Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey / November 2021

HEALTHY

LIVING

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PLANET

HOLIDAY FOODS that BOOST OUR MOOD DANCE as a Sacred Practice Mindful Strategies for Anxious Teens

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Natural Awakenings is a family of 50+ healthy living magazines celebrating 26 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

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Contents 14 THE HEALING

16

POWER OF A HUG

16 EAT WELL TO FEEL WELL Thanksgiving Fare that Boosts Mental Health

20 ECO-DECOR

FOR THE HOME

How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

22 DYING WELL

34

Four Steps to a Good Death

26 HONORING THE LOSS OF A PET

Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

32 MINDFULNESS FOR STRESSED TEENS

26

School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 908-405-1515 or email Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com. Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

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34 SACRED DANCE

Moving into Divine Energy

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 event briefs 10 health briefs 12 global briefs 14 inspiration 16 conscious eating 20 green living 26 natural pet 29 yoga corner

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30 virtual fare 32 healthy kids 34 fit body 36 teen voices 37 calendar 38 classifieds 39 business

directory

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

publisher letter

Awakening to What’s Important

A

few years ago, I wrote a publisher’s column based on the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I think we all have had a refresher course on just how true that is.

If there has ever been a time of awakening to what truly is important, what we should be dedicating our valuJoe Dunne, Publisher able time and energy to, it is now. Influenced by stress, irritated by this or that insignificant situation, low on tolerance and acceptance, and just plain frustrated, the little things that just don’t really matter get my attention and cause unnecessary friction.

That needs an adjustment. Fighting over what time we should start the dishwasher may be a sign of our stressful times, but it is still not good. Nor is friction over a million other things that should rightfully land in the “who cares?” bin.

The time has come to reexamine my thinking. I believe that family, love, friendships and extended family are the foundation of what is important. Love is the root of everything that’s important—receiving it and giving it, not only in words but in actions. Unfortunately, my own expectations too often get in the way.

“It occurred to her that mercy was the ability to stop, if only for a moment. There was no mercy where there could be no stopping.”

– Frank Herbert, Dune When I think I must give 100%, 100% of the time, then I leave no room for mercy to myself or others. My work, my selfness, my ego and procrastination all get in the way of what I really want, which is to give myself permission to stop.

Take a break. Breathe. Let my mind clear. Reconnect with myself and those I love.

To live within what is important and aligned with my beliefs is my responsibility. To straighten out my thinking and couple that with positive action driven behavior is possible. After all, what can I take with me if not that feeling of being loved? Where better to cement that than with my family, friends and those that love me.

In peace, love and laughter,

CENTRAL NJ EDITION

Publisher Joe Dunne Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com 908-405-1515 • Fax 239-920-5147

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Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

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November 2021

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Directory of Display Advertisers Thank you for being part of our community!

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news briefs

Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow

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he Natural Awakenings online national readership survey allows us to better serve readers. “Your participation takes just five minutes, and will give us a better understanding of what you need and how well we’re delivering on your We’re Listening expectations,” says founding CEO Sharon Bruckman. “We’ll also use your responses to help guide the direction of future 2021 National development.” One participant, selected at Readership Survey random, will receive a $100 Visa gift card.

With the interests and welfare of readers in mind, Natural Awakenings provides information and resources for living a healthier, happier life. Publishing in more than 50 communities nationwide, Natural Awakenings is one of the country’s most widely read healthy living magazines, with a loyal monthly readership of over 1.3 million.

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The Ancient Practice of Spiritual Direction

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piritual direction (also known as spiritual companionship or friendship) is an ancient contemplative practice of lovingly accompanying another as they explore their inner life. Rather than “direct” or act as an expert with all the answers, this type of support takes whatever the individual brings to a session and is supported in discovering a spiritual life that personally resonates.

Lauren Phelps is a spiritual director who creates a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where people of all ages and backgrounds can explore their spirituality and discover deeper meaning in their lives.

“Those who consider themselves spiritual-but-not-religious, who have felt marginalized by traditional religion or those who feel they don’t fit into a particular tradition and long to have in-depth conversations about their unique sense of the spiritual are the ones who feel drawn to this type of service,” shares Phelps. She welcomes seekers of all religions, ethnicities, and sexual orientations.

Phelps’ eclectic background of study is multi-faith and embraces those of all spiritual traditions or no particular tradition. She has also practiced meditation, primarily in the Insight meditation tradition, for over 30 years. As a certified mindfulness meditation leader, she can provide one-on-one meditation instruction and guidance both within the spiritual direction context and as a standalone offering to individuals and groups.

Sessions occur every 2-4 weeks via Zoom for one hour. First session is complimentary. Subsequent sessions are $50.

For more information, call 267-415-6168 or email laurenphelps@icloud.com.

Online, please visit SpiritualDirectionWithLaurenPhelps.com or Facebook.com/ SpiritualDirectionWithLaurenPhelps.

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Hypnosis is a safe, medically approved method of behavior modification therapy, and it really works. Whether you’ve got 20 pounds you want to lose or your self-esteem needs a boost, hypnosis counseling can make a difference for you.

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Group classes are offered at over 35 adult schools and recreation centers throughout New Jersey to help people quit smoking and lose weight. Individual counseling is available for those who want to manage stress or overcome anxiety, poor confidence, insomnia, low self esteem, migraine headaches, or poor work and study habits.

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November 2021

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event brief

The Wellness Gala™ Presents Wellness Gala Expo

We’re Listening Your Thoughts

Count!

Plus your “2 Cents” could win you a $100 Visa gift card!

We Want to Hear from You Share your ideas in our Natural Awakenings Reader Survey.

T

he Wellness Gala is excited to present the Wellness Gala Expo, to be held from 12:30-6 p.m., on November 14 at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany.

The expo offers attendees an engaging and unique experience with experts in the fields of health, beauty and wellness through mini-sessions, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers.

“We are excited to feature intuitive medium and New York Times bestselling author of I Kissed a Ghost and I Liked It, Concetta Bertoldi,” states Deb Petterson, founder of Wellness Gala. “We are also honored to have our Keynote Speaker, Anthony Mrocka, renowned intuitive medium, along with Featured Speaker, Meaghan B. Murphy, author of Your Fully Charged Life.”

Concetta Bertoldi NaturalAwakenings.com/survey

Intuitive Medium and Bestselling Author 1-2:30 p.m. Meet & Greet and book signing

Featured Speaker

Meaghan Murphy 3 p.m.: Finding the YAY—Fun Filled Way to Practice Gratitude and book signing

Keynote Speaker

Anthony Mrocka 5 p.m.: World renowned psychic medium.

Gallery Reading with Q & A. Connect with loved ones who have passed.

There are three ticket packages available: General Admission, Keynote Speaker Pass, and Premier Pass. Tickets may be purchased online at WellnessGala.com/events or by calling 973-7136811.

The Wellness Gala Mission is to create awareness while educating and promoting the benefits and effectiveness of holistic health and alternative healing modalities available to everyone.

Location: Birchwood Manor, 111 N. Jefferson Rd., Whippany.

WellnessGala.com. See ad, page 9.

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November 2021

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mentatdgt /Pexels.com

A reduction of just 200 calories a day combined with aerobic exercise four times a week produced greater weight loss and better heart health in obese, sedentary adults than exercise alone or a 600-calorie reduction plus exercise, reports a new study in Circulation. Researchers from the Wake Forest School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, tested 160 adults ages 65 to 79.

Those that combined exercise with 200 fewer calories a day lost 10 percent of their weight, about 20 pounds, over five months. They had a 21 percent average increase in the aorta’s ability to expand and contract, a key indicator of heart health. Measures of aortic stiffness did not change significantly for the exercise-only group or the 600-calorie-reduction-plus-exercise group. Weight loss was similar for both calorie-reduction groups, even though one group consumed nearly three times fewer calories per day.

Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise yulianto poitier/Pexels.com

The right kind of exercise can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research from the University of Delaware. An article published in the Journal of Speech Language and Hearing Research reports that when 48 children between 6 and 12 years of age were taught new words before swimming, they scored 13 percent higher on a test of the words than children that did CrossFit-like exercises or colored pictures. Lead researcher Maddy Pruitt says that exercise is known to increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein she describes as the “Miracle-Gro of the brain.” Swimming made a difference, she says, because it is an automatic movement, while the CrossFit exercises were new to them and required mental energy.

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A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine—the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women in new research from Japan’s Central Research Institute, in Shizuoka. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 69 adults that self-reported cognitive decline reacted more quickly to computer-generated promptings and answered more questions correctly after ingesting the compound compared to the placebo. anna pyshniuk/Pexels.com

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Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more, reports new research published by the American Academy of Neurology. Researchers followed more than 78,000 people in their late 40s and early 50s for 20 years, asking them what they ate and to evaluate their cognitive skills. They found that those foods with more flavones, such as yellow or orange fruits and vegetables and some spices, reduced cognitive decline the most, at 38 percent—the equivalent of being three to four years younger in age.

Anthocyanins, found in blueberries, blackberries and cherries, were associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of cognitive decline. “The people in our study who did the best over time ate an average of at least half a serving per day of foods like orange juice, oranges, peppers, celery, grapefruits, grapefruit juice, apples and pears,” says study author Walter Willett, M.D., a nutrition and epidemiology professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “And it’s never too late to start, because we saw those protective relationships whether people were consuming the flavonoids in their diet 20 years ago or if they started incorporating them more recently.”

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trang doan/Pexels.com

health briefs

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Live Healthfully to Mitigate Genetic Cancer Risk

r.f ._.studio/Pexels.com

Healthy lifestyle factors such as exercise, proper diet, low body mass index and abstinence from smoking and drinking correlate with decreased cancer incidence, even in those with a high genetic risk, according to a Chinese study published in Cancer Research. The researchers calculated and applied the genetic risks for 16 cancers in men and 18 cancers in women to genotype information from 443,000 citizens from England, Scotland and Wales registered in a databank. Notably, 97 percent of patients in the study had a high genetic risk of at least one cancer type. Among patients with high genetic risk, the five-year cancer incidence was 7.23 percent in men and 5.77 percent in women with an unfavorable lifestyle. That compared with 5.51 percent in men and 3.69 percent in women with a favorable lifestyle, effectively moving them into an intermediate risk category.

