojcieski/
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Perhaps the earth can teach us, as when everything seems dead and later proves to be alive. -Pablo Neruda
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