As I write this, a cardinal is enthusiastically chirping his “birdie-birdie-birdie” anthem just outside my open window. It’s a charming soundtrack to a summer afternoon—along with the buzzing cicadas, whose crescendoing chorus has officially declared it’s August in South Jersey. If summer had a soundtrack, this would be it.
August always manages to sneak in with both grace and urgency. The evenings are still sun-kissed, the gardens are in full bloom, and yet there’s that quiet nudge reminding us to enjoy it all now—before back-to-school commercials and pumpkin-spice everything start creeping in. Personally, I’m making it my mission to relish the season. Tomato sandwiches, beach sunsets, fireflies and barefoot walks across the lawn? Yes, please.
This is truly the heart of summer—and it’s a perfect time to embrace what’s fresh and local. Our farmers markets and backyard gardens are overflowing with ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, summer squash and more. I’ll admit, pineapples are lovely, but nothing beats a Jersey tomato that tastes like sunshine. And with National Farmers Market Week running from August 3 to 9, it’s the perfect excuse to support our hardworking farmers and producers. Every tomato you buy locally is a vote for fresh, flavorful food and a stronger, more sustainable community.
August also invites us to slow down and live more intentionally. Whether it’s enjoying live music under the stars, taking a spontaneous trip to the lake or simply sharing stories around the dinner table, this season encourages us to reconnect—with each other, with nature and with ourselves.
That’s the inspiration behind this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings South Jersey. Our feature story, “The Authentic Lifestyle: Learning to Realign With Our True Selves,” explores how making conscious choices—big or small—can lead us to a more fulfilling, joy-filled life. It’s not about overhauling everything, but rather tuning in, adjusting and finding harmony in our daily routines.
We also dive into simple ways to support your well-being from the inside out. In our Green Living article, we explore how design choices and feng shui can promote a more peaceful home environment. Healthy Kids offers strategies for parents to bridge the gap of communication, and Fit Body looks at how gyms are increasingly blending physical movement with mindfulness to build both strength and resilience.
So, here’s your official permission slip: turn off the screen, step outside and savor summer. Try something new at the market. Make memories with your kids or nieces and nephews. Stare at the clouds. Eat the fruit. Dance in the yard. Let this vibrant season fill your cup—because August is meant to be lived, not rushed through.
Wishing you a month of nourishment, nature and a whole lot of joy,
Warmly,
Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.
Shae Marcus, Publisher
Passionate about Your Total Wellness
Prevention is the hallmark of good healthcare. As your proactive partner in health, I am devoted to helping you and your family stay healthy. At The Institute for Medical Wellness, we integrate traditional family care with holistic and complementary medicine to treat the whole person for a healthy heart, mind and body. Our balanced, caring approach empowers you to tap into your body’s natural ability to heal by addressing the root cause of illness – not just medicating symptoms.
Service and Testing: Advanced Wellness Testing Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) for autoimmune disease and the prevention of recurring cancers
Please visit our website to sign up for our free newsletter
& Aesthetic Services:
✽ Acne
✽ Warts
✽ Eczema
✽ Psoriasis
✽ Skin Cancer Treatment
✽ Skin Cancer Screening
✽ Fine Lines & Wrinkles
✽ Open Pore Reduction
✽ Age Spots & Melasma
✽ Discolorations
✽ Redness & Rosacea
✽ Acne & Surgical Scarring
✽ Stretch Marks
✽ Skin Tags...etc.
✽ Fat Reduction (SculpSure)
✽ Skin Tightening
✽ Total Skin Rejuvenation
✽ Radiofrequency Micro-Needling
✽ IPL & Laser Hair Removal
✽ Botox™ Cosmetics
✽ Juvederm™ Fillers Family
✽ Radiesse
✽ Belotero™
✽ Xeomin™ a highly
✽ Organic Chemical Peels
✽ Organic Cosmetic Medical Products We o er our own line of
Live in Joy Launches Advanced Yoga Teacher Training in December
Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness Studio, in Audubon, will offer its 300-hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training starting this December for certified instructors ready to grow their practice. The program is accredited by Yoga Alliance and open to anyone that has completed a 200-hour certification.
Led by studio co-owners Sharon Plower and Megan Marchese—both of whom completed their teacher training at Live in Joy—the program is rooted in community and designed to foster both personal and professional growth.
Participants will explore advanced asana and receive specialized instruction in chair yoga, restorative, yin and potentially yoga nidra, all accredited by Yoga Alliance. The training also includes a deeper study of Ayurveda to support a more holistic approach to teaching and practice.
Trainees will engage with yoga philosophy in an accessible way, examining the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita to help bring these teachings into everyday life and the classroom.
Whether participants want to expand their teaching skills or deepen their personal practice, the program offers a supportive space to grow.
Location: 118 W. Merchant St. For more information, visit www.LiveInJoyYoga.com.
Crack the Code to Personal Growth
Spiritual mentor and intuitive Dawn Ricci spent years uncovering hidden connections and solving complex cases as a top-rated private investigator. This training led to a powerful realization: The same investigative methods could be applied to inner work with profound results.
Ricci developed the 5MQ Intelligence System to help others move beyond surface-level advice and into deep, lasting change. The next event, coming in September, will focus on even more personal breakthroughs in health, relationships, business, finances and purpose-driven living. In the meantime, Ricci is offering one-on-one introductory sessions to provide a personalized preview of how powerful the 5MQ Intelligence System can be—and how individuals can begin the program right away.
The 5MQ Intelligence System combines principles of neuroscience and energetic flow into a clear, step-by-step process that eliminates guesswork and offers personalized, actionable guidance. Participants learn how to access intuitive clarity, identify patterns blocking progress and create momentum—without relying on trial and error.
“People struggle with generic advice that leads nowhere,” Ricci says. “My investigative background taught me to eliminate guesswork and follow what actually works.”
Register for a free 30-minute session at https://DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife today.
Elevate Your Healing Skills With Advanced Pranic Healing
Golden Light Pranic Healing Center will host an Advanced Pranic Healing class from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 20 and 21 in Cherry Hill. This Level 2 course of the core Pranic Healing curriculum is open to anyone that has completed the first level— the Basic Pranic Healing Course.
The class offers an opportunity to take healing skills to a new level by learning and practicing advanced energy healing techniques using specialized colored prana. Participants will explore the properties of different types of energies and apply advanced methods for internal organ cleansing, blood purification, cellular regeneration, master healing revival, immunity protocols, and support for conditions such as tumors, fractures, wounds and Kundalini syndrome. The course also includes pre-op and post-op protocols and instruction on how heart conditions and musculoskeletal disorders manifest in the energy body.
Designed for motivated energy healers, the program offers an informal, retreat-like setting with instructors that bring 50 years of combined healing experience.
For more information or to register, call/text 856-905-9119, email PranicHealing@comcast.net or visit www.PranicHealingCenter.com.
Dawn Ricci
Awaken Your Inner Magic at Sedona Alchemy Retreat
This
November
Pegasus Holistic and Sacred Soul will co-host Vessel of the Vortex: A Sedona Alchemy Retreat from November 6 to 10 in Sedona, Arizona. The coed retreat invites participants to experience personal transformation through breathwork, energy activation and earth medicine in one of the nation’s most spiritually renowned landscapes.
Facilitators Lindsay Mackay, of Pegasus Holistic, and Dawn Mahalik, of Sacred Soul, will guide attendees through daily rituals, vortex site visits and integrative practices designed to foster clarity, intuition and empowerment. Each day includes nourishing meals, nervous system support and opportunities for inner alchemy and connection.
The program is open to those seeking to release old patterns, reclaim their power and reconnect with their inner wisdom.
For more information or to register, visit https://VesselOfTheVortex.my.canva.site.
A beloved cornerstone of the community’s holistic health scene is entering a new chapter. The Center Life in Balance—renowned for its integrative mind, body and spirit modalities—has recently changed hands and is preparing for a grand reopening in the coming months. After more than twenty years as a guiding light and healer in the area, Susan Drummond, the original owner, has decided to step back from business operations to return to her roots in healing. Her dedication and compassion have touched countless lives, establishing The Center as a sanctuary for those seeking whole-person wellness.
Stepping into the role of owner is her longtime friend, Cory Tapper, a dynamic professional holding certi cations in Coaching, Hypnosis, Pranic Healing and Reiki. With over thirty years of entrepreneurial success behind her, Cory brings both a wealth of business acumen and a deep commitment to holistic and spiritual guidance. Cory’s longstanding friendship with Susan and her expertise in multiple healing disciplines promise a seamless transition and exciting innovations for The Center. The community can look forward to a grand reopening celebration in the next couple of months, where new and familiar faces alike will be welcomed to explore expanded o erings and experience renewed energy at The Center. Stay tuned for details on the grand reopening event, set to mark a vibrant new era for holistic health in our area. @thecenterforliving www.thecenterforliving.net
Celebrated Healer Passes Torch to Longtime Friend & Experienced Entrepreneur
Delaying Menopause for Longevity
Menopause, which occurs at the end of a woman’s reproductive years, brings about changes in body composition and heightened health risks, including bone density loss, insulin resistance and an elevated propensity for cardiovascular disease. Notably, women that naturally enter menopause after age 55 have better health outcomes and a longer lifespan than those experiencing earlier menopause. Researchers and industry stakeholders are actively investigating ways to postpone its onset.
Yale University has devised an experimental procedure originally developed to preserve fertility for women undergoing cancer treatments. It involves surgically removing the outermost layer of the ovary, which contains hundreds of thousands of immature eggs, when a woman is in her late 30s. The tissues are cryogenically preserved for reimplantation years later as menopause approaches.
Columbia University is studying how to delay ovarian aging through the administration of low doses of an immunosuppressant drug, thus inhibiting a cellular pathway implicated in the aging process. Gameto, a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing treatment options for women, is conducting animal testing on engineered young ovarian support cells derived from stem cells. Celmatix Therapeutics is working on a drug designed to slow ovarian reserve depletion. Other researchers are advancing senolytic drugs engineered to selectively target and eliminate old, damaged cells.
New Defense Against Superbugs
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that antimicrobial-resistant infections affect more than 2.8 million Americans annually, resulting in more than 35,000 deaths. These “superbugs” have developed the ability to resist medicines used to eradicate them, including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics.
In 2019, a systematic review proposed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as a potential strategy for the decolonization of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO), as well as for the prevention of recurring MDRO infections. The researchers suggested that the implantation of good bacteria could restore normal gut microbiota, giving patients the ability to fight off resistant infections without need for other medical interventions.
A small, randomized trial in the United Kingdom recently tested the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of FMT delivered in capsule form. Among the subjects with invasive infections, 20 received FMT capsules, while 21 were part of the placebo group. The findings published in the July issue of the Journal of Infection indicated that encapsulated FMT was safe, well-tolerated and effective in colonizing the gut with healthy bacteria and eliminating superbugs. This study establishes the groundwork for a larger-scale investigation.
Scharvik from
Healthy-Aging Properties of Caffeinated Coffee
In June, a large-scale study by Tufts University sought to determine the health benefits of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee with and without the addition of sugar and saturated fat. The results published in The Journal of Nutrition suggest that drinking a low-to-moderate amount of caffeinated coffee daily lowers the risk of all-cause mortality; however, the benefit drops when an overabundance of sugar and saturated fat are added.
The researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted between 1999 and 2018 involving more than 46,000 American adults. Individuals that consumed one to three cups every day were about 15 percent less likely to die in the next nine to 11 years compared to those that did not drink coffee at all. This benefit was negated for those that added more than half a teaspoon of sugar, one tablespoon of half-and-half, or three-and-a-half tablespoons of whole milk. Drinking decaffeinated coffee was not associated with healthy aging.
