Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, May 2024

Women's Wellness

As the vibrant hues of spring paint our world with renewed energy, I find myself in awe of the beauty and growth all around us. It is especially rewarding this time of year to stop and notice the blossoms on the trees and the flowers emerging after a long winter. Yes, there is birth and rebirth everywhere and how fitting since Mother’s Day is approaching. Every day now we’re reminded of the nurturing spirit of motherhood that encompasses us all, so let’s take a moment to honor not just traditional mothers, but all those who embody the essence of nurturing and love in various forms, including Mother Earth.

Whether you’re a biological mother, a caregiver, a mentor or a friend who provides unwavering support, your presence enriches the lives of many in countless ways. This year I feel blessed to be able to spend Mother’s Day with not only my children, but my mother, too. To me this is truly the greatest gift of all.

In the spirit of motherhood and sisterhood, we hope you’ll share this issue of Natural Awakenings our annual Women’s Wellness edition—far and wide. It is a journey of holistic wellness, exploring issues that that are top of mind for women and practices that can nurture the body, mind, and spirit. From the expert advice of local trichologist Maureen Toohey on the issue of hair thinning and loss to the Ayurvedic therapeutic herbal-oil cleansing treatment, Shirodhara, for stress, explained by Cross River’s Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, this month we consider an entire spectrum of women’s health topics and treatments meant to promote well-being and help you reach your wellness goals.

May is National Lyme Disease Awareness Month and our Healing Ways department offers an integrative and functional medicine approach to identifying and treating this condition which currently affects 476,000 Americans yearly. Since Lyme is often misdiagnosed and can lead to severe health issues if untreated, plus we know this is rampant in our region, I’m pleased to bring you the most recent advances in medicine that can offer hope. Diagnosing it remains complex, due to its varied symptoms and unreliable lab tests, so be sure to turn to page 24 to learn more.

Are you ready to spend the day outside at one of our many local farmers markets? The month of May marks the time when many are resuming outdoor operation, and we’ve included a special Farmers Market guide for you on page 28. It includes all three of the counties we serve and I encourage you to save this page and refer back to it all season. (It will also be posted on our website WakeUpNaturally.com.)

Thank you for your continued support and presence on this journey to natural health and wellness. I encourage each of you to find what brings you “awe” this month and see where that leads. Not only will it be good for your health, but for your big picture happiness/pur pose as well.

Happy Mother’s Day,

Erica Mills, Publisher by Kindlenaon A\dobeStock

Celebrate Annual Birds of Prey Day in Brewster

Green Chimneys—a multi-faceted nonprofit that includes a special education school and is headquartered on a farm and wildlife center in Brewster— will feature more than 100 raptors, along with falconers from across

New York and Connecticut, at their annual Birds of Prey Day, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 2. Visitors will have a chance to get “up close and personal” with majestic eagles, hawks, owls and falcons and learn from top wildlife and environmental experts.

High points of the day will include free-flying raptors, live animal demonstrations and the release of a rehabilitated bird. There will be fun activities for all ages, plus food trucks, vendors and live music from popular bluegrass band Too Blue.

Launched nearly three decades ago as a fundraiser to build Green Chimneys’ first aviary, Birds of Prey Day has since grown into a fullday educational program and celebration of birds of prey and the environment, hosting thousands of visitors.

Few schools can call themselves home to more than 300 domesticated farm animals and wildlife, including 50 birds of prey, but the Green Chimneys Farm and Wildlife Center is a pivotal component in the education and therapeutic treatment for the children that attend Green Chimneys School. Through the school’s unique nature-based approach, students learn the true meaning of stewardship.

Cost: See website for pricing, including senior, child and family ticket options. Location: 400 Doansburg Rd., Brewster. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit GreenChimneys.org/news-events/ event/birds-prey-day. See ad, page 24.

Learn About Comprehensive Holistic Care for a Healthy Pregnancy

Cortlandt Wellness, a holistic healthcare private practice, in Cortlandt Manor, is offering a Wellness in Childbirth event with wellness practitioner and doctor of chiropractic Marianne Messina at 7 p.m., May 6. Attendees will learn how chiropractic care can optimize pregnancy and delivery, receive nutritional guidance for mother and baby, and discover which supplements provide the necessary nutrients for them both. “They will experience a very connected, thorough, informational, intuitive session,” Messina assures.

“We provide one-on-one care and our specialty is in women’s health and wellness,” explains Messina, who has been serving Westchester County for three decades and is an active member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). “I am certified in the Webster Technique through the ICPA, which supports the balance of the pelvis in pregnant women and provides optimum birth for the mother and baby.”

In each trimester of pregnancy, chiropractic care reduces interference to the nervous system, allowing the baby to develop optimally, explains Messina, who notes that she also provides nutritional guidance for the life cycles of women as well as cleanse and body management programs on an individual basis. “I pride myself on having a holistic model for women and their families, and continue to study the optimum techniques for this population through the ICPA,” she adds.

Cost: $10. Location: Cortlandt Wellness, 2127 Crompond Rd., Ste. 104, Cortlandt Manor. To RSVP (required by May 3), email MMessinadc@gmail.com. For more information, call 914-930-8800 or visit CortlandtWellness.com.

Marianne Messina

Courtesy Green Chimneys

Emotionally Heal and Spiritually Grow

Blessing of the Animals Event in Rhinebeck

Pixabay Pic: JACLOU-DL

The Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Rhinebeck, is hosting their annual Blessing of the Animals event from noon to 4 p.m., May 18 (rain date is from 1 to 5 p.m., May 19). This year there will also be a Pet Remembrance Tree, which will be placed in front of the church on May 5. Decorations for this loving six-foot-high tribute tree for pets that have passed away are being collected now.

Experience

TRANSFORMATION

Gigi Oppenheimer empathically supports your heart and soul.

Intuitive Healing

Intuitive Readings

Healing Dance

Meditation

All furred, finned, scaled and feathered friends are invited to attend the blessing with their companion people. To ensure the safety of all, animal ambassadors must be properly escorted, leashed, kenneled or harnessed. Pooper scooper laws do apply and pickup bags will be available.

The day will also feature other free, familyfriendly activities to enjoy, including meeting and greeting animal ambassadors representing local shelters and rescue groups; interacting with local service animals; taking a chance in an onsite raffle to support the charity American Humane; spending time with rescued farm animals; and visiting with various environmental groups.

In advance of May 5, there will be a marked drop-off box under the covered office entrance near the church’s mailbox. Tributes can be placed in the marked box, hand delivered to the church on Sunday mornings or mailed to the church office. Items can also be placed directly on the tree starting May 1.

Location: Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 Livingston St., Rhinebeck. For more information, call 845-876-4471.

Lotus-Grace.com / 845-677-3517

Express the Divine Feminine with Artist Jo Jayson

The Omega Institute, in Rhinebeck, will host Paint Your Inner Sacred Feminine Self-Portrait—a retreat from May 19 through 24 with internationally known artist, teacher and author Jo Jayson. With her help, attendees will discover the divine feminine within and learn to project this reflection onto the canvas. No painting experience is needed and participants can stay on or off campus.

“In this weeklong retreat, I will guide you to create a painting that expresses your own inner sacred feminine—the aspect of yourself that you see mirrored back to you in these sacred feminine archetypes. In a supportive and creative environment, you will learn to express the divine feminine connection within yourself in an intuitively intimate, soulful, self-portrait painting,” says Jayson, who has been painting and teaching about the sacred feminine for 15 years and is the author of the award-winning book Self-Love Through the Sacred Feminine.

Participants will engage in meditation, journaling and intuitive and creative exercises to access this connection and learn its unique lessons for each of them, explains Jayson. Using mixed media, collage and artistic instruction, they will create an intuitive and healing selfportrait and will return home with a deeper understanding of and connection to their own sacred feminine.

Tuition is $440 for members and $490 for non-members (see website for on-campus accommodation choices). Location: Omega Institute, 150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck. For more information or to register, visit eomega.org/may-2024. For more information about Jayson, visit JoJayson.com.

Health Vibes Only! Expo to Return in Early June

The third annual Health Vibes Only! Westchester Expo, featuring interactive activities, complimentary health screenings and information from a variety of health and wellness professionals, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 8, at the Annex Building of Breakthrough Fit Co, in West Harrison, New York.

This free, family-friendly event was created by Emily Eliseo, owner and founder of AntiGravity Tumbling, as a continuation of her personal and business philosophy to instill healthy habits early.

Expo visitors can learn how to improve their overall health from physicians, mental health providers, nutritionists, massage therapists, yoga instructors, fitness trainers and other experts.

“There’ll be something for everyone—whether it’s starting healthy habits early on for adolescents or finding new ways to improve health as an adult—the health professionals at the event will be able to offer guidance and support,” says Eliseo.

Health Vibes Only’s purpose is to bring together health and wellness professionals so that they can encourage health and wellness across Westchester County and New York while also educating the public on how to live an all-around healthier lifestyle, explains Eliseo. “The goal is to provide resources for the community to help achieve optimal health and wellness.”

Location: 251 Underhill Ave., W. Harrison. To purchase tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/ health-vibes-only-westchester-expo-tickets-850807126017. To receive updates, follow Health Vibes Only! Westchester Expo on Instagram @healthvibesonlywestchester and find them on Facebook. See ad, page 19.

Jo Jayson

Yoga Studio Opens in Jefferson Valley Mall

Pure Presence Yoga LLC recently opened their doors at 650 Lee Boulevard, Suite K03, on the ground floor of Jefferson Valley Mall, in Yorktown Heights. The Latina-owned yoga studio and wellness center is offering a senior discount of 10 percent off any group class packages as well as a discounted rate for chair yoga classes.

“We love the fact that we are conveniently located in the mall,” enthuses owner Maria Mehta, a yoga instructor and reiki practitioner. “We hope this makes our space feel physically and energetically accessible to everyone who comes by. We aim to create a sense of community and to be a welcoming space for healing and growth,” adds Mehta, who mentioned that yoga has been an instrumental part of her healing journey and that she is passionate about sharing the gift of yoga with others.

Mehta explains that their goal is to make yoga and wellness feel attainable to everyone and break the stigma that these practices are just for a certain type of individual. This is why Pure Presence offers many types of yoga and wellness practices, from chair and restorative to power and Vinyasa and all levels in between. They also plan to offer monthly sound baths, private reiki and yoga, reiki circles, dance/yoga fusion and eventually women’s and men’s healing circles.

“My instructors have decades of experience between them—all ready to guide students on their yoga journey,” adds Mehta.

For more information, email Info@PurePresenceYogaNY.com or visit PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Sebene Selassie Je Warren Dan Harris

Maria Mehta

Experience Profound Healing Through Process Acupressure

Joy Matalon, LMT, CST, a specialist in mind-body integration and healing, recently became certified in Process Acupressure—a modality that addresses whole-being health and consciousness from the perspective of individual soul wisdom. It is purported to assist in helping people connect to their deep intuition and true selves.

“Process Acupressure is based on the idea that the body, mind and soul are linked and that the state of one has an effect on the others,” explains Matalon, a licensed massage therapist for 40 years, specializing in CranioSacral Therapy at her practice in Ossining. Her sessions that use Somato-Emotional Release and Process Acupressure allow chronic physical, emotional and spiritual issues to be intimately explored, bringing clients relief from pain and activating a healing process that continues afterward.

“During a session, I apply firm, gentle finger pressure to specific acupoint combinations and encourage the client to notice what they are experiencing,” relays Matalon. “An organic change often occurs through a shift in the body, bringing insight toward past limiting patterns. This new perspective allows for personal clarity as well as a stronger flow of energy through the whole being. The objective of process work is for the client to come to a more conscious understanding of themselves.”

Location: 100 Executive Blvd., Ste. 203, Ossining. For more information, call 914-519-8138, email JMatalon@optonline.net or visit JoyMatalon.com.

Enjoy Yoga Out in the Fresh Farm Air

Join RedTail Power

Yoga at Fishkill Farms, in Hopewell Junction, every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. beginning May 25 through October 12 for Farm

Yoga and for Sip N’

Stretch Yoga at 5:30 p.m. the first Friday of the month beginning June 7 through October 4. Their covered wraparound porch overlooking the picturesque landscape of flower gardens, orchards and mountain views makes the perfect setting for these hour-long sessions.

Classes are held rain or shine and tickets must be purchased in advance. All levels of yogis are welcome and encouraged, even firsttimers. Attendees are asked to bring an extra layer of clothing and to

arrive no later than 10 minutes before class to allow time for checkin. Sessions are led by Maureen Benedict, a tier-two certified Baptiste yoga instructor, founder of RedTail Power Yoga, a Lululemon ambassador and local friend of the farm.

The ticket for the evening class includes a glass of Treasury Cider or a non-alcoholic beverage, including kombucha. “Our farm store will remain open until 6 p.m. and our Treasury Cider Bar will remain open until 7 p.m. (last call 6:40 p.m.) for additional cider enjoyment,” says Katie Ross, marketing manager. “We will have a small menu of snacks and light bites for you to enjoy as you watch the sunset over the mountains.”

Cost: $20 for morning class; $40 for evening class. Location: Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction. For more information or to register (required) visit FishkillFarms.com.

