eco-conscious • healthy • fun • creative
The Beauty Beneath the Surface
ISSUE 1 VOLUME 2 WINTER 2020
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED QUARTERLY PUBLISHER TRUE LIFESTYLE GROUP, INC. PO Box 1030 Bethpage, NY 11714 EDITORIAL DIRECTOR | CO-PUBLISHER Jennifer Wojcieski CREATIVE DIRECTOR | CO-PUBLISHER Daniella Cippitelli CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Joanne Rydzewski Linda Lombardo April Diane Chef Robert Springer Lydia Baur Victor Savona Karen Danchalski CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joanne Rydzweski Robert Springer Jennifer Wojcieski CONTACT TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PO Box 1030 Bethpage, NY 11714 (646) 907-9655 Issue 1, Volume 2 - Winter 2020
DISCLAIMER: The publisher is not responsible for any buying and
Cover Photo by Joanne Rydzewski
selling transactions incurred, or for any other use of the contents of
ADVERTISING: Artwork specifications and advertising rates are available
this publication.
at truelifestylemagazine.com. NOTICE: Subscription rates, frequency of publication, contents, policies, E-MAIL LIST: TLM never sells its email list. Occasionally we will send infor-
advertising requirements and rates are subject to change at any time
mation or advertising supplied from third party companies to our e-mail
by TLM.
list but we do not release our e-mail address list directly to anyone. You can always opt-out of receiving information from our e-mail list.
LEGAL NOTICE: The entire contents of this publication including but not limited to the articles, advertising, events, listings, etc. are the intellec-
PUBLISHING RIGHTS: Unless other arrangements are made: (1) All re-
tual property of True Lifestyle Group, Inc.. Any unauthorized use includ-
ceived materials (ads, articles, letters, correspondence, email, photos,
ing but not limited to the reproduction or distribution of the contents of
artwork, etc.) becomes the property of TLM , and may be edited, com-
this publication without prior written permission is an infringement of the
bined with other material, published, and will not be returned. (2) For
copyright protection.
all received materials, TLM is granted publishing and reprint rights in all forms of media.
daniella cippitelli creative director
Publisher’s Letter
Winter is a perfect time to reset. We tend to use the new year as a time to set our intentions on new goals, new ideas, taking a step back from the previous year, nurturing ourselves and getting ready to awaken in the spring. For many it’s our dormant season. Like the beauty of Alaska, the power hides beneath the surface. Underneath is what we’re made of. Do you take the time to nurture and develope your mind and spirit as well as your body? Beauty, in truth is NOT only skin deep. In this issue we focus on taking the time to care for your mind and body. What are your senses telling you? What thoughts are you translating to yourself? From a delectible dessert recipe that focuses on fruit to discovering the benefits of float therapy. We focus on personal growth and the importance of setting your intentions for the day on positive notes. We also take a peek at Art on Paper, be sure to check out this year’s show if you are in NYC. Enjoy the cozy months of self discovery!
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Table of Contents
12
20
6
Personal Growth
Self Care
Health
It Came to Serve Me
Float Therapy
Mind is All
Challenges come to serve us. Will you allow yourself to grow?
4 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
The concept of floating in saltwater for relaxation and healing has been around for hundreds of years.
Positive thoughts can change your outlook and change your day. There is truth behind mind over matter.
TRUE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
27
29
15
Cuisine
The Arts
Travel
Delight
Art on Paper
Land of the Midnight Sun
Modern and contemporary art defies tradition and explores a new destination... paper.
Take a step into the beauty and awe of wild Alaska. A beautiful, mysterious place that awakens the senses.
Take comfort in this delectible creamy dessert.
