Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, December 2025

The Social Roots of Lasting Joy

HEALING GENERATIONS Transform Family Energy Patterns

Embrace Joy

WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM & DUTCHESS COUNTIES EDITION

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A Heart Full of Joy

As this year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about where we are as we turn the page on the first quarter of this century. It seems both quick and slow at the same time. Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for the moments that lifted my spirit, returning to the memories that still make me smile. With the holiday season upon us, we’re invited to pause and recognize the good that has guided us through the year as well. I have always believed that mindset shapes the way we move through the world, and December has a way of reminding me of this. Like many of you, I find joy in the traditions and gatherings that bring family together. Still, some of my strongest bursts of joy come from the quiet, unexpected pauses that make life feel full.

This year has reminded me that joy is not something we wait for. It is something we invite in with intention. It grows when we notice it and grows even more when we share it. I encourage you to look for the places where joy already lives in your life. Hold it. Name it. Pay attention to how it feels in your body and in your thoughts. Let that feeling keep you grounded as you step into a new year filled with possibility. I hope that this month’s issue, centered on the theme of embracing joy, will remind you that we are all connected through the moments of joy we choose to create and share.

Some of the small things I find joy in include reconnecting with old friends and feeling as if no time has passed; trying a new recipe and watching it become a household favorite; sitting with my dogs and enjoying their steady company; driving with my family and noticing the simple comfort of being together; the relief of silence; concerts; new classes; and the late-night conversations that turn ordinary days into bright spots. Joy shows up in many forms, and I have learned to trust that it always finds a way in when I make space for it.

This month’s articles are meant to spark ideas and offer gentle reminders of what joy can look like in your daily life. Some pieces will help you reconnect with wellness habits that support a clearer mind, while others highlight simple shifts that open the door to more balance and meaning. My hope is that these stories help you see the joy that is already present and that you feel inspired to create more of it in small, intentional ways.

Thank you for being part of this community and for welcoming Natural Awakenings into your homes each month. I am grateful for your support and for the many ways you share your own journey with us. May this season bring you peace and unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the year turns.

Happy Holidays,

Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and fully recyclable newsprint with black soy ink.

Erica Mills

Burrow Deep Into Stillness

This Winter at Mariandale

The Center at Mariandale will host a silent Burrowing Deep Directed Winter Retreat from January 22 through 25, offering participants several days of quiet reflection, spiritual direction and rest. Three experienced spiritual directors will lead the event: Judy Schiavo, Carol Mackey and Gaynell Cronin.

The retreat invites attendees to step back from the pace of daily life and “burrow deep” into contemplation during the winter season. Designed to mirror nature’s rhythms, participants are encouraged to slow down, gather strength and reflect on their inner spiritual life.

The program begins Thursday with dinner at 6 p.m., though guests may arrive as early as 3 p.m. It concludes Sunday following lunch. This long weekend includes dedicated time for silence, personal prayer and rest, as well as one-on-one meetings with a spiritual director.

Cost: $435 which includes lodging and meals. Location: 299 N. Highland Ave. in Ossining. For more information or to register, call 914941-4455 or visit Mariandale.org. See ad, back cover.

Winter Solstice Event Offers Opportunity for Reflection and Renewal

Balancing 4 Life—a restorative wellness center, in Armonk—will host a Winter Solstice Ceremony and Celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. on December 21, inviting participants to honor the turning of the season through a traditional Native American ritual. The event will be led by Anishinaabe medicine man

Bear Walker, who will guide attendees in releasing old patterns or “bad seeds” while identifying the “good seeds” or intentions they wish to carry into the new year to plant at the Spring Equinox, thus aligning themselves with the natural cycle of transition and rebirth.

The winter solstice is recognized as the shortest day of the year and marks the return of the light and a symbolic opportunity for renewal. During the ceremony, participants will take time to release old patterns and set intentions for the new year, aligning themselves with the natural cycle of transition and rebirth.

The group will be led in a sacred solstice practice rooted in Anishinaabe tradition, offering space for quiet reflection, gratitude and mindful preparation for the year ahead.

Admission is free, but space is limited. Location: 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. For more information or to register (required), call 914-588-4079 or visit Balancing4Life.com. See ad, page 16.

Mindful Movement Meets Deep Healing at Align Pilates

Align Pilates, a serene boutique reformer studio, is now open in Hopewell Junction. Owner Nikole Seipp’s mission is to help clients strengthen, align and restore balance through intentional movement and conscious breath.

“Pilates is so much more than exercise,” explains Seipp. “It’s a practice of mindful movement that reconnects us to our bodies and our inner sense of calm.”

The studio features eight Balanced Body Reformers, springboards, mats and a push-through bar for a full-body experience. Small-group classes blend precision, control and flow, guided by comprehensively trained instructors that bring deep insight into alignment, body mechanics and the core principles of Pilates—concentration, control, centering, precision and breath.

Seipp’s own healing journey inspired Align Pilates. “After a back injury and Lyme disease, I realized true recovery required more than physical strength—it meant restoring balance and learning to breathe again,” she shares. “Through Pilates, I found a way to regulate my nervous system and rediscover vitality. I wanted to create a sanctuary for others seeking that same healing.”

Whether newcomers or seasoned practitioners, clients are welcomed into a calming space designed to nurture both body and mind. “Movement becomes medicine and the breath becomes the guide,” notes Seipp. “We focus on feeling our best, finding presence in each moment and allowing the body to thrive.”

Location: 796 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. For more information, call 914-204-9061 or email NikSeipp@gmail.com. Founding Member Unlimited Packages are available. Visit TheAlignPilates.com to view the class schedule and meet the instructors.

Serene New Home for In-Person Reiki From Sweet Pea Wellness

Dr. Michelle Adams & Jessie Parker

Sweet Pea Wellness, led by Reiki Master Practitioner Jessie Parker, is partnering with Dr. Michelle Adams to offer in-person reiki sessions at Quantum Healing & Wellness, in Bedford Hills.

For more than a year and a half, Parker has provided reiki services through Sweet Pea Wellness, primarily via distance sessions.

“While effective, many clients longed for the gentle, grounding touch that characterizes traditional reiki,” shares Parker. This new collaboration allows them to receive reiki in a serene treatment room designed for relaxation and deep restoration.

“I’m really excited to be offering these sessions at Quantum,” Parker says. “It’s a place I’ve gone to myself for treatments. Each time I visit, I can feel how intentionally it was built as a hub for healing. I’m proud to contribute to that energy with my own reiki practice.”

Parker notes that entering into the center provides its own therapeutic benefit. “Being in a dedicated healing environment can feel more rejuvenating than trying to relax at home with distractions,” she explains. “It’s a chance to truly take time for yourself.”

In addition to reiki, clients can explore Quantum Healing & Wellness’ broad range of offerings—from massages and salt room sessions to innovative modalities such as the Energy Enhancement System (EESystem), BEAMER, infrared sauna and more. “This collaboration will allow many to discover complementary services that support their personal wellness goals,” adds Parker.

Location: Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7-9 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills. To make an appointment, call 914-218-3428. For questions or more information, email Hello@SweetPeaWellness.co or visit SweetPeaWellness.co.