Quit With Quinn Offers Tailored Healing Sessions for Balance, Peace and Renewal

In addition to helping people overcome a wide variety of addictions and unwanted habits quickly and naturally, Quit with Quinn—with offices in Garrison and Midtown Manhattan—also offers energetic/spiritual healing treatments either in one-time sessions or a series.

Owner Stephen Quinn has been training and practicing in the realm of energetic healing for nearly 30 years. This has given him the ability to effectively assist for a wide range of needs, including physical health issues, recovery from surgery, life transitions, relationship issues and emotional blockages or imbalances.

The healing treatments utilize special energetic “checks” to assess exactly what energies are out of balance, to find out what’s needed to return to a full state of well-being, explains Quinn. “Having wellbeing doesn’t mean just being physically healthy; it also means being full of vitality, purposefulness, peace, strength and so much more,” he notes. “These energy checks make each session exactly tailormade to the individual and their needs. Always is a strong word to use, but people always benefit.”

Quinn says the results are as wide ranging as the reasons people seek his services, but typically include feeling more centered, elevated, peaceful, internally quiet, spiritually renewed and recharged.

Locations: Quit with Quinn, 72 Steuben Rd., Garrison and 124 E. 40th St., New York City. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-473-2015, email Steve.Healingny@gmail.com or visit QuitWithQuinn.com. See ad, page 17.

Joy Matalon

Stephen Quinn

The OM Festival—Five Magical Days in the Green Mountains of Vermont

The OM Festival—a transformative retreat experience filled with yoga, dance, connection and play—will be held from July 24 through 28 in Arlington, Vermont, at the century-old West Mountain Inn, nestled on 150 mountainside acres overlooking the famous Battenkill River valley. There will be more than 100 classes in yoga, meditation, dance, flow arts and more. Plus, guests will experience a vendor village, live music, hiking, tubing, wellness and wisdom talks, farm-to-table dinners and social gatherings, among other activities.

“Our mission is to curate an amazing and unique lineup of world-renowned teachers and local studios for our yoga festival. We strive to create an epic experience for you to unplug and unwind and immerse yourself in the Green Mountains of Vermont. You simply cannot find a more beautiful place to recharge, reconnect and restore your mind, body and soul,” says Samantha Grout, co-founder of the festival.

The inn offers luxurious and romantic guest rooms, mountain views, lush gardens and farm-fresh dining prepared with local, seasonal ingredients. The 200-year-old historic barn and spacious, private grounds are also the perfect setting for yoga, wellness, flow arts and dance classes. “Grab your mat, bring your bathing suit and round up your girlfriends to plan that wanderlust and dreamy Vermont yoga retreat and vacation,” encourages Grout.

Location: West Mountain Inn, 144 W. Mountain Inn Rd., Arlington, VT. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit TheOmFestival.com.

Somatic Healing, Sacred Dance and Intuitive Offerings in Millbrook

White Lotus Grace, in Millbrook, has expanded to support a variety of people with individualized wellness and growth. For those seeking to heal from trauma and emotional difficulties, desiring to restore themselves and thrive authentically, or looking to deepen their lives spiritually, owner Gigi Oppenheimer offers three specialized approaches: somatic healing, sacred healing dance and movement, and intuitive healing and readings.

“Somatic healing reaches where trauma is embedded in the mind-body connection and gently releases it to regain freedom from self-doubt, insecurity, shame, anxiety, anger, pain and more,” explains Oppenheimer.

Sacred healing dance and movement soothe discomfort through meditative, prayerful, creative expression, adds Oppenheimer. “They promote reconnection with the whole soul self and nourish one’s personal relationship with nature, God and grace.”

Intuitive healing and readings personalize transformation and clarity “with God-given psychic sensitivity that reveals and heals the way forward beyond wounds of the mind and heart,” relays Oppenheimer.

“I have worked with healers and clairvoyants for 25 years and I can honestly say that the impact of my work with Gigi is unequalled,” says Caroline Stoop. “If you are willing to put in the effort, I am very confident that Gigi can help you grow in a sustainable way beyond what you imagined possible.”

For more information, call 845-677-3517 or email WhiteLotusGrace@gmail.com . Somatic healing sessions can be booked at WhiteLotusHarmony.com, sacred dance at WhiteLotusGrace.com and intuitive healing and readings at Lotus-Grace.com. See ad, page 7.

Celebration and Learning at Moss and Moonlight

Moss and Moonlight, in Hopewell Junction, is hosting a Beltane Women’s Day Retreat from 1 to 8 p.m., May 4 which will be an opportunity for attendees to connect to nature, gain knowledge of ancient practices, experience community and celebrate Beltane, the Gaelic May Day festival, marking the beginning of summer. Then, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., June 29, they will host a sound training workshop titled Intro to Sacred Instruments: Gong and Singing Bowl Exploration with Reverb Yogi.

“For Beltane, we will retreat on this day within a circle of women to connect to each other and to nature and to honor our own inner light,” shares owner Samantha Stengle, referring to the May event. “This intimate gathering includes four workshops, and there are limited spots for add-on tarot readings.”

The sound training workshop, which will be led by Vinny Colandrea, of Reverb Yogi, “is for anyone looking to elevate their understanding of sound as a powerful tool for wellness while exploring hands-on time

Gigi Oppenheimer

Pixabay Pic: Vika_Glitter

playing gongs, Himalayan singing bowls and crystal bowls,” explains Stengle.

“Sound has tremendous potential to promote relaxation and healing, and so developing our own self-practice is needed more now than ever,” she adds. “Whether you’re a yoga teacher looking to deepen your offerings, a music lover or someone interested in the healing arts, this workshop offers an accessible blend of theory and practical application.”

Cost: $133 for retreat; $285 for workshop. Location: Moss and Moonlight, Hopewell Junction. For more information or to register, visit MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.

Gain Information and Clarity from the Other Side of the Veil

Balancing 4 Life, in Pleasantville, has launched a new monthly group reading program called An Evening with Spirit featuring psychic medium and clairvoyant Jessica Lawrence. This month’s event takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., May 7. Lawrence connects and channels through many sources, including ancestors, ascended masters and angels. With more than 30 years’ experience, she uses artistic cards with her clairvoyance and clairaudience to give down-to-earth readings with humor and sensitivity.

“Gain clarity, receive information from loved ones who have crossed over and guidance for your future,” says Lawrence. “Much forgiveness and support can be realized through these readings. Though not everyone is guaranteed a reading, everyone benefits from the information and energies that come through.”

Balancing 4 Life is a small restorative wellness center specializing in noninvasive modalities to restore health and well-being on all levels. As a Jikiden Reiki teacher and practitioner, owner Anne Bentzen provides energy seminars, private reiki treatments and offers Jikiden Reiki seminars regularly for those that wish to learn the original Japanese reiki.

Additional programs offered by associate wellness practitioners include sound baths, drumming circles, evening group readings with a medium, Stargate Circle meditations, free Bemer wellness demonstrations and classes on intention setting. Individual appointments are available for shamanic healing and psychic readings as well as past-life regression.

Cost: $44. Location: Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. For more information, call 914-588-4079 or email Balancing4LifeUSA@ gmail.com. To register, visit Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Intuitive & Healing Arts

Energy Medicine

ONE LIGHT HEALING

TOUCH

Penny and Ron Lavin, MA Sessions and Schools 845-878-5165 • OLHT1.com

Healing Sanctuary

MOSS AND MOONLIGHT

Reiki, Women Circles, Yoga, Workshops, In-person & Virtual Hopewell Junction MossAndMoonLight.com

Intuitive Card Readings

PURPLE LOTUS ZEN

Psychic Card Readings, Medium & Energy Healing 914-513-8398

PurpleLotusZen.com

Intuitive Healing

LOTUS GRACE

Intuitive Healings and Readings 845-677-3517

Millbrook & Remote Lotus-Grace.com

New Age Stores

PERSEPHONE’S PEARL

1014 B Main St., Peekskill 914-737-3460

PersephonesPearl.com

UNIVERSAL HEALING ARTS

Metaphysical, Crystals, More!

Cortlandt Manor 914-737-HEAL

SoulConnectionShop.com

Psychic Medium

CELESTIAL TOUCH

Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master

7 Arch St., Pawling 845-244-1767

CelestialTouchllc.com

Reiki

BALANCING 4 LIFE

Anne Bentzen, Jikiden Reiki

Certified Teacher/Practitioner

25 Broadway, Pleasantville 914-588-4079

Balancing4Life.com

NATALIE RAPINI, LMT

Reiki Practitioner

175 King St., Chappaqua By appt. 914-275-1865

Tarot

MARTHA'S TAROT

Angel Tarot Readings

Reading, Classes, Meditations 845-288-1890

MarthasTarot.com

If

Jessica Lawrence

Natural Awakenings Team Update

Readers will recognize the familiar face of Dana Boulanger, who has joined the team as a community collaborator, assisting publisher Erica Mills with client relations, outreach, follow-up and advertising sales for both of Mills’ Natural Awakenings editions (Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties, in New York, and Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties, in Connecticut).

“I am very excited to be working with Dana again,” says Mills. “Not only is her experience and knowledge invaluable, but her thoughts on marketing and providing tailored-solutions to prospective and current customers is such an asset to the local Natural Awakenings community.”

As the previous publisher of Natural Awakenings Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess for 16 years, Boulanger explains that she continues to feel very connected with the local wellness community. “I personally embrace a holistic approach to living and am eager to continue to discover, meet and support local professionals that share the mission to educate, empower and engage readers in finding ways to live healthier, more balanced lives,” says Boulanger, a native of Northern Westchester.

“I have a passion for health and wellness, and I love meeting and connecting with people and building community,” adds Boulanger. “I’m excited to work with Erica’s team and continue to be part of such a wonderful community of healers and practitioners and awesome readers who cherish our publication that has grown to be the go-to resource for all seeking knowledge on healthy living here on a healthy planet.”

Boulanger, currently a Dutchess County resident, loves hiking, cooking, gardening, reading, photo journaling and fun times with friends and family. Now that she is a team member, she hopes to embrace a healthy work/life balance. “No matter where I go, I enjoy connecting with those whose energies align with mine and sharing,” she notes. “Communication is key for me, so please feel free to call or email, and let’s collaborate and continue to build a healthier community.”

Connect with Boulanger at 914-760-5645 or Dana-na@WakeUpNaturally.com.

Dana Boulanger

Stress Less With Shirodhara:

An Ayurvedic Therapeutic Herbal-Oil Cleansing Treatment

by Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, ND, BAMS, MPH, E-RYT-500

Shirodhara—an herbal and oil treatment primarily for cleansing the mind and senses—is one of the five therapies that constitute Panchakarma, the Ayurvedic detox and cleansing regimen. Shirodhara—the combination of two Sanskrit words “shiro” (meaning head) and “dhara” (meaning flow)—uses herbs and oil, particular to one’s body constitution and issues, in a gentle flow over the forehead for a specified amount of time. The gentle pressure of the liquid streaming onto the brow stimulates the “marma” (energy) points in that area and creates a vibration that penetrates into the brain and nervous system. The result induces a state of calm and relaxation that permeates the entire body and mind.

In Shirodhara, the continuous flow of soothing, lukewarm liquid stimulates the hypothalamus housing the pituitary gland which regulates and balances the endocrine system and various hormones in the body, including stress hormones. Shirodhara therapy, therefore, is useful for any nervous system imbalances or stress-related conditions such as fatigue, tension, anxiety, depression, worry, fear, irritation, frustration, memory loss, concentration, headaches and PTSD. By helping to release these negative energies, it increases positive energies, regulates mood swings and boosts immunity, which results in a rejuvenating effect. The oils also have a positive impact on issues of hair loss and premature greying—contributing to rejuvenation as well.

Since the pineal gland, which produces the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, is also stimulated, Shirodhara is an effective therapy for insomnia and other sleep-related issues, includings jet lag, an out-of-sync or interrupted wake-sleep cycle and an unquiet nocturnal mind. Shirodhara also activates points in the head which boosts circulation in the brain by widening blood vessels and decreasing blood pressure. It is, therefore, helpful with hypertension. As the head is the center of many nerve endings which control vital points in the brain and effect the senses, Shirodhara also aids in treating issues related to hearing, sight, taste and smell. Conditions such as sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, tinnitus, vertigo, Meniere’s disease, and even

certain types of skin diseases such as psoriasis, have been helped with Shirodhara. It is also conducive in preventing psychosomatic disorders by relaxing the thought patterns and quieting the mind.

In Vedic philosophy, and the origins of Ayurveda, the area on the forehead over which the liquid flows is often referred to as the “third eye”. This area, it is felt, provides perception beyond ordinary sight, and Shirodhara, therefore, stimulates this center to awaken intuition, provide wisdom and spiritual clarity. It also enhances mental focus and concentration. The result is similar to what might be attained in deep meditation.

While Shirodhara is recommended for all body constitutions, it’s always advisable to consult with a practitioner that is experienced with this cleansing regimen. The preparation of the particular oil and herbs depends on the issues present and the administration of the steady stream of liquid over the corresponding marma points in the forehead requires an understanding of these energy centers. Understanding, too, is required about the proper atmosphere needed for the most beneficial results, as well as the duration of time, and number of sessions most appropriate for the cleansing treatment. Caution is also advised to avoid Shirodhara under certain circumstances—during the third trimester of pregnancy—as it is difficult to remain lying down without discomfort for the length of time required, after a recent neck or brain injury, if there is a rash, abrasion or sunburn on the forehead or scalp, and if there is an aversion to oil.