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 5
HEALTH
Mind Is All By Linda Lombardo
“A positive attitude is a mindset that helps you see and recognize opportunities.” “A positive attitude means positive thinking. It is optimism and maintaining a positive mindset.” “Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life and expects positive results.” I don’t know about you, but I was taught in school that you never define a word using that word. So, most of these online definitions leave me no closer to understanding what a positive outlook might be or how to get one. A bit negative of me, I know, as I search for this elusive thing called a positive outlook. As a little girl, one of my favorite books was Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, written in 1913. If you’re not familiar with the book, or the subsequent movie starring Haley Mills, or any of the “Glad Books” series, the story is about a little orphaned girl who loses her mother at an early age and then loses her father, a missionary. Pollyanna is sent to live with her wealthy but stern Aunt Polly, who takes no prisoners when it comes to positivity. You see, Pollyanna plays a game, taught to her by her father, called the Glad Game. It’s about finding the ‘glad’ in the sadness or misfortune. Aunt Polly initially wants none of it. In her mind, life is not about gladness. It’s about responsibility and obligation. In fact, the whole town is stuck in its story about life. Everyone has a story of loss, sadness, missed opportunity, and more. And with no one to shake them out of their stories, they live their quiet lives, going through the motions … but not really happy; just resigned.
Here’s an example, in which Pollyanna explains the Glad Game to Nancy, the housemaid:
6 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
Photo by Bekka Mongeau from Pexels
One by one, Pollyanna touches their lives, which at first is jolting to the townspeople. “Don’t touch my story of personal tragedy. Don’t dare tell me to be happy with all that’s going on in my world.” And being so young, it would have been easy to write off Pollyanna’s natural positive outlook as that of a child, who hasn’t really experienced the world yet. Except, she had.
HEALTH
“Why, we began it on some crutches that came in a missionary barrel.” “CRUTCHES!” Nancy exclaimed. “Yes. You see, I’d wanted a doll, and father had written them so; but when the barrel came, the lady wrote that there hadn’t any dolls come in, but the little crutches had. So, she sent them along as they might come in handy for some child, sometime. And that’s when we began it.” “Well, I must say I can’t see any game about that,” declared Nancy, almost irritably. “Oh, yes; the game was to just find something about everything to be glad about—no matter what ‘twas,” Pollyanna said earnestly. “And we began right then—on the crutches.” “Well, goodness me! I can’t see anything to be glad about—getting a pair of crutches when you wanted a doll!” Pollyanna clapped her hands. “There is—there is,” she crowed. “But I couldn’t see it, either, Nancy, at first,” she added, with quick honesty. “Father had to tell it to me.” “Well, then, suppose YOU tell ME,” almost snapped Nancy. “Goosey! Why just be glad because you don’t—NEED— ‘EM!” exulted Pollyanna, triumphantly[1]. And ultimately, when Pollyanna herself gives up on positivity, due to a crippling accident that requires life-threatening surgery, its all the people she’s touched who come to her aid to bring back a positive outlook and mindset. What we know: People who hold a positive outlook experience less stress; they are healthier. It doesn’t mean they never have challenges. It means they have a different way of looking at those challenges.
8 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
HEALTH
Here are some thoughts about what might keep us in a more positive frame of mind: 1.Keep a gratitude journal: You may not write in it every day, and when you feel the weight of life around you, penning some grateful words may help you put that weight in perspective, revive a memory and stimulate the good hormones in our brains and body. These are from my own gratitude journal, which I’ve kept for years: • My cat curled up in my lap • Making a wrong turn and finding a long-lost friend • Weekends, weekends, weekends • The peaceful feeling that comes after a forest therapy experience • Goat cheese… otherwise, how would I survive? • The second crop of raspberries starting to turn red • Remembering that gratitude is powerful (after not writing in my journal for some time) 2.Watch your words: There is power in them. • How many times do you say “can’t,” “need,” “exhausted”? Do you even hear yourself speak? Listening to our word choices, the energy we put into the world is eye-opening. • Practice listening to yourself. Maybe you’ll even write down the words you use and see how they’ve impacted you at the end of the day. • What words will you use instead? A cashier at a local shop commented that I was the only person that day who replied to, “How are you?” with “I’m wonderful, thank you. How are you?” It began a lovely conversation that made both our days more pleasant.