New Online Series Explores Emotional Healing with Ayurveda

Following the success of this year’s free online program, Eating in Harmony with Nature, and last year’s Food as Medicine, Dr. Somesh Kaushik returns in 2026 with a new monthly lecture series: “Emotions and Your Health: Using Ayurveda to Balance Your System.”

“Negative emotions can upset the body’s hormonal balance, weaken immunity and contribute to a wide range of acute and chronic conditions,” says Kaushik. “Stress even shortens our telomeres, accelerating aging. Our emotions influence our behaviors, including the foods we choose, which directly affects our health.”

Each session will explore a specific emotion, how it impacts physical and mental well-being, and how Ayurvedic principles can restore balance. Kaushik will discuss supportive foods, herbs and natural supplements that help calm the nervous system and stabilize emotional patterns.

The series will also highlight lifestyle approaches, including yoga, meditation and simple daily habits that encourage “lighter” energy flow while releasing stagnant emotions that may keep people stuck.

Kaushik adds, “Hatred and anger are detrimental to the body, mind and soul. Come and learn how Ayurveda can help to balance these emotions.”

Register by visiting PawlingFreeLibrary.org or call 845-855-3444. Dr. Kaushik’s Ayurvedic and Naturopathic Clinic is located at 792 Rte. 35, in Cross River. For more information, call 914-875-9088 or visit DrKaushik.com. See ad, page 13.

Experience Deep Renewal Through Nervous System Healing

This season, Quantum Healing & Wellness, in Bedford Hills, invites clients to step out of stress and into restoration with a 20 percent off special throughout December on all 10and 20-hour Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) packages.

Many people do all the “right” things— clean eating, exercise, meditation—yet still feel stuck with fatigue, anxiety, inflammation or weight that won’t budge. According to owner Dr. Michelle Adams, PharmD, the missing link is often the nervous system.

“True healing begins when the nervous system feels safe,” Adams says. “Once the body shifts out of survival mode, energy flows, cells repair and balance is restored from the inside out.”

Quantum Healing & Wellness offers services designed specifically to help the nervous system reset so the body can naturally return to balance. Their EESystem surrounds clients with scalar energy fields that promote deep relaxation, cellular repair, and nervous system regulation—an experience many describe as “charging the body like a battery.”

Additional therapies, including the infrared sauna with red light therapy, help support detoxification, metabolism and skin vitality, all while soothing stress. For deeper insight, AO Scan Technology can reveal energetic stressors and hidden inflammation that may be hindering overall wellness.

“When the body is stuck in survival mode, true rest and repair aren’t possible,” she explains. “When we calm the nervous system, we unlock the body’s natural intelligence—the energy that knows how to restore, rejuvenate and thrive.”

Location: 7–9 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills. For more information or to reserve December sessions, call or text 914-218-3428 or visit QuantumHealingAndWellnesspmacom. See ad, page 13.

Give the Gift of Yoga this Holiday Season

This year, Back2Health Yoga, in Wappingers Falls, invites the community to give a holiday gift that nurtures body, mind and spirit. Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and studio owner Cristina Roy offers several thoughtful gifting options designed to support long-lasting well-being. “Yoga is a meaningful way to offer care,” says Roy. “It gives people tools for calm, confidence and connection that stay with them well beyond the holidays.”

Whether a loved one is brand new to yoga, seeking stress relief or hoping for more personalized support, Back2Health Yoga provides flexible choices to meet students right where they are.

One option is the Three Weeks Unlimited Classes for $59, which allows recipients to explore as many group classes as they like. It’s an ideal way to discover different classes, begin a consistent practice and perfect for newcomers or anyone else that's ready to renew their commitment to self-care.

For those wanting more individualized attention, the Two Private Sessions Plus Two Group Classes package for $135 blends oneon-one guidance with the encouragement of community practice. “Private sessions help students build a strong foundation before stepping into group classes,” Roy explains.

For the most personalized experience, the Three Private Yoga Sessions for $250 offer tailored support for specific goals or physical conditions, including back pain or injury recovery.

These gift options encourage a shift toward meaningful, experience-based giving—inviting recipients to relax, restore and reconnect with themselves. As Roy notes, “Yoga is a gift of renewal. It supports healing, strength and awareness for every body.”

Location: 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. For more information, call 845-202-2228, email Hello@B2HYoga.com or visit Back2HealthYoga.com. See ad, page 11.

Dr. Michelle Adams & Client

A New Era for Ocean Conservation Begins

After two decades of effort, the High Seas Treaty, officially the Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, was ratified by Morocco (the 60th nation) in September, becoming international law in January 2026. Although the United States signed the treaty, it has not been ratified by the Senate. This treaty replaces a patchwork of international and industrial organization rules.

The treaty establishes a legal framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in two-thirds of the oceans beyond any country’s exclusive economic zone. The treaty’s goals are to protect marine life; establish protected areas; regulate marine genetic resources; and promote equitable benefit sharing, capacity building, marine technology transfer and environmentalimpact assessment of oceanic activities.

Human Artifacts Found in Vulture Nests

In a study published in the journal Ecology, archaeologists report the discovery of more than 200 human artifacts in the nests of bearded vultures. The scientists rappelled down cliffs to 12 abandoned nests of these bone-eating raptors, which vanished from the cliffs a century ago. Only 308 breeding pairs remain in Europe.

Bearded vultures build and maintain nests for long periods, sometimes for centuries, resulting in thick structures made of a variety of materials, including branches and bones. The scientists found well-preserved human items that were 150 to 675 years old, including leather items, fabric fragments, tools, a crossbow bolt and a slingshot. The most surprising discovery was a sandal made from woven esparto grass believed to be between 650 and 750 years old. The cool, dry conditions in the cliff caves preserved the artifacts.

Artificial Turf Manufacturer Seeks to Block Webinar Led

by Grassroots Environmental Education

Grassroots Environmental Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting public health and empowering communities through science-based advocacy, recently found itself at the center of a legal battle. Last January, Grassroots was served with a lawsuit from an artificial turf manufacturer aiming to stop their national webinar, “The Trouble With Turf.” This online event was designed to bring leading scientific experts together to discuss the growing evidence linking synthetic turf fields and their chemical components to environmental and public health concerns.

Rather than back down, Grassroots responded by filing its own lawsuit in New York under the state’s Anti-SLAPP law, which protects organizations and individuals from lawsuits intended to silence public discussion on important issues. The group stands firm that its presentations are rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research and credible reports. This legal action attracted national attention, even making the front page of The New York Times last June.

Grassroots Environmental Education continues its mission through the Partnership for Healthy Playing Surfaces, guided by Dr. Homero Harari of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With rising rates of hormone disruption, childhood cancers, asthma, and developmental disabilities among children, Grassroots is committed to educating the public about how common chemicals in our environment may impact our health and advocating for safer, healthier communities.

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The Neuroscience of Joy

Reclaiming Light During the Holiday Season

by Dr. Jessica Scofield-Chichester, Ph.D., Rev.

As the days shorten and the world shimmers with string lights and anticipation, the holiday season offers us a profound opportunity—not merely to celebrate, but to rewire ourselves toward joy.

Joy is not just an emotion. It is a state of the nervous system. It’s the body’s natural language for connection, safety and aliveness. And while it often feels spontaneous, joy is also a trainable skill—a neurochemical code we can consciously activate.