An Ayurvedic practitioner can determine if this cleansing program is safe and warranted by checking the pulse and tongue of the individual and recommending a suitable plan of action.

Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic is located at 792 Rte. 35, in Cross River, NY. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-875-9088, email DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com or visit DrKaushik.com. See ad, page 11

Hope for Women Experiencing Hair Thinning and Loss

by Erin Lehn

Maureen Toohey, trichologist and owner of Fresh Organic Salon, in Bedford Hills, New York, has been assisting individuals with alopecia (hair loss), scalp disorders and hair conditions for more than three decades. Over the past few years, she has noticed a significant uptick in clients reporting hair shedding, as well as severe skin and scalp issues. “In fact, many of them have experienced up to 50 percent hair loss,” states Toohey, an American Medical Association-certified hair-loss practitioner and consultant for the American Cancer Society’s Look Good Feel Better program, who knows that hair health is more than root deep.

“The best advice I give my clients is to eliminate toxic chemicals in their life as much as possible, as what we put on our skin and in our body affects our blood and overall health,” Toohey shares. “Secondly, eat clean. Feeding your body organic, balanced nutrition—healthy fats, protein and a variety of fruits and vegetables—and avoiding sugar and processed foods will help your hair become stronger and shinier. Plus, your skin will glow, too.”

by LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS on AdobeStock

According to Toohey, those experiencing hair loss should first seek the advice of a medical doctor to determine if there are any systemic causes such as an autoimmune disease, hormonal issues or nutritional deficiencies. “In most cases, regardless of a particular diagnosis, hair can be restored with ample self-care and professional guidance,” advises Toohey, who shares that she has been successful in assisting individuals in restoring and maintaining healthy hair growth, a healthy scalp, and overall health and wellness.

Toohey accomplishes this with an in-depth consultation that gets to the root cause and uses a holistic approach that includes proven therapies for restoring youthfulness to one’s hair, scalp balance and overall wellness. This extensive evaluation includes hair and scalp analysis, treatment and style which addresses issues such as thinning, psoriasis and alopecia.

After a thorough analysis, Toohey then creates a customized course of action to restore hair health for each of her clients. In addition to scheduled salon treatments, clients are guided through a home maintenance routine, which is crucial. “You’ll notice an immediate difference in the feel and manageability of your hair, and growth will be visible within a few months,” assures Toohey. “Your hair will be healthier with every visit.”

Toohey affirms that all the products she uses are safe, nonabrasive, free of side effects, and, most importantly, effective. She also uses laser therapy, which is the only U.S. Food & Drug Administration-approved treatment that produces 99.9 percent results in regrowth. In addition, she collaborates with her clients’ doctors, dermatologists and integrative medicine practitioners.

“Additionally, I highly recommend adopting a nontoxic lifestyle, healthy eating habits, and reducing mental stress through mind-body practices such as meditation,” Toohey adds. “When your body systems are overloaded or not in harmony, it slows down other systems and cuts off nutrients and blood supply. Skin and scalp disorders show up, which can lead to more permanent hair loss. For instance, dry, brittle, damaged or frizzy hair begins with the scalp, which is often affected by poor nutrition,” she explains.

Location: Fresh Organic Salon, 190 Rte. 117 / Bypass Rd., Bedford Hills. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-242-1928, follow @fresh.organicsalon on social media or visit FreshOrganicSalon.com. See ad, page 7.

Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

Sustainable Menstrual Options

Tatlasstudio/CanvaPro

he ecological impact of disposable feminine hygiene products is substantial. Nearly 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons and applicators are thrown into U.S. landfills every year, generating more than 200,000 tons of waste. Most of these products are made of (and wrapped in) non-biodegradable plastic and contain dangerous pesticide residues, bleach and phthalates. From an economic standpoint, the average woman spends about $12,800 on menstrual care in her lifetime.

To reduce the plastic waste that languishes in landfills and waterways, environmentally conscious women are increasingly turning to more sustainable options, including reusable, biodegradable and organic products that are healthier for both people and the planet without compromising on functionality. Although reusable products are more expensive, they are worn over and over again for years, making them more cost-effective in the long run.

Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

Menstrual Cup: Made with medical-grade silicone, this alternative to disposable tampons is worn inside the vagina to collect flow, rather than absorb it. It is safe and easy to use. A cup holds four to six times more than a single tampon or pad, and it can be worn for up to

12 hours before rinsing and reinserting. Most people have to empty it only in the morning and evening.

Menstrual cups can be worn while swimming, running or dancing. To sterilize between periods, a one-to-two-minute boil and thorough drying keeps the cup ready for next time. With proper care, a cup can last years.

Period Underwear: Absorbent, machine-washable and hygienic, period underwear uses a layered approach to leak-proofing with a moisture-wicking top layer, absorbent core layer and waterproof liner. Simply rinse after use and drop it in the next load of laundry.

Reusable Pads: Thin and flexible, reusable pads can absorb more than a disposable counterpart and typically last three to five years. Some companies make their reusable pads from organic cotton and spandex, with edge-to-edge protection and snap closures to keep them in place. Simply rinse them in cold water and throw them in the washing machine. For lighter days, reusable pantyliners are also available.

Organic Tampons and Pads: Although disposable, tampons and pads made from organic cotton are healthier for both people and planet because they are free of BPA-plastic, dyes, pesticides, dioxins, fragrance, chlorine or other synthetic materials. Look for companies that provide plastic-free applicators and compostable wrappers and packaging.

Eco-Friendly Companies

• Cora.life

• Natracare.com

• PublicGoods.com

• PeriodAisle.com

• TheJuneCup.com

• ShopDiva.com

• Saalt.com

• Period.co

• ShopProof.com

• ItsAugust.co

Anna Cabeca

on The Hormone Fix

by Sandra Yeyati

Known as “the girlfriend doctor”, Anna Cabeca is triple board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. With 30 years of experience helping women optimize hormones and invigorate their sex lives, she is also certified in functional medicine and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. Cabeca is the bestselling author of Keto-Green 16, The Hormone Fix and MenuPause. She has also developed a line of well-researched natural care products to relieve common issues such as vaginal dryness, incontinence, loss of libido and hormone imbalance, as well as nutritional supplements that complement her Keto-Green diet plans. She offers three online masterclasses, including Breeze Through Menopause, Sexual CPR and Magic Menopause.

What prompted you to develop the menus and recommendations in your books?

They stem from my own journey through early menopause at age 39 and being told there was nothing I could do but suffer or take an antidepressant. Following an early version of my diet and lifestyle program, I was able to delay menopause and have my daughter.

When I hit age 48, I started to gain weight and experience mood swings, brain fog, crashing fatigue, and an inability to concentrate or sleep through the night, which led me to develop my keto-green, or keto-alkaline, approach.

Can women relieve hormone-imbalance symptoms without medications?

Yes. We can reduce 80 to 90 percent of symptoms in the first two weeks, and 90 percent over another couple of months, with natural interventions and no pharmaceuticals. My plans focus on the right nutrition and intermittent fasting to facilitate detox, support metabolism, increase insulin sensitivity and maintain an alkaline state.

We also work on developing a positive mindset, getting good sleep by resetting your circadian rhythm, reducing stress,

eliminating toxins, and testing, which helps you manage and chart your progress. Then I will consider adding hormones. For menopause and postmenopause, research says we do better with some hormone support.

What is the basic principle behind balancing hormones?

Getting your body to make and use your own natural hormones in a healthier, more efficient way. We do that with detox and by improving the sensitivity of the most powerful hormones in our body. It takes more than hormones to fix your hormones. More than 90 percent of the relief comes from food and lifestyle improvements.

What hormones do you target in The Hormone Fix, and why?

When it comes to regulating and navigating the menopausal transition, you have to focus on the major hormones, which are insulin,

Courtesy Anna Cabeca

cortisol, adrenaline and oxytocin. There’s a hormone hierarchy. I compare it to a university where the students are all the hormones in our body—close to 50 of them—and they each have their own purposes and responsibilities. Teachers are like insulin, cortisol and adrenaline because they regulate the classrooms. If you have an unhealthy professor that allows students to do whatever they want, there’ll be chaos in the classroom. The most powerful hormone—the president of the university—is oxytocin, the hormone of longevity and quality of life.

Can you describe your Keto-Green diet?

The Keto-Green medicinal menus support your body’s detoxification and the metabolism of your hormones. They include highquality protein, high-quality fats and alkalinizing vegetables and fibers to support the gut and estrogen metabolism. To avoid the antibiotics and hormones in meat, we focus on nutritious, organic, wild-caught and grass-fed foods.

Can you explain the alkaline component of the plan?

A higher alkaline urine pH is associated with less metabolic disease (diabetes, hypertension and heart disease) and stronger bones. A more acidic diet takes you into a catabolic, breakdown state, instead of a build-up, nourishing state. We become more alkaline by eating alkalinizing vegetables and decreasing the acid load caused by things like sugar, stress, alcohol and dehydration. I have people measure and monitor their urine pH.

What recommendations do you have for loss of libido? Sexual health is important for optimal health. We want to be fully functioning and capable in what we call the second spring of our lives. It’s hard to feel romantic on your dinner date with your husband or boyfriend when you’re hot-flashing or your clothes don’t fit comfortably. Getting your sexy back is about feeling good in your own skin, being healthy, reaching a happy weight, feeling strong and having good energy, all of which come from healthy eating and healthy hormones.

What advice do you have for staying motivated on our health journeys?

If you’re hitting a plateau, work with an integrative practitioner or join a group that is working on a common goal to motivate you through healthy community. One of my patients the other day said, “You told me to have more fun, so I started taking dance lessons. I haven’t taken them in 30 years, and it’s so much fun.” Be sure to bring more fun into your life. Fun is the ultimate motivator.

Sandra Yeyati is the national editor of Natural Awakenings magazine.

To read a longer version of this conversation, visit Tinyurl.com/NAAnnaCabeca.

The Road to Hormonal Harmony

Finding Balance and Thriving

by Marlaina Donato

Like a well-built home, the human body’s quality of life depends upon a sturdy foundation. A complex, hormonal matrix determines our vitality and impacts major areas of health, including growth and development, stamina, sleep cycles, bone health, blood sugar levels, fertility, weight and mood. Fifty hormones take turns keeping us alive, as well as impacting lesser concerns such as hair and skin quality.

Excessive stress, certain pharmaceutical medications, hormonal contraception, autoimmune diseases and, in rare instances, tumors can throw the body into metabolic chaos. Supporting these fundamental allies through lifestyle changes that include a nutrient-packed diet, improved gut health, supplementation and medication, when

needed, can help us get back on track. Most importantly, prevention is possible with the same approach.

“Hormones are the behind-the-scenes influencers, ensuring your body operates smoothly and adjusting to the ever-changing demands of your environment and internal states. When this delicate balance is thrown off, the consequences can be widespread, affecting virtually every aspect of your health,” affirms North Carolina-based hormone specialist Deborah Matthew, M.D., author of This Is Not Normal: A Busy Woman's Guide to Symptoms of Hormone Imbalance

Even a slight imbalance of certain hormones—whether a deficiency or an excess—can compromise digestion, raise

low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol), downgrade sex drive, foster cognitive issues, amp up anxiety and even affect heart rhythm. Lifestyle factors like smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise also play a role in disturbing equilibrium. Matthew explains, “Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate many functions well beyond the realm of reproductive health. They are produced by your endocrine glands and circulate through your bloodstream, delivering critical instructions to every tissue and organ.”

Oxytocin and Other Key Players

“I believe there is a better way to deliver health care to my patients by blending the best of Eastern and Western philosophies. We work with you so you can finally heal and feel better than you have in a long time.”

Mallis, MD LAc

Like orchestra players, hormones work together, but the hormone oxytocin is the conductor. Hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, as well as the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, cannot be produced or used properly without oxytocin. Good gut health also depends on it. “The most powerful hormone in our body, hands down, is oxytocin. It also happens to be an alkalinizing hormone and helps oppose the negative, chronic effects of cortisol, our stress hormone,” says Anna Cabeca, a triple-board-certified OB-GYN and author of The Hormone Fix, Keto-Green 16 and MenuPause. “Oxytocin is what we refer to as the love and bonding hormone. It’s also a longevity hormone—muscle-regenerating, mood-elevating, pain-relieving and immune-boosting. It is vital to have a high level of it if we want to boost and support the other hormones.”

Cabeca recommends boosting oxytocin naturally. “It can be as simple as thinking of something that puts a smile on your face, brings you joy and happiness, makes you laugh or gives you that warm fuzzy feeling inside,” she explains, adding that cultivating a sense of gratitude “will help boost your oxytocin level and reduce your stress hormone cortisol, which, when too high, leads to inflammation and acidity.” Her other go-to oxytocin allies are funny movies, being in nature, hugs, intimacy, therapeutic massage and activities with others like yoga classes, hiking or team sports.

The symbiotic relationship between the thyroid and our stress-fighting adrenal glands is also fundamental in systemic harmony. A 2015 study published in European Thyroid Journal revealed that 5 percent of patients with autoimmune thyroid disease also had an underlying primary adrenal insufficiency. An older study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism in 2009 showed that 41 percent of patients with compromised adrenal function also suffered from hypothyroidism.