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 9
HEALTH
3.Remembering to breathe: Such a simple thing, really. • Deep breathing, longer exhales than inhales, activates our Vagus nerve, which is part of the parasympathetic nervous system – the ease nerve. This nerve runs from the core of the brain to the depths of our gut. It’s your intellectual partner, your significant other, and a great stress reliever when activated! This isn’t a ‘get over yourself’ or ‘get over whatever has you stressed’ recommendation. Yet, sometimes, we really do have to get over ourselves about what keeps us from having a positive outlook even in the worst of times. In fact, it might be considered a privilege to have the option to choose with so many for whom no opportunities exist. I remember a mental exercise, early on in my life coach training, where we were asked to think of the worst thing that could happen. Ever. Some people chose the loss of a loved one, while others chose apocalyptic world events. They were all correct, by the way, because it’s our story of what makes a tragedy or crisis; no one else’s. We don’t get to be wrong about what we believe. Right after that, we were asked to take our own crises and rate them based on this ‘worst thing’ that could happen. If that worst thing was a 10, where were we in our lives right now? Also a 10? A 4? A 2? In 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen Covey writes about our ‘circle of concern’ and our ‘circle of influence.’ What can we influence, and what is beyond our control, even if we’re concerned? By approaching our mindset differently, we set a bar for what we believe, and then, we respond accordingly, aligned with our beliefs. Unlike the bad rap Pollyanna may have these days, seen as someone
10 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
HEALTH
who is mindlessly happy, no matter what, we need to put our lives in a mindful perspective, find gratitude, listen to our word choices, and breathe deeply of this thing called life. 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.
[1] From Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter, 1913. Published by the Colonial Press, Boston.
As seen on BRAVO TVs Sell it Like Serhant TM
B O D Y
S K IN
CARE PRODUC T S
Simply Awesome Skincare Sugar Scrubs
Body Lotions Body & Face Balm Eye Cream & Face Oil Lip Balm & Lip Scrub Soaps & Bath Bombs
245 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735 516 827.0800
ScrubzBody.com
Home of the Make Your Own Scrubz Parties & More
PERSONAL GROWTH
It Came to Serve Me By April Diane
Personal growth is an emotional journey. A journey that begs the question, will you stay, or will you allow yourself to grow? A journey of discovering how to respond to the challenges you face differently, possibly with a more positive outlook. When you choose to rise to the challenges personal growth offers, by way of making a mess out of your comfort zone, the obstacles serve you up hefty doses of strength, courage, and wisdom; and you are forever changed. Your reality begins to transform, bringing the unconscious to your awareness, helping you identify weeds for the distractions they are, and positioning you to plant new seeds intentionally in the garden of your life, with determination and resilience. Emotion, coupled with fear initially, may urge you to resist growth. Circumstances arise that require you to sit with yourself grappling with choices you’ve made in the past with the hopes of making informed decisions about how to proceed to obtain a new outcome for the future. An internal struggle commences. However, when the call comes, you can’t resist. The feelings consume you as if you have been convicted by your soul, who refuses to be ignored. Around every corner, in every encounter, you connect with reminders to face your fears and do the work it takes to go within and sit with yourself to uncover your deepest thoughts, beliefs, desires, and feelings. No longer can you get by doing the same old things, hanging out in the same circles of people, practicing the same unhealthy habits, falling victim to being undisciplined. When the calling to grow enters your life at different moments on the journey, sometimes you are knee-deep in shit, and sometimes we get a gentle nudge to make a new choice. In times like these, you find yourself uncomfortable with familiar chaotic circumstances, and as a result, you propel to take a step in a new direction. You leave behind your comfort zone, faced with the challenge of change. Challenges come to serve us positively, and discovering how that is possible when things seem to be a complete mess is the transformative part of the journey. How can I learn to love myself when my internal messages have been filled with self-hate for so long? How can I have a healthy relationship when I haven’t had great examples of healthy relationships around me? How can I practice new beliefs when the old beliefs are so deeply embedded in my culture? How can I follow my dreams when no one ever believed in my ideas?