The Science of Joy

From a neuroscientific perspective, joy is a cocktail of neurotransmitters: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. These are the molecules of motivation, love, contentment and pleasure. When we experience joy, our prefrontal cortex lights up— our “executive brain”—balancing emotional regulation, creativity and empathy.

What’s remarkable is that joy self-amplifies: the more we experience it, the more neuroplastic our brain becomes, rewiring itself to find joy more easily.

Studies from Stanford and Harvard universities have shown that daily gratitude practices, heart-coherence breathing and intentional social connection stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting us from the fight-orflight state into the rest-and-repair parasympathetic mode. In this state, inflammation lowers, digestion improves and the immune system strengthens—our biology literally becomes more resilient.

Why Joy Feels Harder in Winter

Yet, many people notice that joy feels more elusive during the darker months. Reduced sunlight impacts serotonin and melatonin, leading to lower moods and disrupted circadian rhythms.

Add to this the stress of expectations, travel and emotional triggers from family dynamics, and the nervous system often spends the holidays in subtle survival mode.

But this is also what makes the season so powerful. Winter, symbolically and physiologically, invites us to slow down, reflect and repattern. The darkness is not a punishment—it’s a womb for recalibration.

Biohacking the Joy Response

Consider that joy doesn’t have to depend on circumstances.

Neurohacking and somatic science reveal that we can engineer the conditions for joy using the body’s own chemistry:

Light and Frequency: Exposure to full-spectrum or red light stimulates mitochondrial energy and serotonin production, improving mood and sleep. Morning light or even 15 minutes of infrared therapy can reset your circadian rhythm and lift energy naturally.

Oxygen and Movement: Oxygen is joy’s silent partner. Oxygen therapy, breathwork or even brisk outdoor walks activate the parasympathetic nervous system, flooding the body with vitality. When oxygen and movement pair, dopamine spikes and clarity returns.

Sound and Vibration: Sound frequency entrains brainwaves. Low-frequency vibration

and harmonic sound baths can drop brain states from beta (thinking) to theta (healing). These moments of resonance dissolve tension and open emotional flow.

Heat and Cold Contrast: Alternating between sauna heat and cold immersion boosts endorphins, norepinephrine, and mitochondrial efficiency—creating what neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman calls “resilience hormesis,” a biological training for stress tolerance.

Community Coherence: Joy multiplies in connection. Heart-to-heart resonance between people synchronizes heart rhythms, releases oxytocin and recalibrates our sense of belonging. Singing, breathing or simply sharing space with others regulates collective nervous systems more effectively than solitude ever could.

Choosing Joy as a Practice

Joy is not the absence of difficulty; it’s the decision to rise in resonance with life.

When we deliberately shift from “doing” to “being”, the body reorganizes itself around coherence. Gratitude becomes fuel. Laughter becomes medicine.

Every moment we step into frequency— light, sound, breath and movement—we remind our cells of their original design: balance, vitality and joy.

This is why spaces dedicated to high-frequency living, integrative technologies and mindful community are becoming essential sanctuaries. They are not escapes from life; they are training grounds for presence. Within these environments, the nervous system remembers safety. The body remembers light. And we remember that joy is not a fleeting spark but a sustainable current we can live from.

A Season to Jump In

So as this season unfolds, don’t wait for joy to find you—jump in.

Take the walk under winter sun. Sit in warmth, then plunge into cold. Sing around the fire. Hug longer. Breathe deeper. Choose light, even when the days are short.

Our bodies are listening. Our cells are recording every signal we send.

Joy is not somewhere out there. It’s right here—in the frequency of our breathing, in the heartbeat of community and in the remembering that we are, and have always been, the light we seek.

Dr. Jessica Scofield-Chichester, Ph.D., Rev, is the co-founder and CEO of Haute Healing Oasis, located at 792 Pacific St., Stamford, CT. For more information, call 203-5955304 or visit HauteSauna.com.

Cultivating Joy

How Movement, Gratitude and Connection

by Hannah Tytus

“Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. Perhaps we are just more alive,” reflected the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, where he shared wisdom alongside the Dalai Lama.

Joy invites us to be more alive. It surfaces through awareness, connection and acceptance of the present moment, exactly as it is. As winter days grow shorter and the year draws to a close, this is a wonderful time to explore what joy truly is, the things that block it and how it can be reclaimed. Ultimately,

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joy is not a reward for a perfect life, but a way of being that reminds us to embody our full humanity. Though sometimes fleeting, joy can be profoundly sustaining.

A Physical Experience

“Joy is much bigger than happiness,” asserted Tutu. “While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not.” This mindset—rooted in both heart and spirit—aligns closely with the Dalai Lama’s vision that genuine fulfillment comes from recognizing the deep interconnectedness of all living beings. Joy is an embodied emotion that is distinct from happiness. Happiness is stable, evaluative and may reflect broader life satisfaction—a

contentment with one’s career, finances, family, romantic relationships or personal fulfillment—while joy is experienced in the present moment. It is intense, yet fleeting.

In a study conducted in 2025 and published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, researchers interviewed 14 adults about their experiences of joy. The findings explain joy as a complex emotion shaped by individual, relational and cultural contexts. According to the research, joy is intense, transcendent and deeply felt— often arising spontaneously in response to meaningful experiences or connections.

In contrast, happiness encompasses a broader spectrum, exhibiting greater stability, and is associated with life satisfaction and contentment. Participants described joy as a somatic experience, identifying sensations such as “a rush of warmth and lightness throughout the body,” “electricity,” “a bubbling up,” and “tingling sensations,” accompanied by “the urge to move, smile and embrace others.” These visceral reactions often accompanied moments of intense connection, awe and accomplishment.

If joy is felt through the body, movement itself becomes a doorway to experience it more fully. This cultivation of joy is the cornerstone of Jennifer Joy Jiménez’s life’s work. A pioneer in integrative movement and founder of the Brave Thinking Institute’s Health & Well-Being Division, she developed TranscenDANCE, a conscious dance modality for all ages and mobility levels designed to improve mental, emotional and physical health through inspiring music, body positivity and free-form movement.

Conscious dance is any form of movement that emphasizes mindfulness, inner exploration and emotional release rather than performance or choreography. Although these transformative movement practices have existed for thousands of years, Jiménez laments that for many Americans, dance may be confined to weddings, occasional outings or fitness classes, leaving little room for the expressive and emotive daily practice that “allows our soul-self to move our human self.”

Jiménez asserts, “Just a few minutes of dancing releases the happy hormones, offering a DOSE [dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins] that shifts our mood better than any antidepressant.” Scientific evidence supports this assertion. A 2024 meta-analysis published in The BMJ analyzed 218 clinical trials, demonstrating that dance was more effective in alleviating depression symptoms than walking, yoga, strength training and even traditional antidepressants.

The Social Nexus

Joy thrives on connection. While it can arise in solitude, it naturally expands most effectively through relationships and shared humanity. When individuals feel seen, supported and part of something larger than themselves, their sense of well-being deepens.

The 2024 World Happiness Report identifies social support as one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. Similarly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development—one of the longest-running longitudinal studies of human health—has shown that healthy, fulfilling relationships are the single greatest predictors of both longevity and life satisfaction.

This growing body of research underscores that social connection shapes health across our lifespan. Individuals that maintain meaningful relationships exhibit lower risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, infections, cognitive decline and depression compared to those that are lonely. When people share laughter, empathy or a sense of belonging, they exhibit improvements to their nervous system and immune function, as well as an expanded capacity to experience joy.