“In today’s high-stress environment, our cortisol production can become dysregulated. This is often called ‘adrenal fatigue’, although that term is not recognized by the conventional medicine world,” says Matthew. “This cortisol dysregulation often results in profound tiredness, cravings for salt or sugar, reliance on caffeine for energy and difficulty handling stress.” She notes that despite its widespread occurrence, adrenal compromise slips between the cracks of conventional diagnosis. Recognizing the interconnectedness of bodily systems is vital.

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“A holistic approach to thyroid and adrenal health considers the entire spectrum of an individual’s health, lifestyle and emotional well-being,” Matthew says. “Holistic practitioners often employ

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comprehensive testing to uncover subtle imbalances, utilize natural supplements like adaptogenic herbs to support function and recommend dietary and lifestyle changes that address underlying causes of thyroid and adrenal symptoms.”

Fertility Factors

For many, planning a family is one of life’s high points, but according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 percent of married women under the age of 30 struggle to conceive; about 22 percent of married women between ages 30 and 39 are hit the hardest. The frustration can be agonizing. “I often say that infertility is not a diagnosis; it’s a symptom,” attests Aumatma Simmons, a double-board-certified naturopathic doctor, endocrinologist and fertility specialist at the Holistic Fertility Institute, in Berkeley, California. “When we consider infertility as a symptom, we start understanding that it is the check-engine light that our body is giving off, trying to tell us something is out of whack. Maybe it’s the hormones or something somewhere else in the body. The root causes must be discovered and addressed.”

Common contributors to infertility include amenorrhea (absent periods) caused by physical or emotional stress, weight extremes (obesity or underweight) and age. Simmons underscores the role of diet and lifestyle in both women and men. “It is well-researched that lifestyle habits like smoking, alcohol and marijuana can contribute to fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, there is ongoing research about the role of sedentary lifestyles and body mass index as potential indicators of pregnancy outcomes. Even blood sugar and inflammation in the male partner can impact fertility, as well as a woman’s ability to carry a pregnancy to term.”

Simmons directly attributes food habits to egg and sperm quality, asserting, “Diet is vital in the role of implantation. There are studies that have shown that gut inflammation contributes to uterine inflammation, which directly affects implantation and

pregnancy outcomes.” She also connects the dots between the mental and emotional health of both parents and baby success. Negative talk, poor self-esteem, responsibility overload and an inability to let go or ask for help can also foster infertility.

What We Can Do

Taking a few steps toward a more balanced body can go a long way. Cabeca emphasizes, “Deep, restorative sleep is essential to regenerate and rebalance. Physical activity is absolutely necessary for hormone circulation throughout the blood and lymphatic system, so doing things that make you huff and puff and sweat daily is critical.” She also recommends alkalizing the diet by amping up hydration and fortifying meals with low-carbohydrate food sources, lowglycemic fruits like berries, leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables and sprouts. Adding intermittent fasting to the mix also packs a positive punch, especially as progesterone and estrogen levels decrease with age and we have a higher risk for developing insulin resistance.

Everyday foods for hormonal happiness include healthy, high-fat foods like avocados, raw butter, ghee, egg yolks (rich in choline and iodine for healthy thyroid function), soaked nuts and seeds, flaxseed, hemp and olive oil; clean proteins like quinoa, organic pasture-raised poultry and beef, wild-caught fish, lentils and beans; and spices like turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, garlic and fresh cilantro. Avoid trans fats, sugar and refined carbs, which trigger inflammation and disrupt hormonal balance.

Matthew recommends cortisol-lowering activities like meditation, yoga and breathwork, which help balance cortisol levels, improve our resilience to daily stressors and support overall hormonal health. She also stresses the importance of seven to nine hours of restful sleep by “establishing a consistent bedtime routine, minimizing exposure to blue light from screens before bedtime and creating a sleep-conducive environment in your bedroom. Many of your hormones are produced at night while you are in a deep sleep.” More shut-eye also regulates stress hormones and helps to repair the body’s cells and tissues.

Life is better when our bodies are happy, and change begins with small, inspired steps. Cabeca reminds us, “Create a life rhythm that works for you.”

Marlaina Donato is a visionary artist, composer, author of several books and long-time journalist for Natural Awakenings. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.

Andrey Cherkasov from Getty Images/CanvaPro

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Identifying and Treating Lyme Disease

An Integrative and Functional Medicine Approach

by Jill Valerius, M.D., ABoIM, IFMCP, ATC

Lyme disease, a complex and often misdiagnosed illness, affects approximately 476,000 people annually in the United States. Found in all 50 states and every continent but Antarctica, it is transmitted primarily by the Ixodes tick, more commonly known as the deer tick or black-legged tick. If not promptly addressed, the ailment can lead to long-term health complications. Thanks to advancements in medicine, the identification and treatment of Lyme disease continues to evolve and improve.

Historical Context

The story of Lyme disease began in the 1970s with a community outbreak of facial palsy and arthritis in Lyme, Connecticut. An explanation for this mysterious illness did not surface until the early 1980s, when Willy Burgdorfer, an investigator for the National

Institutes of Health, discovered a bacterium in ticks from the area (Borrelia Burgdorferi), laying the foundation for modern testing and diagnostic methods.

Diagnosing a Complex Disease

There are several complicating factors that make a Lyme disease diagnosis difficult. The characteristic bullseye-shaped rash is present in less than half of cases and may disappear quickly. Early signs and symptoms such as fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, joint pain, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes are easily mistaken for other illnesses.

The utility of early lab testing is limited because the process takes several weeks and can lead to false negatives. This leaves physicians to rely on observable symptoms and rule out other possible causes. A doctor

will also ask if a patient has been out in the woods or grassy areas where they might have been exposed to black-legged ticks.

Tom Moorcroft, DO, the founder of Origins of Health and an investigator of medical mysteries, refers to Lyme disease as “the new great imitator and instigator,” describing its ability to mimic various other diseases, often at the same time. For people experiencing persistent symptoms, comprehensive lab testing may be needed to distinguish between Lyme and other tick-borne and nontick-borne diseases.

Treatment Options

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, including fever, rash, facial

paralysis and arthritis. While conventional antibiotics remain a cornerstone for earlystage treatment, emerging research increasingly recognizes and supports the role of natural and botanical medicine.

In a 2020 study published in Frontiers in Medicine, seven botanical agents were identified as promising treatments for Lyme disease, including black walnut, Japanese knotweed, sweet wormwood, cat’s claw and Chinese skullcap. Cryptolepis sanguinolenta extract caused a complete eradication of the B. Burgdorferi bacterium in their study. The scientists recommended additional research to determine dosages and extract combinations that might offer hope for those suffering long-term symptoms.

The integrative and functional medicine approach to treating Lyme disease is multifaceted and customized, taking into account an individual’s health history, environmental factors and unique physiological responses. The overarching goals are to target the infection, bolster the immune system, manage symptoms and promote overall well-being. According to Dr. Darin Ingels, a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine and author of The Lyme Solution, “All other therapies, no matter what they are, probably aren’t going to be as effective until you’ve really taken care of your gut health and your mental and emotional being.”

Lifestyle interventions are critical in this holistic treatment. A diet rich in whole foods, clean proteins and minimal grains, dairy, sugar and processed foods can mitigate inflammation and aid recovery. Complementary practices such as regular exercise, sauna sessions, Epsom salt baths, sufficient sleep and stress management techniques play vital roles in healing and preventing long-term complications.

Prevention Tips

Prevention is integral in combating Lyme disease. Tick repellents and protective clothing can significantly reduce bites. After

spending time in wooded or grassy areas, thoroughly check the skin for early tick detection and removal. Upon discovering a tick, remove it promptly and monitor the bite area for signs of a rash or infection. If symptoms appear, quickly seek guidance from a healthcare professional with expertise in Lyme disease.

A healthy diet, regular exercise and sufficient sleep are essential for maintaining a robust immune system and can bolster the body’s defenses, potentially reducing the risk of developing chronic Lyme disease.

Staying Informed

• International Lyme and Associated Disease Society (ilads.org) is a global nonprofit that promotes research, education and policy associated with Lyme and associated diseases.

• LymeDisease.org offers support and information curated by patients.

• TickSpotters from the University of Rhode Island (Tinyurl.com/tickspot) provides tick identification information and science-based risk assessments.

• Local health departments can provide updated information and recommendations for specific areas.

Meeting Future Challenges

Lyme disease presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating a multifaceted and individualized approach to its management. Integrative and functional medicine offer an effective strategy, combining conventional medical treatments with lifestyle and natural therapies. This holistic approach empowers individuals to take an active role in their health journey, ensuring not just the treatment of Lyme disease, but also the promotion of longterm wellness and quality of life.

Jill Valerius is a dual-board-certified physician in family and integrative medicine with an additional certification in functional medicine. Learn more at NowHealthPalmer.com.

Erik Karits from pixabay/CanvaPro

Balancing Gluten

Making Peace With an Oft-Maligned Ingredient

by Deborah Bevilacqua

The rise in prevalence of celiac disease and related conditions, and shifts toward paleo, keto and other gluten-free diets, have driven the gluten-free products market from $973 million in 2014 to $6.5 billion in 2022. The market for these products is expected to reach $15.1 billion by 2032 according to The Brainy Insights, a market research company. However, switching to gluten-free products is not a one-sizefits-all decision.

Celiac disease affects an estimated 1 percent or approximately 3 million Americans, although approximately 60 to 70 percent of those have not been diagnosed, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. The illness is an autoimmune condition that results in tissue damage in the small intestine, which may be accompanied by abdominal pain, gas and bloating, cognitive impairment, constipation, diarrhea, anxiety, fatigue,

anemia, skin rashes and joint pain. It is diagnosed with blood tests and confirmed by taking pictures inside of the small intestine.

The National Institutes of Health report an additional 6 percent of Americans may have a related condition known as nonceliac gluten sensitivity (NCGS). While some symptoms of intolerance or sensitivity to gluten are similar to those with celiac disease, NCGS does not come with intestinal damage. Symptoms of NCGS also may occur outside the intestines such as heartburn, feelings of fullness, vomiting, headaches, anxiety, depression, a foggy mind and fibromyalgia-like symptoms.

For those allergic to wheat or other grains containing gluten or that have gluten-related disorders, permanently eliminating gluten is a must. This includes inhaling it, eating it and encountering it through skin or hair.

Gluten and the Gut

Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, spelt, semolina, farro, barley and rye. These grains are a source of fiber, B vitamins, trace minerals and other nutrients. Many studies have associated whole-grain consumption with improved health outcomes. For instance, as part of a healthy diet, wheat has been found to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease and weight gain.

Gluten interplays with the bacteria in the gut. The journal Nutrients published a review in 2021 of various studies that evaluated the effects of a gluten-free diet on the microbiome of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found that a gluten-free diet reduced the bacterial richness and affected gut microbiota composition of patients in all three groups. In patients with celiac disease or NCGS, the gluten-free diet created a positive effect on gastrointestinal symptoms and helped restore microbiota population by reducing the population of pro-inflammatory species. However, in healthy patients, a gluten-free diet had a negative effect on the gut by decreasing the number of beneficial species and increasing the number of bad microorganisms.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, changes in the amount or activity of good bacteria have been associated with gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer and irritable bowel syndrome.

“Changes in your diet can alter your microbiome within one to two days,” says Dr. Tom O’Bryan, an expert on wheat-related disorders, NCGS, celiac disease and their link to autoimmune diseases. “When you go on a gluten-free diet, you remove prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut. This then causes the bad bacteria to flourish and reproduce, resulting in increased inflammation in your gut, a contributor to disease.” This makes sense as 70 to 80 percent of immune cells are present in the gut.

Olga Larionova from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Effective Gluten-Free Dieting

Whether a gluten-free diet is required because of a gluten-related disorder or by choice, it is essential to add prebiotic foods to replace the beneficial impacts lost when eliminating wheat and other grains. Prebiotic and probiotic supplements are a start, but consumption of vegetables is the key.

“Probiotics are most effective when they are combined with a highfiber diet featuring a variety of vegetables,” says O’Bryan. He recommends at least one daily serving of root vegetables, such as rutabaga, turnip, parsnip, radish, carrot and sweet potato, and two daily servings of prebiotic foods like bananas, garlic, onion, asparagus, leafy green vegetables, legumes, artichoke, apples and cocoa. “I also recommend a forkful or more of fermented foods each day. Vary it up with some sauerkraut, kimchi, miso or fermented beets, or drink some kefir or kombucha.”

“If you're experiencing digestive discomfort, give a healthy, glutenfree diet a try for at least 30 days and assess how you feel,” recommends Michelle Ross, a board-certified nutrition specialist, licensed dietician and functional medicine practitioner. “My recommendation is to stay away from the gluten-free aisle. The truth is many people that switch to a gluten-free diet often turn to processed gluten-free foods. The focus should be on consuming whole, real, unprocessed foods.”

Finding Balance

Even for those without gluten-related conditions, too much gluten can create its own health complications. In a 2015 study published in Nutrients, gliadin, a component of gluten, was administered to biopsies taken from the small intestines of healthy, celiac disease and NCGS patients. The researchers found each group experienced increases in inflammatory markers and in markers of leaky gut, with the healthy group having the greatest increase in interleukin 10, a rapidly activated pro-inflammatory cytokine that defends the body against microbial invasion.