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November 2021

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Sorting Soirée

global briefs

Renovating the Recycling Stream

Knock On Wood

courtesy of Svenskt Tra

A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction.

The foundation is cement, but multistory wooden structures of 13 floors and higher are possible. Using timber has environmental benefits in the form of lowered carbon emissions. Mathias Fridholm, director of Svenskt Tra (Swedish Wood), an industry organization, says, “Wood is in many ways an excellent material for building in dense cities, because we can prefabricate all the elements in factories instead of onsite.” Prefabrication speeds construction and reduces truck traffic. CLT is not only strong and light, it is breathable; it holds heat, but doesn’t need plastic layers to manage moisture like concrete, which also requires sand, a non-renewable resource that requires drudging seabeds. Managed forests are renewable and serve as a carbon storage facility.

Anna Ervast Oberg, a project manager at Swedish real estate developer Folkhem, advises that just changing the structure of a building to wood from concrete would result in an immediate 50 percent reduction in emissions.

“What we have to do now is to stop the emissions, very fast. This gives us a hint of where we should be focusing; where we can make the biggest difference.”

Americans use a single recycling stream in which everything goes into one bin to be sorted and cleaned at the designated collection point; a system that requires too much labor with less-than-stellar results. A study conducted by the South Korean SK Group asked 1,500 U.S. adults about sustainable packaging and found that 72 percent prefer products with easily recycled or reused packaging, but don’t understand what can actually be recycled. Forty-two percent were not aware that containers such as plastic bottles cannot be recycled without removing the label. When dirty and labeled recyclables are deposited with clean recyclables, they contaminate the whole batch, creating massive amounts of unnecessary waste.

SKC Inc. has introduced Ecolabel, the first shrink sleeve label that doesn’t need to be removed from plastic bottles to be recycled. This removes the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Recyclops uses independent drivers to service recycling routes, creating income for locals and sustainable living options for residents. They’re innovating the recycling pickup process by using an Uber Eats-type phone app to enable the pickup of recyclables from areas that aren’t being serviced. courtesy of Recyclops.com

Tree House

Wicked Wonders

Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale

pornsawan/AdobeStock.com

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has labeled cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica), a native plant of Southeast Asia, as one of the world’s worst invasive weeds.

It’s banned as an invasive species by the Federal Noxious Weed Act of 1974, but a study published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment by the University of Massachusetts Amherst discovered that this and about 1,300 other invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers.

Lead author Evelyn M. Beaury, a graduate student in organismic and evolutionary biology at University of Massachusetts, says that she and her fellows found cogongrass was being sold by 33 outlets in 17 states. She notes, “This is a tricky case, because plant breeders are marketing a sterile cultivar, but research shows these plants are not completely sterile and can still become invasive.” According to the USDA, there are no known effective biological control methods. Beaury states, “While patchy state regulations definitely contribute to the widespread availability of invasive plants in the U.S., it’s clear we as a public also lack awareness about which plants are invasive and how they spread to new areas.

If we want to continue to protect native ecosystems, regulators and managers need more resources to do so.”

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Kid Safe

Love Bugs

After a multiyear effort, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological damage in children, including reduced IQ, loss of working memory and attention deficit disorders, can no longer be used on food. EPA Administrator Michael Regan cites the action as an overdue step to protect children and farmworkers from dangerous consequences of the pesticide.

“EPA will follow the science and put health and safety first.” The ruling will take effect in February 2022.

Patti Goldman, an attorney for Earthjustice, says, “Chlorpyrifos will finally be out of our fruits and vegetables.” The pesticide has been sprayed on crops such as strawberries, apples, citrus, broccoli and corn since 1965. Up until 2000, it was used to kill ants, roaches and mosquitos. The Natural Resources Defense Council notes that it will still be allowed for other uses such as cattle ear tags.

It may come as a surprise to most Americans, but people have been eating insects (entomophagy) for thousands of years, and they are part of the diets of more than 2 billion people. The United Nations predicts that this rapidly growing industry could be worth $6.3 billion by 2030, so bug-based products may soon appear in local stores.

Although Western food markets have excluded insects in favor of animal-based protein, insect-based foods offer many health and environmental benefits, especially in light of the pressures from climate change.

Insects produce 80 times less methane than cattle and use less space, feed, water, housing and maintenance. One pound of beef requires 1,850 gallons of water, one pound of chicken uses 500 gallons and one pound of crickets requires one gallon. Nestlé and PepsiCo are conducting research and development forays into the field, and smaller, nimble startups are making plans to introduce new products. Names to watch include Mighty Cricket, Illegal Oats, Jiminy’s, Aspire (Exo Bar), BeoBia and FarmInsect. Public acceptance is expected to be gradual.

The Food Revolution—Miniaturized egor kamelev/Pexels.com

aquir/AdobeStock.com

Bye-Bye to a Nasty Pesticide

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inspiration

The Healing Power of a Hug

by Marlaina Donato

is proudly distributed at: Bound Brook (Bridgewater) 319 Chimney Rock Rd.

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Natural Awakenings

hen 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 43 percent of American adults, with men taking the lead. 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.

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conscious eating

Eat Well to Feel Well thanksgiving fare that boosts mental health

by Christy Ratliff

jchizhe/AdobeStock.com

A

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cross America, people of all ages are struggling with mental health issues. Nearly one in five people is living with a mental health condition, and the number of people seeking help for anxiety and depression is skyrocketing, reports Mental Health America. According to the organization’s 2021 State of Mental Health in America Report, suicidal thoughts are increasing among both adults and children, and 9.7 percent of youth is experiencing severe major depression compared to 9.2 percent last year. The highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant has only exacerbated these mental health challenges.

The hope and help we seek may be as close as our own kitchen.

Accumulating research shows that a diet rich in highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing or worsening various mental health conditions. But a nutrient-based diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables; omega-3 fatty acids; nuts, seeds and legumes; whole grains, fresh herbs and spices; fish and olive oil, may help to support and enhance mental health. We can start this Thanksgiving by serving up healthier, nutrient-rich options to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness.

“The gut/brain connection helps us understand the food/ mood connection,” explains Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist and author of the national bestseller This is Your Brain on Food. “The enteric nervous system—that is, the nerves supplying the gastrointestinal tract—totals over 100 million neurons and communicates directly with the brain, or central nervous system, by way of the vagus nerve, which is responsible for our ‘rest-and-digest’ response.

“It’s also vital to note that the gut contains the highest number of serotonin receptors, and the gut itself produces all the neurotransmitters that are also made in the brain, including serotonin, often called the happiness hormone. In turn, these neurotransmitters are implicated in sound mental health or potential problems when they are deficient.”

“What we eat affects mental health in many ways,” adds Amy Spindel, a functional holistic nutritionist in Plano, Texas, and founder of FoodWithThoughtNutrition.com. “Nutrient deficiencies can cause poor neurotransmitter production. Insufficient vitamin B6, folate and vitamin B12 can be implicated in depression and anxiety

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symptoms, as they are all needed for various stages of neurotransmitter production, especially serotonin, dopamine and GABA.” “Traditional sugary, high-carbohydrate foods promote unstable blood sugar and selectively feed inflammatory gut microbes,” Spindel says, suggesting that we skip the typical foods many of us associate with the holidays such as pecan pie, marshmallow-topped sweet potato casserole and canned cranberry sauce. “Blood sugar fluctuations cause the body to scramble in an attempt to re-regulate glucose, which may mean spikes of cortisol or adrenaline, as well as insulin. The end result can be depression and anxiety from excessive stress hormones and a glucose-starved brain.”

But making such changes, particularly during the holidays, isn’t easy. “If the thought of changing up the traditional Thanksgiving menu gives you pause, you are not alone—and this is why I believe in adding in habits (and in this case, dishes) which have a positive ripple effect on our bodies and our brain, allowing for a self-sustaining cycle in our lifestyle,” advises Naidoo.

“As a nutritional psychiatrist, I feel that we are more emotionally nurtured by a feeling of abundance in ‘adding’ new Thanks-

giving dishes than thinking about this as ‘excluding’ foods,” she notes. “For example, tossing a fresh, folate-rich spinach and arugula salad with bits of antioxidant-rich strawberries, crisp roasted chickpeas and omega-3-rich olive oil adds color, flavor and a plethora of mood-nourishing ingredients to the dinner table.

Even adding extra veggies to existing dishes, such as allicin-rich garlic to green beans or extra celery and fresh herbs to stuffing, adds in powerful phytonutrients with gut-loving fiber.”

“Thanksgiving favorites that are ample in neurotransmitter-producing nutrients include turkey, shellfish, sweet potatoes and acorn squash, asparagus, leafy greens, oranges and green beans,” Spindel adds.

While it’s true that we cannot control a global pandemic or solve the mental health crisis in America with positive thinking alone, we can minimize our feelings of powerlessness and despair by making small but significant dietary changes—not just on Thanksgiving, but every day of the year.

Christy Ratliff is a professional health and wellness writer based in Central Florida.

Feel-Good Recipe Ingredients Some study-proven foods to enhance mood found in the following recipes include: n Pistachios. These tree nuts, which are actually

seeds, are rich in healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.

According to a Pennsylvania State University study, eating pistachios may reduce the body’s response to daily stress.

all images via AdobeStock.com

n Honey. A National Institutes of Health study

shows that the nutrients in raw honey may enhance mood and help with insomnia. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which contain anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the brain. n Fresh herbs. Sage provides natural anti-anx-

iety properties, while thyme and rosemary are rich sources of micronutrients and flavonoids, shown to protect against inflammation in the brain, a key factor in major depressive disorder. n Apples. Nutrient-rich apples are a good source of

quercetin, a plant flavonoid, which studies suggest may be beneficial for mental health.

n Green beans. An excellent source of vitamin A, green beans

help fight inflammation and support the nervous and immune systems. They are high in folic acid, a B vitamin that studies have shown to potentially lower the risk of depression.

n Tomatoes. Several studies show that regular con-

sumption of tomatoes may help ward off depression.

n Olive oil. Multiple studies show that low levels of olive

oil, in conjunction with a Mediterranean-style diet, has a positive impact on mental health and brain function.

n Cornmeal. Naturally gluten-free, cornmeal is an

excellent source of folate, an important B vitamin.