Isolation’s Impact

While connection nurtures joy, disconnection erodes it. In The Book of Joy, the Dalai Lama identified loneliness as one of the most significant obstacles to joy, emphasizing that it arises not from isolation itself, but from a mindset of separation. A person can live alone in the wilderness and still feel content, while another may feel lonely in a crowded room. Loneliness, he suggests, emerges when the heart closes—when anger, fear or stress obscure the ability to perceive warmth in others.

Many modern experiences reinforce this sense of separation. Chronic stress, fatigue, poverty and depression all constrict the emotional space needed for joy. Cultural ideals built around

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constant happiness add another layer of strain. Researchers describe how placing pressure on ourselves to be perpetually positive leads us to suppress authentic emotion, rather than cultivate genuine contentment. The Dalai Lama observed that persistent anxiety keeps the mind spinning in worry, unable to rest in presence.

Emotional avoidance further narrows the capacity for joy. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, individuals that intentionally process difficult experiences report a 40 percent increase in life satisfaction. Gratitude research suggests the reason behind this phenomenon: Recognizing joy requires openness and receptivity. When individuals soften their defenses and allow life’s full range of emotion, they create space for joy to return.

Cultivating Gratitude

Adopting an attitude of gratitude is one of the best ways to cultivate joy. Recognized by the Dalai Lama as one of the “8 Pillars of Joy”, gratitude has been shown to enhance the capacity to perceive joy in everyday life. Gratitude increases joy, and joy, in turn, increases gratitude in an upward spiral of positive disposition. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that when the participants practiced gratitude regularly, it became part of their natural disposition. Participants that exhibited greater gratitude also experienced heightened levels of joy.

Jiménez notes that cultivating gratitude—and therefore joy—is not just a matter of responding to positive circumstances. “There is a difference between gratitude for and gratitude in. It’s easy to be grateful for positive windfalls like winning the lottery or receiving a nice gift. But when something challenging happens, such as a loved one receiving a serious medical diagnosis, how can we be grateful in that moment for the gift that lies in the wisdom of that situation?” Viewing challenging events as lessons with the potential for wisdom and healing helps us cultivate a more resilient kind of gratitude.

As Tutu and the Dalai Lama teach, joy is not the absence of struggle but the presence of heart. It lives in the body, grows through connection and deepens through gratitude. To reclaim it, we must soften the grip of perfection, release the myth of constant happiness and allow space for both laughter and tears.

Jiménez reminds us that joy is something to be practiced—not achieved—through movement, mindfulness and a willingness to feel. Gratitude becomes the bridge that turns awareness into aliveness, inviting us to notice what was there all along. When people pause long enough to be present, they discover that joy does not need to be sought. It simply needs to be welcomed.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

The Healing Power of Silence

by Robin Fasano

Silence is essential for our brain, body and well-being.

“Noise causes stress, especially if we have little or no control over it,” says Mathias Basner, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who specializes in sound processing. “An indicator that something is too loud is when you start changing your behavior. You may avoid outside areas, or close the windows, pause your conversation, move your bedroom to a different area or install insulation.”

Unwanted sound produces a stress response in the body, activating the “fight-or-flight” reaction and prompting the amygdala, the brain’s emotional processing center. This sends a signal to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn increases heart rate, raises blood pressure and can contribute to inflammation.

Noise also disrupts sleep, which is vital for brain functioning and restoring the body. Sleep helps brain cells communicate with each other and “washes away” the toxins in our brain that build up during the day.

During sleep, our brain has an auditory surveillance mechanism that scans our environment for threats while hearing and processing every single noise during the night as it’s also renewing our immune system.

Loud, sudden noises like speeding cars, motorcycles and barking dogs can jolt us awake and hinder the brain’s ability to accomplish its work, damaging our concentration and cognition during the day. In some cases, blood pressure can even stay elevated throughout the night.

Nurse Florence Nightingale wrote, “Unnecessary noise is the most cruel absence of care that can be inflicted on the sick or well. Every careless clatter or banal bit of banter can be a source of alarm, distress and loss of sleep for recovering patients.” She emphasized that quiet is as important for healing as cleanliness.

Silence Nourishes the Brain

Duke University researchers have shown that two hours of silence a day spurs new brain cell growth in the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with memory. “We saw that silence really helped the new generated cells to differentiate into neurons, and integrate into the system,” says former Duke University regenerative biologist Imke Kirste.

The brain needs silence to heal, regenerate and thrive.

The absence of noise sharpens our ability to think, learn and discover. Silence improves focus and attentiveness to our surroundings

and the subtle forces that power our lives— and, in fact, the entire cosmos.

“When you go into a forest and get very quiet, you’ll come to understand that you’re connected with everything,” wrote author Alan Watts. “Every tiny insect that’s buzzing is a messenger, and that insect is connected to human beings everywhere.”

By feeding and nourishing the senses with quietude, we recognize the sacred holiness of the entire planet: the opening of a flower; the billions of cells that it takes right now to inhale and exhale; and the smooth sensation of running water. We simply become more attuned to everything.

So what counts is the quality of our surroundings and relationships because where there’s peace, there’s healing. The body can only heal when it’s relaxed.

On an emotional level, silence helps us develop the capacity to be fully present—and really listen deeply—with our whole self, in nonjudgment—to ourselves and others.

The more present we are for ourselves, the more present we can be for others and the more beneficial we can be to humanity. As we hear each other—and ourselves—into being “True 100 percent listening is an act of worship,” said author and poet John O’Donohue.

Indeed, silence is the place of our truest deepest self. With quiet and solitude, we’re releasing the distractions that take us away from our deepest self and we’re making space to hear our inner wisdom.

“We need silence to be able to touch our souls,” said nun Mother Teresa. “See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence. See the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence,” she noted. “God cannot be found in noise and restlessness.”

The soul knows what it needs to do in this lifetime. And it speaks at every moment. All we have to do is be silent—and listen.

Robin Fasano is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

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The Joy of Local Holiday Shopping

Making the Most of the Human Touch

by Marlaina Donato

There is something special about stepping into the cozy warmth of a coffeehouse, sampling the latest offerings at the bakery or discovering a rare edition at the local bookshop. Our hometowns, like their people, have a unique spirit, and shopping locally during the holiday is a full-sensory delight. “Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats an in-person interaction and seeing how happy a local business owner gets when you purchase something,” says Jacqueline De Leeuw, a fine artisan and owner of the thrift store Comfy Komodo, in Newton, New Jersey.

Despite Adobe Analytics reporting that American consumers spent $241.4 billion online during last year’s holidays, CapitalOne’s research shows that 45 percent still prefer in-store shopping. This preference is driven by convenience, easy product comparison and a more enjoyable experience. Local stores offer shorter lines, fewer crowds, meaningful options and a chance to reduce our carbon footprint.

The American Independent Business Alliance states that for every $100 spent at an independent business, $50 or more remains in the local economy, boosting prosperity, jobs and donations to local organizations.

Finding Treasures With Friends

Discovering local treasures provides social nourishment and counteracts our screen-dependent lifestyles. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social connection benefits long-term physical and mental health. “Talking with the folks who grow your food or make your gifts is almost extinct in our world. Farmers markets have revived that,” says Darlene Wolnik, senior project manager for the Farmers Market Coalition, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fulfilling our senses with artisanal breads, seasonal produce freshly harvested from local soil and maple syrup tapped from nearby trees reconnects us with real life.