For otherwise healthy people, finding a balance between enough gluten to feed gut probiotics but not so much that it results in gut permeability issues is important. “If you decide to continue consuming gluten, opt for whole or minimally processed einkorn wheat, rye, barley, spelt and Kamut wheat,” says Ross. “These grains have not undergone hybridization and are not typically sprayed with glyphosate before harvesting. Additionally, consider consuming sprouted or fermented forms of these grains, as they can be more digestible.”

Deborah Bevilacqua is a journalist and contributor to Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation.

Foodie Guide

Farmers Markets

HUDSON VALLEY REGIONAL FARMERS MARKET

Sundays, 10am-2pm 15 Mount Ebo Rd. South, Brewster

HudsonValleyFarmers Market.org

Farm Stand

HILLTOP HANOVER FARM

1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights

Thurs – Sun, 10am-4pm

HilltopHanoverFarm.org

Markets

GREENS NATURAL FOODS

Briarcliff Manor

97 North State Rd., Briarcliff Manor 914-800-9146

Eastchester

780 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale 914-874-5481

Mount Kisco

666 Lexington Ave., Mount Kisco 914-864-1274

Somers

57 Rte. 6. (in Baldwin Place)

Somers 914-485-8093

GreensNaturalFoods.com

GREEN ORGANIC MARKET

275 S. Central Park Ave., Hartsdale 914-437-5802

FB: GreenOrganicMarket

MOTHER EARTH’S STOREHOUSE

300 Kings Mall Ct., Kingston 845-336-5541

MotherEarthStorehouse.com

NATURE’S PANTRY HV 1545 NY-52, Fishkill 845-765-2023

NaturesPantryhv.com

NATURE’S HARVEST MARKET HV

1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie 845-296-1069

NaturesHarvesthv.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

575 Boston Post Rd., Port Chester 914.708.1985

1 Ridge Hill Rd., Yonkers 914-378-8090

WholeFoodsMarket.com

Microgreens

TINY GREENS FARM

Retail, wholesale, workshops, local pickup or delivery.

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Restaurant

BROOKLYN ORGANIC KITCHEN

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

890 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac 845-621-2655

BOKMahopac.com

Local Farmers Markets

Sunday

Westchester County

Rye Down to Earth Farmers Market – 8:30am1pm. May 5-Dec. 1. In the parking lot off Theodore Fremd Ave., behind the Purchase St. stores. Info: DownToEarthMarkets.com.

Let It Shine Markets – 9am-1pm. Prana Yoga at 10am. June 4-Oct. 29. 45 Riverview Ave, Verplanck. LetItShineOnline.com.

Irvington Farmers Market – 9am-1:30pm. June 2-Nov. 17. 101 Main St, Irvington. TheIrvington FarmersMarket.org.

Scarsdale Farmers Market – 9am-2pm. May 12-Nov. 24. Chase Rd and Spence Pl, Scarsdale. DownToEarthMarkets.com.

Muscoot Farmers Market – 9:30am-2:30pm. MayNov. 51 NY-Rte. 100, Katonah. Info: MuscootFarm. org.

Mount Kisco Farmers Market – 11am-3pm. May 21-Nov. 3. 1 Kirby Plaza, Mt. Kisco. Info: MkFarmersMarket.com.

Putnam County

Carmel Farmers Market at Lake Mahopac –9am-2pm. May 5- Oct. 20. Mahopac Chamber Park, 953 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac. linktr.ee/ CFMatlakemahopac.

The Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market –10am-2pm. Year-round. 15 Mount Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.

Dutchess County

Beekman Farmers Market – 9am-1pm.

June 18-Sept. 28. Town Center Park 71 Town Center Blvd., Hopewell Junction.

Littlest Farmers Market – 10am-1pm. Select Sundays June-Sept. Hackett Farm Supply, 2297 Salt Point Turnpike, Clinton Corners.

Beacon Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. Year-round. 223 Main St., Beacon. BeaconFarmersMarket.org.

Rhinebeck Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. May 7-Dec.17. Closed Dec. 3. Rhinebeck Municipal Parking Lot, 61 East Market St, Rhinebeck. Rhinebeck FarmersMarket.com.

Tuesday

Dutchess County

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Farmers Market –2-5:30pm. May 7-Oct. 29. 75 North Water St., Poughkeepsie. mhdm.org.

Wednesday

Westchester County

White Plains Road Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. June 1-Nov. 23. White Plains Rd & E 211 St, White Plains. WhiteplainsFarmersMarket.com.

Dutchess County

Obercreek Farm Stand – Wed-Sun: 11am-5pm. Year-round. 81 New Hamburg Rd., Wappingers Falls. ObercreekFarm.com.

Thursday

Westchester County

Saint John’s Church Farmers Market – 8am4pm. July 11-Oct. 31, Church Courtyard 1 Hudson St. Yonkers.

Hilltop Hanover Farm Stand – Thu-Sun: 10am4pm. April 24-Nov. 27, 1271 Hanover St Yorktown Heights. HilltopHanoverFarm.org.

Dutchess County

Arlington Farmers Market – 2pm-6pm. June 6-Nov. 21, Vassar College Alumni Lawn, 123 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie. ArlingtonHasIt.org

Friday

Dutchess County

Taste NY at Todd Hill Farmers Market – 1-5pm. May 26-Oct 13. 4640 Taconic State Parkway North, Poughkeepsie. 845-849-0247.

Saturday

Westchester County

Peekskill Farmers Market – 8am-2pm. June 1-Nov. 23. 1 Bank St., Peekskill. Rain or shine. DiscoverPeekskill.com.

This Farmers Market Schedule is available at our website WakeUpNaturally.com by

Bronxville Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. May 11-Dec. 7. 1 Stone Place & Paxton Ave, Bronxville. Chappaqua Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. May 11-Dec. 8. Chappaqua Train Station, 108 Allen Pl. Chappaqua/armersMarket.org.

Hastings Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. June 1-Nov. 16. 131 Southside Ave, Hastings. HastingsFarmersMarket.org.

Larchmont Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. Yearround. 122 Myrtle Blvd. Larchmont, Metro North lot off Chatsworth Ave. DownToEarthMarkets.com.

Ossining Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. Year-round. 15 Spring St., Ossining. DownToEarthMarkets.com.

Pleasantville Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. Yearround. Metro-North Parking Lot, 10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville. PleasantvilleFarmersMarket.org.

Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market – 8:30am-1:30pm. May 25-Dec. 7 Patriots Park Rt 9, Sleepy Hollow. TaSHFarmersMarket.org.

Gosseett Brothers Farmers Market - 9am-1pm. Year-round. 1202 Rte. 35, South Salem. Rain or shine. Info: GossettBrothers.com.

John Jay Homestead Farmer Market - 9am2pm. May 4 - Oct 26. 400 Jay St. Katonah. JohnJayHomestead.org.

White Plains Road Farmers Market – 9am-4pm. June 1-Nov. 23. White Plains Rd & E 211 St, White Plains. WhiteplainsFarmersMarket.com.

Putnam County

Cold Spring Farmers Market – 8:30am-1pm. May-Oct. Boscobel House and Gardens, 1601 Rte. 9-D, Garrison.CSFarmMarket.org.

Dutchess County

Millbrook Farmers Market – 9am-1pm. May 27-Oct 28. 3263 Franklin Ave, Millbrook. 914-419-7621.

Paul’s Hyde Park Farmers Market – 9am2pm. June 3-Oct. 28. 4390 Rte. 9, Hyde Park 845-229-9336.

Pawling Farmers Market – 9am-1pm. June 17-Oct. 7. 5-7 Charles Coleman Blvd., Pawling 917-224-4801.

Millerton Farmers Market – 10am-2pm. May 18Dec. 21. 6 Dutchess Ave, Millerton NECMillerton. org/farmers-market.

Pixel My Hearton AdobeStock

Calendar of Events

Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before May 8 (for the June 2024 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.

Wednesday, May1

Myopia, Prevention & Control – 7-9pm. Glasses getting stronger every year? Learn the triggers which increase nearsightedness, and how to STOP or even reverse myopia progression at any age. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177; DrSlotnick.com.

Friday, May 3

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Sound Bath with Reverb Yogi – 6:30pm. Relax and connect with your breath on a journey of sacred instruments, soothing vibrations and sounds. Create space to find a deeper state of calm and self-care. $45. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.

Saturday, May 4

Beltane Women’s Day Retreat – 1-8pm. This intimate day retreat gathering includes four workshops: opening circle, Plant Wisdom, Kitchen Witchery crafting, and traditional Celtic Storytelling of myth and magic. Beltane was first mentioned in Irish literature in the 9th century. The festival began on the 1st of May, a midway point from Spring to celebrate the coming of Summer. Beltane translates to “the fires of Bel,” referring to the Celtic sun god, Belenus. $133. Moss and Moonlight Sanctuary for Healing Arts, Hopewell Junction. Info/register: MossAndMoonlight.com/calendar.

NEXT DEADLINE

5/8/24

Earth Qigong For Women Workshop – 1-3:30pm. Mindful movement, breath and intention represent the essence of qigong. Wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement. BYO yoga mat and water. Open to practitioners of all ages and experience with modifications implemented as needed. $45. Dutchess Yoga Studio, 1820 New Hackensack Rd., Poughkeepsie. Preregistration required: Lorraine Hughes, 845-416-4598.

Kentucky Derby Gala – 5-10pm. Dress in “Farm Fabulous” attire and cheer on the horses in the first race of the Triple Crown: the 2024 Kentucky Derby! Watch the race live at the farm while enjoying dinner, dancing and open bar. Lucky Orpans, 2699 Rte. 22, Dover Plains. Tickets: BrownPaperTickets.com/event/6282541.

Wellness In Pregnancy/Childbirth – 7-8pm. Learn how chiropractic care can optimize pregnancy and natural delivery. We will also share informtion on proper nutrition and higlight recipes for the 10 month pregnancy. Bring a pregnant friend or one who is considering pregnancy. $10. Cortlandt Wellness, 2127 Crompond Rd., Ste. 104, Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-930-8800; CortlandtWellness.com.

Sunday, May 5

Akashic Readings in Salt Cave – 11am-12pm. Laura Mazzotta guides you through a sacred group meditation journey/ritual into the Akashic Records, and offers individual healings and feedback for anyone who is present. Opportunity to ask questions to clarify what’s coming forward in your field. $50. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; HudsonValleyhhc.com.

Tuesday, May 7

An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. Westchester Psychic Jessica Lawrence offers her medium talents to connect with ancestors for a group reading of those in attendance. Bring clarity to your life issues. Not everyone is guaranteed to receive a reading. Limited to 20. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Wednesday, May 8

Yoga Nidra with Dani – 6:30-7:45pm. This class is about enabling you to let go of physical and mental stress and encourage your sympathetic nervous system (fight, flight, freeze) to dial down your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) and to dial up: promoting balance and helping you to reset. You will be guided into a few very supportive asanas to relax the body and then you will be guided through a Yoga Nidra mediation enhanced with essential oils. $20. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Power of Eight Meditation – 7:15-8:45pm. Join Nadine from Third Eye Studios to learn Lynne McTaggart’s ground-breaking method to harness the miraculous energies of a small group to heal others. $10. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Thursday, May 9

Shamanic Healing Hearth – 7-9pm. With Shamanic Reiki Master, Kevin Spath. Gather with us in sacred circle to heal ourselves, others, and the Earth. Free. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-7374325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Friday, May 10

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Saturday, May 11

Bemer Wellness Morning – 10am-12pm. Free demos. BEMER Therapy for physical vascular health. BEMER Group leader, Rick Gabrielly, presents benefits of BEMER’s patented PEMF signal to increase O2 blood flow by 30%. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: 914588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Truth and Lies About Life Insurance: Is It For You? – 1pm. With Myron Sutton. Can whole life insurance help me when I retire? Straightforward with understandable terms. Free. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Stargate Circle Free Meditation Gathering –1-2:30 pm. Join other locals connecting with a global Stargate family to experience meditations channeled by Prageet Harris and Jules Conard of Stargate Experience Academy to expand your consciousness. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Radiate & Return: Relating to Your Core with Jennifer Brilliant – 1:30-4:30pm. Anchoring your limbs to your core in yoga practice can support you in feeling whole and guide you to move with more fluidity and ease. In this workshop, we will discuss and explore what parts of your body to include in your concept of your core. Jennifer’s eclectic approach is informed by in-depth and decades-long work in dance, personal training, Pilates, Alexander Technique, yoga, and more. In-person and on Zoom. $45 members/$65 nonmembers. Learn more/register: Gina Callender: 914-374-9749. ytayoga.com.

Group Spirit Healing in the Salt Cave – 5-6pm. A restorative group healing in our salt cave. Daisy Farrell channels your spirit team, along with her own, to facilitate alignment and reunite you with your purest form. You will leave feeling lighter, filled with peace, and deeply connected to your soul. Having the healing experience as a group greatly amplifies the energy! There is also time allotted for Q&A. $50. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: 845-849-0838; HudsonValleyhhc.com.