12 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
PERSONAL GROWTH
The answer to this question is to take baby steps. Research things you don’t know, take classes for skills you need to learn, be compassionate with yourself, allow yourself the due process it takes to change. Forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn’t know. Start every day with new beginner eyes giving thanks for the lessons of yesterday. Applying them when you can and practicing self-love through self-care when you forget and remember that you forgot. When questions come upon you like “what if I fail?”, challenge them with answers like “what if I don’t?” Keep positive people around you who know what the journey looks and feels like. Allow yourself to feel. And most importantly, let it flow. The journey knows precisely where you need to go, and you’ll always end up right where you need to be, seeing what you need to see to be your best self. Just be brave enough to take a look in the mirror.
Photo by Jill Wellington from Pexels
April Diane is an entrepreneur born and raised in Long Island, NY. April combines creativity and wellness as the foundation of her business. Wearing many hats, including certified yoga instructor, published author, meditation facilitator, and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, April continues to advance her expertise with the current goal of becoming a Reiki Master. You can connect with April by visiting her website: www.creatingthehabitofwellness.com
TRAVEL
Land of the Midnight Sun Compiled from multiple contributors
Once considered unchartered territory, Alaska has become a destination of awe for many. A natural environment so purely breathtaking, Alaska is home to a diversity of people and wildlife. Although rich in natural resources, which have been the driving force of its economy, tourism in Alaska has been growing. We asked our readers who have had the fantastic opportunity to visit this beautiful state how they describe their experience. Joanne Rydzewski Finds Beauty in Work: “For the past decade, I’ve been sailing on ships all around the world as a Merchant Mariner. Most of the time, family and friends don’t fully understand what I do as a Marine Engineer. I try and explain how I work in an engine room, overhauling equipment, maintaining engines, and monitoring systems. Often times, I lose people’s attention in a matter of minutes as I’d get too detailed explaining my job. I found it easier to take pictures of the engine room and major overhauls to give others a better idea of what I do while I’m gone for weeks or months at a time. Over time my focus eventually shifted to capturing the beauty of my surroundings above deck. I felt so fortunate to travel to so many remote locations that I made an effort to photograph anything and everything I could. In recent weeks, I was lucky enough to travel through Southeast Alaska with my current company. Some of the locations included Glacier Bay National Park, Johns Hopkins Glacier, Tracy Arm, Baranof Islands, and Inian Islands. Not only did I have the privilege to travel to these pristine areas, but I was blessed with the opportunity to see Humpback Whales breaching and bubble net feeding, fjords, glaciers, and an abundance of wildlife. I hope these pictures bring happiness to the viewers as much it brought me while I photographed them.” Lydia Bauer Recalls Priceless Memories:
Photo by Joanne Rydzewski
“I would guess a cruise to Alaska is a memorable experience for anyone. Ours holds a special place in my heart because it was an experience I got
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 15
TRAVEL
to share with my mom, who we lost in 2003. It was a fantastic adventure we got to do together, and none of us will forget. At 65, mom had never been on an airplane, let alone on a cruise, and I think the farthest she had traveled from the Bronx was the Adirondack mountains. So here she was, getting on a plane and flying clear across the United States, almost as far west as you might go. Mom had trouble walking, so a cruise like this was the perfect remedy for navigating sightseeing. Instead of long walking tours, much of what is amazing about Alaska would be right outside our room. You need only pull up a deck chair to see the inside passage, the college fjords, whales, and the midnight sun. We had rented a wheelchair to ease and speed up mobility, which turned out to be a great idea. Sure there were adventures off the boat, with Ketchikan and it’s gold mining town, Sitka, and it’s Russian roots, city tours, and a seaplane ride. But what worked is the ship brought us up close to what makes Alaska so different than the world we left behind in NY without having to leave the comfort of our beautiful floating home. My husband and I shared a 3 person stateroom with my mother, and despite what you might be imagining would be an uncomfortable and claustrophobic experience, it was not only roomy but old school nostalgic in design. We spent the week laughing and enjoying not only our shared experience but our time together. I cannot imagine a better memory than my trip to Alaska with mom, and I would recommend this as a great way to share a special place with a family of all ages and abilities.”