From hand-poured candles to artful ornaments, small businesses offer unique finds. Shopping can extend beyond purchases to include meeting friends for lunch or enjoying seasonal treats. The holidays are the perfect excuse to indulge in local fair-trade chocolates, regional wines, craft beers or small-batch gourmet coffees. “Nothing is better than meeting with family or friends and seeing where the day takes you, exploring local shops,” muses De Leeuw.

Wolnik agrees, suggesting, “You can make a morning of it and shop the entire town or Main Street before or after your farmers market visit.” She recommends checking if vendors offer holiday crafts. “A lot of farmers knit, weave and do woodworking. Also, many markets use a wooden token system to process card payments. If your market does that, buy tokens for friends, wrapped with a ribbon and a market flyer.”

Keeping It Local Year-Round

After the gifts and festivities, adopting inspiring habits can kickstart a new year. Choosing to shop locally more often positively impacts the environment because small businesses typically source their products regionally, reducing transit emissions.

Knowing the names of local servers, shopkeepers and baristas fosters a vibrant network of community engagement, enriching our everyday lives with meaning and a sense of belonging. “My favorite thing about supporting local shops is really connecting with the owners or the workers—finding out their story, how they started and what brought them here,” adds De Leeuw.

Creating monthly or weekly local shopping rituals can enhance family life or jazz-up date nights. Buying healthier bread at the bakery or herbal soap from a neighborhood artisan are simple ways to sustain the backyard economy while enjoying a slower, more relaxed pace and remaining open to the wonders along the way.

Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

Winter Markets in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess

Discover the magic of the season at these festive winter markets across the region. From handcrafted gifts to farmfresh treats, these local events offer the perfect opportunity to support artisans, find unique holiday treasures and enjoy community celebrations. Mark your calendar and explore the best of the Hudson Valley’s wintertime markets!

WESTCHESTER COUNTY

Pleasantville Farmers Market: Indoor Winter Market

Saturdays, 9am-1pm, December - March

Pleasantville Middle School, 40 Romer Ave., Pleasantville.

John Jay Homestead Holiday Market

December 7, 10am-2pm.

John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah.

Hastings Farmers Market: Holiday Market

December 21, 9:30am-1:30pm.

Hastings Library Lot, 7 Maple Ave., Hastings-on-Hudson.

DUTCHESS COUNTY

Rhinebeck Farmers Market: Holiday Market

December 8 & 22, 10am–2pm. 61 E. Market St., Rhinebeck.

Poughkeepsie Waterfront Market: Holiday Pop-Up

December 15, 2-6pm. Mid-Hudson Discovery Museum, 75 N. Water St., Poughkeepsie.

Millbrook Farmers Market: Winter Market

December 14, 10am-2pm. Millbrook Farmers Market Pavilion, 3263 Franklin Ave., Millbrook.

PUTNAM COUNTY

Cold Spring Farmers Market: Holiday Market

December 14 & 21, 10am-2pm.

St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 1 Chestnut St., Cold Spring.

Carmel Holiday Craft & Farmers Market

December 8. 10am-3pm. 530 Rte. 52, Carmel.

Growth Across Generations

Transforming Family Energy Patterns for a Brighter Future

by Erica Mills

Every family carries stories—of love and laughter, loss and resilience. Some of these stories are spoken aloud, passed through generations as cherished memories. Others, however, live quietly beneath the surface, shaping emotions, beliefs and behaviors in subtle ways. In the field of energy healing, these invisible threads are known as ancestral or generational energy patterns—vibrations that ripple through family lines, influencing how we respond to the world around us.

Modern science now recognizes what ancient healing traditions have long understood: Trauma can be transmitted across generations. Studies in epigenetics show that emotional experiences can affect gene expression, altering how future generations process stress or emotional pain. Energy medicine takes this understanding even deeper, viewing trauma not only as a psychological or biological imprint but also as an energetic frequency stored in the body’s

subtle systems—within the meridians, chakras and energy fields that surround and animate us.

Understanding the Family Energy Blueprint

Every individual is born into an energetic landscape shaped by the family’s collective experiences. This includes both uplifting vibrations—such as joy, courage and creativity—and heavier imprints from grief, conflict or fear. These energetic “blueprints” can manifest as limiting beliefs (“I’m not enough”), repeating relationship challenges or patterns of self-sabotage that seem to echo across generations.

Energy healers trained in advanced modalities, such as those taught at institutions like Akamai University, often describe the human energy field as a multi-layered system that includes the hara line (our deep purpose and direction), the core star (our essence and divine spark) and the

meridians (the channels through which life force flows). When generational energy becomes blocked or distorted, these channels can constrict, leading to imbalance or disconnection.

Clearing Generational Energy

Healing ancestral energy patterns begins with awareness. Practitioners guide clients to explore family narratives not through blame, but through understanding and compassion. By observing where energy feels dense, stagnant or fragmented, individuals can begin to release inherited emotional burdens that no longer serve them.

This process often involves gentle, non-invasive energy work—such as reiki, Healing Touch or guided visualization—to help restore the natural flow of energy through the system. Clients may experience sensations of warmth, lightness or deep emotional release as stagnant energy clears.

In energy healing, this release is sometimes referred to as “clearing the lineage.” It’s less about changing the past and more about transforming how it lives within us. As energetic blockages dissolve, the individual gains access to greater vitality, creativity and peace. The effects often extend outward, improving relationships and creating new patterns of communication and connection across the family.

Re-Patterning Relationships

One of the most powerful outcomes of this work is the re-patterning of relationships. When a person heals the energetic residue of past trauma—whether personal or ancestral—they shift the energetic frequency they bring into every interaction. Family conflicts that once felt entrenched can soften, replaced by empathy and understanding.

Practitioners may use techniques like family energy mapping to help clients visualize where energetic entanglements exist—such as unresolved grief between generations or unspoken expectations carried from parent to child. Through mindfulness, affirmation

Lila Patel on AdobeStocl.com

and energy balancing, individuals learn to hold healthier energetic boundaries while staying connected to their loved ones with compassion.

As energy alignment improves, individuals often find that they can make choices from a place of clarity rather than reaction. The result is not just achieving inner peace, but also the ability to model healthier dynamics for future generations.

The Ripple Effect of Healing

When one person heals, the energy of an entire family system begins to shift. This is often described as the ripple effect of consciousness. As old energetic knots loosen, space opens for forgiveness, gratitude and new possibilities. It’s not uncommon for clients to report that after their own healing work, relationships with parents or siblings naturally improve—even without direct conversation about the process.

This reflects a central principle of energy medicine: because energy is interconnected, transformation in one field influences the whole. Healing ourselves becomes an act of service to those that came before and those who will come after.

Building Resilience for the Future

Generational healing is not about erasing history; it’s about integrating it with awareness and love. By releasing outdated energetic imprints, we create room for authenticity and vitality to thrive. As individuals reconnect to their core star energy—the light of their true nature—they build resilience that radiates through families and communities alike.

In a time when collective stress feels heightened, this work offers profound hope. It reminds us that balance is possible, even after generations of imbalance and that healing is not linear—it’s cyclical, ever-evolving and accessible to all.