Calendar of Events

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. 5Rhythms is a dance practice in which participants gather in a supportive community, dancing instinctively to music, guided by a certified teacher/DJ. It is a combination between group meditation and dancing with the ecstatic abandon of someone who is absolutely certain they are all alone, but instead are in a supportive community. $20. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Sunday, May 12

Sisterhood of the Rose: A Monthly Women’s Circle – 2-5pm. Led by Katya Varlamova. Let us gather amongst sisters: to witness, support and inspire each other; share in one another’s wisdom; re-connect to our precious bodies; center in our divine essence; create and manifest our most sacred dreams; and celebrate the love, the courage and the joy we hold in our hearts. We will engage with the scared medicines of sound, breath, ritual, movement, plants and essential oils. $27. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Tuesday, May 14

Free Online Lecture: Arthritis and Autoimmune Conditions – 7-8pm. Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician, will hold a free online lecture, “Food as Medicine: Arthritis and Autoimmune Conditions,” through the Pawling Free Library. Held online. Registration required through the library: 845-855-3444 or PawlingFreeLibrary.org.

Thursday, May 16

Introduction to Beekeeping – 6:30-8pm. Learn what the buzz is all about! Apiarist BobBee will take us through the steps to becoming an amateur beekeeper and the tricks to keeping a healthy, flourishing hive. Adults 18+ . Free. Patterson Library, 1167 Rte. 311, Patterson. Info: PattersonLibrary.org.

Tools to Overcome Anxiety – 7-8:30pm. Come join Larry Epstein as he shares his battle with anxiety and the tools he uses daily to ensure a fulfilling and stressfree life. $20. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Friday, May 17

Relax + Restore Restorative Yoga – 6-7:30pm. Celebrate the art of deep relaxation of body and mind in supported poses designed to create space in your body. You will release tense muscles and transition from stress to calm. $25. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave, Wappingers Falls. 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Somatic Release Breathwork – 6:30-8pm. With Julia Zern. Join us for a healing practice to release trauma, stress and tension that has been stored in the body. In this practice we access the sympathetic nervous system to allow what’s been stuck in the body to be expressed and moved out and invite in new more useful patterns. The session is done laying down with eyes closed and is set to music. $40. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga. com/upcoming-events.

Quit with Quinn, Addiction-Free Naturally –6:30pm, lasts 30-45min. Quit with Quinn addiction-cessation treatments bring remarkable, fast and sustainable results for overcoming all sorts of addictions. Q & A regarding smoking, alcohol, sugar, overeating, weight loss. Free. Details: 914473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com.

Saturday, May 18

Agi’s Health-Balanced Fitness Studio Yearly Open House – 11:30am-2pm. Come see our studio and to meet new people, socialize with current clients, share healthy snacks, talk about health and fitness. Introduce our trainers, instructors, programs and services! Free. Agi’s Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. Info: 845-216-6810; HealthBalanced.com.

The Blessing of the Animals – 12-4pm. (Rain date May 19, 1-5pm). All furred, finned, scaled and feathered friends are invited to attend with their companion people. Meet and greet Animal Ambassadors representing local shelters and rescue groups, interact with local service animals including representatives from the police canine unit and mounted horse unit, take a chance in an onsite raffle to support the charity, Come and enjoy this special event and bring your cameras. There will be many loving moments to capture. Third Evangelical Lutheran Church, 31 Livingston St., Rhinebeck. Questions: 845-876-4471.

Unleash Your Inner Goddess: Summer Edition May Throat Chakra – 3-4:30pm. Empowerment for anyone who desires to awaken their shakti energy through movement, mantra and meditation. We will focus on the Pranamaya Kosha also known as our life force sheath. Sama will guide pranayama exercises and vocal toning practices that will cleanse and unblock the throat chakra. Primal movements and a sound meditation will be infused into the offering for a total body reset from head to toe. Let’s unite, empower, and radiate our inner goddesses together! $35. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Sunday, May 19

Native American-Style Drumming Circle –2-4pm. Scott Nelson leads to help you raise your vibration and release low residue following Native American traditions. Extra drums and shakers. Families welcome with children 10 and up. Adults $25. Balancing 4 Life, 25 Broadway, Ste. 101, Pleasantville. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com/upcoming-events.

Mark Your Calendar

Paint your Inner Sacred Feminine with internationally known and loved artist Jo Jayson

Retreat:

May 20-24, 2024

Omega Institute

150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck, NY

For information and registration: JoJayson.com • 917-748-1903

Wednesday, May 22

ADD Just Doesn’t Add Up! – 7-9pm. Is it really a short attention span? Learn current facts & how to distinguish visual problems that mimic or complicate AD(H)D. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, 495 Central Park Ave, Ste 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177. DrSlotnick.com.

Thursday, May 23

Spinal Energetics – 6:30-8pm. With Jenn Ryan. SE is a kind and gentle modality designed to ease the nervous system out of fight or flight mode into a state of calm. SE works with the mind, body and spirit/ soul. This energy healing session combines Eastern and Western thought, to interact with a person’s spine (without maneuvering the body), nervous system and energetic field, to harness a person’s own innate wisdom to know and heal themselves. $65. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: 845276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com/upcoming-events.

Friday, May 24

Ascend X The Class: A Virtual Class practiced in Community – 6:15-7:30pm. Step into the transformative realm of Taryn Toomey’s “The Class” as we bring this virtual experience to Ascend. Join us for a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, presented in Ascend’s studio setting. We will project our Class teacher on the studio walls, crank the soundtrack and practice together; cathartic community movement. Sweat, shake, and scream if you want to, as all paths bring you right back to the heart, right back to you. $10. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter.com/events-summary.

Saturday, May 25

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30. See May 11 for details. $20. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: AscendCenter. com/events-summary.

sanddebeautheil/123rf.com

Sunday, May 26

Sound Healing in the Salt Cave – 3-4pm. Join us for a transformative sound journey hosted by the talented 17-year sound explorer, John Minks, and embark on a truly immersive and multi-sensory experience. Sound journeys help our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies return to a more cohesive state. $60. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/ register: 845-849-0838; HudsonValleyhhc.com.

Wednesday, May 29

Chamber of Mothers: Westchester Local Chapter Meeting – 7-8:30pm. Join a collective movement for mother’s rights. Through grassroots movements, local chapters, and community-building, we’re uniting mothers as advocates to create the country we want to live in and bestow upon future generations. This month we will be meeting at Shake It Off in Scarsdale. Please bring friends and spread the word! 365 Central Park Ave., Scarsdale. Info: ChamberOfMothers.com.

Thursday, May 30

56th Annual Salute to Seniors – 9:30-1:30pm. Join us for the event that will feature information on programs, services and products designed to make life better for our senior community. Lunch, wellness activities and enjoyable music will also be provided to attendees. Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains. Find out more: WestchesterPartnership.org/salute-to-seniors.

Sunday, June 2

Birds of Prey Day – 10am-4pm. Celebrate Green Chimneys’ famous annual tradition dedicated to children, the environment and magnificent birds of prey. Over 100 raptors, free-flying demos, top wildlife experts, live animal presentations, hay rides, zip line and more! Visitors will have a chance to get “up close and personal” with majestic eagles, hawks, owls and falcons and learn from top wildlife and environmental experts. Green Chimneys, 400 Doansburg Rd, Brewster. Tickets: GreenChimneys. org/news-events/event/birds-prey-day.

Ongoing Events

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our July & October editions. Email listings to Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com.

Sunday

Luna Power Flow – 9:30-10:30am. This all-levels Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Journey into Power Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. This 90-min signature class is a journey to vitality, power and freedom. All levels. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.

Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am2pm. Year-round. 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. Info: HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.

Foundations of Yoga – 1-2:15pm. With Robin Palmer. Develop a deeper understanding of the foundations of yoga, exploring asana (body posture) and pranayama (breath work) and yogic philosophy. All levels welcome. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Monday

TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:3010am. 2nd Mon. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Barre Sculpt – 9am. A challenging total body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/register: 646734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

1-Hour L1 Alignment Vinyasa – 9:30am. All classes include movement, breathwork and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Yoga for Back Care – 9:30-10:45am. Class designed specifically for back care includes restorative and supported active poses. This slower paced class is a good class if you have back pain, injuries, or specific individual needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Flow & Align with Sarah – 9:30-10:45am. Move mindfully through breath-centered sequences while fine tuning your alignment through the creative use of props. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Slow Flow Yoga – 9:45-10:45am. (No class Dec. 25). This all-levels class combines the benefits of both dynamic and static postures, providing a balanced practice with mindful sequencing that follows the ebb and flow of the seasons. $20 single class, $72 4-class card. Embodied Arts & Wellness, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Questions: Lucia Rich, 720-2247930. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

All-Level Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 11am. This class is meant to relax, stretch and rejuvenate the body and mind. $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Vinyasa Yoga – 11am. Relaxing and rejuvenating all level vinyasa flow class $20. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7012; ExpressionDanceWellness.com. Wise & Strong Zoom – 11:30am. Women need all the muscles they can get. Using body-weight and resistance bands, post-menopausal women gain back muscle strength, safe and efficiently. Safe for women with osteoporosis. $15. Held via Zoom. Offered by Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Yoga

These series provide a supportive environment to explore the benefits of yoga for scoliosis.

Back2HealthYoga.com

Gentle Hatha Yoga – 4pm. This gentle class begins with breath work, then gentle yoga poses follow, ending with relaxation. All levels are welcome. Held in person & virtually. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our health care form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 5:30pm. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment, and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries, or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Adult Dance Fitness – 6pm. Stretch & condition. Learn a fun new dance combination weekly and challenge your body and mind. Increase self-esteem while having fun! $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Luna Power Flow – 6-7pm. This all-levels Vinyasabased class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Bring Your Pet Day: The Energy Enhancement System – 6-8pm. Every other Monday. $160 for you and your pet for 2 hours in the EE System. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/register: 914-218-3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.

Reiki-Infused Restorative Yoga – 7pm. A restful practice that holds yoga poses (asanas) for a longer duration using props like yoga blocks, blankets, and bolsters. It is a practice of deep relaxation that emphasizes the meditative aspect of yoga—the union of body and mind. $20. Blue Lotus Yoga & Healing, 5 Dover Village Plaza, Ste. 3, Dover Plains. Register: 845-2423625; BlueLotusYogaHealing.com.

Reiki Circle – 7-8pm. 1st Mon. Class includes breathing exercise, visual meditation and guided instruction of hand placements for self-treatment utilizing universal life force energy, known as Reiki. Held via Zoom. $18. Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.

Tuesday

Moderate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:30-11am. With Chris Glover. For more experienced practitioners. Nurturing, yet strengthening. Develops a calm nervous system and embodied awareness thru compassionate self-observation. In-person or virtual. Info/ register: SacredSpiritYogacenter.org.

Scalar Restorative & Reiki Yoga Class – 9:30am. Cultivate mindfulness and release stress and find physical, mental, and emotional relaxation. Restorative Yoga is appropriate for all levels, and is practiced at a slow pace, focusing on long holds, stillness, and deep breathing. $45. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/register: 914-2183428; QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com/events.

Green Street Radio – 10am. With Patti and Doug Wood. Environmental news, analysis and science-based information. Info: GreenStreetRadio.com. 99.5 FM and WBAI.org.

Chair Yoga – 10:30am. With Lisa Cito. A gentle form of yoga. Improves flexibility, strength, and balance $12. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Fall Prevention and Balance Class with Elena – 3-4pm. Balance and functional training. Fall prevention strategies. All levels are welcome. Inperson at Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes. For reservations: call/text 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Power Flow – 4:30-5:30pm. Fun and energetic class with a strong emphasis on breath, alignment and flow. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: 845-605-2257; RedTailPowerYoga.com.

Yoga for Educators – 4:30pm. With Elana Master. Cultivate the healing power within through chakrainformed yoga, breathwork, movement, and meditation. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Smooth and Steady – 5:30pm. Taking it slow and steady, we flow through slow movements and dynamic stretching, integrating breath to improve posture, balance and stability, core strength, and range of motion. $20. Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness, 18 Old North Rd., Amenia. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Yin Yoga – 5:30pm. This is a meditative slow practice. The postures are muscularly passive and held for 3-5 minutes, letting gravity do the stretching, no effort is involved. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our health care form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com. Vinyasa Flow – 6-7pm. Fast-paced, energetic and fun weekly class. $22 drop-in; class package. Rhinebeck Yoga Center, 6400 Montgomery St., Flr. 3, Rhinebeck. 845-876-2528; RhinebeckYogaCenter.com.

Strong Vinyasa – 7pm. A Vinyasa-style class inspired by the Ashtanga lineage. This class integrates strength, flexibility, concentration, and contemplation through a series of traditional postures linked together through breath and movement. $20. Blue Lotus Yoga & Healing, 5 Dover Village Plaza, Ste. 3, Dover Plains. Register: 845-242-3625; BlueLotusYogaHealing.com. Open Vinyasa with Kristi – 7pm. In this all levels, uplifting Vinyasa class, each student will experience their own personal journey finding increased strength, balance, flexibility, and a sense of personal growth and discovery. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Tarot & Tea – 7-8pm. 2nd Tues. This program is good for those curious about psychic readings. Offered via Zoom. $18 per person (for adult females only). Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com.