Sucralose May Increase Appetite
According to research published in Nature Metabolism, the calorie-free sweetener known as sucralose may increase appetite. Sucralose is widely distributed in various food products, including baked goods, beverages, chewing gum and frozen dairy desserts. In a randomized crossover trial involving 75 young adults, participants consumed a beverage containing sucralose, sucrose or water.
The study revealed that the sucralose-containing drink could stimulate appetite by delivering a sweet taste without triggering the body’s natural mechanism for suppressing hunger. While this study is unlikely to significantly alter the availability of sucralose, it aligns with the 2023 World Health Organization’s recommendation that non-sugar sweeteners should not be used for weight management purposes.
Predicting Dementia
Determining how fast a brain ages may help predict and prevent dementia, a condition that is projected to impact approximately 42 percent of Americans aged 55 and older, according to the National Institutes of Health. While genetic analysis at the cellular level offers insights into biological age, its application to brain cells is hindered by the blood-brain barrier, which prevents cell collection.
Researchers from the University of Southern California have devised a non-invasive method that integrates magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with artificial intelligence (AI) to assess brain aging. Their findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
The AI database was constructed through an exhaustive analysis of thousands of brain scans from individuals with different brain conditions and varying ages. Subsequently, patient brain scans taken at distinct time intervals are compared to the database to identify brain zones that are exhibiting accelerated aging. The method was tested on more than 100 adults with healthy brains and 140 Alzheimer’s patients. The researchers are optimistic that their approach will not only identify early signs of cognitive decline but also facilitate the prediction of disease progression.
Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
limpido from Getty Images
Wellness Cars of the Future
As many vehicles advance toward automation, passengers are presented with a range of new possibilities. Without a human driver, the car’s interior can be transformed to cater to the desires of the traveler with entertainment, media and digital connections seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s ecosystem. Routes can be customized to optimize the journey, ranging from the quickest to the offbeat, with the ability to identify interesting and historically significant landmarks, locations, features and objects along the way.
In the car of the future, integrated artificial intelligence assists in planning scenic detours and dining experiences. Because the vehicle drives itself, enhanced lie-flat seating that incorporates massage and optimal body positioning ensures passengers arrive at their destination feeling well-rested. High-quality audio and video systems, coupled with atomizers that release the occupants’ favorite aromatherapy scent, provide an opportunity to enhance the overall sense of well-being. Biometric sensors monitor heart rate and stress levels, prompting relaxation or meditative activities. Companies such as Cadillac and BMW are already working to make these concepts a reality.
Reusing Forever Chemicals
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as forever chemicals, have been linked to a number of health concerns. In April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency labeled a specific PFAS known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and its salts and isomers as hazardous chemicals.
Scientists from the UK’s University of Oxford and Colorado State University have developed a novel method for both destroying PFAS and reusing some of their elements in new products. Their method, published in the journal Nature, involves reacting PFAS with potassium phosphate salts and then grinding the PFAS and salts together using ball bearings to break the carbon-fluorine bonds. This process facilitates the reuse of the fluorine content in the manufacture of medicines and other products.
Aflo
Images from Aflo/CanvaPro
Goldfish Invaders
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is urging the public to refrain from releasing goldfish into local lakes, ponds and streams when they are no longer desired as pets, but instead seek alternative solutions such as returning them to the pet store or contacting a local aquarium or fish rescue organization for assistance.
In the wild, goldfish exhibit invasive characteristics that cause significant harm to local ecosystems. Omnivorous in nature, they thrive in diverse environmental conditions and are capable of rapid growth, exceeding four pounds in weight and a foot in length. At that size, they have no natural predators.
As bottom feeders, goldfish disrupt the delicate balance of aquatic ecosystems by stirring up sediment, uprooting plants and muddying the water. Their spawning frequency, which occurs several times a season, can lead to rapid population expansion. Goldfish also harbor parasites and diseases against which native fish possess no immunity.
Hawaii Is Sinking Faster Than Expected
In a recent study published in Communications Earth & Environment, researchers at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa reported that certain coastal areas in the Hawaiian Islands are sinking at a significantly faster rate than previously anticipated, moving up the need for flood preparedness by about 50 years. The phenomenon, known as subsidence, poses a substantial threat to businesses, residents and infrastructure, as sea level rise exacerbates the risks of flooding, beach loss and coastal erosion.
The scientists observed that the island of Oahu is sinking at an average rate of 0.6 millimeters per year, while its south shore has localized subsidence rates exceeding 25.0 millimeters per year, which is substantially faster than Hawaii’s long-term sea level rise rate of 1.54 millimeters per year since 1905. The south shore encompasses Waikiki beach and the city of Honolulu. The confluence of subsidence and sea level rise places $12.9 billion of local infrastructure at risk from flooding.
Subsidence can be caused by a number of different processes, including sediment compaction, tectonic motion and earthquakes, volcanic deformation, melting of permafrost and peat-land degradation, as well as human activities such as groundwater extraction, hydrocarbon production, mining and geothermal activity.
Doing all the “right” things and still not feeling well?
Do you suffer from digestive problems, autoimmune conditions, fatigue, insomnia? Do you have children with eczema, allergies, autism, ADHD, constipation?
Charlotte Nussbaum, MD, a triple board-certified pediatrician and internist can work with you to reclaim your and your family’s health.
Addressing the root cause
Holistic care for people of all ages
Personalized, collaborative treatment
Functional and evolutionary medicine
Safe and natural treatments
Medford Functional Medicine medfordfunctionalmedicine.com 609-969-4844
JohnSeiler from Getty Images/CanvaPro
LRCImagery from Getty Images Pro/CanvaPro
Baking Soda: The All-Purpose Dynamo
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a versatile and economical household cleaner and personal care product that offers numerous benefits. Its non-toxic and biodegradable properties make it an environmentally friendly choice.
Cleaning and Freshening
• Kitchen Surfaces: Sprinkle on a damp sponge to clean countertops, sinks and greasy stovetops. Adding a few drops of tea tree, lemongrass, peppermint or orange essential oil will enhance the antibacterial properties.
• Pots and Pans: Use as a gentle abrasive to scrub pots and pans—even stainless steel.
• Drains: Pour half a cup of baking soda followed by half a cup of white vinegar down the drain. Allow it to fizz, then rinse with hot water. This is not a substitute for clearing clogs.
• Laundry Booster: Add half a cup to a load of laundry to soften the water, boost detergent effectiveness and neutralize odors. This natural solution is safe to use with baby items.
• Bathroom Fixtures and Surfaces: Mix an equal amount of baking soda and water or vinegar to form a paste for scrubbing sinks, tubs, tile and grout. For a deeper clean, combine with Castile soap instead of water or vinegar.
• Toilets: Use as a powdered cleanser, adding a few drops of a germ-fighting essential oil such as lavender, tea tree or lemon.
• Carpets: Mix a cup of baking soda with a few drops of geranium, lavender or ylang ylang essential oil and sprinkle it evenly over the carpet. After half an hour, vacuum thoroughly.
• Natural Deodorizer: Place an open box in the refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh. Sprinkling baking soda in garbage cans, shoes or gym bags can help eliminate unpleasant odors.
• Produce Cleaner: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda per two cups of cold water and soak strawberries or other produce for 12 to15 minutes. Gently rub the fruit or vegetables, then rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry. This method can reduce dirt, bacteria and some pesticide residues.
• Sterling Silver Polisher: Combine two tablespoons of lemon juice or distilled vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda.
With a soft cloth, gently rub the mixture onto sterling silver items and rinse thoroughly. Allow more tarnished items to soak in the mixture for a few minutes before cleaning.
Personal Care
• Teeth Whitening: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the palm of the hand, dip a damp toothbrush into the solution and brush as usual. This method should only be used sparingly, as baking soda can damage tooth enamel.
• Skin Relief: Add half a cup of baking soda to a bath to soothe skin irritation. This solution is beneficial for eczema, poison ivy and dermatitis.
• Hair Cleansing: Mix a small amount of baking soda with water to create a solution. Massage the mixture onto wet hair and rinse thoroughly. This shampoo alternative helps to reduce excess oil and buildup of styling products, restore pH levels, treat dandruff and lighten hair dye. It can also serve as a dry shampoo by simply combing it through dry hair. Long-term or excessive use is not recommended, as baking soda’s abrasive properties can cause split ends, irritate the scalp and strip hair of natural oils.
Prostock-studio/CanvaPro
Jason Thompson
From NBA Star to Champion for Health, Heart and Community
For former NBA player and South Jersey native Jason Thompson, basketball has always been more than a game—it has been a path to personal growth, discipline and opportunity. Today, after a successful professional career on the court, he has shifted his focus to something even more meaningful: using his platform to promote healthy living, inspire youth and give back to the community that raised him.
Thompson’s journey began in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, where his passion for basketball and dedication to hard work propelled him from local courts to a standout collegiate career at Rider University. In 2008, he was drafted 12th overall by the Sacramento Kings, launching a professional career that would include stints with the Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors and top European leagues. Yet, through all the success, Thompson never lost sight of the importance of community—or the value of health.
In 2011, following the tragic loss of his cousin Tiffany to heart disease, Thompson founded The Jason Thompson Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating healthier lifestyles for children and young adults. Its mission reflects Thompson’s deeply personal understanding of the importance of heart health, wellness and education. Its guiding principle, L.I.V.E.—Learn. Imagine. Voice. Educate., empowers young people to lead by example, make informed choices and stay active in both mind and body.
A cornerstone of Thompson’s outreach is the JT Elite Basketball Camp, now in its 16th year, held each summer at the RiverWinds Community Center, in West
Deptford, New Jersey. Open to boys and girls from second grade through high school, the camp offers far more than just basketball drills. It creates an environment where youth can build confidence, develop leadership skills and gain valuable mentorship—not only from Thompson, but from guest speakers including current and former NBA, WNBA and G League professionals.
Physical activity is central to the camp’s mission, but equally important is the focus on overall wellness. Participants are introduced to the fundamentals of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition, exercise and mindfulness. Thompson believes that by instilling these values early, young people are better equipped to lead balanced, healthy lives well into adulthood.
“Health is everything,” Thompson shares. “I’ve seen firsthand how quickly life can change. That’s why it’s so important for me to help kids understand not just how to play the game, but how to take care of their bodies and their futures.”
Through his foundation and his unwavering commitment to youth development, Jason Thompson continues to be a powerful role model, showing that true success is not measured solely by professional accolades, but by the lives we touch along the way. His work reminds us all of the importance of movement, mentorship and heart—both literally and figuratively.
For more information about The Jason Thompson Foundation and the JT Elite Basketball Camp, visit www.LiveLikeJT. com or follow along on social media at @ livelikejt and @thejtfoundation.
The Authentic Lifestyle
Learning To Realign With Our True Selves
by Carrie Jackson
Harmony in our daily routine provides a sustainable and fulfilling rhythm. A life in balance accommodates ambition and rest, effort and ease, honoring our individual energy and purpose. Instead of pursuing future goals and equating success with monetary gain or accomplishments, we can learn to appreciate the present moment and align our choices with personal values. By shifting from a rigid, externally oriented idea of success to a more holistic, harmoniously driven approach, we can experience greater joy, purpose and authenticity.
Connecting to the Web of Life
In 2022, Yoli Maya Yeh, a yoga teacher, shiatsu therapist and educator whose work revolves around Indigenous preservation, healing arts and social justice, embarked on an adventure of global nomadism and worldschooling her now 13-year-old child. Their journeys have taken them to many countries, including Morocco, Italy, Malta and Senegal. Yeh asserts that her lifestyle was not the result of a single decision but rather the culmination of focus, willpower and the strength of those that have walked before her.