Energy healing invites us to become conscious stewards of our energetic inheritance. Through intention, compassion and aligned practice, we can transform inherited wounds into sources of wisdom and strength—creating a generational shift toward greater harmony, connection and wholeness.

Erica Mills is the publisher of two  Natural Awakenings editions: Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess as well as Fairfield and Litchfield counties.

Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Network

Healing the Family Energy Blueprint

What It Is: Energetic imprints passed through generations that shape beliefs, emotions and relationships.

Where It Lives: Meridians, chakras, core star and hara line—our body’s energetic map.

Signs You May Be Affected:

• Repeating family conflicts

• Limiting beliefs or self-doubt

• Chronic stress or emotional heaviness

Steps to Repattern:

Awareness: Notice inherited patterns with compassion.

Release: Clear stagnant or heavy energy from your field.

Repattern: Create new, conscious ways of relating to yourself and your family.

Why It Matters: Clearing generational energy boosts resilience, emotional clarity, and vitality while improving relationships and creating a ripple of healing across your family.

Takeaway: Transformation is possible, healing yourself can heal generations to come.

Fitness Studios

MAHOPAC

HEALTH-BALANCED FITNESS

Fitness for Active Aging

900 South Lake Blvd., Ste. 6 845-216-6810

HealthBalanced.com

Pilates

HOPEWELL JUNCTION

ALIGN PILATES

Reformer. Springboard, Mat combo. 796 Rt. 82 914-204-9061

TheAlignPilates.com

Yoga Retreats

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS, LLC

2 Coulter Rd., Bakers Mills 518-251-3015 • 914-494-2266

YogaInTheAdirondacks.com

Yoga Studios

BEDFORD HILLS

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

7 Norm Ave. 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAnd WellnessPMA.com

BREWSTER

LUNA POWER YOGA

Move, Sweat & Breathe 175 East Main St. 845-276-4619 LunaPowerYoga.com

DOBBS FERRY

SACRED SPIRIT YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER 343 Broadway (on campus of South Presbyterian Church) SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org

MAHOPAC

PUTNAM YOGA

30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Pl. 845-494-8118 • PutnamYoga.com

NORTH SALEM

TULA YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Kathy Daigneault 914-806-3286

TulaYogaForWellness.com

SOMERS

ZEN GARDEN HEALTH

COACHING & YOGA

Edit Babboni; CHC, RYT-200 61 Lakeview Dr., Yorktown Heights 917-721-2529 • ZenGardenYoga.net

WAPPINGERS FALLS

BACK2HEALTH YOGA

Iyengar Yoga 6 Broadway Ave. 845-202-2228 • Back2HealthYoga.com

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS

PURE PRESENCE YOGA JV Mall, 650 Lee Blvd. 914-214-8111 • PurePresenceYogaNY.com

Boosting Canine Health

Holistic Immune System Strategies

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

Adog’s immune system is the first line of defense against infection and disease, relying on nutrition, rest and emotional balance for optimal protection. Prolonged stress and consistently poor nutrition can gradually weaken this vital network, but holistic care provides gentle, effective strategies to restore and safeguard immune function, contributing to lasting wellness and vitality.

A Solid Nutritional Foundation

Immune resilience begins in the gut, where most immune cells are located. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science revealed that supplementing canine diets with chitooligosaccharides (COS), bioactive compounds derived from chitin in crustacean shells and fungi, enhanced immune responses and antioxidant enzyme activity by promoting a healthier gut microbiome. In addition to these functional supplements, nutrientdense foods, particularly fresh leafy greens and colorful vegetables such as carrots, beets and peppers, also nourish beneficial gut bacteria and provide antioxidants that combat inflammation. Each color of the vegetable rainbow contributes unique phytonutrients that protect cells and bolster a dog’s innate defenses.

While many vegetables are beneficial, pet parents should not give dogs onions, garlic, leeks, scallions and chives, as they are toxic to dogs. Likewise, dogs should not eat tomatoes, corn on the cob and vegetables that can cause blockages such as radishes and the pits from avocados and fruits. Certain fruits, such as cherries, grapes and raisins, are also toxic to dogs.

Healthy fats are equally indispensable because they form the structural basis of cell membranes, ensuring optimal cellular function and resistance to pathogens. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like fish oil, boneless sardines or ground flaxseed in moderation nourish the skin, reduce inflammation and support immune regulation. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cell integrity and hormone equilibrium. Good cholesterol sources for dogs include eggs, organ meats, fish and lean meats fed in moderation. These nutrients promote strong, adaptable cells and a balanced microbiome—the cornerstone of enduring health.

A comprehensive whole-food diet centered around these principles offers greater benefits than isolated supplements. The synergistic effects of nutrients found in fresh foods support the immune system in a natural, sustainable manner, helping dogs heal, adapt and thrive.

The Power of Mushrooms

Nature provides potent tools to further enhance immune balance. Medicinal mushrooms have long been recognized for their immunomodulating properties, helping to strengthen, balance and regulate a dog’s natural defense mechanisms. Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail and chaga are safe and beneficial when used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Unidentified and wild mushrooms, including Amanita and Galerina species, should not be given to dogs as they may be toxic.

Research on shiitake mushrooms indicates that they contain beneficial bioactive compounds, including beta glucans (β-glucans), eritadenine and other polysaccharides, which can augment immune activity, support liver function and improve antioxidant capacity in humans.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that four weeks of shiitake mushroom powder supplementation in healthy dogs significantly increased antioxidant activity, while reducing cholesterol. These findings suggest that shiitake mushrooms may help enhance cellular defense and immune resilience in dogs. Because of their immune-stimulating properties, shiitakes should be given only under veterinary supervision to dogs with immune-mediated diseases or those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments.

Similarly, reishi mushrooms have been studied in animals for their immune-supportive and protective effects. Their polysaccharide and triterpenoid constituents have been demonstrated to stimulate pathogen-killing white blood cells such as macrophages and T-lymphocytes, leading to improved immune surveillance and resistance against abnormal cell growth. Rodent studies have shown that reishi extracts can significantly inhibit tumor development, reduce inflammation and enhance overall immune function without adverse effects.

A pivotal factor in these effects is the presence of β-glucans—complex polysaccharides that function as biological response modifiers, training the immune system to respond appropriately to challenges without overstimulation. “The beta glucans help to stabilize your immune system,” explains Rob Silver, a pioneering holistic and integrative veterinarian in Boulder, Colorado, recognized for his expertise

in veterinary herbal medicine and medicinal mushrooms. He notes that these compounds can “re-educate” immune cells, enabling them to distinguish between genuine threats and harmless triggers such as pollen, food or dust. In this way, β-glucans promote a balanced, resilient immune response that supports both health and tolerance.

Establishing Balance for Lifelong Wellness

Holistic canine care goes beyond food and supplements, encompassing emotional well-being and preventive measures. Because chronic stress can weaken immunity, maintaining a calm, enriching environment is essential. Regular exercise, mental stimulation and comforting companionship promote equilibrium and confidence. Gentle detoxification practices such as supporting liver function with milk thistle or kidney health with dandelion root further assist the body’s natural cleansing processes.

Regular checkups are pivotal in preserving a dog’s health, enabling veterinarians to detect emerging issues early. Collaborating with a holistic practitioner provides a comprehensive approach that integrates natural therapies with conventional medicine.