Research from the National Institutes of Health suggests that those with low levels of folate are more likely to experience depression.

n Raisins. A great source of vitamin B, raisins can help the

brain produce serotonin, an important neurotransmitter for reducing many anxiety-related symptoms.

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Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios 1 medium, fresh goat cheese log (about 11 oz) ¼ cup roasted pistachios, chopped ¼ cup honey (this recipe calls for 2 Tbsp; others call for ¼ cup) 1 to 2 Tbsp fig spread Healthy selection of whole-wheat crackers, vegetable chips, etc.

photo by Christy Ratliff

Spread chopped pistachios on a small plate. Roll goat cheese in pistachios to coat sides and top. Transfer to a serving tray and sprinkle whole pistachios on top and around the cheese.

Drizzle honey over and around cheese log. Warm fig spread for 5 to 10 seconds in a microwave. Drizzle spread over cheese log or half of cheese log, as desired. Serve with whole-wheat crackers or chips.

Courtesy of Susan Randall. For more information, visit SimpleHealthyKitchen.com.

Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing

photo by Christy Ratliff

1 loaf bread, toasted (whole wheat (WW) or half WW, half French bread) ¼ cup unsalted butter 2 cups celery, chopped 1 large yellow onion, chopped 1 to 2 cloves garlic, chopped (to taste) 3 Granny Smith apples, chopped, with skin on ¼ cup sage leaves, chopped ¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped 1 to 2 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped 2½ cups reduced sodium vegetable or chicken broth 2 eggs 1 to 2 tsp salt to taste (may substitute nutritional yeast or fresh dill)

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Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease a large, 2-to-3-inch-deep casserole or baking dish. Toast bread and cut into 1-inch cubes.

Set aside. Melt butter in a large pan. Add celery, onion, garlic, apples and fresh herbs. Stir to mix and cook until softened, about 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Beat eggs in a large mixing bowl. Add bread cubes and apple/vegetable/ fresh herb mixture into the egg mixture. Add broth and salt (or nutritional yeast or fresh dill) and mix well. Spoon stuffing into prepared casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Uncover and bake for 20 to 30 minutes more or until golden-brown crust forms. Remove from oven, uncover and cool.

Courtesy of Buzz Spence. For more information on fresh herbs for emotional health, visit MotherEarthLiving.com.

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Since 2004

photo by Christy Ratliff

Naturopathic, Chinese & Biological Medicine COMPREHENSIVE & COMPASSIONATE HEALTH CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies Here’s a creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays while also being mindful of mental health. ¾ cup softened butter ½ cup organic brown sugar 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla 1½ cups flour ½ cup cornmeal 1 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ½ cup raisins (Other versions of this recipe include nuts and dark chocolate pieces.)

Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray cookie sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Using a wooden spoon, mix butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add egg and vanilla. Stir until smooth. Add flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Add raisins. Mix well.

Drop dough by rounded teaspoonful onto baking sheet. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Makes about 2 dozen small cookies.

Courtesy of La Potosina. For more information, visit IndigenousFoods.wordpress.com.

All who come to NJ Natural Medicine benefit from our holistic approach to treatment. Regardless of the reason for the visit, the guiding principal remains constant: to observe and treat the whole person, not just his or her symptoms.

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November 2021

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green living

Eco-Decor for the Home How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings

brizmaker/AdobeStock.com

by Sandra Yeyati

W

hile comfort and beauty are clear priorities when shopping for furnishings, sustainability and health should be, too. By asking the right questions and doing a little up-front research, consumers have the power to appoint their sanctuaries with non-toxic, ecologically responsible items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment.

According to the Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) (SustainableFurnishings.org), 80 percent of the environmental impact of any product comes from the materials used to make it, so it’s vital to ask about all of the material components in a piece of furniture.

Sustainably Harvested Wood Because it is long-lasting and sturdy, wood can be an excellent, eco-friendly material. The most important consideration is that it hasn’t contributed to deforestation. SFC Executive Director Susan Inglis recommends third-party certification to confirm that wood was sustainably harvested in ways that preserve the forest’s ecosystem and benefit nearby communities. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC.org) issues one of the industry’s most coveted independent certifications.

Reclaimed wood is another Earth-friendly option. “Perhaps the tree was cut down decades or centuries ago and made into a building, and now it’s being used to make a piece of furniture,” explains Inglis. A third sustainable choice is wood from a plantation that was established more than 25 years ago. “While it is not sustainable to convert natural forests to plantations today because you’re losing biodiversity, wood from long-established plantations is considered sustainable,” she says, adding that in those settings, new trees are

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planted to replace those harvested.

Non-Toxic Textiles According to Inglis, the most environmentally sound textiles are made of natural fibers like organic cotton, linen, hemp and wool, which are long-lasting and can be recycled into new textiles. Synthetic fibers are petroleum-based and much less desirable.

Textile manufacturing practices can also be environmentally problematic. “Look for certification that they’re not polluting waters or using toxic dyes,” says Aimee Robinson, owner of EcoBalanza, an organic furniture boutique in Seattle. She points to the Global Organic Textile Standard (Global-Standard.org) as a reliable organization which identifies producers of natural fibers that are organically grown without pesticides, while also considering the social and environmental impacts of their production systems.

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Price and Durability

The SFC has identified five classes of chemicals commonly found in furniture that have been linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and immune impairment: volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde found in paints and finishes; flame retardants; fluoridated chemicals used in performance fabrics; antimicrobials; and polyvinyl chloride, known as PVC or vinyl. Inglis recommends that consumers ask about the potential presence of these chemicals when shopping for furniture and avoid them if possible.

Recycled Plastic Recycling plastic to make furniture is trending, and that’s a plus, according to Inglis. “The best thing would be to avoid making anything out of plastic,” she says.

“Plastic is a huge environmental prob-

brizmaker/AdobeStock.com

Volatile Compounds and Unhealthy Chemicals

lem, and our use of it continues to go up, especially in the COVID era. Only a small percentage of it is being recycled, leaving a lot of it to break down into microparticles, unfortunately. So, making things out of our plastic waste is good.”

Robinson, on the other hand, refuses to use any plastic in her handmade, all-natural furniture. “Plastics are a non-biodegradable, petrochemical product,” she says.

“They’re polluting everything. The plastics industry is so insidious. Anything we can do on any front to pull away from petrochemicals in every aspect is good.”

“Well-made furniture can get expensive, but you’ll have to replace cheap furniture because it’s not built to last. What’s cheap in the beginning is expensive in the end, because it’s not taking into account the cost of having to replace it or the cost of cleaning up an environment that gets more and more filled with junk,” says Robinson, who also recommends looking for well-made vintage pieces that can be restored and brought back to life.

“I recommend that you spend the most budget you have on a quality product, because that sofa, if it’s made well, can be reupholstered over and over again,” says Robin Wilson, a New York City designer and founder of Robin Wilson Home. “By keeping that sofa, you’re being eco-friendly to the world because it is not going into a landfill.”

Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer and editor. Reach her at SandraYeyati@ gmail.com.

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Four Steps to a Good Death

by Ronica O’Hara

nikkizalewski/AdobeStock.com

O

n his deathbed, Apple founder Steve Jobs looked for a long time at his children, his sister and his wife, then moved his gaze to the space behind them. “Oh wow! Oh wow! Oh wow!” he gasped. No one can know for certain what he was experiencing, but his words point to the deep, mysterious potential of our final hours—the awareness of which can transform our life long before its end.

“An awareness of dying, of death, can wake us up to life. It helps us live a life that’s rich and full and meaningful. When we deny the truth of dying, we live less wholeheartedly, less completely,” says Frank Ostaseski, founder of the pioneering San Francisco Zen Hospice Project and author of The Five Invitations: Discovering What Death Can Teach Us About Living Fully.

The pandemic has 51 percent of us thinking more about our own mortality, a survey shows. The subject of death has been slowly opening up in America: TV programs like Six Feet Under and Alternative Endings: Six New Ways to Die in America present dying and grief more realistically; thousands of small conversational gatherings called “death cafes” are being held each year; people are designing their own funerals and choosing green burial sites; and the field of “death doulas” is emerging to help families navigate the legal and emotional shoals. Half a century after the release of Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ seminal book On Death and Dying, palliative care to ease pain is offered by two-thirds of American hospitals, and Medicare funding for end-of-life hospice care has grown tenfold over the last two decades.

Yet for many, death remains the last taboo—85 percent of us have not discussed our last wishes yet with loved ones. Thousands of studies in the emerging field of experimental existential psychology have found that when reminded subconsciously of death, people tend to drive faster, drink harder, smoke more and get meaner to out-groups in attempts to lower their anxiety.

But when we look death squarely in the face, that anxiety recedes, the research concludes. Gratitude, self-honesty and the humility of recognizing our place in the larger whole are also proven antidotes. With less fear, we are better able to take the proactive, concrete steps that ease our passage—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Although death has its own ways and means, these four processes can make it more likely we will die as we would like to.

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Defining What We Value “Deeply consider what your

priorities in life are,” says Tarron Estes, founder and CEO of The Conscious Dying Institute, in Boulder, which has trained more than 6,500 doulas since 2013. “Ask yourself, if I had only three months to live, what’s important to me spiritually, emotionally, physically? What do I still need to do or say?” She recommends Stephen Levine’s book, A Year to Live, for exercises and meditations for that process.

“Don’t wait until the time of your dying to discover what it has to teach you,” advises Ostaseski, who has sat beside more than 2,000 hospice patients in their last hours. “When I’m with dying people, the things that are important to them are not their spiritual beliefs, but are more about relationships—‘Am I loved? Did I love well?’ Those two questions are useful inquiries now. They help us to discover where value and meaning can be found.”

By applying our values to the dying process, we can start sorting through options. Do we want to die at home or in a hospital? What medical procedures will we accept or decline? What measures do we want to be taken to sustain our life? Who do we want to be at our side? And what do we need to say before that time?