“While entrepreneurship flows through my veins, without a clear vision, a sense of purpose and a deep well of confidence, I would not be able to be this assertive and daring in my approach to how I want to fulfill my dreams. I could decide to play small and feel contracted in my body, but that was not the intuitive guidance I have come to trust,” Yeh explains. “My vision is a life where I can be in spaces of belonging, collaborating and problem solving, dreaming and world-building our collective liberated future. In the present moment, I explore my inborn gifts and hone them to be of maximum service.”
She maintains that a path of development cannot be solely cerebral, sharing, “A traveling lifestyle provides me with a high level of changefulness in which I can cultivate growth and adaptation through constant new experiences that challenge me to navigate unknowns. We must bring the transformative process into the body through active restoration tools and meaningful engagement with self.”
Harmony and resistance are felt in the body, and tapping into those signals enables us to
deeply connect with our true selves. As Yeh puts it, “Perpetual analysis in the mind disconnects us from the experience of resonance, thus distancing us from actual alignment. A daily centering practice that draws on a collage of breathwork, mantra and meditative techniques allows us to hone our connection to the sensations in the body.”
As a respite from the demands of modern society, Yeh turns to yoga nidra, a yogic sleep meditation originating in South Asia, as well as other Indigenous wisdom traditions. “Living in the modern era presents us with contradictory factors,” she says. “We have more automation and digital support, while at the same time, we are cut off from our ancestral rejuvenation practices such as sacred dreaming, ritual and community celebration.”
Another valuable practice is rematriation, or “returning to the Sacred Mother”, which emphasizes the restoration of Indigenous knowledge and connection. “In this practice, we lay our tired bones down on the earth to rest and revive the ancestral wisdom that lives within. Like so many meditative and trance practices, one explores liminal states of consciousness where the mind expands well beyond the confines of the awake, thinking mind and amplifies creativity and a sense of freedom,” Yeh explains. “To experience fulfillment in life, we need a recipe that combines resonance of expansion and a sense of belonging. Success is the embodied expression of this connection to self and collective at the same time.”
Fulfilling Our Journey
Brianna Wiest is the bestselling author of numerous books, including 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think, The Pivot Year and The Mountain Is You. Her personal reflections are derived from years of self-inquiry and meditation practice, and her writing emphasizes emotional intelligence and self-awareness as keys to meaningful success.
Stay Strong
Boost bone and immune health with our premium supplements, made with essential, all-natural ingredients.
Why Choose Us?
• Bone Health: MagiCal combines Calcium + Magnesium for strong bones.
• Immune Boost: Zing! blends Vitamin C, Zinc, and L-Carnosine for powerful defense — inside and out.
• Convenient: Easy, tasty chewables for your daily routine.
For active, aging, or health-conscious lifestyles, feel the difference today!
Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
Frizi from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Taking an Energy Inventory
by Carrie Jackson
In a world that can be overwhelmingly stimulating, taking a moment to focus on mindfulness helps us reset and refocus. “Your body is your temple, and your intuition is your oracle,” says dharma coach Sahara Rose Ketabi. She recommends meditation, intuitive journaling and embodied movement as catalysts for connecting to our inner guidance and discovering life’s purpose.
• Meditation enhances listening skills, emotional awareness and overall human well-being. Turn off all distractions and notice any thoughts that arise.
• Journaling transforms intangible thoughts into visible reflections. Take five minutes every day to jot down observations, feelings and sensations.
• Embodied movement releases trapped tension, stress and trauma within the body. Start each day with a fluid, sensual and grounding movement session to foster greater joy, creativity, bliss, pleasure and peace.
She notes that the conventional standard of success varies depending on an individual’s upbringing, network and environment. “There are ways in which society measures and corroborates a concept of success, and many people feel beholden to this definition. But this can become more defeating than motivating, as the idea of success is often divorced from the essence of what it should actually mean,” she says. “Success is effectiveness, but the question becomes: Effectiveness at what? Fulfillment is when we’re effective at something meaningful. It’s an internal gauge, rather than an external measure. Fulfillment is when we feel deep peace and inner satisfaction, regardless of how others may perceive our endeavors or pursuits.”
Shifting the focus away from the outcome, and more on our journey, is a practice that strengthens within the interplay of momentum and inertia. Wiest states, “The more we acknowledge and feel good about the progress we’re making, the more inclined we feel to make more of it. Often, we use the inverse on ourselves: We try to focus on the ways in which we’re falling behind (or imagine that we are) so as to motivate ourselves to move forward. This usually just compounds the mindset that we are incapable, and it’s not worth the effort. The best way to become more of anything is first to find evidence of the ways in which you already are that thing.”
Wiest recommends striking a balance between ambition and rest by fine-tuning intuition and strengthening the ability to respond effectively. “There’s no right way to divide up your time, and everyone’s needs differ,” she points out. “Rather than waiting until you’re at the point of depletion to think about taking care of yourself, sit honestly with the question of where you’d like your bandwidth to expand and how your body and mind signal that it’s time to decompress. In the same way that you have to rest a muscle after exercising it for it to strengthen, repair and grow, the rest of the body works similarly. It’s part of the process, not antithetical to it.”
Reflective practices such as meditation and journaling can enable us to be more mindful and make decisions that align with our values, instead of acting impulsively. Wiest suggests looking at life from the
Greyerbaby from pixabay/CanvaPro
perspective of our 90-year-old self and considering what we would have done differently. “Mindfulness is a way of both stilling the waters of the mind and calming the inner chaos, while at the same time, giving us the chance to pause between having a thought and a feeling and then immediately responding to it,” she says. “It’s that gap of time where we get to consciously decide how we will react that ultimately creates our personal freedom.”
Living Our Soul’s Purpose
Author, podcaster and co-founder of the Dharma Coaching Institute, Sahara Rose Ketabi helps people discover their soul’s purpose. “Your dharma is the big reason why you are here,” she explains. “It’s your sacred mission, your truth and the sacred intersection of your joy and the world’s needs. When you’re aligned with your dharma, life begins to feel like a divine dance—yes, with challenges, but also with deep meaning. It’s not about being the best at something; it’s about being you, fully and unapologetically.”
Ketabi contends that the pursuit of success alone does not yield happiness; it is happiness that brings true success. “Success isn’t just about ticking boxes or climbing ladders. It’s about alignment,” she clarifies. “We can shift this mindset by tuning into our bodies, emotions and passions, asking, ‘Does this feel expansive? Does this nourish my soul?’ When your success is in service of your dharma, it feels sustainable, fulfilling and soul-led.”
Ketabi incorporates Ayurvedic wisdom into her teachings to help people tune into their own energy. “Ayurveda is the science of life, and your dharma is the reason you’re alive. They’re inherently connected. By understanding your dosha—vata, pitta or kapha—you understand your strengths, challenges and soul gifts,” she explains. “It’s not just about food or herbs; it’s about rhythm. If you’re a fiery pitta trying to force your purpose, you may burn out. A dreamy vata may need structure to bring ideas through. Ayurveda teaches you how to work with your energy, not against it, so your dharma can blossom naturally.”
Living as your most authentic self ultimately has a butterfly effect for making positive changes in the world. “When one person lives in their dharma, it shifts the field for everyone around them. It creates a ripple of remembrance,” says Ketabi. “I believe that your dharma is not just about you, but it’s about the impact you create through being you. It is not selfish to follow your joy; it’s necessary. When you do what you love, you become magnetic. You inspire others to stop settling, to heal and to rise. You become the permission slip they didn’t know they needed. Living your dharma is the highest form of spiritual activism.”
Carrie Jackson is a Chicago-based freelance writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.
Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
Mindful Workouts
Introducing Mental Wellness Modalities at the Gym
by Jordan Peschek, RN-BSN
Mental wellness is no longer considered a separate pillar of health; it is becoming deeply integrated into physical fitness routines across the country. As the discourse surrounding emotional and psychological well-being becomes more open and less stigmatized, there is a shift in how people approach exercise. Not only is fitness focused on building muscle and burning calories, but increasingly it is about fostering resilience, restoring balance and supporting the mind as well as the body.
This integration of mental wellness emphasizes practices such as breathwork, guided
meditation, intentional recovery and nervous system regulation as core components of a comprehensive fitness regimen. For health-conscious individuals seeking vitality and longevity, this is a natural evolution of holistic living.
“The physical body reflects what is mindfully and energetically present,” shares Dawn Coleman, a certified personal trainer and life transformation coach based in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. “Honoring the body’s physical well-being requires that we consider energetic pathways that allow the nurturing of the soul and mind, which, in turn, promotes physical fitness.”
Mind-Body Integration
Today’s approach goes beyond the endorphin rush of a workout. Wellness buffs are looking for fitness environments and tools that help calm the mind, process emotions and foster inner strength. Gyms and studios are responding by incorporating stress-relieving modalities into their offerings. It is not uncommon to find yoga classes ending with a 10-minute guided meditation or strength sessions that begin with focused breathwork. Even high-performance athletes are embracing these new tools, recognizing that mental clarity and nervous system regulation enhance both performance and recovery.
• Breathwork: According to Coleman, conscious breathing exercises help regulate the nervous system and lower cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. A 2023 meta-analysis published in the journal Nature found that breathwork may be effective for improving stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms. Techniques like box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing or alternate nostril breathing can be layered into warm-ups, cool-downs or standalone sessions.
• Meditation and Visualization: Whether it’s a guided meditation before sleep or a visualization practice to prepare for a race, meditation trains the brain for focus, reduces anxiety and enhances emotional resilience. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology affirms that tailored visualization improves athletic performance and establishes the mental toughness needed to achieve both long-term and short-term goals.
• Recovery Rituals: Recuperation is a vital part of training. Therapies involving infrared saunas, float tanks, cryotherapy and contrast baths support muscle repair while simultaneously calming the nervous system and promoting mental relaxation. A 2023 randomized crossover study of 20 basketball players, published
in Biology of Sport, reported improvements in muscle recovery and reduced soreness when exercise was followed by an infrared sauna session. A peer-reviewed article in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise reported that exercisers that followed highintensity interval training with a one-hour floatation session experienced enhanced recovery from sore muscles and improved performance readiness.
• Tai Chi and Qigong: These mindful movement disciplines emphasize intention, awareness and breath, creating space for physical vitality and mental clarity.
Reimagining the Gym
The design of fitness spaces is evolving toward environments that promote wholeness and healing. Lighting and music are intentionally curated to create inviting atmospheres, while recovery lounges are incorporated for meditation or breathwork practices. This evolution has been particularly meaningful for women experiencing burnout, hormonal fluctuations or chronic stress.
Rather than pushing through fatigue or anxiety, individuals are adopting restorative practices that align with their physical needs. Many gyms, as well as yoga and Pilates studios, are offering supplemental therapies to support mental and physical fitness objectives. Sauna, red light and cold plunge therapies have become more accessible than ever.
Enduring Wellness
Mental wellness integration is more than a trend; it is a redefinition of what it means to be fit, challenging the old “no pain, no gain” model and replacing it with a deeper, more sustainable approach to health.
This shift is being embraced not only because it feels good in the
moment, but also because it supports long-term well-being. People are learning to treat their minds with the same care and intention as their muscles. By doing so, they are redefining strength, not as something visible, but as something profoundly felt—steady breathing, calm thoughts, inner peace. In a fast-paced world that often demands more and more, mental wellness integration offers a path toward greater equilibrium, presence and joy throughout the journey.
Jordan Peschek has a background in personal training, yoga instruction and mental health nursing. She publishes the Milwaukee and Twin Cities editions of Natural Awakenings.
Strength doesn’t come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.