Holistically strengthening a dog’s immune system entails nurturing the entire being—body, mind and spirit. With a foundation of whole-food nutrition, balanced fats, supportive herbs and mindful care, dogs can enjoy vibrant health and lasting vitality. This integrated approach not only fortifies the immune system, but also cultivates a life of balance, joy and resilience.

Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, is the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

Foodie Guide

Markets

GREENS NATURAL FOODS

Briarcliff Manor

97 North State Rd.

914-800-9146

Eastchester

780 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale

914-874-5481

Mount Kisco

666 Lexington Ave.

914-864-1274

Somers

57 Rte. 6. (in Baldwin Place) 914-485-8093

GreensNaturalFoods.com

GREEN ORGANIC MARKET

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

FB: GreenOrganicMarket

MOTHER EARTH’S STOREHOUSE

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

MotherEarthStorehouse.com

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

NaturesPantryhv.com

NATURE’S HARVEST MARKET HV 1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie 845-296-1069

NaturesHarvesthv.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

575 Boston Post Rd., Port Chester 914-708-1985

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

WholeFoodsMarket.com

Restaurant

BROOKLYN ORGANIC KITCHEN

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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

BOKMahopac.com

The Magic of Gourmet Salts

From Fleur de Sel to Himalayan Pink

by Maya Whitman

Specialty salts can transform everyday foods. To elevate the experience, add bold chili salt to a hearty winter stew, smoked salt to popcorn or ruby-colored wine salt to chocolate truffles. Flavored finishing salts surprise the tastebuds in ordinary dishes like oatmeal, desserts or hot cocoa. Used mindfully, gourmet salt reduces the need for excessive sodium and invites us to savor the extraordinary.

“I think salt is amazing and brings out the best in food—all those hidden flavors,” says Craig Cormack, a gourmet salt chef in Cape Town, South Africa. His career as a food artisan advanced in 2009 when he embraced specialty salts. “My personal collection is sitting at 232 naturally occurring salts from around the world,” adds Cormack, who favors unrefined regional varieties, but also enjoys bold options such as smoked Danish Viking salt for its ancient, bonfire-infused qualities.

Salts vary in texture, flavor and nuance based on their source and harvesting techniques, such as solar evaporation or hand-raking. Many contain trace minerals, adding depth to dishes, and when consumed in moderation, sea salt may benefit the body compared to refined salt.

Salt’s Good Side

Salt has a bad reputation for causing high blood pressure and other health conditions, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that more than 70 percent of dietary sodium comes from prepared and packaged foods, not from salt added at home. The FDA daily value for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams per day, and using unrefined salts can be a healthier alternative to common table salt, which is demineralized and processed with anti-clumping agents. Celtic gray salt and other mineral-rich varieties contain naturally occurring, trace heavy metals, but also minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, which can help prevent the body from absorbing harmful metals like lead.

“We all need salt in moderation to live. The best way to ingest salt is to season your own food. Processed food has too much salt, and you can’t control your intake. Naturally made, mineral-rich salt is the best choice,” affirms Nancy Bruns, a seventh-generation salt maker at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, in Malden, West Virginia. She and her family produce rare, small-batch finishing salts harvested from the ancient Iapetus Ocean beneath the Appalachian Mountains.

Spanning the Salt Spectrum

Whether sourced from evaporated seawater (sea salt) or underground salt mines (rock salt), there is much to choose from. Sea salt comes in various colors, coarseness and complex flavors. Highly prized flake salt—fleur de sel from coastal France—is hand-harvested from evaporation ponds with clay bottoms and, with its delicate, paper-thin crystals, offers delicious nuances as a finishing salt. Celtic gray salt, sourced deeper within evaporation ponds, contains more moisture and minerals.

Himalayan pink salt, mined from salt beds formed from ancient seas approximately 600 million years ago, contains more than 80 minerals and has a rosy color due to the presence of iron oxide and magnesium. Black volcanic rock salt, also known as Himalayan black salt or kala namak, has a pungent, sulfuric quality that diminishes with heat during cooking and imparts an egg-like aroma and taste that can be useful in vegan recipes. The large, coarse grains of kosher salt traditionally used in Hebrew cuisine give food a robust, briny quality and satisfying texture.

Salt can be infused with herbs, spices, fruits and smoke from various woods to create a multitude of flavor qualities and moods. Bruns highlights her ramp-infused salt, which is combined with wild onions gathered during the Appalachian springtime. Charred oak from old bourbon barrels makes their smoked salt a favorite for grills and even chocolate desserts. Cormack spotlights the fine indulgence of Tartuflanghe brand truffle salt from Italy for an unforgettable mushroom risotto.

Bruns is grateful for the timeless spirit of salt. “I come to work on the same land where my ancestors made salt for over 150 years. I feel their presence, as if they are watching over my shoulder. That legacy and sense of stewardship is present every time I sprinkle salt on my food.”

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

Langan/CanvaPro

HEARTY VEGETABLE FRITTATA

YIELD: 4 SERVINGS

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided

1 large yellow onion, sliced

1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced

1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

¼ tsp heirloom salt, divided

4 large eggs

½ cup whole milk

5 grinds from black pepper mill

3 dashes of jalapeño hot sauce

⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

Take the onions out of the pan and set them aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, along with the zucchini, yellow squash and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and tender. Add the garlic, thyme leaves and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.

Remove the pan from the heat. Return the onions to the pan and mix well. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle feta cheese on top.

Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just set in the center.

Take the pan out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Cut into quarters and serve.

Recipe courtesy of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works.

FLAVOR-INFUSED SALT

1 tsp dried herbs, spices or citrus zest of choice ¼ cup kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt

Basic Infusion Instructions

In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, spices or citrus zest for every ¼ cup of kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt. Stir thoroughly and store the mixture in a sealed, dry, airtight jar. For optimal results, let the flavored salt sit in the closed jar for a few hours before use.

Suggested Combinations and Uses

Create a delicious finishing salt for grilled shrimp, vegan tacos or black bean soup by combining 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest, ½ of a dried hot chili pepper and ¼ cup kosher salt. Sprinkle to taste just before serving.

Enhance fresh blueberries, melon, warm oatmeal or freshly baked brownies with a unique flavor by crushing 1 teaspoon of organic lavender buds in a mortar and pestle until the flowers are bruised and fragrant, then combining them with ¼ cup coarse Himalayan pink salt. Sprinkle to taste immediately before serving.

Make a wonderful cooking salt for roasted vegetables by mixing 1 teaspoon dried rosemary with ¼ cup Celtic gray sea salt. Sprinkle to taste before baking in the oven.

Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.

GenAI/CanvaPro

Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before December 8 (for the January 2026 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.

Monday, December 1

Post-Thanksgiving Pick-Me-Up – 10:30am12pm. Let’s walk around and move our bodies after Thanksgiving with a short hike around Cranberry Lake Preserve. Hiking shoes are recommended. North White Plains. Details: 914-428-1005.