Having Important Conversations As daunting as the prospect of an end-of-life talk with family and friends may seem, it can start with simple words like “I want to talk with you about something important to me.” Without spelling out our desires, death can become inadvertently medicalized: Nine in 10 of us say we want to die in our homes, but only two in 10 do. “The default systems are all to treat, treat, treat, until someone finally says, ‘No,’ so many people end up on a high-tech conveyor belt to the ICU,” says award-winning journalist Katy Butler, author of The Art of Dying Well: A Practical Guide to a Good End of Life. Among people that undertake such talks, 73 percent describe the experience as positive, reassuring and productive. A downloadable Conversation Starter Guide (TheConversationProject.org) provides practical guidance for these critical conversations.

Attending to Medical and Burial Decisions Taking care

of business—the paperwork aspects of death known as advance directives—spares loved ones from having to make tough decisions later. A last will and testament precludes pain and infighting among family and friends. A living will specifies what treatments are wanted under what conditions. A medical power of attorney designates a trusted person to make medical decisions if a patient is not capable. A Do Not Resuscitate order approved by a doctor means emergency medical workers are less likely to give CPR, which frequently causes trauma and broken ribs in elderly or frail patients. Either cremation or a burial can be decided upon; environmental options such as a forest burial in a wooden casket can be explored. Local hospice options can be surveyed in advance; nonprofits generally are rated better than profit-making groups.

Opening to the Spiritual Process Whether or not we have

religious beliefs to carry us through waves of loss and sorrow, death can spur spiritual insight. “In dying, we withdraw from our outer circles and come into the inner circles of our lives—the relationships that matter most to us,” says Ostaseski, who has worked

four decades with hospice patients. “There’s a growing silence that has us becoming more contemplative and reflective. Our sense of time and space changes and we enter into a kind of free flow. The boundaries we have lived by begin to dissolve, and we start to feel ourselves as part of something larger—not as a belief, but as a natural occurrence. Often people realize themselves to be more than the small, separate self they had thought themselves to be.”

Joan Tollifson, a Zen-trained spiritual teacher and author of Death: The End of Self-Improvement, concurs: “When the future disappears, we are brought home to the immediacy that we may have avoided all our lives. With no future left to fantasize about, the focus of attention may finally be fully on right Now, the only place where our life ever actually is. Really getting that ‘This is it,’ there may be a sudden recognition of the absolute preciousness and wonder of every simple ordinary thing and of the people around us, just as they are, with all their flaws and foibles. Old grudges and resentments often melt away, and love shines through.

“All the things which may have been part of our self-image—independence, physical strength, cognitive sharpness, good appearance and so on—have either disappeared or are rapidly collapsing, which invites the discovery that none of that really mattered, that what we truly or more fundamentally are is not dependent on any of that.

“The greatest gift we can give to a loved one who is dying,” says Tollifson, is to “simply be present, listen, follow your heart, trust the process. Everything else will follow from that. There’s no right or wrong way.”

It can be difficult to know what to say to a loved one near the end, but hospice workers recommend five phrases that have deep healing potential, even if a person seems unconscious: “I love you,” “Thank you,” “Please forgive me,” “I forgive you,” and “Goodbye” or “Until we meet again.” As Butler points out, the first four phrases can be said any time in our lives.

Increasingly in hospice care, loved ones are encouraged to sit with the body after the death, touching it, sharing stories, perhaps gently bathing it and dressing it in favorite clothes. “Touching the body, feeling the coolness, makes the death real to the family,” Ostaseski says. “Research shows that people that went through that process still grieved, but they were able to be with the emotion and not be overwhelmed by it.”

Facing the reality of death—as hard and heartbreaking as that can be—can free us to truly live life, said Jobs. After his terminal cancer diagnosis, he told Stanford students in a commencement address, “Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

Health writer Ronica O’Hara can be contacted at OHaraRonica@ gmail.com.

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natural pet

Honoring the Loss of a Pet Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal

by Marlaina Donato

F

rench novelist Anatole France’s sentiment, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened,” rings true for anyone that shares a love story with a beloved pet. Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, the final parting can be quite emotional. Society supports us with empathy and rituals of closure when we suffer the loss of a human love, but grieving an animal companion can be a uniquely silent passage. Surrendering fully to the mourning process, creating a joyful ceremony and celebrating the life of a loved one invites healing and solace.

Sacred Grief The animal-human alliance is hallmarked by the absence of emotional baggage, and is therefore capable of provoking grief that equals or exceeds losing a close relative. “This is a deep bond that is never judgmental on how we look, spend money or what we do for a living, as long as we love and nurture. And, in return, we receive undying, unconditional love,” says Pam Baren Kaplan, a pet loss grief

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counselor and life coach in Chicago.

Diane Stout, a pet parent and retired dog groomer in Paupack, Pennsylvania, knows the impact of this unconditional love, especially through life’s changes. “Long after a spouse has died and family have moved away to other lives and preoccupations, the family pet remains the faithful dinner or TV time companion,” she says. “A cherished pet is often the last true companion.”

Cancelling appointments or taking time off from work after a pet’s passing does not connote emotional weakness. “Treat yourself with the same kindness you would show another person going through this difficult time,” advises Cheryl Wyatt, a certified grief companion at Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, a national network of veterinarians that provides compassionate end-of-life care.

“Allow yourself the time to do your mourning work. Tears are cleansing. If they happen to come 10 hours or 10 years from now, you have permission to shed them.”

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Compassionate Transitions Loving an animal until the last goodbye includes relieving their suffering to the best of our ability. In-home euthanasia can make a heartbreaking time more bearable for both pet and owner. “Providing beloved pets euthanasia at home differs from a clinical setting because it allows them to remain in their safe, happy place. At home, the veterinarian can greet the pet family and provide the loved one’s peaceful passing wherever they are most comfortable—a favorite bed or spot on the couch—surrounded by all those who love them most,” explains Wyatt.

Pet funerals are becoming more common, and ceremonies are as unique as the animal remembered. Stories, poetry and memories can be shared by family and they can include a living memorial such as a tree planted in the animal’s name.

Stout, also an accomplished artist, finds joy in painting her pets that have gone and suggests “a scrapbook of pictures and memories, because a look back at puppy or kitten pictures can bring an instant smile.”

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Kaplan agrees, “Creating what I refer to as ‘a legacy of love’ can be done by the entire family or by one person. This is a book that you put together with favorite photos of your pet and journal the story around the photo. This is a great way to include family member’s memories from their perspective.”

Choosing a unique, handmade vessel for ashes can honor an animal. Mary Jane Panebianco, owner of SpiritpetShop on Etsy.com, was inspired by the passing of a co-worker’s dog. “At the time, I worked in a mixed media art gallery, and she had one of our ceramic artists create her dog Sandy’s memorial urn. It was beautiful and so well done.

I did some research on the pet industry, and everything I found was so commercial and mass-produced. I knew pets and their owners deserved another option.”

Panebianco works with a small number of award-winning American artisans and accepts custom orders for handcrafted urns. “Many of my pet parents have told me how having a beautiful memorial for their beloved pet helps them make peace with their pet’s passing. It’s the last thing you will do for them.”

In the beginning and in the end, it’s all about the love. For Stout, it’s what animals teach us. “To play and dance often, to give unconditional love, loyalty and friendship, to find joy in the little things, and that life is too often short.”

Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

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Yoga Corner The Puzzle

by Nicole Zornitzer

A

s I was reading a book recently, I was inspired by the author’s discussion on how life is one big puzzle and each day, if we are “woke”, we are given the opportunity to appreciate the tiny pieces as they begin to fit together. This got me thinking about the offerings that yoga has provided to me over the past two decades and subsequently my desire to share with my students and readers alike.

It was not too long ago when a conversation caused me to really think about the meaning of yoga and how it affects the practitioner in all aspects of life. I felt myself frustrated by the conversation, feeling I needed to justify how yoga is not just a physical practice nor is it purely what happens on the mat. Yoga for some may be an opportunity to disconnect from life for 75 minutes, or it may be a moment to push the body to its limits or possibly a moment to just breathe and be still. Yoga may also be the act of studying scriptures and engulfing oneself into the traditional yoga philosophy to find inspiration and motivation when feeling disconnected or lost. Yoga may be a moment for others to come together, share space with like-minded individuals. Yoga may offer a haven to acknowledge feelings or thoughts that tend to get stuffed away in dark places of the body. The yoga mat may become the eternal tissue that absorbs your tears, your emotional ups and downs, your deepest moments of yoga or acceptance of self.

Yoga, while not a religion per se, is my religion of choice. Yoga has been my guide for over 25 years, my one stable force, my

energy when I felt depleted and my space to express myself fully and unconditionally without judgement. Religion can take on many meanings for everyone, but what is important as a source for solace is experiencing the feeling of being connected, to feel loved, to feel the most authentic version of self. Yoga has helped me in all aspects of life, work, marriage, motherhood, friendships and most recently experiencing a global pandemic. When I consider all of this, I realize that yoga is my religion and my haven of goodness. It has taught me to embrace all views, to experience loss with grace, to feel happiness with a humble heart and to enter each new day with a clear mind knowing that we can never truly predict what may or may not happen. The lessons are quite simple when you analyze them, treat each day as a new start and be the best you can be. If you

are presented with challenges, or triggers to your own emotional stability, take them in stride and return to the lessons learned over a lifetime of commitment to a practice called yoga; become a light to the external world.

Our lives are a puzzle with no manual.

When we live life fully and take risks, follow our instincts, and do the best we can do in every given moment, we are experiencing the journey to piece together a puzzle that once seemed an insurmountable task. Since reading the book that inspired me to write this article, I have begun to fully embrace each day and hold each precious puzzle piece close to my heart. Some pieces I wish I could throw into the ocean, others I wish I could send on a bicycle far away, some pieces I disposed of too early and now long for their return. Others I know await my masterpiece. In the end, I can credit yoga, the study of yoga philosophy fused with the physical benefits of being a yogi to my evolution. We each have our own puzzle to piece together. Some of us may complete our puzzle in this lifetime and others may not. What is important is to embrace each piece because they are in essence part of your soul and probably the most expressive representation of you.