—Uncredited
Be sure
let our advertisers know you found them in
Yan Krukau from Pexels/CanvaPro
10 Yoga Misconceptions:
It’s Not Exactly What You Think
Yoga. The word might conjure images of hyper-flexible contortionists doing headstands, glowing in neon-colored spandex or striking Instagram-worthy poses on tropical beaches. However, spoiler alert: Most of what we may think we know about yoga may be completely off the mark.
Let’s unravel the myths and set the record straight with 10 things many of us may have thought we knew about yoga—but were totally wrong:
1. One Has to Be Super Flexible
Wrong. Flexibility is not a requirement—it’s a result. Yoga is about meeting oneself where one is, whether we can touch our toes or not. The only thing that needs to stretch is our mindset.
2. We Need Flashy, Skin-Tight Clothes
Nope. We don’t need to show up looking like a walking billboard for Lululemon. Yoga is about comfort, breath and freedom of movement. Wear what feels good (bonus points for cozy sweatpants).
3. It’s All About Fancy Pretzel Poses
Not even close. The postures (asanas) are just one small part of yoga.
Breathwork, meditation, mindfulness and ethical principles are equally (if not more) important.
4. Yoga is Only for the Young and Fit
A hard no. Yoga is truly for every body—all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Whether 18 or 80, there’s a style of yoga that can meet our needs and support our well-being.
5. We Have to Be Calm All the Time
False. Yoga doesn’t turn us into a Zen monk overnight. It provides tools to manage stress, but we’re still human. It’s okay to lose our cool sometimes—just breathe and begin again.
6. Yoga is Just Stretching
Stretching is only the tip of the iceberg. Yoga is a mind-body practice that balances strength, stability, flexibility and mental clarity. Many classes will leave us sweating and feeling muscles we didn’t know existed.
7. It’s Only for Women
Nope. Yoga was originally practiced by men for thousands of years. Today, more men are discovering the physical and mental benefits of
yoga, from NFL players to CEOs. Yoga doesn’t discriminate.
8. Expensive Gear is Needed
Wrong again. All that’s truly needed is our body, breath and perhaps a simple mat. Yoga isn’t about what we own—it’s about how we show up.
9. Yoga is not Religion
It is rooted in a spiritual tradition that deserves respect. It comes from a culture that understood the body, breath and mind as pathways to deeper awareness. While yoga doesn’t ask us to adopt a particular faith, it’s not just stretching or stress relief. It’s a lifelong practice that can deepen our connection to ourselves, others and maybe even to the big cosmic question mark we’re all circling. Whether one comes to yoga for movement, mindfulness or meaning, one is stepping into a living tradition, not just a wellness trend.
10. One Has to Be “Good” at Yoga
The biggest myth of all. There’s no such thing as being “good” or “bad” at yoga. If we’re breathing and present, we’re already doing it right. Yoga is a personal journey, not a competition.
We don’t need to twist like a pretzel or wear designer leggings to practice yoga. We just need a willingness to show up. Yoga is about stretching—yes, our body, but also our mind, our perspective, our capacity to try something new. It’s a path of self-discovery, healing and clarity—open to everyone, just as they are.
So, roll out a mat, or don’t. Sit in a chair, lie on the floor, take a breath. The practice will meet everyone wherever they are.
Now that’s yoga.
Cheryl Van Sciver, cofounder of Balanced Planet Yoga, brings decades of practice, from physical asana to meditation and Ayurveda. An ERYT 200/500, Reiki I/II, Budokon-certified teacher and a Master of Business Administration holder, she fosters inclusive, healing spaces grounded in deep self-investigation. For more information, visit www.BalancedPlanetYoga.com
This is what your pose looks like now, and that's fine, because yoga isn't about perfect poses.
—Edyn Nicole
Be sure to let our advertisers know you found them in
Fully educated and trained insturctors. Over 25 years of experience in holistic, pilates, dance, Reiki, Massage and Gyrotonic fields. Offering Private, Duet and Small Group classes in a fully-equipped studio.
Small but Mighty
Growing and Enjoying Microgreens and Sprouts
by Chloe Karydes Krecun
Microgreens and sprouts are small but mighty, delivering considerable benefits for the health conscious. Whether grown at home or purchased fresh from a local grocer or farmers market, these superfoods make for an easy and accessible way to add texture, flavor and nutrients to everyday meals.
Subtle differences distinguish these two remarkable plants. Microgreens are edible, immature seedlings grown in soil or a similar medium and harvested upon the appearance of the first few cotyledon leaves. Sprouts are germinated seeds that are cultivated in water until they grow into an edible plant. Their roots, seeds and leaves are edible.
“Anyone can grow a small tray of microgreens on a windowsill or around a kitchen counter,” says Katie Staudt, owner and head grower of Meraki Urban Farm, in Chicago. She points out the common misconception that microgreens can only be grown in a liquid solution. While some do-it-yourself kits employ hydroponic techniques, they are not the most efficient growing method and may lead to mold growth.
“You don’t have to have a green thumb if you have the right information,” says Staudt. Because they can be easily propagated in small trays, microgreens are ideal for small, indoor spaces. She suggests using soilless media made of peat, coconut coir or hemp that allow for proper drainage while holding the right amount of moisture. The plants demand little
maintenance and are usually harvested when the greens are one to three inches tall, making them a perfect choice for individuals with limited gardening experience. Staudt recommends beginning with the radish sprout, which can grow and be ready to eat in as little as seven days. Kale, purple kohlrabi, red acre cabbage, bok choi and wasabi mustard sprouts are also easy-to-grow varietals.
Sprouts can be more challenging to grow because they require greater oversight to preserve food safety. It is important to soak the seeds in water and rinse them daily with clean water to maintain a moist environment
while also reducing the risk of bacterial growth. According to agricultural experts at Penn State Extension, bacteria in the sprouting seeds “can continue to thrive if proper food handling techniques are not practiced during harvest, processing and preparation.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration provides good agricultural practices for growing, harvesting, packing and holding sprouts, which include using clean water, wearing disposable sterile gloves when handling the seeds and sprouts, and cooling the sprouts to 32° F immediately after harvesting. The FDA strongly recommends cooking sprouts thoroughly before consuming them to eliminate harmful bacteria. Children, the elderly, pregnant women and persons with weakened immune systems should avoid eating raw sprouts altogether.
According to Dominique Kline, farm manager of The Hope Farm, in Alabama, “Radish or broccoli sprouts would probably be the easiest ones to start out with at home, just because those are some of the most reliable and have the fastest turnover.” Alfalfa, mung bean and sunflower sprouts are also relatively easy to grow.
Packed With Power
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, microgreens contain five times greater levels of vitamins and carotenoids than their mature plant counterparts, including vitamins C, E, K and A, as well as beta carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin and violaxanthin.
“You can eat 50 cups of broccoli or a single cup of broccoli sprouts for similar nutrition and benefit,” explains Emily Ho, nutrition professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, in an article published by the American Heart Association.
It is important to understand that these plants’ shelf life is short once they are cut. “The closer they are to being alive, the better they are for you,” Kline asserts. For those that prefer to purchase their produce instead of growing it, local farmers markets or select grocery stores also offer fresh microgreens and sprouts that provide the same nutritional benefits and quality. This can be a convenient way to not compromise on freshness or effectiveness.
From Garden to Plate in Seconds
Not only are microgreens and sprouts relatively simple to grow, they are even easier to eat. Incorporating them into meals is quite straightforward. Kline recommends adding them to any hot or cold food as an easy nutrient boost. Sprinkle them on salads, eggs or pizza for added texture, contrast and flavor. Arugula and radish microgreens add a delightful peppery flavor, while mung beans offer a milder, slightly
sweet experience, and sunflower sprouts lend a nutty flavor to any dish.
Whether enjoyed fresh from a windowsill at home or sourced from a local market, microgreens and sprouts bring nutrient density along with delicious flavors and textures, making them an attractive green to incorporate into everyday meals
Chloe Karydes Krecun is a sophomore at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Connect at LinkedIn.com/in/ chloe-karydes-krecun.
Einladung_zum_Essen
YIELD: 2 TO 3 SERVINGS
1 can chickpeas, chilled and drained
¼ cup tahini
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
4 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
4 Tbsp water
1 tsp tamari or liquid aminos
¼ tsp sea salt or smoked salt
¾ cup sunflower sprouts or mixed sprouts
n The Natural Flu Shot
n Liquid Zen Shot
n Hello Gorgeous Shot
n Crush Your Cravings Shot
n Hollywood’s Best Kept Secret
n Ripped Fitness Shot
n Jacked Fitness Shot
n Vitamin B12
n MIC Lipotropic
n Vitamin C
n Glutathione
n L-Arginine
n L-Carnitine
n L-Lysine
n Taurine
6 cherry tomatoes, halved Handful of fresh basil leaves
Combine chickpeas, tahini, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, water, tamari or liquid aminos and salt in a blender. Pulse blender a few times then blend ingredients until smooth. If the hummus is too thick, add another tablespoon of water. Transfer hummus to a bowl.
Add tomatoes, basil leaves and a thick layer of sprouts on top of the hummus. Drizzle everything with olive oil, an extra splash of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of tamari.
Enjoy with bread, pita, crackers or spooned over a bed of freshly made quinoa, couscous, lentils or a green salad.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
LEMON HUMMUS VEGGIE BOWL WITH SUNFLOWER SPROUTS AND BASIL
GenAI/CanvaPro
MICROGREEN SMOOTHIE
YIELD: 1 SERVING
1 cup frozen organic berries
1 cup coconut water
1 frozen banana
1 oz broccoli microgreens
2 Tbsp hemp seeds or chia seeds
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.
Recipe courtesy of Katie Staudt.
Christopher's Organic Botanicals
High-Quality Small Batch Kratom: Focused on producing kratom in small quantities to ensure superior quality and freshness.
Organic and Sustainable Practices: Committed to sourcing kratom from trusted, sustainable farms free from pesticides and synthetic additives.
Rigorous Testing and Transparency: Each batch undergoes third-party lab testing for purity and potency, with results available to customers.
Diverse Product Range: Offers a variety of kratom products, including powders, capsules, and tea bags, tailored to different needs and preferences.
Exceptional Customer Service: Dedicated to providing personalized support and a seamless shopping experience for all customers.
Community and Education: Actively promotes kratom education and responsible use through blogs, social media, and community outreach.
Support for Small Businesses: Purchasing from Christopher’s Organic Botanicals supports a small business committed to quality and sustainability.
In an era when children are growing up in digital landscapes unfamiliar to many parents, establishing connections can feel like navigating a maze. But harmonious living is attainable through small, intentional moments that cultivate trust and emotional safety. Rather than solely emphasizing control or screen-time restrictions, deeper bonds can be created by tuning in with curiosity, presence and empathy. Here are some strategies that parents and caregivers can employ to bridge the gap and foster connection.
Validating Emotions
“For decades—perhaps centuries—children have received consistent messaging about emotions: control them, contain them and, whenever possible, conceal them. This approach wasn’t necessarily malicious; it reflected cultural values that prioritized stoicism and social harmony. The ‘good child’ was often the quiet child, the composed child, the one who didn’t ‘make a scene’,” says Lee Sowles, founder and CEO of Kind Mind, a program that teaches adults and children how to co-regulate, be kind and feel ready to learn. “When we support our kids’ emotions, we teach them that all feelings are valid—even the difficult ones—and then we can empower them with the skills they need to process emotions in healthy ways. This fosters trust, emotional resilience and a more harmonious home environment where everyone feels seen and safe, which is crucial because children thrive when they feel understood and connected.”