Photo by Joanne Rydzewski
TRAVEL
Victor Savona Reconnects to Nature: Last year I took a short trip to Alaska. As a self-employed business owner, my leisure time is sparse. I was having a conversation with a friend who lives in Alaska about needing a few days away, so she invited me to visit. She has lived in Alaska for about 10 years. Naturally, I could not pass up this offer from someone who could help me enjoy a real Alaskan experience. After a long 11 hour flight from New York to Seattle and from Seattle to Anchorage, I arrived. Immediately there was this gratitude that I was going to experience my first time in Alaska from someone who lives there and will not only get to see these beautiful places but hear about true-life stories. For instance, my friend once had an encounter with a baby moose (I call a “Moosito”) as she was hiking very close to civilization. She was looking down and not paying attention, but when she finally looked up, she saw the Moosito’s mother coming towards her slowly. She did not know what to do. Everyone who walks the hiking trails has some animal deterrent with them, whether it’s a spray or horn or a weapon, it is necessary. If a bear or a wild animal sees a human walking and the animal is hungry, well guess what? You’re now lunch. Once in a while, somebody will disappear from walking trails, and the general attitude is a shrug of shoulders. Locals will say, “you should have had some common sense and brought protection with you.” Alaskans understand that sometimes these things happen. Luckily my friend was unharmed!
TRAVEL
As she was telling me this story, I realized how detached we are from nature and how disrespectful we are towards it. I learned that Alaskans, on the other hand, are very respectful of nature and do not try to command it. There was no garbage, especially not on hiking trails. And the air is so crisp and clean. It almost felt like I was so used to the pollution that this energizing air was not normal. Yet, it was normal, and it was magnificent. We took a 2-hour drive through amazing mountains with commanding trees to a breathtaking glacier. Among this overwhelming beauty all around me, one thing that was painful to see was the signs of the glacier retracting. I could see a visible time frame of how much quicker the glacier was withdrawing over the past decade than in previous years. Global warming is happening, and it is right in front of us. By the time I got back home, I felt like a different person. When taking vacations, I think it’s vital to include a location that will connect you to nature. Yes, we can see artifacts and learn about all civilizations, but the connection to nature needs to be stressed. And the Editor is Inspired: Why not create your own lasting memories and reconnect to the beauty of our world with a trip to Alaska. Visit travelalaska.com for inspiration and information.
A huge thank you to our contributors for the gorgeous photography and sharing their heartfelt experiences. Although Joanne Rydzewski is kept very busy with her work travels, she still takes time to appreciate the beauty of her surroundings. Connect with Joanne on Instagram to see what adventure she goes on next! Lydia Bauer and her husband John, are embracing the great outdoors with their three Rhodesian Ridgebacks in upstate New York. Visit Lydia’s YouTube Channel as her and John enjoy all that life has to offer! Victor Savona, co-owner of Savvy Stone Limited, has helped bring the function and beauty of natural stone into homes and businesses for over 15 years. Contact Victor at SavvyStone.com to discuss how these highly skilled artisans can help transform your space.