Nicole Zornitzer, ERYT 1000, yoga therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Shala, located in Randolph, New Jersey; Upper Lake Mohawk in Sparta, New Jersey; Roseland, New Jersey; and Delray Beach in Florida. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

November 2021

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Intuition & Spiritual Energy Healing Ayni Healing Arts Center Denise and Joshua Zoppi Wellness Sanctuary and Store 862-268-3213 aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com

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healthy kids

Mindfulness for Stressed Teens School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills

by Erin Lehn

T

een stress levels often rival those of adults, concludes data collected by the American Psychological Association in 2017. This is especially true these days with the influx of social media expectations, political unrest and a global pandemic to contend with. Other daily pressures—such as relationship turmoil, bullying, academic challenges, unstable home lives and mood disorders—can add to the stressors. With all of these pressures, it’s no wonder many teens often tune out and turn toward their devices, getting fixated on other people’s lives or compulsively recording their own experiences, but not fully living them.

A wealth of research has demonstrated

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that one of the most beneficial ways to help teens navigate the ups and downs of these tumultuous years is through mindfulness education. A randomized clinical trial published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 2009 was one of the first studies that provided evidence of the effectiveness of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment of adolescents.

Since then, there has been no shortage of research findings proving its benefits.

“In a nutshell, mindfulness is about being keenly aware of your life, in the present, versus the automatic tendency to ruminate about the past or worry about the future,” says Gina Biegel, CEO and founder of Stressed Teens, a Campbell, California, busi-

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ness that has been disseminating mindfulness-based programs tailored to adolescents since 2004. “It’s noticing your thoughts, feelings and physical sensations in the present moment without harmful judgment.”

“Mindfulness is a practice in the art of aligning your energy, mindset and emotions,” says Tris Thorp, the San Diego-based author of Healing Your Heart and a Chopra Center-trained leadership coach. “When teens acquire the skills to better navigate what’s happening in the moment, they’ll have more opportunity available to them because they’re calm, centered and grounded.”

“The best moments come when a teen realizes their own wisdom, sees it emerge and is able to grow stronger as a result,”

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says Jem Shackleford, head of curricula for Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP), a leading nonprofit provider of mindfulness training for schools in the U.K. and internationally.

According to Biegel, a regular mindfulness-based practice helps rewire the brain when people focus on pleasant, beneficial and positive experiences. “For survival purposes, our brains are naturally wired to the negative, aka ‘negative selection bias’,” she says. “Thankfully, we can train our brains to be more tilted to the positive. In fact, just thinking of a positive memory for 12 seconds can create a benefit for your well-being.”

While there are multiple approaches to weaving mindfulness practices into a school setting, here are two highly effective practices. n Certify teachers in mindfulness training so they can deliver the materials directly to their students. “MiSP curricula are produced by educators that have many years of experience of what works in the classroom. They are also long-term mindfulness practitioners, giving them a unique perspective of how mindfulness can be used and taught effectively in school,” says Shackleford. n Implement a school-wide approach. Stressed Teens offers online mindfulness-based groups and one-on-one therapy and coaching sessions for teens, as well as professional instructor certifications and the Whole-School Mindfulness-Centered Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) program. This approach, in which an entire school participates for a calendar year, is especially beneficial because everyone is going through the program at the same time. “Typically, schools complete two lessons per week to fit the curriculum into one semester or one lesson per week to spread learning over two semesters,” Biegel says.

While teens can learn and practice these techniques alone, a whole systems approach that involves the family, school and community has been shown to have the biggest impact. “A teenager with a mindfulness practice can have a beneficial effect on other members of the household. However, there needs to be support from every angle in a teen’s environment for it to be sustainable,” says Thorp. “There’s so much evidence-based research and measurables that demonstrate how impactful these programs are in schools and communities. There’s a clear reduction in acting out, reduced conflict, and more participation and engagement.”

“Think of the ripple effect of possible benefits if the whole community and systems a teen are in are also learning and practicing mindfulness,” says Biegel. “Mindfulness-based methods also include and affect positive human values like gratitude, kindness, generosity, self-care, compassion and acceptance. Youth, parents and educators can all benefit from that.”

For more information, including free mindfulness-based resources, visit Stressed Teens.com, MindfulnessInSchools.org and TrisThorp. com.

Erin Lehn is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

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fit body

SACRED DANCE Moving into Divine Energy

viktoriia protsak/AdobeStock.com

by Marlaina Donato

H

eart-healthy dancing of all types is known to promote overall physical and mental health. When they are spirit-infused, forms like African, Middle Eastern, ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini dance offer us the opportunity to stay in shape while also fortifying the body’s intrinsic life force.

Classes in these styles of dance, which are most often conducted barefoot, draw upon a deep cultural well and include the infectious heartbeat of live accompaniment. Just about anyone can find their own blissful groove when going with the flow is the focus. “In class, I choose to emphasize the feeling more than the step itself. The goal is always to get a spiritual release,” says Darian Parker, a Brooklyn-based West African dance teacher, professor and choreographer. “I always encourage my students to privilege ‘having a good time’ over succumbing to self-criticism from not perfecting a step.”

Modern Moves, Ancient Roots There are more than 3,000 ethnic groups on the continent of Africa, and each dance style has a purpose that is defined by its unique history. In the West African tradition, dances are designed to heal the individual and from the broader perspective, restore community.

Parker, a faculty member of Cumbe: Center for African and Diaspora Dance, in Brooklyn, celebrates the culture and art of the Mande people. “In short, Mande dance trains your spirit just as much as it trains your body,” says Parker. “In many Mande cultures, the ground is thought to be the habitation of our ancestors, who are thought to animate our

34

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bodies when we dance. In this way, you can think of dance as a ritual technology that renews our connections with those who came before us.”

While an African dance class encourages high energy and joyous expression, ecstatic dance can be a portal to self-discovery and connectedness. Springboarding from ancient societies worldwide, modern ecstatic dance is freeform and hallmarked by trance or tribal beats.

“Ecstatic dance has offered me a portal to my subconscious, my spirit, my deep knowing. It’s a way to, as Gabrielle Roth, the creator of 5Rhythms, put it, ‘Get out of my head and into my body,’ and in my body there is wonderful wisdom,” explains Heidi Sheldon, a seasoned ecstatic dancer and licensed counselor in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Your spirit knows what to

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

do when it hears and feels the rhythms.

You just need to allow your body to follow.”

Belly of Bliss, Heart of Light Middle Eastern dance is comprised of many dance styles—folk and tribal, classical and most widely known, belly dancing. In ancient times, the latter was practiced in rituals for fertile harvests and women’s fertility, including physical preparation for childbirth. In 2017, a pilot study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies showed that belly dance improves depressive symptoms, fatigue and quality of life in women with breast cancer.

“Belly dancing is a tantric form of dance that empowers women to release shame and accept and love themselves and their bodies just as they are. The movements open us to pleasure and sensual bliss in our very own skin. In this way, it is very healing and therapeutic,” says Banafsheh Sayyad, a Persian dance artist and founder of the Dance of Oneness Academy, in Los Angeles. Sayyad’s movement, a fusion of Persian and Middle Eastern dance, flamenco, contemporary dance and meditative whirling, is deeply connected to an ancient feminine ethos.

As a teacher, she brings the Sama—the dervish (pronounced “darvish” in Persian) dance of the Sufis historically reserved for men—into the hands of women.“In the traditional Sama, the right arm is extended up toward the sky with the palm facing up,” she says. “The left arm is extended out with the palm facing down toward the Earth. In so doing, you transmit and emanate the light you’ve received into the world through your heart. So, this dance is about becoming a channel for light and love in the world.”

In essence, stepping into any dance class can be good for the soul. Sayyad reminds us, “Every movement and dance style, if done with the intention of surrendering one’s sense of separateness into an experience of the greater or dissolving one’s identity as a drop of water into the greater ocean of oneness, can be sacred.”

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Marlaina Donato is an author and recording artist. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

November 2021

35

teen voices

Giving Thanks to the One Who Deserves It Most

By Jared Zornitzer

T

his month marks the grand opening of my mom’s fourth yoga studio. I am so proud of her for following her true calling and for all her success. In this month of giving thanks, I would like to thank her for all that she does—for me, my family and for the world—she truly makes it a better place.

Two years ago, my mother left her corporate job to follow her passion for yoga and for helping others. It amazes me even more in retrospect how brave she was to leave her old job and begin her own business. By working seven days a week, being dedicated to her clients and instructors, and striving

to be at the forefront of the wellness industry, she is ready to expand yet again. Her path illustrates that it is worth pursuing your dreams, no matter the material or immediate sacrifice.

She devised a fitting mission statement for her yoga studios: “the art of self study.” She pours her energy into these studios to create a space for her clients to challenge themselves and grow. She helps them confront their doubts and deepest feelings and make positive changes toward a healthy life.

Not only has starting a business made her a revered figure in the yoga world, but it has also bolstered our

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family’s health and brought us closer together. She has become an even more empathetic and altruistic being than she already was. Her essential oils and sage burning have grown on me so much that I allowed her to purchase me an oil diffuser for my college bedroom. Just absorbing her energy or talking to her calms and centers me. She no longer needs to mask her true identity during the workday. She is a yogi incarnate at home and at work.

Additionally, I appreciate her hard work because she sets a model for me to aspire toward. Watching her expand to new locations gives me the courage to take on challenging roles and responsibilities in the hope that it will make me a stronger person like her. I see before my eyes as she opens studio after studio, hardly being satisfied with herself; always pushing herself more.

As I revel in all her accomplishments, I think that it is important to remind her of her own superpowers.

On the yoga mat is where she belongs, where she can let her soul dance and sing and be free. I am in the front row, supporting her however I can, grateful for the fact that she is my mother.

Jared Zornitzer is a full-time college student at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY studying engineering. An advocate of balancing work and school with exercise and healthy living, he loves hiking, biking, running, cooking, spending time with family and friends, and learning in his classes.

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but

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anyone can start today and make a new ending.”

Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

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- Maria Robinson

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daily & ongoing

NOVEMBER 2021 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Global Music Series: OASIS – 8pm. The album OASIS, released in 2019, was acclaimed both by the international press and the public.