Remaining Calm and Present
To communicate effectively and foster positive exchanges with our children, it is critical to keep emotions in check. According to Janet Philbin, a clinical social worker, certified conscious parent and life coach, as well as the author of Show Up for Yourself: A Guide to Inner Awareness and Growth, if a child comes to us upset, crying, whining or demanding, the best response is to remain level-headed and attentive.
“Pausing and tuning in allows us to come into harmony because we are moving from a sympathetic state of fight/flight to a state
of calm and presence,” she says. “We are regulated, and our child can come to us with their emotions, feeling safe. We do not react; instead, we become grounded and present, allowing us to meet our child where they are and tune in to what they need, which is underneath the behavior we’re seeing. This is how harmonious relationships are created, because we have regulated our nervous system, and our child can regulate theirs.”
Keeping a Shared Journal
An effective method to foster mutual trust and respect with a child is with a shared journal in which parents and kids are able
to communicate with each other through the written word. “Using the journal creates space to respond from a place of our loving hearts without judgment and putting aside the need to fix,” explains Philbin. “Our children will feel heard and safe, ultimately creating harmony in the relationship.”
Philbin shares how her family makes use of a shared journal, noting, “Our kids write to us
about what they are struggling with and leave the journal for us in a safe space. When we find the journal, we take our time to respond to our child. In that response, we can let them know we hear them, that their feelings matter and that their struggle is real. We stay away from solving the problem, and instead just let them know that we are supporting them to work it through. Then we hand the child back the journal, and this process continues.”
Establishing Rituals for Connection
Building a robust connection with a child doesn’t require grand gestures. Instead, it is about creating consistent, small moments that build an emotional rhythm. Here are a few suggestions:
• Make it a habit to take screen-free walks after dinner.
• Regularly journal about a common prompt—such as recounting a memorable or unexpected event—and then read the journal entries out loud to each other.
• Find opportunities to share common interests and spend quality time together, perhaps by playing the child’s favorite board game or video game.
Living harmoniously, particularly in parenting, is not solely about achieving balance, but also about cultivating presence. When we approach our children with empathy, curiosity and intention, we do not merely hear them; we genuinely see them. In this act of seeing, connection begins.
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and creator of a YouTube series for children. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
Children will listen to you after they feel listened to.
—Jane Nelson
ParkerDeen from Getty Images Signature/CanvaPro
The Power of NAD and FAD
Essential Coenzymes for Energy, Longevity and Holistic Well-Being
by Lynn O’Malley
In the world of health and wellness, attention is increasingly turning to the microscopic processes that fuel our vitality and longevity. Two essential coenzymes—Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) and Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD)—play crucial roles in how our bodies produce energy, repair cells and maintain overall well-being. These molecules are not only fundamental for physical health, but are now being recognized for their potential impact on aging, mental clarity and holistic vitality.
The Importance of NAD and FAD
NAD and FAD are central to cellular metabolism, particularly in redox reactions, where they facilitate the transfer of electrons needed to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—the energy currency of the body. Without these molecules, the mitochondria, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the cell, cannot function effectively.
Beyond energy production, NAD+ plays a pivotal role in DNA repair, immune system regulation and activating longevity-related enzymes known as sirtuins. However, as we age, NAD+ levels naturally decline, which is linked to decreased energy, cognitive changes and increased susceptibility to various health challenges. The natural decline in NAD with age leads to cell senescence.
The Holistic Health Connection
From a holistic perspective, NAD and FAD influence not just physical stamina, but also mental performance, emotional resilience and cellular protection. They impact everything from immune defense to
cardiovascular health and brain function. By enhancing the body’s ability to produce clean, efficient energy and repair itself, NAD and FAD help lay the groundwork for comprehensive well-being—mind, body and spirit. NAD prevents the development of cell senescence.
The Best Ways to Support NAD and FAD Levels
Optimizing NAD+ and FAD levels can be achieved through a combination of targeted supplementation and healthy lifestyle choices:
NAD Precursors: Since NAD+ cannot be absorbed directly, supplements such as Nicotinamide Riboside (NR) and Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN) are used to help the body naturally boost NAD+ production.
These precursors are available in various forms:
Capsules or Tablets: The most convenient and widely used form for daily maintenance. The absorption is much less than IM or IV as it absorbed through the GI tract.
Liposomal Liquids: Encapsulated in liposomes to improve cellular uptake and absorption.
Intramuscular injection: It's available for those that do not have the time or desire to receive NAD IV therapy. Injections are an option with better absorption than oral NAD.
IV Therapy: For those seeking a faster, more intensive boost, NAD+ IV therapy delivers
the coenzyme directly into the bloodstream. NAD increases mental clarity, focus, and energy following this approach. While effective, it is typically used in specialized wellness centers and is not necessary for everyday maintenance.
FAD Support: FAD is derived from riboflavin (vitamin B2), which can be maintained through a balanced diet or a high-quality B-complex supplement containing the active form riboflavin-5-phosphate.
Lifestyle Habits: Engaging in regular physical activity, intermittent fasting, quality sleep and stress management can naturally enhance the body’s production of both NAD+ and FAD, supporting optimal energy and cellular health.
NAD and FAD are more than just cellular components—they are fundamental to how we feel, function and age. By combining smart supplementation, healthy living, and, when appropriate, advanced options like NAD+ IV therapy, individuals can take meaningful steps toward greater energy, longevity and holistic well-being.
Lynn O’Malley is the co-owner of Prime IV, located at 890 Rte. 73N in Marlton. For more information or to make an appointment, call 856-386-3251 or visit www.PrimeIVHydration.com
B er Health Begins Here…
Customized holistic treatments to address all aspects of health
• Himalayan salt room for respiratory, skin conditions and stress relief
• Unique massage therapies including lymph drainage, oncology as well as cupping
• Full spectrum infrared for detox and immune health
• PEMF therapy, energy healing and much more!
The Harmonious Home
Décor Strategies That Promote Well-Being
by Megy Karydes
The spaces we call home hold untapped potential to become powerful allies in our pursuit of wellness and tranquility. Creating a truly restorative environment goes beyond incorporating organic cotton throws and essential oil diffusers. The secret lies in recognizing that homes are living entities rather than mechanical constructs for shelter.
Nature’s Blueprint
The human eye instinctively gravitates toward the soft curves and organic forms found in natural settings. Social psychologist Erich Fromm coined the term biophilia to describe an intrinsic affinity between living things. In architecture, biophilic design aims to create living spaces that foster well-being through a connection with nature.
One way to mimic nature indoors is through the use of curves and organic shapes, according to Lauren Riddei, a wellness interior designer and founder of Haus Holistics, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. For instance, consider replacing angular coffee tables with round styles or swapping rectangular mirrors for curved versions.
Riddei recommends starting with one curved element at a time, making it “a goal that any new piece of art, furniture or accessory brought into the space has curves in them.” The recent trend toward rounded furniture reflects our innate craving for spaces where energy flows freely, unobstructed by sharp corners where it tends to get stuck.
Color psychology extends this natural approach beyond shapes. Rather than
following fads, hues should be chosen based on current life needs, according to Lisa Morton, a holistic interior designer and founder of Pure Living With Lisa Morton. “Maybe the client doesn’t need calm. Maybe they’re in a rut and need revitalization, in which case they need oranges, yellows and pinks,” she advises, adding that if the primary objective is to create a
soothing environment, blues, greens and creams should be considered.
Morton also recommends that homeowners follow the seasonal rhythms as a way to “remind our body of being outdoors even when we can’t be.” For example, during the fall and winter months she incorporates chunky rugs and throws crafted from natural fibers.
As she explains, such textures resonate with the earth element of feng shui—the ancient Chinese practice of creating harmonious living spaces—thereby creating a sense of stability and grounding.
Intentional Energy Flow
The Bagua Map, a feng shui blueprint for energy centers, charts a path for establishing harmony throughout the home. “The centermost area of your home connects to every other important energy center,” Morton asserts. “By lifting the energy of your center area, it affects every other part of your home.”
This intentional care radiates outward. Identifying the home’s center point (imagine a bird’s-eye view of the floor plan) and showering it with attention involves replacing burned-out bulbs, thoroughly vacuuming, fluffing pillows and adding thriving plants or fresh flowers. “If your whole home feels stuck and stagnant, and you do work on this living area, it’s going to radiate out,” she remarks.
According to Morton, the front door deserves equal attention, because in feng shui, it is associated with new opportunities and fresh energy. “A lot of people don’t use their
front door. They come and go through the garage,” she observes, recommending that people find ways to regularly use the front door—whether walking the dog or taking morning strolls—as a way to invite new, restorative energy into the home. Shaking out welcome mats, ensuring the smooth functioning of locks and adding seasonal wreaths all contribute to this goal.
Licensed therapist turned interior designer and author of Home Therapy Anita Yokota takes this intentional approach further with her concept of “core desire”. Rather than making design decisions first and seeing how they make inhabitants feel, she flips the process by asking, “How do you want to feel
and be in this space? What relationships do you want to thrive here?” This therapeutic approach ensures that every choice serves deeper needs, rather than following external trends.
Creating Sensory Sanctuaries
Another overlooked aspect of holistic home design is sound. While homeowners may obsess over visual elements, they often ignore how acoustic pollution affects well-being. “We are sensitive to loud noises and vibrations,” Riddei says. “We need an environment that won’t keep us on edge when we come home from a long day.” Her unconventional solution involves wind chimes tuned to the healing frequencies of 432 or 528 Hertz (Hz), which she asserts are associated with peace and love. This is particularly helpful for people that live on a noisy road.
Research published in the journal Health found that music tuned to the frequency of 528 Hz significantly reduced stress after only five minutes of listening. For those sensitive to auditory stimulation, Yokota suggests implementing additional insulation or sound-absorbing wall panels.
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Julie Konstantinidi from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Understanding Cat Supplements
Tips for Safe and Fruitful Nutritional Support
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Cats are often seen as low-maintenance companions, but they may still need supplements to support their health and well-being. The feline supplement market is one of the fastest-growing segments in pet health, with an expected annual growth rate of 8.7 percent through 2029. With so many available options, choosing the right supplements requires careful consideration.
Changing Interests of Pet Owners
Melissa Sherman, a holistic pet health coach and nutritionist, notes that the increasing interest in feline supplements stems from two primary reasons: a shift toward integrative wellness and a heightened emphasis on the unique needs of cats. “People are looking beyond conventional care and asking what more they can do to help their cats thrive, not just survive,” she explains.
A recent survey of pet parents conducted by market research publisher Packaged Facts reported that 76 percent of dog and cat owners were interested in finding health and wellness products for their pets. Nearly half of the respondents said that they were paying closer attention to their pets’ health in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the number of U.S. households with at least one cat grew from 25 percent in 2016 to 29 percent in 2022. As more families welcome cats into their homes, interest in long-term feline wellness continues to rise. An aging pet population and the growing availability of veterinarian-formulated supplements further contribute to this rising trend.
Foundational Supplements
To promote general feline wellness, Sherman’s top supplement recommendations fall into the following three categories:
1. Immune Support: Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, turkey tail and shiitake are rich in beta-glucans, which help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation.
2. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Marine-based sources such as anchovy or krill are preferable. “Cats are obligate carnivores,” Sherman explains. “It’s essential they receive bioavailable, animal-based omega-3s rather than plant-based sources, which are harder for them to convert.” These nutrients contribute to skin health, joint function, cardiovascular well-being and cognitive performance, making them indispensable for cats of all ages.
3. Emotional Wellness Support: “Cats are deeply sensitive creatures, and their emotional state directly affects their physical
Valery Kudryavtsev from Getty Images/CanvaPro
health,” says Sherman. “Supplements that support the nervous system, including certain adaptogens or vibrational remedies like flower essences, can be incredibly helpful, especially for cats dealing with anxiety, transitions or trauma.”
