THE HEALING POWER OF A HUG

by Marlaina Donato

When we were children, a hug helped to take the sting out of a skinned knee or quell first-day-of-school jitters. In adulthood, hugs are not as plentiful or practical; many people lack partners or loved ones, and the gesture—both giving and receiving—is too often labeled as sentimentality. As we continue to move through life with pandemic restrictions, hugs can feel risky at a time when we need them the most.

A hug elicits a powerful shot of neurotransmitters like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, and we don’t necessarily need another human to reap the benefits. Wrapping our arms around a breeze-swept tree in the backyard or on a hiking trail can lower heart rate and set our brains abuzz with feel-good endorphins. Earlier this year, the forestry service in Iceland invited people to cuddle up to trees to offset COVID-19 isolation and get in a good dose of forest bathing. Scientific research, including a study from Carnegie Mellon University, backs what unapologetic huggers have always known: Even the most casual embrace can help to lower stress, boost immunity and promote a better night’s sleep.

Cuddling up with a stuffed animal is a part of everyday life for many American adults. Befriending a plush toy is part of some trauma recovery programs and has a soothing effect on those navigating the dark waters of grief, loss and chronic anxiety. Snuggling up under a warm, weighted blanket is also akin to a hug, and has benefits much like the real thing.

Holding and being held strengthens the body’s defense systems, as well as romantic partnerships, friendships and our relationship with ourselves. Opening our arms can foster the spiritual discipline of not only giving, but receiving—a vital requirement in self-care. In a time of chaotic uncertainty, isolation and change, hugs can be medicine; they can also be a powerful metaphor and reminder to remain open, willing and beautifully human.

Marlaina Donato is a mind-body-spirit author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Intuitive & Healing Arts

PSYCHIC MEDIUM

Healing Dance As ‘Conduit of Grace’

For Gigi Oppenheimer, dance isn’t simply an exercise, or even an art. It’s a powerful conduit of grace. “There’s no limit to what God can give and create in the heart through it,” she says. “I’ve witnessed this in so many wonderful ways, in my own life and others’, that I’m moved to share the blissful benefits with others. I want people to feel relieved, happy and free to blossom in the beauty of their own self-expression. That’s why I dedicate my heart and soul in service through White Lotus Grace.” At White Lotus Grace, in Millbrook, as well as through her online studio-sanctuary, Oppenheimer practices intuitive healing for body, mind, soul and relationships through organic, transformative movement and dance. She offers one-on-one services to couples

Gigi Oppenheimer and teaches classes, both virtual and in person. “The healing dance classes I offer are very gentle and are intuitively channeled to meet each person with what they mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually need in the moment,” she says. “They combine a simple sequence of movement with intention, creating a practice that’s adaptable to individual aim and ability. Calming, comforting, invigorating, inspiring, transforming—healing dance carries such experience and more. It is essentially spiritual energy healing in motion, accessible to anyone.”

She plans to expand her class offerings next year to include retreats. Her next intro class, Moving by Faith/Embodying Inner Trust, is scheduled for November 28. To register, visit WhiteLotusGrace.com.

Location: White Lotus Grace, Millbrook, NY. For more info, call 845.677.3517 or visit WhiteLotusgrace.com.

ASTROLOGY

Pam Cucinell Phone, online & in person 917.796.6026; InsightOasis.com

ENERGY HEALING

Elizabeth Pasquale, CST, NLP Bemer, Cranial, Lymph, NLP At home, office or remotely WellOnTheWay.org; 607.351.7024

ENERGY MEDICINE

Bernadette Bloom, MI Energy Healing & Teacher 239.289.3744 theesotericbloom.com

Discover more healing resources on WakeUpNaturally.com INTUITIVE ENERGY HEALING

The Temperance Center Merrill Black, LCSW Reiki Master/Instructor Light Body Quantum Healings 914.793.2600 TheTemperanceCenter.com

INTUITIVE HEALING

White Lotus Grace Intuitive Healing, Readings & Dance Millbrook + Virtual Sanctuary 845.677.3517 whitelotusgrace.com

NATURE & FOREST THERAPY

Nature’s Whispers Guided Meditative Walks thru Nature Dutchess/Putnam/Westchester 845.489.7250 MeditativeWalks.com

NEW AGE STORES

Persephone’s Pearl Spiritual Development Center Candles, Books, Tarot, Jewelry Psychics, Crystals, Classes, etc. 1014B Main St., Peekskill @persephonespearlpeekskill 914.737.3460 PersephonesPearl.com

The Soul Connection Shop Metaphysical Shop; Crystals, Jewelry, Reiki, Tarot, more at Universal Healing Arts Center Cortlandt Manor, 914.737.HEAL SoulConnectionShop.com

Synchronicity Psychics/Crystals Candles/Tarot/Sage 1511 Route 22 Brewster @synchronicityny 845.363.1765 SynchronicityNY.com 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

Balancing 4 Life Anne Bentzen, Jikiden Reiki Certified Teacher/Practitioner 25 Broadway, Pleasantville, NY 914.588.4079 Balancing4Life.com

Edit Babboni, CHC, RYT 200 Reiki Healing. Health Coaching. Yoga. 61 Lakeview Drive, Yorktown Heights, NY 917.721.2529 yoga.zengarden@gmail.com

Laura DeToia In person and Long-Distance Reiki 914.645.7704 MerkabaPeace.com

The Loving Lotus In person or remote sessions 914.557.8213; lovinglotus.org the.loving.lotusx3@gmail.com

TAROT CARD READINGS

Purple Lotus Zen Michelle B Whitney Tarot & Oracle Readings, Medium, Energ Healing. By phone appt. 914.513.8398; Purplelotuszen.com

WELLNESS BOUTIQUE

The Healing Collective NY 267A Central Ave. White Plains Shop & Heal: 914.236.HEAL thehealingcollectiveny.com November 2021 33