After 14 concerts of the first tour, they enthusiastically continue performing their music on both sides of the Atlantic postpandemic. Contact Host. White Eagle Hall, 337 Newark Ave, Jersey City. seetickets. us/event/JCTCs-Global-Music-SeriesOASIS/446288.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Psychic Saturday – 11am–4pm. Join us for our monthly Psychic Saturday! Receive a Reading, a Healing, and so much more! Your choice of readers: psychics, shamans, and intuitives available. $29/15 minutes. Dropins are welcome or RSVP to 862-268-3213 to claim your preferred time and reader. Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton.

For information or to RSVP, call 862-2683213 or email aynihealingartscenter@gmail. com. AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/Events.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Auras & Chakras Class – 11am-1:30pm. Learn the basics of auras and chakras plus some information about the upgraded chakra system. A basic chakra and aura clearing practice will be shared. $77. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester.

862-222-4268. BlossomingIntoLightChester.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 The Protected Healer – 12noon-4pm. Healer Heal Yourself. This class awakens healers to more profound, subtle, and gross energy levels and how to work with them. Learn to be a guardian and warrior for clients and patients, students, and all. Bring a notebook and water. Led by Janet StraightArrow, Shaman, Reiki Master, Yogi, Practical Mystic, and Medical Intuitiv. $200. Be The Medicine (online in-person-sessions-classes-retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-647-2500.

BetheMedicine.com.

Wellness Gala Expo – 12:30-6pm. Experience experts in the fields of health, beauty, and wellness. Featuring unique vendors, live music, hors d’oeuvres, and our keynote speaker Anthony Mrocka, psychic medium featured speaker Meaghan Murphy, author of “Your Fully Charged Life”. Held at Birchwood Manor in Whippany. General admission, Keynote and Premier Pass. For

All calendar events for the December 2021 issue must be received by November 10 and adhere to our guidelines. To submit, visit naturalawakeningscnj.com/pages/calendar-listings or email kathy@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com for submission form.

more information and tickets call 973-7136811 or visit WellnessGala.com.

The 4 Gates Mindful Meditation Series: Part I – 4-5pm. Immerse yourself in a mindful meditation practice focusing on Gate 1, Breath. This series will meet 1x per month for 4 months. $45. Niyama Yoga Shalas, 270 Sparta Ave., Sparta. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@ gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Volunteer Match Night – 6:30-8pm. Have you ever wanted to give back to your community and volunteer? Come to this event to find the right organization for you! Also, if your organization needs volunteers, this is the event for you. Free. Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, 100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes.

973-334-2820. lakelandhillsymca.com/ event/volunteer-match-night-2/?instance_ id=2044.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Advanced Soul Shamanism Monthly Class – 7-9:15pm. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and further Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools, and practices within this practice. Led by Janet StraightArrow. Zoom link is provided upon sign up. Please sign up early. $60. Be The Medicine (online in-person-sessions-classesretreats), 247 North Rd., Chester. 973-6472500. BetheMedicine.com.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19

Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268.

BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Sarah Brightman – 8pm. It’s no surprise Sarah Brightman is the biggest selling soprano in the world. Her crystalline voice is immediately recognizable across the globe: earthy yet ethereal, haunting yet angelic. Don’t miss the awe-inspiring vocals of this luminous superstar.Tickets available at: https://www.njpac.org/. $49-$149. New Jersey Performing Arts Center, 1 Center St, Newark. njpac.org/event/sarah-brightmanhymn-in-concert.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Stop Smoking with Hypnosis – 6:30-7:30pm.

Through hypnosis, smoking cessation is easily achieved in a one-hour session.

Eliminate the craving for tobacco while minimizing discomfort. Led by Barry Wolfson. $50. Crossroads South Middle School, 195 Major Rd., Monmouth Jct. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com.

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

Lose Weight with Hypnosis – 7:30-8:30pm.

Through hypnosis, weight loss is easily and painlessly attained. Shed unwanted pounds and keep them off in a safe, effective program. Led by Barry Wolfson. $50. Crossroads South Middle School, 195 Major Rd., Monmouth Jct. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com.

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

Spiritual Singles Mixer – 7–9:30pm. Looking for other spiritual singles to mingle and jive with? Meet and Greet with like-minded people and maybe even make a love connection! Ages 21+. $40/pp or bring a friend ad you both pay just $30. Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton. For information or to RSVP, call 862-268-3213 or email aynihealingartscenter@gmail.com.

AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/Events.

Better Sleep with Hypnosis – 8:30-9:30pm.

Do you have difficulty falling asleep? Do you have difficulty getting back to sleep if you wake up during the night? Imagine leaving life’s cares and worries behind at the end of each day. Led by Barry Wolfson. $50. Crossroads South Middle School, 195 Major Rd., Monmouth Jct. For more information, contact Barry at 908-303-7767 or barry@hypnosiscounselingcenter.com.

HypnosisCounselingCenter.com.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26

Introduction to Color Healing – 9:30am-noon; In person or Zoom. Learn the basics of color therapy and healing at this foundational class: what it is, how it works and simple techniques to use yourself. Level one color therapy class coming in early 2022. $77. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount

Black Friday Sale – 10am–8pm. Offering biggest discounts of the year for wellness retail items, holistic services, and gift cards!

Gifts for others or yourself! Give the gift of healing. Come on in and explore what wellness goodies and services can be gifted! Ayni Healing Arts Center, 9 Moran St., Newton.

November 2021

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For information or to RSVP, call 862-2683213 or email aynihealingartscenter@gmail. com. AyniHealingArtsCenter.com/Events.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Operation Give Back – 11am-5pm. We are a Proud Participant of Operation Give Back:Complimentary Healing Sessions for Veterans, Active Military, Law Enforcement, Fire FightersBy Appointment Only. Inner Soul Wellness, 3108 Route 10 west, Unit 6 ( in back ), Denville. 973-747-9404.

plan ahead WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Reiki Practice Class – 7-9:15pm EST; Zoom.

Join with other practitioners of all levels and schools to receive and share the energy and continue our learning and healing together.

Bring healing intentions and questions.

Leave with higher energy, awareness, and your healing, and a feeling of community. $50. Zoom link sent on payment. Recording sent after class to review learning. For details and to register, visit https://bethemedicine. com/event/reiki-practitioners/2021-12-08/.

Be The Medicine (online in-person-sessionsclasses-retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester.

973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 Advanced Soul Shamanism Monthly Class – 7-9:15pm EST; Zoom. For all graduates of Soul Shamanism 101 and further Soul Shamanism classes. Experience new energy levels, wisdom, knowledge, healing, tools,

classifieds Have a business opportunity, job opening, space for rent or other need?

Place your classified ads here, 30 words for $30, extra words $1 each. Email to

Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication date.

INTUITIVE SERVICES READINGS: Oracle card and palmistry readings offered in person, phone, parties welcome. Spiritually guided channeled messages are for your highest good. Let my gifts guide you! Reasonable rates. Cheryl 908-268-8029.

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and practices within this practice. Led by Janet StraightArrow. Zoom link is provided upon sign up. Please sign up early. $60. Be The Medicine (online in-person-sessionsclasses-retreats), 247 North Rd., Chester.

973-647-2500. BetheMedicine.com.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2022 Niyama Yin Yoga 30 Hour Teacher Training – 1/8-9, 1/22-23; 12noon-5pm. A Yoga Alliance Accredited Training Program, offering 30 hours of yin yoga training. Program is for students of yoga as well as existing instructors looking to add this modality to their repertoire. Led by lead trainers at Niyama Yoga and held over two consecutive weekends in January 2022. Learn traditional yin postures, meditation, anatomy and pranayama. $695. Niyama Yoga Shalas, 270 Sparta Ave., Sparta. For information call 973-500-2939 or email niyamayogastudio@ gmail.com. NiyamaYogaShala.com.

ongoing daily Qi Gong for Beginner Series – Times and days vary. Four 1-hour classes. Begin the gentle movements of a Qi Gong Tai Chi journey featuring Patty Pagano live online. First 1-hour class is Free! Check schedule or register at https://forms.gle/k2kcv9tVJ6X1QfpD8. For information contact Patty at 908-3921313 or PattyQigongforHealing@gmail.com.

QiGongForHealing.com.

sunday Denville Farmers Market Open Every Sunday Through November – 8:30am-1pm.

In its twelfth year, the market features 25+ vendors ranging from artisan products and food vendors to local farms. Denville Farmers Market, Bloomfield Ave, Denville.

DenvilleFarmersMarket.com.

Pop-Up Main Street Pops Artisan Market – 11am-4pm. 3rd Sun each month through Nov. A varied collection of local makers, artists offering their unique, hand-crafted creations.

New offerings each month. COVID-compliant outdoor space. Free to Attend. Meets under the 14th Street Viaduct, Hoboken. For information, visit MainStreetPops.com/ main-street-pops-artisan-market.

thursday Holistic Dentistry: Materials Reactivity Testing – 8am-4pm. Learn about and discuss Materials Reactivity Testing with the expert holistic dentists at Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics and Implants.

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Biocompatibility testing can be a good way to learn what dental materials may be best suited to your oral health needs.

This free consultation has a $152 value.

It’s your opportunity to benefit from the decades of experience we offer all of our patients. For patients who so choose, we can arrange the testing process. Free. Princeton Center for Dental Aesthetics & Implants, 11 Chambers Street, Princeton. 609-924-1414.

PrincetonDentist.com/holistic-dentistry.

Yoga at Country Garden Shed Garden Center – 9:30am. Join Be Here Now Yoga as we practice yoga among the flowers and plants at Country Garden Shed Garden Center. Check our website for additional information. Cost: 1 class credit or drop in $15. Location: 1153 Croton Road, Flemington.

For more information, call 908-642-0989, email karen@beherenowyoga108.com or visit BeHereNowYoga108.com.

Qigong –7-8pm. In person or Zoom. Qigong is a way to create balance, harmony and wellbeing. Join Sal each week in-person (limited space for in-person) or via Zoom. $35 per class. To RSVP, text/call Sue at 862-2224268 or info@blossomingintolight-chester. com. BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com. $35. Blossoming into Light, 31 Fairmount Ave Suite 105, Chester. 862-222-4268.