Wednesday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco – 8:30-10am. 3rd Wednesday. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Gentle Embodied Yoga – 9am. With Elana Master. Connect with your body, and release tension with Gentle poses and movements. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Luna Power Flow – 9:45-10:45am. This all-levels Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-2764619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Chair Yoga for Healthy Aging – 11am. Participants practice poses seated in a chair or standing with assistance of a chair. Great for active older adults who want to build strength and improve balance, coordination, and posture. $20. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Lunch Break Yoga – 12-12:30pm. Take a break from your workday with this 30-minute yoga stretch and relaxation. $15 in-studio. $10 virtual. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Gentle Alignment Vinyasa – 4:30pm. 1-hour class includes movement, breath work and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/ register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Yoga Level ½ – 5:30pm. This class offers both basic and slightly more complex poses and flows. Great for beginners looking for a little more (with modifications) or for the intermediate yogi, looking for an added challenge. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our healthcare form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

Restorative Chakra Informed Yoga – 5:45pm. With Elana Master. This class focuses on relaxing the body and mind through supported postures. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914-737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.

Qigong Yoga with Justine – 6-7pm. This class will enhance strength, flexibility, balance. It will relieve stress, promote vitality for a calmer body and inner harmony. Beginners are welcome. In-person or via Zoom. Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes; $22 online. For reservations: call/text 845216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

1-Hour Level 2 Vinyasa – 6pm. Class includes movement, breath work and meditation. $20 dropin; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening –6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Ongoing Events

Thursday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Rye – 8:30-10am. Last Thursday of the month. Are you a holistic health and wellness practitioner? A healthy living entrepreneur offering services, products, classes and workshops? Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

1-Hour Gentle Alignment Yoga – 9:30am. Class includes movement, breath work and meditation. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info/register: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Chair Yoga – 11am. A 40-min relaxing stretch and conditioning chair yoga class helps build strength and flexibility to alleviate pain and stress in the body. $15. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Chair Yoga/Balance with Elena – 12:30-1:30pm. Gentle, breath-based flow. Increases flexibility and joint mobility, reduces stress, and improves balance. Standing and seated exercises. No experience necessary. In-person on via Zoom. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes; $22 online. Health Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservations: call/text 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Stretch & Release – 4:30pm. This class focuses on increasing flexibility through deep stretching, functional movement and the occasional long-held stretch. Great class for beginner yogis or regular practitioners. Makes great cross-training option for athletes and high-impact workouts. Arrive 10-15 min before your first class to fill out our healthcare form and pay. $20 or $10 for seniors 65 and older (cash or check). Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. No reservations needed. Questions: PutnamYoga.com.

Barre Pilates Blend Class – 6-6:50pm. Combining ballet inspired movements with Pilates alignment principles, this class incorporates light resistance with high repetition moves that challenge strength, coordination and balance. $25 drop-in or $80/4 classes. HealthBalanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. For reservation call/ text: 845-216-6810 or visit our website HealthBalanced.com.

Slow Flow Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. (Dec. 21 & Dec. 28). This all-levels class combines the benefits of both dynamic and static postures, providing a balanced practice with mindful sequencing that follows the ebb and flow of the seasons. $20 single class, $72 4-class card. Embodied Arts & Wellness, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Questions: Lucia Rich, 720-224-7930. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

Open Vinyasa with Kristi – 7pm. In this all levels, uplifting Vinyasa class, each student will experience their own personal journey finding increased strength, balance, flexibility, and a sense of personal growth and discovery. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Women’s Healing Circle – 7-8pm. 3rd Thur. With Michelle B. Whitney, spiritual teacher, spiritual healer and wellness advocate and founder of Purple Lotus Zen. Each class will focus on an issue relating to women and will provide supporting exercises to related topic. A variety of modalities such as breathing exercise, visual meditation, reciting affirmations and guided instruction of hand placements for energy healing will be incorporated to promote relaxation and bring wellness to all participants. Program offered via Zoom $18. Info/register: 914-513-8398; PurpleLotusZen.com. “Famunity” Chanting – 7-8:30pm. A weekly practice of love, love, love via beautiful Omnifaith Chanting (it’s like Kirtan for all traditions). If you love to sing – come! If you want to sing, but feel self- conscious –come and reclaim your voice! Event ends with sound healing. All are welcome. Brief check in and out. Love offerings accepted to honor the musicians. Held in person at The Healing House in Beacon. RSVP requested: text Eileen at 914-456-7789; EileenOhare.com.

Movement and Meditation – 7:30pm. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Pricing/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Friday

Gentle Embodied Yoga – 9am. With Elana Master. Connect with your body, and release tension with Gentle poses and movements. $20 or $15 4-class pass. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor, 914737-4325. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com. Gentle/Moderate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:3011am. With Chris Glover. Gentle, nurturing, yet strengthening. Develops a calm nervous system and embodied awareness thru compassionate selfobservation. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Wise & Strong – 9:30am. Muscle Strength Building Class for Post-Menopausal Women. We rebuild muscle strength with high-intensity, short-duration, and low-force with body weight and resistance bands. We overload muscles so they grow—it’s the safest and most efficient way to build muscles. $20. Amenia Yoga – A Place for Wellness, 18 Old North Rd., Amenia. Info/register: 646-401-4188; AmeniaYoga.com.

Luna Gentle Flow – 5:30pm. This all-levels gentle class is geared towards those looking to ease into their practice, while still developing awareness of their body through stretching, strength building, and breathwork. Modifications offered. $25. Drop-in.

Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Sip N’ Stretch Yoga – 5:30 p.m. First Fri. (Jun. 7-Oct. 4). Enjoy evening yoga on Fishkill Farms’ wraparound porch overlooking the picturesque landscape of flower gardens, orchards and mountain views makes the perfect setting for these hour-long sessions. Your ticket includes a glass of Treasury Cider or a non-alcoholic beverage, including kombucha.$40. 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction. Preregister (required): FishkillFarms.com.

Sound Meditation Thursdays – 7pm. With Marique Schimmel. We invite you to go on an intimate excursion with your breathe, your body and your whole being. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to engage with yourself and a symphony of sonic vibrations. $25. Viale Yoga, 39 Main St., Bedford Hills. Preregister: VialeYoga.com.

Overnight in the EE System – 9pm-7am. Bring sheets, pillow, blanket, water & all the comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. Recharge your cells in the ultimate relaxation experience overnight in the Energy Enhancement System! Fall asleep and awaken to the enchanting melodies of crystal singing bowls and chimes. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving. com/rs/schedule/quantum_healing_wellness.

Saturday

Yoga Teachers Association Workshops – 2nd Sat. Open to yoga teachers and practitioners, members, and nonmembers. In person at Club Fit, 584 N State Rd., Briarcliff Manor and/or via Zoom. Info/ schedule: 914-374-9749; ytayoga.com.

Barre Sculpt – 8:45am. A challenging total body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/register: 646734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

Yoga on the Farm – 9am. (May 25 through Oct. 12). Join RedTail Power Yoga at Fishkill Farms. All levels of yogis are welcome and encouraged, even first-timers. Attendees are asked to bring an extra layer of clothing and to arrive no later than 10 minutes before class to allow time for check-in.$20. 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction. Preregister (required): FishkillFarms.com. 1-hour L1 Alignment Vinyasa – 9am. With Kathy. All classes include movement, breath work and meditation. Beginners welcome. $20 drop-in; call for packages. Tula Yoga for Wellness, 22 Sutton Place, Brewster. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Intermediate Kripalu-based Yoga – 9:1510:30am. With Kathleen Hinge. For more experienced practitioners who desire more of a challenge. Be guided through more advanced postures, and invited to hold poses longer and explore personal variations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Luna Power Flow – 9:30-10:30am. This all-levels Vinyasa-based class provides the opportunity to ground through mindful movement and build strength and endurance through power-driven flows. Modifications offered. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 East Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Shamanic Soul Constellations – 10am-5pm. 1st Sat. Eileen O’Hare weaves simple shamanic healing tools with IFS/Parts Work and Family Constellation Wisdom into a potent healing field in which everyone comes away lighter, brighter, feeling better. The “Famunity” co-creates a compassionate and tenderly curious circle of love and beauty in which everyone transforms. All are welcome. Come as an attendee ($75) or come with a piece of personal or ancestral healing work and take The Healing Chair ($140). Held in person at The Healing House in Beacon. RSVP requested: text Eileen at 914-456-7789; EileenOHare.com.

Yoga Props & Flow – 10am. With Francesca Bove. This class combines the elements of Vinyasa with the use of props, including blocks, straps, chairs and ropes. By having boundaries, this practice plays with the dance between being held and moving. All levels welcome. $25. Viale Yoga, 39 Main St., Bedford Hills. Preregister: VialeYoga.com.

Slow Flow Yoga – 10:30-11:30am. Slow Flow Yoga is a gentle and mindful yoga practice incorporating a flow of yoga postures using a slow and steady pace of movement. $22. Hudson Valley Holistic Healing Center, 51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/ register: 845-849-0838; HudsonValleyhhc.com.

Beginner Kripalu-based Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. With Kathleen Hinge. A very nurturing practice, promoting mindfulness, flexibility and relaxation. Classes include setting intentions, guided breathing, meditation and gentle pose sequences. Suitable for beginners, and those with physical limitations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Beginner Yoga – 11am. Class consists of standing poses to build strength, balance and improved flexibility. Detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function will help you build a safe, fun and nurturing practice. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Adult Yoga – 11am. An all-levels Vinyasa flow to relax and rejuvenate the body and mind. $20 drop-in. $15 class card savings. Expression Dance & Wellness, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Classifieds

List Your Classified Here: Exposure in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess counties. Email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com to place your listing.

Donations

LET IT SHINE AGAIN THRIFT STORE IN VERPLANCK – Donations needed of housewares and home decor in excellent condition. Vases, platters, dishes, pots - beautiful and useful things for the home. Items sold to support Let It Shine Food Pantry. Set up a donation appointment: email Info@LetItShineOnline.com.

Volunteers

JOIN STRAY HELP’S TEAM OF PASSIONATE, DEDICATED CAT RESCUERS – Work directly with cats or help “behind the scenes”. Let’s save lives together. Visit StrayHelp.org/ volunteer.

Community Resource Guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com to request our media kit.

Accounting/Tax Services

STERNBACH & ROSE, CPAS

115 E. Stevens Ave., Ste. 100, Valhalla 914-940-4449 • SandrCPA.com

Our goal is to help people have less anxiety about managing their finances, to maximize their income and run their businesses better. Giving people a stronger financial foundation can absolutely contribute to a better quality of life.

Acupuncture

SEARCHLIGHT MEDICAL

Laurie R. Mallis, MD, LAC 2424 Rte. 52, Hopewell Junction 845-592-4310 • SearchLightMedical.com

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being. Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 20.

Addiction Cessation

QUIT WITH QUINN

Midtown Manhattan and Garrison Steve.HealingNY@gmail.com 914-473-2015; QuitWithQuinn.com

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. Allnatural, painless, no medications, needles, or hypnosis. 90% success rate. See ad, page 17.

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAndWellnessspma.com

Give your body the energy to heal itself! The Energy Enhancement SystemTM is Bio-Scalar Photonic Fusion technology [aka, Tesla Waves] that generates multiple bio-active life enhancing energy fields, including scalar waves, which can allow cell regeneration, and enhance your energy levels for optimum function. See ad, page 12.

Astrology

PLEASANTVILLE ASTROLOGY

Colin McPhillamy

42 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville PleasantvilleAstrology.com

Colin McPhillamy, British Australian Actor/Astrologer. offers in-person or online readings in Western Astrology and Tarot designed to support and empower clients. Consult the stars, elevate your choices. PleasantvilleAstrology.com.

Ayurveda

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village

792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725

DrKaushik.com • DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: M-F. See ad, page 11.

Back Care

BACK2HEALTH YOGA

Yoga for Back Care + Scoliosis

6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls 845-202-2228 • Back2HealthYoga.com

Alleviate pain and stiffness through yoga led by Cristina Roy, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher, and Yoga for Scoliosis Trainer. Personalized sessions create alignment in the body and relieve tension and stress. Enhance your well-being. Visit website to learn more. See ad, page 19.

Behavioral Optometry

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

Samantha Slotnick, OD, FAAO, FCOVD 495 Central Park Ave., Ste. 301, Scarsdale, 914-874-1177 • DrSlotnick.com

A whole-person, holistic approach to vision care, for all ages. Specializing in vision therapy and rehabilitation for vision problems which interfere with reading, learning, attention, performance and efficiency. Please visit website for details.

Café

SWEET HARVEST CAFÉ

Nutritious. Energetic. Refreshing. 82 Main St., Cold Spring 845-666-7390 • SweetHarvestShoppe.com

Sweet Harvest is a café offering healthy smoothies and bowls, an organic salad bar, wraps, and treats. As well as a selection of cold and hot drinks including fresh squeezed lemonade and bubble tea. Completely Gluten Free with many vegan options.

CBD

CBD LIVE NATURAL

720 N Bedford Rd., Bedford Hills 914-705-1111 • CBDLiveNatural.com

Open 7 days a week. We want our customers to feel their best and know that there is a solution to change their quality of life so that they can live naturally without prescription drugs. Products for People and Pets. Please call for more information. See ad, page 14.

YOUR CBD OF MOUNT KISCO

222 E. Main St., Mount Kisco 914-276-5409

YourCBDstoreMtKisco.com

Your CBD Store® is the largest hemp retailer in the US. All of our products are USDA Certified Organic, Non-GMO and Third-Party Lab Tested. We offer the highest quality hemp products including CBD Tinctures, Topicals and Water Solubles for people and pets. Click

Chiropractic

DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT

8 Bacon PL, Yonkers 914-523-7947

Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

Personalized treatments designed for you by Westchester’s only dually licensed practicing Sports Chiropractor and Massage Therapist. Receive a unique combination of muscle work and adjustments not provided elsewhere. Dr. Leigh can help you move and feel better. Get back to the life you love!