Targeted Support
Beyond the foundational supplements, others can be added on a case-by-case basis as specific needs arise. Sherman recommends a comprehensive assessment of the animal’s diet, lifestyle, health history and symptoms, noting, “I evaluate food quality and variety, energy levels, digestion, coat condition and behavior. If the cat thrives on a balanced, species-appropriate diet with no signs of imbalance, supplements may be needed only for foundational support like omega-3s. Life stage and unique needs are also considered. Kittens, seniors, stressed cats or those recovering from illness often benefit from targeted supplementation to optimize their health.”
and lead to toxicity. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, vitamin A toxicosis in cats, often caused by excess raw liver or supplement intake, can result in joint pain, lethargy, weight loss and skeletal deformities.
When selecting cat supplements, Sherman recommends looking for those made with high-quality, naturally derived ingredients and no synthetic additives or fillers. Choose species-appropriate formulations and brands that employ good manufacturing practices. Companies that share third-party testing results are best.
Exercise caution with essential oils, particularly those incorporated into other supplements, as they can be harmful to cats if not used properly. It is best to work with a professional experienced in essential oil use for animals.
Learn more about Dr. Ruth Roberts’ approach to holistic pet care and wellness at DrRuthRoberts.com.
In cases of chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or taurine deficiency, especially in cats fed home-cooked diets, targeted supplements may be necessary. These situations often require meticulously adjusted nutrient levels and additional support, such as glandulars (organ-based supplements) or adaptogens (stress-modulating herbs), tailored to the cat’s specific condition. In such cases, oversight by a veterinarian and/or nutritionist may be advisable.
Supremacy of a Healthy Lifestyle
Supplements are often viewed as a quick fix for health issues. Without addressing root causes such as poor nutrition or unresolved medical conditions, supplementation may lead to poor results. In some cases, they may even mask symptoms rather than support true healing. “One of the most important things to understand is that supplements can’t replace a high-quality diet or proper veterinary care. They’re powerful tools, but they work best as part of a holistic wellness plan,” says Sherman.
Dosages and Other Safety Concerns
A common misconception is that more supplements are better. Cats often thrive with less. “Over-supplementation can strain organs like the liver and kidneys and may even contribute to the very issues we’re trying to resolve,” Sherman explains. “Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s always safe or necessary. Cats are incredibly sensitive, and even beneficial ingredients can become harmful if used improperly.”
The selection of supplements should be purposeful and precise. Fat-soluble vitamins A and D can accumulate in the body over time
Valery Kudryavtsev from Getty Images/CanvaPro
Embracing Healing Through Neuro-Emotional Technique
Chronic stress, pain and unresolved emotional trauma can significantly affect overall well-being. For many—especially women experiencing chronic pelvic pain, anxiety or depression—traditional treatments don’t always offer lasting relief. This has sparked growing interest in mind-body therapies like the Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET), which focuses on addressing the emotional roots of physical symptoms.
Developed by Dr. Scott Walker, NET blends elements of chiropractic care, applied kinesiology and Traditional Chinese Medicine. The technique is based on the idea that emotional stress can become neurologically “patterned” in the body, contributing to dysfunction and pain. Through reflex testing, breathwork and gentle acupressure-style stimulation, NET helps identify and release unresolved emotional patterns stored in the body.
Scientific interest in NET is on the rise. A 2025 study in the Journal of Obstetrics and
Gynecology examined the method’s impact on women with chronic pelvic pain, a condition that affects about one in four women worldwide. Using functional MRI, researchers observed reduced connectivity in brain regions associated with pain and emotional regulation, such as the amygdala. Participants also reported less pain, anxiety and depression—suggesting that NET may help the brain reprocess both emotional and physical distress.
Other research has explored NET’s potential for addressing issues like low back pain, cancer-related stress and even phobias. While larger studies are still needed, early evidence supports NET as a promising complementary approach to conventional care.
In Southern New Jersey, NET is gaining traction among holistic practitioners. Certified providers trained through www.NETMindBody.com are in Medford, Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel and other communities, often practicing within integrative health centers. These professionals frequently pair NET
with services like chiropractic care, acupuncture or nutrition.
Unlike talk therapy or physical treatments alone, NET focuses on the neurological reflexes tied to emotional imprints. It doesn’t rely on retelling or rationalizing past experiences. Instead, it helps the body process emotionally charged memories—whether conscious or not—reducing their physical and psychological impact.
For those exploring alternative wellness options, NET offers a gentle yet structured path to healing. It may be particularly helpful for individuals dealing with chronic stress or pain that has not responded to traditional treatment methods.
While skepticism around emotional healing techniques is understandable, scientific findings, clinical case studies and personal testimonials continue to position NET as a valid and compassionate tool for mind-body healing. As with any therapy, it’s essential to consult a trained provider to determine if it aligns with one’s health goals.
Dr. Kevin Gyurina, DC, CCWP, is a certified NET provider in South Jersey and founder of Harmonious Healings Holistic Healthcare. He specializes in Advanced Biostructural Correction, Applied Kinesiology and energy-based medicine. To schedule a consultation, visit www.DrKevin.as.me/consultation or learn more at www.DrKevinG.com, www.Quantum-life.passion.io or www.DrKevinTransformations.com
Seize the Day!
by Marlaina Donato
Art historian Bernard Berenson once said, “I wish I could stand on a busy corner, hat in hand, and beg people to throw me all their wasted hours.” Although no one has an inexhaustible number of years on the planet, we don’t realize that life is flying by. Most of us seem to be in a hurry all the time, even when we don’t need to be.
Memories of our most cherished moments have become intangible phantoms. Snapshots, stored on smartphones and rarely printed, are lost in a blizzard of social media posts. Although we photograph everything—even what’s on our dinner plate—the full engagement of our senses is perennially postponed to an ambiguous later date when we “have more time”. Somehow, we have become spectators of our own lives, never quite living the moments our technology is preserving.
Consider the supplication of Roman poet Horace: Carpe diem! To seize the day is more than a feel-good motto. It can be a spiritual discipline. Unplugging from the compulsion to have a phone or camera in hand at all times can be a wonderful starting point. Reserving one day each week to turn
off our devices and become fully immersed in meals and social activities can help us shed our public personas and get back to who we truly are.
Choosing to speak in person or on the phone instead of texting can remind us that human voices spark deep, human connection, boosting the immune system and uplifting our mood. Face-to-face interactions remind us that we are valued and heard, and that we are capable of providing that crucial validation for others.
As our world spins into the age of artificial intelligence with so many exciting possibilities, we also want to ensure that what makes us human remains intact. Living fully and harmoniously is an invitation to cultivate authenticity, prioritize the present moment and inspire others by example. Seizing the day may truly be our greatest accomplishment.
Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.
Syda Productions/CanvaPro
A Prayer for Protection and World Healing
by Michael Borokhovsky
In gratitude to my spiritual teacher Master Choa Kok Sui.
The literal translation of the word guru is “the one who dispels darkness.” This inner darkness represents ignorance of our true nature. A guru brings light into people’s lives, awakening them from their slumber to realize their true identity. We are not our physical bodies; we are spiritual beings of Light, Love and Will, having a valuable, but temporary experience in a physical form. In essence, we are souls—spiritual beings endowed with divine qualities. We come to Earth for schooling, to learn lessons and to evolve into better souls.
Amid daily stress and frustration, we often focus on our immediate suffering, losing sight of our spiritual essence. This is when the inner voice of the guru should guide us, reminding us of who we are. On a global scale, during times of profound human suffering—when natural calamities shake the planet and societal polarization is rampant, hatred surrounds us and deep anger seems to dominate our inner worlds—great gurus, the messengers of divinity, emerge to shine their Light, helping us reclaim our human identity.
About 100 years ago, before World War II, Master Djwhal Khul shared a powerful universal prayer known as The Great Invocation. Its purpose is to unite people from all backgrounds and alleviate their suffering. This prayer was telepathically transmitted to Alice Bailey, who published it in 1937 in her book Externalization of the Hierarchy
Through this prayer, recited by individuals of all nationalities, we can contribute to the healing of our troubled world.
Here’s how it can be incorporated it into one’s practice:
Concentrate on our Crown energy center located at the top of our heads and say:
“The Great Invocation
From the point of Light within the Mind of God
Let Light stream forth into the minds of every person, every being.
Let Light descend on Earth.”
Concentrate on our Heart energy center in the middle of our chests and say:
“From the point of Love within the Heart of God
Let Love stream forth into the hearts of every person, every being.
Let Love descend on Earth.
May the Great One return to Earth.”
Concentrate on Ajna, the area between our eyebrows, and say:
“From the center where the Will of God is known
Let purpose guide the wills of every person, every being—
The purpose which Holy Masters know and serve.”
Concentrate on our whole body and especially our feet, and say:
“From the center which we call the human race
Let the Plan of Love and Light work out May it seal the door where evil dwells.
Let Light, Love and Power restore the Plan on Earth.”
To enhance divine protection for oneself and the entire family, repeat this prayer three times, daily, while in a calm meditative state. This practice can strengthen our soul connection as well as promote planetary peace.
For more information on courses taught by Michael Borokhovsky, email PranicHealing@comcast.net or visit www.PranicHealingCenter.com
Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.
—Bruce Lee
Photo
Calendar of Events
Friday, August 1
100-Hour Ayurveda Self Care Course with Janet Watkins – 6-9pm. Join Ayurvedic Practitioner Janet Watkins for Heal Thyself, a 100-hour Ayurveda for Self-Care course designed to help you discover your unique constitution and restore balance through ancient wisdom and holistic practices. Over four immersive weekends, you’ll explore doshas, diet, herbs, mantra, movement, and more—empowering you to cultivate radiant health from the inside out. www.LiveInJoy.com.
Saturday, August 2
Botanical Breath and Movement – 9:3010:30am. Immerse yourself in a sensory journey of connection and renewal through this nourishing workshop that combines gentle yoga + movement, mindful breathwork, and vibrational healing with herbal energetics interwoven throughout. Thyme Travelers Conservatory, 200 Creek Road, Unit C., Mt. Laurel. https://ThymeTravelersConservatory.com.
Lammas Celebration + Night Market –5-8pm. Celebrate Lammas with a mystical night market, drum circle, blessing station, and abundance altar at Venus Moon. Vendors, community, and summer magic await! Free entry. The Venus Moon Crystal Warehouse, 234 Chestnut St. Glendora, NJ. 856-515-9460. www.TheVenusMoon.com.
Wednesday, August 6
Soap Making Workshop – 6-8:30pm. Join in this hands on workshop where you will learn what it takes to make two amazing smelling bars of soap! Cost: $40. Cherry Hill Public Library, 1100 Kings Hwy. N., Cherry Hill. https://chplnj.org.
Thursday, August 7
Moss Frame Art – 6-7:30pm. Sip on your favorite Saddlehill wine while you create a one-of-a-kind piece using preserved moss — a living art form that needs no water, yet radiates color, texture, and presence. Saddlehill Winery, 1407 White Horse Rd., Voorhees, www.SaddleHill.com
Friday, August 8
Lion's Gate Full Moon Beach Soundbath – 7pm. Join us on the beach for a powerful full moon soundbath during the Lion’s Gate Portal. Crystal bowls, ocean waves, and deep energetic alignment await. Free entry. 34th St. Beach S., Brigantine, NJ. 856-515-9460. www.TheVenusMoon.com.
Saturday, August 9
Drum Together: A Gathering of Sound and Spirit – 7-8:30pm. Gather in the spirit of rhythm, connection, and joy in a magical drum circle led by Shelley Shayner. Please bring a drum, shaker, rattle, or percussion instrument to join in! www.LiveInJoy.com.