BlossomingIntoLight-Chester.com.

Self Awareness is the Key to Ascension – 3rd Thurs.; 7-9pm; In person or Zoom. This interactive workshop carries the intention of assisting participants in their personal evolutionary process. Each workshop includes Healing Meditations, Ascension Techniques and Soul Psychology. Facilitated

by Debbie Carcuffe. $25. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com.

Intuitive Development Circle – 2nd & 4th Thurs; 7-9pm. On-going interactive workshop series, Maureen will guide you in building your intuitive muscle. Each week focuses on different techniques and development lessons. All levels welcome! $15. Portal of Healing, 50 Main St., Top Flr., Chester. For information, visit PortalOfHealing.com.

friday Community Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture – 5-7pm. Relieve the stress of the week with a 30 minute treatment. $25. RSVP by call/text to 732-322-2523. Inner Balance Acupuncture, 114 E. Main St., Sommerville. ibacpt.com.

saturday Balance Your Life with The Wellness Gala – 10am. Watch Season 2 every Saturday on News 12+. Find it on Optimum channel 61 and Fios channel 530 throughout the tri-state area or anytime at WellnessGala.com.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Central New Jersey Community

business directory

Join the community! Request our media kit today by emailing Joe@NaturalAwakeningsNJ.com

Your local source for natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Acupuncture

age 25.CBD Oil

Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc

The Hemp Oil Store

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health.

He is passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy. See ad, page 35.

Joseph Wilker Cool Breeze Distributors 3 E. Ave., Yardley, PA 855-904-4367, 267-679-2949 coolbreezedist@gmail.com TheHempOilStore.com License Number: 82-2609404

RedTail Energetics

The Hemp Oil Store is a family-owned CBD store. Our goal is to bring you, your pets, and your loved ones high-quality CBD products at affordable prices.

Shop online at TheHempOilStore.com with free shipping. We also have curbside pickup and walk-ins are always welcome. See ad, page 13.

Experience more joy, peace, calm, health and vitality through the combination of two profoundly effective healing modalities—Eden Energy Medicine, which corrects imbalances in nine different energy systems, and Sound Meditation with authentic bronze Himalayan Singing Bowls and Gongs.

Ayurveda/Women’s Health Chinese Healing Arts 7 Chakras Wellness Jennifer Agugliaro

Ayurvedic Practitioner, RN 908-251-1200 • jennifer@7chakraswellness.com 7ChakrasWellness.com Are you tired of feeling unwell? Jennifer offers natural, holistic methods to help you take control of your health and life. She focuses on women’s health issues such as reproductive health, digestion, sleep and anxiety. Book a free consult today. See ad, page 27.

Books/Publications Mothballs In My Attic

by MiMa Publications Cindy O’Neill 173 Maple Avenue, Metuchen 732-887-8111 • mimabook@aol.com MIMABook.com Snippets lead you on a fun adventure through your own mind to reawakening your own experiences and your own story. Our motto: one word is worth a thousand pictures. It’s time to relax, pull down the attic stairs and enjoy a MiMa Moment.

Eden Energy Medicine/ Sound Meditation

Qi Gong For Healing Brian Coffey LMT, and Fran Maher, CA 908-647-1563 QiGongForHealing.com Specializing in T’ai Chi and Qi Gong classes, as well as private session clinical Qi Gong and acupuncture since 1994. Chinese Medicine weekend seminars teach how to apply clinical Qi Gong remedies to specific disorders. Excellent for the lay person and healthcare providers. All are welcome to observe or join a class. See ad, page 33.

Coach/Counsel/Therapy

Karen E Adamo, EEM-AP

Eden Energy Medicine Advanced Practitioner Phillipsburg, NJ 908-752-0097 (phone or text) Karen@RedTailEnergetics.com RedTailEnergetics.com

Eye/Vision Health Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, ND, LAc, Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine; Board Certified in Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine 332 South Ave East, Westfield 908-928-0060 • AcuVisionTherapy.com

Dr. Rosenfarb is world renowned in the field of holistic eye health.

He is passionate about helping people with degenerative eye diseases. Learn of his astounding work in this area—call now to qualify for your free copy of his groundbreaking book, Recover Your Vision. Additional specialties include glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and diabetic retinopathy.See ad, page 35.

Mindful Experiences Linda LaMarca Schuler, MA, LPC 908-689-6896 lindaschuler@rocketmail.com LindaLaMarca.com

Functional Medicine

Your mental and emotional well-being is key to living an abundant, healthy, peaceful existence yet reaching out to a therapist may feel uncomfortable. I employ a spiritual, holistic, educational and heart centered philosophy. Virtual sessions are judgment free; HIPPA secure. Plus online courses. See ad, page 36.

54 Old Highway 22, Clinton 908-735-9344 • MorningStarFHC.com

Morningstar Family Health Center MorningStar’s team of health professionals cares for you like family. Our membership based practice cares for men, women and children age 8 and up with a functional approach to primary care. See ad, page 7.

November 2021

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Holistic Chiropractors

Princeton Center For Dental Aesthetics & Implants

Hypnotherapy

Dr. Paul M. Bizzaro, DC

Drs. Huckel, Huckel & Reine

Inner Truth Hypnotherapy and Meditation Center

81 S Main St, Yardley, PA 215-493-6589 • DrPaulBizzaro.com We educate people on the benefits of chiropractic, nutrition, and a healthy lifestyle. 40+ years experience (personally and professionally). Services include nonforce chiropractic, nutritional testing, utilizing test kits/panels, Chirothin weight loss, massage (covered by most insurance) and laser therapy for pain. Personalized attention guaranteed! See ad, page 2.

Samsara Chiropractic Wellness Center Dr Jennifer Redmond

7 E. High St, Somerville 908-300-8800 • DoctorRedmond.com We believe that the body is designed to heal itself but structural issues, toxins, lack of nutrients or an emotional component can affect overall health. We offer Whole-istic healing techniques including Neuroemotional Technique, Active Release techniques, Activator, Flexion Distraction and more! See ad, page 41.

Holistic Dental Center Vladimir Gashinsky, DDS 91 Millburn Avenue, Millburn 908-206-7848 HolisticDentalCenterNJ.com Holistic dental care that is good for the body as well as teeth and gums. By treating the cause, not just the symptoms, Dr. Gashinsky helps improve his patients’ quality of life through dental care that respects and honors the body. See ad, back cover.

Holistic Dentistry The Center For Advanced Health Through Dentistry Dr. Joseph R. Mele, DDS, FIND, CNC

11 Chambers St, Princeton 609-924-1414 PrincetonDentist.com

Tori Valspirit

Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime! We are trained in identifying holistic concerns beginning in the oral cavity that may cause issues elsewhere in the body. We use ozonated water, and choose systematically biocompatible materials for your treatment.

Hypnosis/Hypnotherapy Hypnosis Counseling Center Barry Wolfson 28 Mine St, Flemington 43 Tamarack Circle, Princeton 908-303-7767 HypnosisCounselingCenter.com

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Over 35 years of experience. We offer traditional counseling methods and the art of hypnotherapy in private and group settings, in person or virtual, for weight loss, stress, smoking, confidence building, phobias, insomnia, test taking, sports improvement, public speaking, and more. See ad, page 7.

Hypnosis/Reiki Energy Health & Wellness LLC Michele Dellavalle, CH, CHTP, ART 65 Old Rt 22, Suite 10, Clinton Online Sessions available #908-403-2045 EnergyHealth4Wellness@gmail.com ReikiEHW.com Master Clinical Hypnotist Certified in 5 Path ® Hypnosis, 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis, Reiki, Healing Touch & Guided Meditations. We identify & address the root cause allowing our clients to move forward and heal.

Offering classes in 7th Path ® Self Hypnosis and Reiki Level 1 & 2.

When all else fails, Hypnosis Works! Call for Free Consultation.

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.”

- E.E. Cummings

Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

Clinical hypnosis is a natural yet altered state of mind with numerous beneficial characteristics.

Evidence-based services include clinical hypnotherapy, medical support clinical hypnotherapy and integral hypnotherapy. Clinical hypnotherapy is available in private or group sessions.

Confidentiality is assured within HIPAA regulations.

Integrative Psychotherapy

215 Union Ave.,Ste D, Bridgewater 908-526-2266 • MeleDDS.com

Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks. We offer the highest quality dental services with a holistic approach for children and adults. See ad, page 43.

908-617-1545 hypnotherapy@valspirit.com InnerTruthHypnotherapy.com

Bobbie Lynn Edwards LPC, NCC,M.Ed

Licensed Psychotherapist 15 E. Main St., Clinton 908-892-8978 • HunterdonTherapist.com Bobbie Lynn Edwards is a licensed psychotherapist for 35 years. Practicing integrating psychotherapy focusing on a broad spectrum of spiritual philosophies and practices to assist in your healing.

Clinically trained to provide guidance and direction to individuals, couples and families. Goals set within a mutual learning environment is the process. Meditation workshops for small and large groups are available. Call for a free consultation and further information.

Matrix Repatterning Dr. Clare M. Larkin, DC, CMRP located in Warren 908-930-0628 DrLarkin@optonline.net DrClareLarkin.com

Your cells remember traumatic injury on a deeper level. Some injuries hang on because their energy gets trapped in the deeper tissues of the body. Matrix Repatterning allows the detection and release of these deeper injuries, improves electrical flow and allows the body to function normally again.

See ad, page 27.

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Meditation/Spiritual Center For Healing and Empowerment Phyllis Livera

172 Washington Valley Rd, Suite 3, Warren 732-882-9676 CenterForHealingAndEmpowerment.com Are you seeking deeper meaning in your life? Are you stressed and ready for a change? Tired of being in both physical or emotional pain? We offer spiritual development, meditation and mini-me yoga classes, which have been helping people live more productive, happier lives.

Do y you experience p chronic p pain, allergies, depression or anxiety?

Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET) is a safe, gentle, and effective body-mind stress reduction technique utilizing acupressure points and a gentle Chiropractic adjustment.