18 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
Photo by Joanne Rydzewski
SELF CARE
Float Therapy by Karen Danchalski
Therapy for the senses
Seeking respite from a highly stressful period of my life, I would often lie my head down at night close my eyes and dream of space. Dark, cool, silent, all my problems were 25,000 light-years away. I was safe from worry, safe from distress. I just had to breathe and float in space; the tiny bright stars my only guiding lights. While I have never gone up into space, I have had a strikingly similar experience in a float tank. Three times, I have floated, and each time resulted in a powerful sense of calm and relaxation mixed with a deep inner connection to my biology via an out of body experience. Make sense? Let me try to explain. The Dead Sea, which lies at the lowest level of the earth, is filled with salts and minerals and has a rich history. Looking back to biblical times through the modern era, the Dead Sea has been a place of refuge, exploration, and therapy. The concept of floating in saltwater for relaxation and healing has been around for hundreds of years. Floating as a means of sensory deprivation therapy was pioneered by the neuroscientist Dr. John Lilly during the 1950s through the 1970s. The first vertical floatation tank was built in 1954 at a veterans hospital in Oklahoma City. There, Dr. Lilly studied how the brain was affected by sensory deprivation. Subjects floated vertically, wore a helmet with breathing tubes, and wrote personal accounts of their experiences. Dr. Lilly’s research branched into how humans could intelligently communicate with dolphins and how LSD could affect the float experience. He authored several books and scientific papers on these topics. Dr. John Lilly is the father of float therapy.
20 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
SELF CARE
Float tanks have evolved quite a bit since Dr. Lilly’s first tank. A horizontal tank was built in 1970 by Dr. Lilly and Glenn Perry, which, although confining, eliminated the need for a helmet. As more research on the physical and mental health benefits of float therapy became established, float tanks gained popularity. Commercial centers, hospitals, educational institutions, private homes, and major sports teams began to use them. Floating has become even more popular over the past decade, and people can now float in spas and gyms in their local communities. Rather than enclosed tanks or pods, facilities now have tubs filled with 10 inches of water, 800-1400lbs of Epsom salt, and six-foot-high ceilings, so there is no sense of claustrophobia. Floaters can choose to be in the dark or turn on a soft blue light with the push of a button. A floater can speak to a receptionist through an intercom if needed. There is a sense of control. A typical float lasts between sixty to ninety minutes. Since I have no plans to go to the Dead Sea or to book a flight to outer-space, I am delighted that I have found a float tank twenty minutes from my house down the turnpike. So let’s dive into my experience. While my experience is my own, I will say that after reading Michael Hutchison’s book “The book of floating: Exploring the Private Sea,” and after reading several float therapy research articles, my experience is quite usual. Upon entry into the water, I realize how much I miss having a bathtub. The water is warm, 93.5 °F, and I float supine effortlessly in 1000 lbs of Epsom salt. I settle in as the last remaining light clicks off. It is now dark and quiet. At first, my mind does not ease. I wonder what kind of experience I will have this time. I
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 21
SELF CARE
immediately become more attuned to my physical body. I notice the space between my shoulder blades and the base of my neck. Like gentle pulsating bull’s-eyes, it is evident that this is where I hold my tension. Finally, I feel a pause in a place where I can pay attention to my own body without any distractions from the outside world. There is a great effort when pushing my hand through the dense water or picking my arm up out of the water. There is virtually no effort in swaying side to side, gently bending like bamboo across the water’s surface. This movement feels good and stretchy on my neck and back. As I settle further into my float, I realize time is not graspable. I feel my mind relax. My focus fades from my physical body and, instead, onto my breath. I feed my lungs with steady, long, deep breaths. I am comforted by the rhythms of my breath and heartbeat. I become an observer. In this existential moment, I start to watch my mind as though I am outside of it, curiously observing how it wanders from emotions to images, and contemplative thoughts. This wandering of the mind is not jittery or chaotic, but rather slow and effortless. According to experts, I have entered a state of theta brain wave activity. Theta waves are slow and deep and occur when we are just about to fall asleep, and when we are about to wake up. In the theta state, the mind and body are most relaxed and most receptive to new information. It is the theta state in which hypnosis occurs and in which meditators seek to ruminate for enlightenment. When our brain produces theta waves, we may access our most profound childhood memories, have inspired thoughts, and see vivid images. At this point,