Chiropractic/Prenatal

CORTLANDT WELLNESS

Dr Marianne Messina

2127 Crompond Rd, Ste 104, Cortlandt Manor 914-930-8800 • CortlandtWellness.com

Certified in prenatal Chiropractic: Webster Technique. Grateful to serve this population of women through chiropractic and nutritional support. Offering wellness care for three decades in Westchester with a special attitude toward women's wellness. Be nurtured in a safe, welcoming space.

Craniosacral Therapy

JOY MATALON, LMT, CST

Locations: Ossining, Garrison 914-519-8138 • JoyMatalon.com

CranioSacral Therapy with Somato Emotional Release allows physical, emotional, and spiritual issues to be intimately explored bringing relief from pain and activating a healing process which continues beyond the session. Experience CST alone or integrated in therapeutic massage.

Energy Healing

ANNE H. BENTZEN

25 Broadway, Ste. 101, 2nd Fl.,Pleasantville 914-588-4079 • Balancing4Life.com

Inner harmony fosters health and wellness. Discover modalities to relieve stress, support recovery and transformation. Reiki, BEMER therapy, sound healing, Bach Flower essences, intuitive guidance and Past-Life Regression. Regular drumming circles and Stargate meditations offer growth within a supportive community. See ad, page 7.

Estate Planning/ Legal Services

LAW OFFICE OF ANTHONY NIGRO, PLLC

52 Cedar St., Dobbs Ferry 914-595-6527 • Anthony@NigroLaw.com

Solution-driven representation regarding estate matters including probate, wills, trusts, estate litigation, real estate closings and name changes. Need a referral for another area? Lean on my network of attorneys I trust. Email or call.

Esthetics/Lashes/Bemer

SANDI SCHROEDER

Hudson River Healing and Wellness

290 Main St, Cold Spring 323-687-4374

Sandi has been practicing in the beauty industry for over 18 years. Having a celeb-based lash and esthetics business in LA, she has brought a more natural esthetic to her practice. Offering natural lashes, Procell Therapies and Bemer sessions.

Floatation Therapy

RISE ABOVE FLOATATION

111 East Main St., Mount Kisco 914-241-1900 • RiseAboveFloatation.com

A Center For Awareness and Relaxation through Floatation Therapy. Create the ultimate Relaxation Response by removing all stimulation from light, sound and gravity. Choose from three different float environments to find your perfect experience. Appointments available from 10am to 10pm daily. Free parking.

Hair Salon

FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS

Hair care, Skincare & Make up 190 Rte. 117 Bypass Rd., Bedford 914-242-1928 • FreshOrganicSalon.com

A healthy approach to beauty and wellness led by Maureen Toohey, Regional Educator for Organic Salon Systems. The fresh team is committed to making your experience fully complete and satisfying, organically. Receive a gift valued at $75 with your 1st color appointment, when you mention Natural Awakenings. See ad, page 7.

Healing

HEALING OASIS INSTITUTE

Elizabeth Rodriguez DNM, RM, LMT, CHT

2 N. Broadway Ste.T0, White Plains

By Appointment

• 914-282-3726

Caring for your body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Compassionate services provided: Myofascial release, deep tissue and integrative therapeutic massage, Reiki sessions and training. Emotional freedom technique. Hypnosis. Located within Dr. Perlman’s office. Please call for appointment.

Healing Center

HUDSON VALLEY HOLISTIC HEALING CENTER

51 Springside Ave., Poughkeepsie 845-849-0838

HudsonValleyHHC@gmail.com

Hudson Valley Holistic Healing is focused on whole person wellness. We are dedicated to bringing you the finest practitioners of each kind. We will continue to grow and expand while offering classes such as Meditation, Breathwork, Kundalini yoga, and healing services such as Ionic foot baths, Vibration plate, Far Infared Sauna sessions, O2 oxygen bar, Reiki, Salt Cave sessions and so much more! Our intention is to build a community of wellness minded kind humans.

Health Coach

VIBRANT GLO WELLNESS

Lisa Cito

166 Rte. 202, Somers

914-447-8396 • VibrantGloWellness.com

Become the master of your mind improving your overall outlook on life. Release blocked energy, connect with your inner vibration, and improve your energy. Learn why you are prone to certain ailments. Knowledge is power.

Herbal Medicine

LORRAINE HUGHES

Registered Herbalist (AHG)

263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl., Wappingers Falls

LorraineHughes54@gmail.com

845-416-4598 • EmpoweredByNature.net

Lorraine offers Individual Wellness Consultations based on the Chinese Herbal Medicine Paradigm which provides A preventative and individual approach to balanced health. Each “unique” individual protocol will include Chinese, Western, Ayurvedic Herbal remedies and Nutritional planning.

Holistic Dentist

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND

Yorktown Heights

914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Hypnotherapy

LISA BLEASDALE, C.HT.

Certified Hypnotherapist

Certified Intimacy Coach

914-400-9508 • LisaBleasdale.com

Transform and re-ignite your life, in and out of the bedroom using the power of the subconscious mind and the Erotic Blueprint™ course, as seen on Netfix series “Goop.” Hypnotherapy can help individuals with stress reduction, weight loss, addictions, overcoming fears, phobias, grief, anxiety and relationships.

Integrative Optometry

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker

Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman

Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami

Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh

Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee

Locations:

6515 Main St., Trumbull, CT • 203-374-2020

444 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT • 203-840-1991

2600 Post Rd., Southport, CT • 203-255-4005

992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford, CT • 203-357-0204

572 US-6, Mahopac • 845-628-3750

103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco • 914-241-2020 CTNYEyecare.com

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Life Coach

ROBIN SIMON

Certified Life Coach

914-400-5248

RobinSimonCoach24@gmail.com

RobinSimonLifeCoach.com

Do you want to make positive changes to your life? Together we will create a plan of awareness, growth and action to help you become the person you were meant to be. Let’s talk about it! See ad, page 6.

Massage

NATALIE RAPINI, LMT

175 King St., Chappaqua 914-275-1865

Natalie has been practicing for 10 years now specializing in Prenatal Massage and Reiki Massage. Her hands-on holistic healing approach helps to aid with any discomfort of the body and mind.

Naturopathic Doctor

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village

792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC

Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725

DrKaushik.com; DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: Monday-Friday. See ad, page 11.

Nutrition

OFFICE OF DR. MICHAEL WALD

Dr. Michael Wald, DC,  Board-Certified Nutritionist

29 King St., 2nd Fl., Chappaqua 914-552-1442 • Info@BloodDetective.com

DrMichaelWald.com • #BloodDetective

Dr. Wald is a holistic DC, Nutritionist and Dietician whose Blood Detective software, labs and detailed consults help get to the cause(s) of persistent health issues. Conditions include autoimmune, weight loss, anti-aging, cancer, GI issues, depression, and more. See ad, page 11.

Reflexology

LORRAINE HUGHES

ARCB Certified Reflexologist

263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl., Wappingers Falls • 845-416-4598

LorraineHughes54@gmail.com

EmpoweredByNature.net

Foot and/or Hand Reflexology sessions are offered with the use of essential oils applied to acupuncture points based upon each individual’s presenting pattern. Please refer to Services page on web site for the many benefits of this ancient modality.

Reiki

REIKI CLASSES

Cynthia M. Chase, LCSW, Reiki Master 860-395-0284

CynthiaMChase@gmail.com

CynthiaMChase.com

Retreats

Manifest yourself as a healer; fulfill your life’s purpose! Cynthia offers personalized classes leading to Reiki levels I, II and Master level. Go to CynthiaMChase.com for details.

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS

(YITA) at The Divine Acres

“Where Yoga Embraces Nature” 2 Coulter Rd., Bakers Mills 518-251-3015 • YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

YITA at the Divine Acres is a yoga shala – a safe place for healing and becoming healthy within our authentic selves. Eliminate distractions and illuminate positivity to focus on our true intentions. YITA is a place of education and joy, with miniature donkeys and sheep that add love to this divine space.

Salt Room Spa

HUDSON RIVER HEALING & WELLNESS

290 Main St., Cold Spring 845-240-1822 • HRHealingWellness.com

Improve overall wellness. Breathe. Relax. Restore. Services: Salt Room, Red/ Infrared Light therapy, Thai Bodywork, Massage, Craniosacral work, Percussive therapy, Reiki, Reflexology, Myofacial Release, Raindrop Massage, Celluma, Heat Healer, Sound Bed, Meditation, Yoga and more. Wonderful therapies that help you feel calm and relaxed.

Sleep Disorder

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND

Yorktown Heights

914-214-9678

• HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Spiritual Retreat Center

THE CENTER AT MARIANDALE

A Sponsored Ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope

299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining Info@Mariandale.org • Mariandale.org

The Center at Mariandale sponsors retreats in spirituality, contemplative practices, social and environmental justice, interfaith dialogue, the arts and wellness of body, mind, and spirit. The center also welcomes nonprofit groups for day or overnight workshops, retreats and conferences. See ad, back cover.

Support Group

SUPPORT CONNECTION

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services

914-962-6402 • 800-532-4290

SupportConnection.org

Support Connection provides free support services to people affected by breast, ovarian, or any gynecological cancer. Services include: One-on-one counseling (counselors are also cancer survivors); Support groups; Educational and wellness programs; Webinars; Social gatherings; Referrals; a national toll-free information and support hotline.

TMJ Disorder

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND

Yorktown Heights

914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.

Therapist

HEALING THE WOUNDED SOUL, LLC

16 Dakin Ave., Ste. 110, Mount Kisco

203-244-8415

DrDanielleRusso@HealingTheWoundedSoul.com

Danielle Russo, Psy.D is a NY-licensed, clinical psychologist. She takes a holistic approach and specializes in trauma and healing soul wounds of all forms. She also works with depression, anxiety, ADHD, grief, stress, and autism.  ~We Heal Together~

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.

Veterinary Hospital

EARTH ANGELS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls 845-227-P-A-W-S (7297)

EarthAngelsVet.com

Where East meets West with compassionate care for a holistic approach to your pet’s health. Offering a wide range of services/products including wellness exams, nutritional support, alternative cancer therapies, surgery, dentals, acupuncture, CBD products, pet boarding and more on our beautiful 9-acre facility.

We Have a Choice

In times like today, when every aspect of society seems to be in chaos, one easy response is to escape—through

drugs, alcohol, comfort food, non-stop entertainment or any other convenient mind-numbing practice Many are defaulting to this “cure” for their discomfort. Others, feeling insecure, angry, and demanding change, agitate to take society back to what they remember as the “good old days.” They may not be clear about what exactly made the past better, but are more than willing to listen to people who place the blame for current troubles anywhere but where it actually belongs: on economic inequality and injustice.

A Major Transition

Most of us forget that another choice is possible. We can create a future completely di erent from the present or the past—one that expresses our most deeply felt desires to live together in peace, happiness, and prosperity. In fact, this choice is being reinforced, or perhaps stimulated, by the planetary energies now at play We are currently in the midst of a major transition between two ages moving from the Age of Pisces into the Age of Aquarius, and such transitions tend to create chaos as the energies of the two constellations involved compete with each other The energies of Pisces support individuality and devotion to separate religions or causes, while Aquarian energies promote cooperation, group e orts, synthesis, and brotherhood. As our planet moves closer to Aquarius, the

polarization and divisions among people and ideas will diminish, and we will find more common ground.

So, now is the time to take advantage of the energies and to put forth visions of a world that would benefit all people—not just a few. In mundane terms, we need to expand the “Overton window”—the range of ideas that voters find acceptable—to include ideas that are not currently in the public eye—ideas that might at first be considered idealistic or even impossible to attain. For politicians to support policies outside of the window would be political suicide, as they would not be seen as legitimate options by society. Therefore, since it’s politicians who will be deciding the policies that will determine our future, we need to voice our desires for the kind of world we want, to make sure they are among the available options in the public discourse

The Key: A Unified Vision of Sharing and Justice

How do we bring our ideas forward? The key is to have a unified vision, to voice it in large numbers, and to do so powerfully. Fortunately, we don’t have to do this alone We have help in the form of the great spiritual teacher—Maitreya by name who is here to accompany our transition into the Aquarian age, and we will see him soon. He has said that peace can be established and our societal ills transformed by simply sharing planetary resources more equitably, creating justice in every societal institution, and restoring and

preserving our environment. We can count on him to galvanize people of goodwill to champion these priorities when he appears publicly, but we can start now.

We can talk about the future we want to our friends and relatives, call and write the president and our Congressional representatives on a regular basis about it, and spread the ideas through our social media outlets. There is power in numbers, and the 99% of us non-wealthy are by definition the majority We just need to project our vision of sharing and justice powerfully in as unified a way as possible everywhere, and together we can create a future that works for everyone

For free information:

Share-international.us

888-242-8272

info@share-international.us

Free Download!

TO DOWNLOAD: bit.ly/world-teacher or scan QR code with your smart phone camera

In The World Teacher for All Humanity, Benjamin Creme discusses the extraordinary ramifications of Maitreya’s appearance and teachings. Awaken to a world of infinite possibility if we’re all willing to share!