Naturopathic Medicine New Jersey Natural Medicine Dr. Jason Frigerio ND, LAC

2424 Lamington Road, Bedminster 973-267-2650 • NJNaturalMedicine.com Since 2004, NJNM has treated patients with naturopathic, Chinese, ayurvedic and biological medicine. Our guiding principa: to observe and treat the whole person, not just symptoms to identify and treat the root cause of illness, help restore balance and promote optimal health.

See ad, page 19.

Nutrition

1 of 4 Doctors Advanced nced NET N certified in NJ

Dr. J. Redmond

CHIROPRAC CH C CHI HIIROP H ROPRAC ROP ROPRAC RO RA R AC TIC

Sunrise Nutrition & Wellness Center

Samsara Sa S ams msa arra ra Chiropractic Chir Ch irop irop opra pract ra acctticc Wellness Wel elln nes e s Center Cent Ce nterr nt E. High Ave., St., Somerville, 17Eastern Somerville,NJ NJ08876 08876 www.DoctorRedmond.com www.DoctorRedmond.com

908.300.8800

Dr. John Harrington 137 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown 908-441-2276 drharrington@SunriseNutritionCenter.com SunriseNutritionCenter.com Get checked today! You may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies, toxin overload, chronic infections and bad lifestyle habits. We provide health improvement programs unique to your body to improve your health through nutrition and other safe, non-invasive therapies. See ad, page 33.

“Whoever is winning at the moment will always seem to be invincible.”

- George Orwell

Nerve N er ve IInterference nterference can can cause cause tthese hese S Symptoms: ymptoms: Headaches/Migraines Sinus/Allergies Neck/Back Pain Shoulder Problems Anxiety Depression

Yoga Classes DailY/WeeklY

in stuDio & online 200 & 300 Hour teaCHer training

reiki training MontHlY reiki sHare

Earaches Sports Injuries

PerFeCt For Beginners

“i Can’t Do Yoga” Yoga Visit

our WeBsite

.

For Details.

Be Here noW Yoga

908.642.0989 63 Main st., FleMington, nJ BeHerenoWYoga108.CoM November 2021

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Reiki & Hypnosis

Spiritual Direction

Skin Care

Alice Rich Reiki Center

Spiritual Direction for the Spiritually Curious

The Park Med Spa

Alice Rich, Certified Master Teacher

Usui Reiki Ryoho, Karuna Reiki®, Crystal Healing, Certified Hypnotist 732-501-7628 alice@AliceRichReikiCenter.com AliceRichReikiCenter.com Reiki, Crystal Healing and Integrated Energy Therapy® or Hypnosis sessions can help reduce pain physically, mentally and emotionally, promote a healthy lifestyle, achieve personal and professional goals, create balance and harmony and advance your spiritual journey.

Private sessions and classes. Certification classes on Reiki, Crystal Healing and IET.

Relationship Coach Ondov Relationship Coaching Rhoda Ondov, MS, MFT, CPC

513R Raritan Ave 908-227-7544 | 917-297-0888 cell theparkmedspa@gmail.com TheParkMedSpa.com

Explore your spirituality in a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming space.

Spiritual direction is the ancient contemplative practice of lovingly accompanying another on their spiritual journey to support developing a deeply meaningful spiritual life. First session is complementary.

With over 30 years of experience and expert at dealing with problem skin and cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques, a facial done by Marina Miller is a unique, relaxing and rejuvenating experience. We offer a variety of facial services plus advanced esthetics treatments done by medical professionals. See ad, page 11.

SpiritualDirectionWithLaurenPhelps.com

Spiritual Healing, Teaching Thermography Be The Medicine

Lisa’s Thermography & Wellness

Janet StraightArrow

12-14 E Main St, Suite 8, Somerville 908-642-6256 rhoda.ondov@gmail.com OndovRelationshipCoaching.com

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC

973-647-2500 Janet@BeTheMedicine.com BeTheMedicine.com

If you are in a troubled relationship, or dealing with infidelity, or facing possible divorce, you do not need Therapy. You are not mentally ill. You just need guidance and solutions. Relationship Coaching can help you repair these difficult situations, bringing clarity and restoring harmony. Eight years experience helping couples successfully navigate relationship crises. Does not require participation by both partners. See ad, page 31.

Marina Miller, Esthetician

Lauren Phelps 267-415-6168 laurenphelps@icloud.com

Shamanic Healing, Energy Medicine, Past Life, Medical Intuition, Life, Health, Spiritual Coaching, Astrology Readings, House and Land Clearings. In person, phone or Skype. Professional Reiki, Shamanism and Medical Intuitive Training. Retreats. 40 years’ experience. See ad, page 9.

Thermographer and Holistic Counselor See website for locations in NJ and NY 855-667-9338 Lisa@LisasThermographyAndWellness.com LisasThermographyAndWellness.com Thermography gives an early look at the most important indicator of a potential health problem – inflammation. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, or you are merely curious about the state of your health, thermography can help provide answers. Radiation-free breast and full body screenings for men and women. See ad, page 42.

Thermography is “Health Discovery” a very important part of your preventive wellness program.

Radiation Free Breast and Full Body Thermography for Both Women & Men

Zero Waste & Refillery Simple Bare Necessities

Find out if you have inflammation before it becomes a problem.

Non-Invasive-Pain Free Imaging World class state of the art Infrared technology high quality images.

All reports approved and written by Board Certified M.D.s

Mikaela Molnar

17 Main St., Lower Level, Sparta 973-362-6960 simplebarenecessitieszw@gmail.com SBNZeroWaste.com

FREE Dry Brush for new clients only ~ Visit Website for Test Locations in NJ, NY & PA ~

Call for your appointment today! 855-667-9338

Lisa Mack, CCT, HHC • LisasThermographyAndWellness.com

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Somerset/Middlesex/Hunterdon/Mercer/ S. Warren Co. Edition

NaturalAwakeningsCNJ.com

Simple Bare Necessities is a zero waste store and refillery aimed to foster positive individual change by offering plastic-free goods and refillable products. See ad, page 21.

The Center for Advanced Health Through Dentistry Our aim is to restore you to health and vitality by eliminating dental road blocks.

Our patients come from New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and other states...some have even traveled from outside the United States! Why? Because quality biocompatible dental care provided by a warm, caring dental team in a comfortable, relaxed setting is worth the trip.

Start Early for a Lifetime of Benefits!

Improvements to Your Child’s Crowded Teeth and Appearance Can Begin As Early as Age 7.

Does your child show signs of: • Crowded baby or adult teeth?

• Mouth breathing? (Lips are apart most of the time due to obstructed airways.)

For more information, see our video

“How To Start Fixing Children’s Crooked Teeth As Early As Age 7 to 10” at MeleDDS.com or YouTube®.

We offer the highest quality dental services including...

• Safe removal of amalgam restorations (fillings) following OSHA and EPA guidelines • Biocompatible dental materials including BPA-free restorations • Non-surgical natural and nutritional therapies to treat periodontal disease and dental decay • Effective treatment of TMJ, teeth grinding, bad breath, snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing

Joseph R. Mele D.D.S., FIND, CNC Fellowship, Institute for Natural Dentistry Diplomate Member, American Association of Nutritional Consultants Member, International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology Member, The Holistic Dental Association

Come in for a complimentary Meet and Greet or visit our website for information.

215 Union Avenue — Suite D, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

(908) 526-2266

www.MeleDDS www.

MeleDDS..com November 2021

43

Natural Awakening Readers... Looking for a More Natural Approach for Your Dentistry?

Choosing a new dentist can be a real challenge.

How do you know who is really a holistic dentist? Here are several things to look out for, when choosing...

They DON'T use mercury containing fillings because mercury is one of the most toxic substances known to man.

They DON'T remove mercury fillings without protection because inhaled mercury vapors can be easily absorbed by the body.

They DON'T recommend Root Canals because they harbor bacteria and toxins.

They DON'T use conventional standards for their cleanings because tap water and chemicals are full of toxic substances.

They DON'T use fluoride because it has been shown to be a neurotoxin.

They DON'T use metal in their restorations because many people have metal allergies and sensitivities.

They DON'T treat sensitive patients without biocompatibility testing because allergic reactions and systemic reactions can occur which burdens the body.

We at the Holistic Dental Center strive to give our patients a "True" Holistic Dental Experience ...

Even Holistic Practitioners become our patients!

Dr. Glenn Gero, Naturopathic Physician: "I was seeing a dentist for over 30 years and when I was invited to try Dr. Gashinsky for the first time I was so impressed with the office.""The best dental experience I have ever had in my life:' Lisa Mack, Certified Thermographic Technician: "What I see in my Thermography, I see inflammation in the mouth, how important it is, you see the bacteria draining down into the lymphatic system and from there I always refer patients back to Dr. G... Why? Because Dr. G can test that bacteria to see exactly what it is so from there he can help you. I am also a patient of Dr G's and I absolutely love coming here, the one thing that I love about here is that when you walk in here it's like you're family.

If you want a "True" Holistic Dental They are very caring and very loving and when you walk out of here you feel like you've been well taken care of..."

Experience for You and Your Entire Nancy Barrett, Certified Holistic Manual Lymphatic Therapist: "Every health problem begins in the mouth... ''...I am also a patient of Dr. Gashinsky and Family, Call Us Today! the reason I go holistic is because I understand that every health problem begins with your mouth..:' "...I love the staff I love also the cleanings that they do here and I am also very aware of the benefits of going holistic. I really highly recommend Dr. G and his staff!"

908-206-7848

HOLISTIC DENTAL CENTER Dr. Vladimir Gashinsky 91 Millburn Ave, Millburn, NJ 07041

www.holisticdentalcenternj.com

ENJOY THIS SPECIAL OFFER! All new patients will receive a *Complimentary Wellness Gift ($100 value) during their initial visit.

Schedule Your Appointment Today! *Offer to claim Complimentary Wellness Gift is only valid for new patients to the practice.

Mercury Amalgam Removal Mercury Free & Mercury Safe Ceramic Zirconia Implants Holistic Gum Treatment

Biocompatible Ozone Therapy Fluoride Free Metal Free