22 www.truelifestylemagazine.com
SELF CARE
you might be wondering, did I just pay all this money to fall asleep in a bathtub? Or maybe you are wondering if the experience will be too intense and weird. Well, I can tell you that I did not fall asleep, and I was not scared. There is a paradoxical scenario in the float tank where sensory input; light, sound, tactile, olfactory, gustatory, gravity, proprioceptive, and vestibular, is so low. While part of the cortex rests, a more primitive part of the brain stays on alert to keep itself awake to maintain homeostasis. Suddenly, without the afferent and efferent feedback to the brain, it searches for a task, something to keep it active, something to ponder, something to learn about itself. I felt this incredible balance of total relaxation with an ongoing exploration into my subconscious. So why did I choose to float on this day? I was indeed preparing to write an article on float therapy and wanted to refresh my experience. It is also true that I had been very pissed off for a long time, agitated, overwhelmed at work, unclear about the future, and then there was my mother. Depressed and unable to rise from the couch, she seemed increasingly hopeless with each passing day. I struggled ten times per day on how I could get her to change her mind and behavior. I will share with you that, in the float tank, I was able to change my mind. I decided that when not physically in the presence of an uncomfortable experience, I could choose which negative or positive thoughts to have. I could choose to think about my mother and let it upset me, or I could think of bunnies in the snow. I don’t know why the image of adorable, gentle, peaceful bunnies in the snow came to me as I floated, but it did. Paired with this visualization, was the physical feeling of total utter tranquility.
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 23
So, why else, float? Research has studied the effect of floating on healthy subjects as well as people with generalized anxiety, depression, social phobias, agoraphobia, panic disorder, PTSD, and pain. Across several studies, floaters significantly report improved mood, sense of well being, less anxiety and stress, reduced muscle tension, and ability to fall asleep faster than control subjects. (12) Floating has shown to reduce heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen consumption, and lower stress hormones such as cortisol and ACTH. It achieves this through dampening the fight or flight response of the sympathetic nervous system and increasing parasympathetic activity. Floating is a de-stressor. According to Michael Hutchison’s book, “The book of floating: Exploring the Private Sea,” floating is not a passive process. Instead, it triggers an active biochemical response that can help reset the mind and body into a better state of balance.
Photo by Craig Adderley from Pexels
Floating can also be used after a work-out to soothe aching muscles, and its benefits may be better than just resting alone and less risky than cryotherapy. Floating can speed up the recovery of overworked muscles, by clearing lactic acid more efficiently and relieving muscle tension. (3) Also, the calming nature and enhanced visual imagery that occurs in the float tank can be a powerful pain management tool. Several professional athletic teams use float tanks for post-game recovery. Some floaters assert they can think more clearly after they float. One explanation is that floating dampens left-brain analytical thought and enhances right brain visual and creative activity. There is a theory that floating helps achieve better communication
SECTION HEADING
across the hemispheres of the brain as well as between all vertical levels of the brain, creating an improved state of flow. Some floaters claim that after floating, they are more productive, creative, and can solve big picture problems more efficiently. Finally, floating can be used as an environment for behavioral change, motivation, and learning. The combination of deep relaxation with mindfulness, which is achieved so easily in the float tank, is conducive to modifying behavior. Studies have looked at using audio and visual images during a float to help athletes change their game, help addicts quit smoking, or help students learn a new skill. Arising out of the water, I move slowly, noticing the weight of my limbs. It feels like a rebirth, a reawakening of my human body in form and function. As I emerge from the water, it occurs to me that my brain must face reality again. Once protected from deprivation, it must reassimilate with vast and constant stimuli. It must make decisions, process constant change, relate to others. It will have to get in the car and drive home. I am comforted knowing I can always come back to the tank. I can float 1x per month for $50, and I plan on signing up. My best advice is to give it a try and see if it is for you. Even if you think you are just paying to float in a bathtub, I have learned there is a lot more that is going on. Karen Danchalski is a licensed physical therapist with a doctorate in physical therapy and certification in Stott Pilates. She has been practicing for over 20 years. In addition to direct patient care, Karen coaches private clients in fitness and enjoys writing in her spare time on various health and science-related topics. Contact Karen at kmrpt@optonline.net.
1. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0190292 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2018.02.005 3.https://irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com/6e540a2a/files/uploaded/2016%20Driller%20-%20 Floatation-REST%20muscle%20soreness%20recovery%20elite%20athletes3.pdf 4.https://static1.squarespace.com/static/564de8c6e4b0055ae3b2d30c/t/57bee9002994c a630a02ad76/1472129281442/FREE-Scientific-Research-List+on+REST+and+Floating.pdf
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 25
Photograph by Robert Springer
CUISINE
Pear Delight serves 10-12 people
1. Place warm water in a small bowl and set saffron threads in the warm water. Slush around to release the saffron flavor. Set aside for 30 minutes.
Ingredients: One Bottle of Sauvignon Blanc (or Pinot Grigio or Pinot Gris)
2. Peel pears and slice in half and then again in half. Remove pits with a melon baller. Set pears on the bottom of a pan. Open bottle of wine, using entire contents, and pour over pears. Add saffron water and honey as well as cardamom pods and cover pears. If need be, add water. Bring to a boil and then quickly lower to simmer. Poach pears for 30 minutes or until tender all the way through. Do not discard liquid.
1/4 cup of honey 10-15 saffron threads 2 cardamom pods 5 Bosc or Bartlett Pears cut into fours from top to bottom (for a nice presentation try to keep stem on
3. Remove pears and set aside in fridge to cool. Meanwhile, continue to simmer liquid over medium heat until it is reduced to a thick syrup, measuring approximately ¼ cup to ½ cup. This will be used later as a reduced wine sauce.
one piece of the four) Pinch of salt 1 cup of crushed pistachio 3 cups of Greek yogurt
4. Take Greek yogurt and spoon onto a serving dish. 5. Take chilled pears and push one side into a flat surface with the crushed pistachios. Place pear gently on top of Greek yogurt. 6. When ready to serve, drizzle reduced wine sauce over yogurt and pears.
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 27
THE ARTS
Art on Paper The saying “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” holds for just about anything, including Art. But what is the term “Art”?
As per Wikipedia: The Arts refers to the theory
and physical expression of creativity found in human cultures and societies.
The major constituents of the Arts are Visual Arts, Literature, and Performing Arts. And when you
think about it, all of these could involve Paper. Visual Arts traditionally include drawing, painting,
sculpture, architecture, all of which could use Paper as its medium. Literature is a collection of
writings and, unless drawing with chalk on stone, is typically penned on Paper. You may wonder
how the Performing Arts use Paper. Think of how
a musician reads notes or an actor reads a script.
Photo by Jennifer Wojcieski
Usually, these forms of Art begins on Paper.
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 29
What happens when these
constituents collide with the
common factor called Paper? Art on Paper is born - where
modern and contemporary Art defies tradition and explores a new destination.
Sculptures, paintings, drawings, carvings, even entire
Photos by Jennifer Wojcieski
rooms created with Paper.
THE ARTS
Pier 36 New York 299 South St New York, NY 10002 March 5th: 6pm-10pm
(VIP preview only)
March 6th & 7th: 11am-7pm March 8th: 12pm-6pm https://thepaperfair.com/ny
www.truelifestylemagazine.com 31
“
I pray this winter be gentle and kind--a season of rest from the wheel of the mind.
.com
- John Geddes
“