Tuesday, August 12
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence™️ System – Spiritual Mentor and Intuitive Dawn Ricci explains how investigative skills unlock manifestation in this free online session. Amplify your intuition and manifest all that is waiting for you, now! www.DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife.
Thursday, August 14
Charcuterie Board Class – 6-7:30pm. Learn the art of creating beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards that are perfect for any occasion. Saddlehill Winery, 1407 White Horse Rd., Voorhees, www.SaddleHill.com
Saturday, August 16
Special Olympics NJ Unified Yoga Teacher Training – 1-5pm. Developed by Dr. Tracey Ulshafer in collaboration with Special Olympics NJ, this training prepares yoga teachers to instruct those with special needs at Special Olympics facilities or in their own space. 4 CEUs for Yoga Alliance. www.LiveInJoy.com.
Free Whale Songs Sounds of the Ocean Chrystal Bowl Sound Bath – 2pm. Join us for an immersive sound bath meditation in an hour of harmonic crystal bowl sound frequencies for mind, body, and soul healing, combined with the sounds of whale song that will soothe away your stress and anxieties. Mount Laurel Library, 100 Walt Whitman Ave., Mt. Laurel. https://MountLaurel.librarycalendar.com.
Tuesday, August 19
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence System – Spiritual Mentor and Intuitive Dawn Ricci explains how investigative skills unlock manifestation in this free online session. Amplify your intuition and manifest all that is waiting for you, now! www.DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife.
Wednesday, August 20
1:1 Free Session Intuition and Manifest with the 5MQ Intelligence System – Spiritual Mentor and Intuitive Dawn Ricci explains how investigative skills unlock manifestation in this free online session. Amplify your intuition and manifest all that is waiting for you, now! www.DawnRicci.com/ManifestYourLife.
Thursday, August 21
FREE Online Healing and Meditation with Natalie – 7-8pm. This is your chance to pause, take a breather, and reconnect with your light. Bring more harmony to your life, peace, and simply learn to relax and recharge. To reserve your spot and receive the Zoom link, please email GoldenLight@comcast.net or visit www.PranicHealingCenter.com.
Friday, August 22
Summer Night Market – 6-9pm. We’ve curated a beautiful group of vendors with handmade Jewelry, candles, clothing, home decor, metaphysical supplies, herbal goods, art, yummy food, live music, and spiritual readers! Held at Harwan Park (next door to) Mystic Ginger, 36 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. www.MysticGingerApothecary.com
Saturday, August 23
Gloucester Goes Pink – 10:30am. Pink Walk Festival & Gloucester Goes Pink Week kickoff event. Includes crafters, exhibitors, health screenings and services, team and individual registration for our Making Strides Walk on October 19, special guest speakers, Mayor’s address, ribbon cutting, lap around the park in support of Making Strides Against Breast cancer, and more! Chestnut Branch Park, Gloucester.
Quantum Healing Sound Bath – 7pm. Under the magic of the New Moon, step into a sacred space where time slows down, and the possibilities for your healing expand beyond imagination. Adjust Your Sleep Mattress, 888 Route 73 N. Marlton. www.MendingZenfulMinds.com.
Sunday, August 24
Lunar Flower New Moon Soundbath –4pm. Join brothers Paolo & Armani for an immersive sound bath experience like no other under the Virgo new moon! Tickets $30. The Venus Moon Vortex Room, 234 Chestnut St Glendora, NJ. 856-515-9460. www.TheVenusMoon.com.
Kitten Yoga at AWA – 5-6pm. Come stretch, meditate, and relax while enjoying the company of adorable kittens in the community room at Animal Welfare Association! Cost: $25. Animal Welfare Association, 509 Centennial Blvd., Voorhees. www.AWANJ.org.
Chair Yoga – 5:30-6:30pm. The benefits of chair yoga are increased flexibility, improved strength, improved proprioception (knowing where your body is in space), reduced stress, reduced pain, improved pain management skills, and better sleep. Registration is required. Chairs are provided. Cost: free. Burlington County Lyceum of History and Natural Sciences, 307 High St., Mount Holly. https://bclhnsassoc.org.
September 11-19
SAVE-THE-DATE
Mystical Journey to Damanhur and the Temples of Humankind with Kathy Milano
Accelerating spiritual awakening and visionary dreaming as you upgrade your LightBody, engage cosmic healing energy, and supercharge your soulful purpose.
Soul Sanctuary 110 Marter Ave., Suite 206, Moorestown www.KathyMilano.com
September 18, 20 & 21
Heart~Brain Connection 3-day Online Retreat - Discover the work of Dr. Joe Dispenza at Infinite Possibilities, Marlton, NJ, Cost: $888. https://tinyurl.com/47udfpn9.
Sunday, September 21
The Master’s Retreat: Sound, Reiki, and Deep Restoration – 2-4pm. Join Sharon Plower and Giacomo Reggente for an evening of deep restoration honoring the autumn equinox. This blend of restorative yoga, Angelic reiki, yoga nidra, and sound will guide participants to a profound sense of inner peace. www.LiveInJoy.com.
Tuesday, October 7
SAVE-THE-DATE
THRIVE TOGETHER
Beginning October 7,
Group Coaching for Women in Midlife Ready to Reclaim Their Well-being. Are you always taking care of everyone else—and putting your own needs last?
Thrive Together is a 10-session virtual group coaching experience designed for women in midlife who are ready to make sustainable changes for their health, energy and well-being. Cost: $489. www.GrowthAndGritHealth.com
Sunday, October 12
SAVE-THE-DATE
HOLISTIC HEALTH & HEALING EXPO 11am-5pm
Join Us to Experience the Best in Holistic Health & Spiritual Wellness. The Holistic Health & Healing Expo is the go-to resource for natural wellness and green living in South Jersey and Philadelphia. Dedicated Holistic Exhibitors, InformativeWorkshops and more! Use the code GUEST for a free ticket.
DoubleTree by Hilton 2349 Marlton Pike W., Cherry Hill, NJ www.NJ.HHHExpo.com
Ongoing Events
Monday
Monthly Meditation/Mini-Workshop, First Monday – 6:30pm-8pm. An open invitation to those who are interested in exploring meditation, energy education/topics and Reiki. Please be respectful and arrive on time so the meditation is not disturbed. Please refrain from alcohol the day of the workshop. Cost: $15. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-8379 or TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com
Wednesday
PEC Sunrise Fitness Hikes Registration – Take a mid-week break to greet the sun, clear your mind, and get your heart rate up. Teens & Adults. Hikes will be about 2 hours, and 4+ miles on the trails. We will aim to walk at least 20 minute miles. Free. Questions? PEC@phila.gov or 215-685-0470.
Midday Meditation – 12-12:10pm. On Wednesday the focus is Love. Each week we raise the Love vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a mid-day refresher. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com
Wellness Wednesdays – 6-7:30pm. Join Dawn Mahalik amd Olivia Grenato each week for a Breathwork Sound Bowl Class. Ravenwood Farms, 125 Bassett Rd, Mannington Township, 609-315-4075 Contact@TheRavenwoodFarms.org.
Thursday
Vibe and Vitality – 6:45-8:15pm. Every 3rd Thursday join in to explore innovative holistic techniques, deepen self-awareness, and gain practical tools from expert hosts to empower your well-being. Cost: $30. Studio 67, 67 Main Street, Medford. https://shorturl.at/LKh95.
Feminine Flow Yoga Series with JeanetteFeminine Flow Yoga is a soulful practice that honors fluidity, intuition, power, and embodiment of the female form. Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness, 118 W. Merchant St., Audubon. www.LiveInJoyYoga.com.
Friday
Midday Meditation – 12-12:10pm. On Friday the focus is Peace. Each week we raise the Peace vibration personally and globally. Treat yourself to a mid-day refresher. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com
Summer Night Market – 6-9pm. We’ve curated a beautiful group of vendors with handmade Jewelry, candles, clothing, home decor, metaphysical supplies, herbal goods, art, yummy food, live music, and spiritual readers! Mystic Ginger, 36 S. Black Horse Pike, Blackwood. www.MysticGingerApothecary.com
Saturday
Psychic & Healing Fair, Third Saturday –10am-2pm. The fair offers different avenues to healing. Guests are able to have an intuitive/ psychic reading, a Reiki Session, energy healing or lie on the BioMat. Cost: $30/20-minute session. Walk-ins are welcome and encouraged. The Center, Life in Balance, 45 S. Main St., Medford, 609-975-8379. TheCenterLifeInBalance@gmail.com
Classifieds
For Rent
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Integrative Physician looking to share office space in Voorhees. 856-669-9118.
OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE – Newly renovated professional office space/ medical/health & wellness office space available in Medford. For more information, call Reneé at 856-906-0644.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NASouthJersey to request our media kit.
Offering simple, effective solutions for optimal health for the whole family. Includes: Functional Medicine testing, Othromolecular energy medicine, Neuro-Emotional Technique, Psycho neurobiology, autonomic response testing, Theta Healing.
Ancestral Energy and Pranic Healing
DANA REYNOLDS-MARNICHE, Ph.D.
Shaman-based Qi Channeler, Clairvoyant and Teacher
Mount Meru Holistic Earth Power Healing 856-993-1786
MtMeruHolistic.com/healing-testimonials
Highly trained with 35 yrs experience in mind-body healing, I utilize Korean Chunsu, a 5,000-yr-old therapeutic practice, involving the channeling of balanced Heaven-Earth cosmic qi energy to release negative ancestral patterns from the body and mind. Rapidly restores well-being, addresses anxiety, depression, treats hormonal, immune system and chakra imbalances, alleviates physical pain, rejuvenates body cells and clears toxins. Over time, a prevalence of harmony in one’s home and work environment and the ability to manifest abundance and protection become our natural state of being.
The Center, Life in Balance 45 S Main St, Medford, NJ 856-912-2087
Maryann@ConsciouslyLiving.net
Become aware of your true nature, meet your inner child waiting for your love, become aware of and unload the baggage weighing you down, become aware of the depth of love that exists within you and gain the understanding of the importance of your relationship with yourself and how to foster it.
Ayurveda Wellness Coaching
SUSAN DESIDERIO, BA, LMT
Ayurvedic Wellness Coach Pitman, NJ
856-535-7478
BlueHavenMassage@gmail.com
BlueHavenMassage.MassageTherapy.com
With over 20+ years’ experience in the Wellness industry, Susan specializes in holistic lifestyle management. She offers Ayurveda coaching, mindful movement classes, massage/reiki sessions.
Chiropractor
HEALTH GOALS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER
Dr. Kathleen Baumgardner Health Goals Chiropractic 230 N. Maple Ave., Marlton 856-983-5422
www.MountLaurelChiropractors.com
Experience personalized, compassionate chiropractic care at Health Goals Chiropractic Center, where Dr. Kathleen Baumgardner and her team help you achieve pain relief and total-body wellness through a range of services including chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, massage therapy, and fitness training. Specialties include women’s wellness, pregnancy care and the young athlete.
HARMONIOUS HEALINGS
HOLISTIC HEALTHCARE
30 Jackson Rd, D207 Medford, NJ 08055 856-359-6005
www.DrKevinG.com
Optimize your human potential holistically: functional neurology & kinesiology, stress release & neuro-emotional technique, structure & posture improvement with advanced biostructural correction, biophysics body optimizer.
Coaching
GROWTH & GRIT HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING
Anita Romero MSN, APN, RYT-200, NBC-HWC
Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach 856-281-7285
www.GrowthAndGritHealth.com
Anita@GrowthAndGritHealth.com
As a board-certified health and wellness coach, my mission is to empower women to take charge of their health and wellbeing with clarity, vitality and confidence. Healthy aging starts now and is supported by healthy lifestyle choices. I will be your ally as we create meaningful goals, and a customized action plan aligned with your values and unique needs.
