4 minute read
CULTIVATING
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CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT The Spiritual Discipline of Evoking Joy
by Marlaina Donato
Our four-legged friends—from pampered pooch to stray cat— have the inborn ability to seize the moment. No matter what chaotic circumstances may swirl around them, they have a knee-jerk response to spring into playful action or curl up in a patch of inviting sunlight.
As humans, we tend to postpone the smallest of joys and avoid emotional self-care, opting for that extra glass of wine or spending more than usual to feel better for a brief period of time. Tending to our own happiness begins by seeing joy not as a mood dependent upon circumstances, but as a spiritual discipline like any other. Emotional well-being is a garden we must weed and water daily, and in turn, our physical health can’t help but be well-nourished by the harvest. Studies through the years have shown that certain sites and organs in the body, including the thymus, immune cells and bone marrow, have receptors for neurotransmitters like serotonin, which could explain why cultivating contentment might boost our natural defenses.
Seasoned yogis and meditators often speak of an inner wellspring of joy that can be accessed through a committed practice. Perhaps joy is less of a mood and more of a frequency that is accessible to all of us when we’re willing to align with its bandwidth. Making it a habit to step outside for 10 minutes to witness a sunset or greet the twilight while dinner cooks can be a beautiful way to advance felicity.
Taking five-minute joy breaks during the workday to listen to a favorite piece of music with earbuds, read a few pages of an inspiring book or notice the clouds is another easy way to tend to happiness. Filling a “joy jar” with lovely memories written on scraps of colorful paper can prompt a spontaneous smile any time of day. Taking a half-hour drive on a pretty back road instead of scrolling through social media can reset depleted emotional reserves.
Today, we can shift our thinking and see contentment as a precious, deserving loved one that needs nourishment like any other. Feeding joy in our lives can pave the daily humdrum road with jewels. In the end, perhaps fostering inner happiness by example is the greatest legacy we can leave behind.
Marlaina Donato is the author of Spiritual Famine in the Age of Plenty: Baby Steps to Bliss. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.
Intuitive & Healing Arts
Tea-leaf reading at Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique
Angel Aura Anniversary Party and Psychic Fair Set for July
Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique, in the Village of Pawling, will host its second Anniversary Party and Psychic Fair on July 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The event will include specially priced psychic, tarot, charming and tea-leaf readings and packages; Reiki and energetic skincare sessions; local artisans showcasing handmade jewelry, candles and crystals; and raffles and other activities.
“I love hosting our psychic fairs—last year we had such an amazing time. The shop was filled with people enjoying the different modalities of readings,” says Diane Rivera, owner of Angel Aura. “This year we have much more to offer, and we’re looking forward to an enjoyable day. Of course I will be taking all precautions to keep everyone safe, with masks, social-distance seating and plenty of hand sanitizer.”
Like other businesses, Angel Aura has had to postpone some events, like its Goddess Retreat, due to coronavirus (the weekend retreat is now set for late spring of 2021). That’s made resuming other activities extra special, Rivera says.
“I am so excited to get back to Sunday meditation,” she says. “It’s not just a meditation—we share our thoughts, release and rejuvenate for our week. If you join us, you won’t be disappointed, I promise!”
Location: Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique, 12 W. Main St., Pawling (Village), NY. For more info, call 845.493.0432 or visit online at AngelAuraBoutique.com or on Facebook. See ad, page 32.
ASTROLOGY
Pam Cucinell Phone, online & in person 917.796.6026; InsightOasis.com
DREAMS AWAKENED WORKSHOP
Living Beyond Surviving Workshop leader; Marcia Miller Contact: marcia@ livingbeyondsurviving.com LivingBeyondSurviving.com
ENERGY HEALING
Healing with Nature’s Songs Destress with sounds from nature blended with reiki & feather healing. By appointment: 845.489.7250
One Heart Healing Laura Malfa Katonah & Skype: 914.441.2381 LauraMalfaHealing.com
ENERGY MEDICINE
Bernadette Bloom, MI Energy Healing & Teacher 239.289.3744 theesotericbloom.com
INTUITIVE HEALING CENTER
Purple Lotus Zen Michelle B. Whitney Psychic Card Reader, Reiki Dream Interpreter By Appt. Only; Yonkers, NY 914.513.8398;purplelotuszen@ yahoo.com
MEDICAL INTUITIVE
Dr. Penni Waldman Medium, Healer, Readings sixsensedoc@gmail.com 914.961.8412
PSYCHIC MEDIUM
Angel Aura Spiritual Boutique 12 West Main St, Pawling, NY 845.493.0432 AngelAuraBoutique.com
Celestial Touch Laura Schek, Psychic Medium, Reiki Master 7 Arch St, Pawling, NY 845.244.1767; celestialtouchllc.com
QIGONG
In Balance Concepts Qigong. Tai Chi. Meditation 2505 Rt. 6, St. 108, Brewster 845.803.1992 Inbalancetaichi.com
REIKI
Anne H. Bentzen, RMT, JRP Reiki Master Teacher & Energetic Counseling 914.588.4079; balancing4life.com
SHAMANISM
Sheryl Johnson Shaman, Intuitive Guidance, Teacher Scarsdale & Briarcliff 914.715.5048 soulhealinghudsonvalley.com