STEPHANE PONCELET
570-449-2219
calwl2022@gmail.com www.Create-A-LifeWorthLiving.com/ Clients learn to observe and respond to deep-seated emotions of conflict, emptiness, and loneliness that often arise from family dysfunction. Guided in mourning the unchangeable aspects of their past, helped to own their truths and grieve their losses, clients are encouraged to show themselves the love, patience, and respect they truly deserve. A transformative process which creates a life that is truly worth living.
Infinite Possibilities invites you to relax in our zero-gravity chairs and experience the Energy Enhancement System which generates life-enhancing scalar wave energy, light, and color therapy. Other services include a Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna, LET Lymphatic Drainage, Bio-Well personal energy field scan, nourishing massage, and restful Reiki sessions. The EES system has been tested, peer-reviewed, and recognized at medical, scientific and professional conferences.
Functional Medicine
CHARLOTTE NUSSBAUM, MD
Medford Functional Medicine
103 Old Marlton Pike, Suite 203 Medford, NJ 08055
609-969-4844
www.MedfordFunctionalMedicine.com
Board-certified pediatrician and internist Charlotte Nussbaum is a founder of Medford Functional Medicine where we partner with people of all ages to reclaim their health.
Functional Nutrition
NICOLE L. KITZITAFF, RDN
TriUnity Nutrition & Wellness
1060 Kings Highway N., Suite 301 Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
TriUnity Nutrition & Wellness, led by Nicole Kizitaff, RDN, uses functional nutrition, muscle testing, and holistic remedies to address root causes and optimize your health.
Holistic Coaching
APRIL WILLARD
The Zen Den on Main 5 South Main Street Medford, NJ 08055
609-975-8379
www.TheCenterLifeInBalance.com
Ordained Minister (all denominations), Art Therapy (all ages), Sound Healing, Reiki II, Guided Meditation, and Letting Go Ceremonies. Supporting holistic and emotional coaching. Contact: YogiCaresnj@gmail. com or 215-205-2786 for bookings and inquiries.
Holistic Healing
TRU WELLNESS
1220 Kings Hwy, Swedesboro 484-832-4457
www.TruWellness.live
We provide a sacred space for healing and transformation from the inside out. Our diverse services—including red light therapy, PEMF, sound bed, and crystal light bed— support physical, emotional, and mental well-being while reducing pain, inflammation, and inner stress. Join our nurturing community.
Hypnotherapy
DR. JAIME FELDMAN, DCH
Chairman, Medical & Dental Division, International Hypnosis Federation 214 W Main St, Ste L4 Moorestown, NJ 08057
Dr. Jaime Feldman, one of the pioneers in an advanced technique called “Advanced Parts Therapy,” has been able to unlock the subconscious and remove unwanted behaviors: stop smoking (guaranteed), weight loss, stress, depression, pain and anger management, and more. Outstanding success in curing phobias and deep-seated trauma, and treating the immune system to put cancer into complete remission.
Frustrated with physicians, nutritionists and therapists? This chronic complex illness involves the body, mind and spirit. Using a holistic approach, we will explore concepts from recent neuropsychology research and proven meditation practice to promote lifestyle changes that work to minimize and manage your IBS-D symptoms.
Integrative Healing Health Coach
NEXT LEVEL HEALTH AND HEALING
Desiree Bohn
Cherry Hill, NJ
609-541-1087
NextLevelhh@outlook.com
Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach specializing in HEALING YOUR BODY with food and vitamins, including teaching “food over medicine,” educating on life-changing foods and navigating packaging labels and avoiding harmful ingredients. Heal your skin conditions, fatigue, constipation, ADHD, anxiety, chronic illness and Lyme disease.
Integrative/Holistic Medicine
DR. STEVEN HORVITZ
Institute for Medical Wellness 110 Marter Ave, Ste 408, Moorestown, NJ
856-231-0590
www.DrHorvitz.com
Board-Certified Family Medicine blending traditional family care with a holistic focus and preventive, nutritional and integrative approach. We look for causes and triggers for disease before reaching for the prescription pad. Same and next day appointments are available.
Integrative Medicine/ Holistic Pain Management
POLINA KARMAZIN, MD
Board certified in Integrative Medicine & Acupuncture
Our practice treats each person individually by addressing the root cause of the problem. Dr Karmazin employs holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, biopuncture, homeopathy and nutritional counselling for a variety of ailments. We also specialize in holistic pain management and do not use narcotics, NSAIDs or steroid injections.
Intuitive Healing
SUSAN COSTANTINO DRUMMOND RM
Intuitive Medium
The Center for Living 45 S Main St, Medford 609-923-3154
Susan@NJBalance.com www.NJBalance.com
Susan is an Intuitive Medium and Reiki Master. She specializes in intuitively enhancing the mind, soul and physical body with healing energy for your highest well-being. Susan can connect you to your loved ones in spirit for healing and peace.
Intuitive Massage
INTUITIVE MEDICAL MASSAGE THERAPY WITH INFRA-RED LIGHT AND PEMF THERAPY
Trusted Healing Hands at The Center Life In Balance
45 S. Main St., Medford 609-752-7675
www.TrustedHealingHands.com
Tiffany is a highly skilled, intuitive massage therapist, energy worker who utilizes heartbased coherence vibrations to reduce pain and stress while harmonizing the body.
Prime IV Hydration & Wellness is the nation’s leader in vitamin-infusion therapy. They offer a spa-like environment and utilize only the latest in cutting-edge intravenous (IV) therapies.
Medical Skincare and Cosmetics
DR. ANAMARIA NEWPORT, DMS, DMD, MHS, PAC
17 White Horse Pike, Ste 10B Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
856-323-8885
Dr. Newport is a discerning artist, highly experienced master cosmetic injector and renowned dermatology speaker with 10+ years of extensive medical training. Her continuous dedication for skincare, surgery, dentistry, and cosmetic procedures are enhanced by combining the use of the latest technology and her unique homeopathic style. As an artist, she is genuinely passionate about bringing out the unique beauty in each one of her patients. Look no further for your organic skincare specialist, offering the purest treatments achievable with our personalized natural products.
Offering a personalized, educational approach to mattress selection, we focus on your comfort and health needs to ensure a perfect sleep system—because quality rest is essential for overall well-being and daily vitality.
Natural Solutions
RACHEL DINKLER, APN
HOLISTIC HEALING
1381 Route 38, Suite E, Hainesport, NJ 640-249-8888
HolisticHealingFP@gmail.com
Find the root cause of your symptoms and discover true healing through natural nontoxic solutions, including supplements, herbs and homeopathy.
Join the region’s leading numerologist as you discover your life’s purpose. Encoded in your name and birth date are your lessons, talents and desires. Traci will help you realize your full potential.
Outdoor Recreation & Pinelands Preservation
PINELANDS ADVENTURES
1005 Atsion Rd, Shamong, NJ 08088 609-268-0189
www.PinelandsAdventures.org
A nonprofit initiative of Pinelands Preservation Alliance. Recreational activities include guided/unguided river paddling, camping, hiking and small group history and ecology forest tours.
Pranic Healing Sessions and Pranic Psychotherapy
NATALIE BOROKHOVSKY
Certified Pranic Healer and Certified Pranic Psychotherapist
I offer highly customized sessions for various physical and emotional ailments as well as providing valuable energy support for your daily activities and major projects. If you are struggling with a condition or just looking for more peace and harmony, my unique holistic approach can help. I have completed years of training under the founder of Pranic Healing and have been in professional practice for over 20 years. I am offering a limited-time $20 intro session to all new customers who want to try it.
Open to the flow of reiki that is before you and experience the divine life force energy that is innate to all of us. You can heal, grow, process trauma, change your beliefs, create new experiences, and shift into a life that you love, and reiki can guide you. Individual reiki sessions and reiki courses are provided at the Nutritional Wellness Center.
THERAPY EDGE CONSULTING
Dr. Katie O'Shea
1200 South Church St., Ste. 9, Mount Laurel 856-452-1532
DrKatieOShea@gmail.com www.DrKatieOShea.com
Offering transformative Reiki sessions to restore balance, re duce stress, relieve pain, boost vitality, improve sleep, and guide you toward lasting well ness and inner peace.
Spiritual Wellness
BETH O’BRIEN
Spiritual Healing Through Guidance
The Center Life in Balance, 45 N Main St, Medford On Angels Wings, 110 Creek Rd, Mt Laurel BethOB67@yahoo.com
Beth, a psychic/medium, can give you spiritual and intuitive guidance from your loved ones. Beth is also a Reiki Master and an ordained minister to officiate your wedding. She also is a paranormal investigator and does private and public homes. She also does house blessings and cleansing.
Gut Vitality
Coming in September
Yoga
RISE AND THRIVE WELLNESS YOGA
Terry Veit-Harmening
714 E Main St, Moorestown 609-923-5782
www.RiseAndThriveWellnessYoga.com
Terry Veit-Harmening is a certified Yoga Therapist, a certified Ayurvedic Lifestyle Educator and a brain longevity specialist with the Alzheimer’s Research Association. Yoga Therapy is a holistic approach to health care using postures, movement, stretches, lifestyle choices, relaxation and breathing practices to address your specific issues.
Into a Business Turn Your Passion
Own Your Own
Natural Awakenings Magazine!
Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming the owner of a Natural Awakenings magazine. Empower others with current, valuable insights and resources to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
As a franchise owner, you’ll inspire positive change, provide readers with tools for healthier living and connect local businesses with an audience eager for transformation.
Why Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine?
n Create a Healthier Community: Be the go-to resource for wellness and personal growth in your area.
n Boost Your Income: Take control of your financial future with a proven business model.
n Enjoy a Flexible Lifestyle: Work from home while pursuing a fulfilling, dynamic career.
What We Offer:
n A proven business model with low startup costs.
n Comprehensive training and friendly, ongoing support.
n Flexible work schedule with many work-from-home opportunities.
n Access to a network of like-minded franchise owners.
n Financing Options Available.
Join a thriving network of passionate franchise owners reshaping the future of holistic health and wellness.
Call 239-206-2000 for a FREE evaluation of your community’s potential. Learn more or apply today at: Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com
Own a business that makes a difference.
Add Your Community to Where Natural Awakenings Is Now Publishing:
• Atlanta, GA
• Boston, MA
• Broward County, FL
• Bucks/Montgomery Counties, PA
• Central Florida/Greater Orlando, FL
• Central New Jersey
• Charlotte, NC
• Chicago, IL
• Columbia, SC
• Dallas, TX
• Daytona/Volusia/Flagler Counties, FL
• Detroit/Wayne County, MI
• Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties, CT
• Grand Traverse Region/Northern Michigan
• Greater Ann Arbor, MI
• Greater Lansing, MI
• Greater Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Genesee, MI
• Gulf Coast, Alabama/Mississippi
• Houston, TX
• Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL
• Lancaster/Berks, PA
• Lehigh Valley, PA
• Long Island, NY
• Milwaukee, WI
• Monmouth/Ocean Counties, NJ
• Naples/Fort Myers, FL
• New York City, NY
• North Central New Jersey
• North New Jersey
• Northwest Florida
• Palm Beach, FL
• Philadelphia, PA
• Phoenix, AZ
• Rhode Island
• Richmond, VA
• Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto Counties, FL
• South Central Pennsylvania
• South Jersey, NJ
• Southeast North Carolina
• Space & Treasure Coast, FL
• Tampa, FL
• Tucson, AZ
• Twin Cities, MN
• Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess, NY
• Western Michigan Call for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com. This information is not intended as an