Tuesday, December 2

Tranquility & Candles – 6-7:30pm. Find Tranquility by candlelight. Enjoy a holiday candlelight restorative yoga class accompanied by a live sound bath - deeply relaxing and restoring the nervous system. After class enjoy a holiday mocktail and create a beautiful candle holder to take home.. $45. Tula Yoga for Wellness @ Weil Preserve, 3 Willow Lane, North Salem. Info/register: 914-806-3286. TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Wednesday, December 3

Healing Together: Reiki Circle – 1-2pm. Led by Rebecca Weinstein. A community program for cancer patients and caregivers, featuring calming meditation and a collective reiki session to restore balance, support healing and nurture body, mind and spirit. Free. Yablon Cancer Health & Wellness Program at Northern Westchester Hospital, 400 East Main St., Mt. Kisco. More info: 914-242-8146.

Thursday, December 4

Spiritual Advancement – 2-4pm. Dec. 4, Dec. 11 & Dec. 18. With Psychic Medium, Stacy Schaffer. Expand your awareness and manifest your gifts. Explore consciousness practice from ancient and emergent spiritual techniques. $40. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

NEXT DEADLINE

12/8/25

Four Energy Gates Full Moon Experience –7-8:30pm. Qigong instructor, Beth Anesi, teaches selfcare system to reawaken your body’s healing wisdom with 4 acupressure points and a powerful standing meditation for your core energy foundation. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Friday, December 5

Holiday Fair and Craft Sale – 2-8pm. Celebrate the season at the Fellowship Community’s Hilltop House. Shop a wide array of beautiful handmade gifts, crystals, candles and seasonal delights. Enjoy holiday treats, children’s activities, live music and caroling. Admission is free. 241 Hungry Hollow Rd., Chestnut Ridge. Info: 845-356-8494.

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

Saturday, December 6

Dance Dance Party Party – 7-8pm. Join the worldwide movement of women reclaiming joy on the dance floor. No mirrors, no instructors, no judgment—just low lights, killer tunes and total freedom to move however you want. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Sunday, December 7

Peace & Joy Within: Gentle Yoga and Crystal Healing – 2-3:30pm. With Lynn & Madeline. Find your calm with gentle yoga, guided meditation and crystal healing. Leave feeling grounded, renewed and filled with the light of peace and joy for the season ahead. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Info/register: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Tuesday, December 9

Free Online Lecture: The Nervous System –7-8pm. Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician, will hold a free online lecture, “Eating in Harmony with Nature: Winter – The Nervous System,” through the Pawling Free Library. Held online. Registration required through the library: 845-855-3444 or PawlingFreeLibrary.org.

Wednesday, December 10

Meridian Dance – 4-5pm. Experience your invisible energy through Meridian Dance as you learn the pathways of 12 major meridians to stimulate your qi flow and balance your body and spirit. No dance experience necessary. $20. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Thursday, December 11

An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. With Jessica Lawrence, top Westchester psychic and clairvoyant, leads group reading. Receive loving messages from your guides and ancestors. Bring clarity to your life issues. Limit 12. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Friday, December 12

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

Sound Bath with Reiki Healing – 7-8:30pm. With sound healer Alejandro Fuentes and Jikiden Reiki teacher Anne Bentzen, Experience the power of the 12-12 portal. Experience meditative healing to release stress, stagnated energy and restore inner harmony with reiki. Refresh body, mind and spirit. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Saturday, December 13

Meditation Made Simple – 10am. Join this step-bystep guide to mastering the practice of meditation. This workshop is designed to quiet the mind, reduce stress and help you build a consistent, meaningful daily practice. Healing With Rebecca, 1 Catherine Pl., Katonah. Info/ register: 914-242-8146; HealingWithRebecca.com.

Dragon’s Way Qigong – 10-11am. With qigong instructor, Beth Anesi. Learn 4 introductory qigong movements for better health. $20. (Plus, participants receive 12% discount for 6-wk. series starting Jan. 17th). Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Prenatal Yoga and Wellness Workshop – 11am12pm. Dec. 13 & 27. Sharing circle to connect with other moms to be, prenatal yoga, guided meditation and reiki. $33. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/ register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Sunday, December 14

Release Stress with Energy Healing – 2-3pm. Instructor Penny Lavin from One Light Healing Touch School. Learn self-healing practices, release stress and develop innate healing abilities. Free. Held via Zoom. Register: 845-878-5165; OLHT1.com. Life is a party. Dress like it.

Rest, Revive, Thrive – 3:30-5:30pm. With Kimberly Bonds Grocher. Join this mini-wellness retreat for women who give everything to their loved ones, work and their communities. Tired of feeling disconnected from your body and out of touch with what you truly need. Join us! Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Wednesday, December 17

Sound Healing Journey – 6-7pm. With Ananda Priti. Join us! Experience an autumn evening of deep relaxation, where resonant seasonal sounds invite grounding, release and renewal, helping you connect with nature’s rhythm and ease into a new chapter. $45. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: 845-264-4444; AscendCenter.com.

Thursday, December 18

Relax + Restore: Restorative Yoga – 5:30-7pm. This class celebrates the art of deep relaxation. We will prepare the body with specific poses to open the body and move into a relaxed state. Basic breathwork will be introduced to deepen the meditative practice. $28. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Friday, December 19

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

Magic of the Circle – 7-9pm. Participate in monthly spiritual circle here with like-minded souls for conscious living and personal growth. Sharing, tarot card pulls, meditation. Limit 12. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Saturday, December 20

Winter Sound Bath – 4-5:30pm. Celebrate the winter solstice with an immersive, nature-inspired experience where shimmering tones and deep resonant sounds invite reflection, renewal and a peaceful connection to the season’s shifting light. In-person only. $35. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

Introduction to Forest Therapy – 7-8:30pm. With Valerie Smith LCSW, CFTG. Make a beautiful wreath for the holidays followed by a Tea Ceremony and learn how nature can help you heal. $30. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Sunday, December 21

Winter Solstice Ceremony and Celebration –1-4pm. Anishinaabe medicine man, Bear Walker, leads a traditional Native American Winter Solstice ceremony. Set intentions for what you want to grow into 2026. Bring food offerings to share afterwards. Free. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Saturday, December 27

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Nov. 8 & 29. Come sweat your soul! 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in your body—that ignites creativity, connection, and community. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter. com/events-summary.

Sunday, December 28

DIY Essential Oil, Yoga & Sound Bath Immersion – 3-4:15pm. With Cate Bartilucci & Bob Frye. Bid 2025 farewell. Think of this as a little “tune-up” as you welcome in a new chapter. Explore essential oils and create your own signature blend. Experience a gentle series of movements, ultimately landing in an extended Savasana. Luna Power Yoga, 175 E. Main St., Brewster. Preregistration required: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

DRIFT- An Evening of Deep Rest and Renewal – 5-6:30pm. Restorative Yoga Nidra Mantra Meditation Therapeutic Journaling Healing Frequencies. $44. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Tuesday, December 30

Strength in Motion HYBRID – 9:30am. This class focuses on building strength through yoga poses. Designed for all levels. Meeting your body where it’s at. $20. Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info/register: 914-806-3286. TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Plan Ahead

Friday, December 5

Women’s Happy Hour: Stretch, Sip & Spark Something New – 6:30-8:30pm. Unwind, connect and flow with an all-levels yoga session followed by cocktails, mocktails and meaningful conversation with an inspiring community of women. Beginners welcome. $40. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Mark Your Calendar

Reiki Fusion Training

Coming February 2026

Small Groups & 1:1 Classes

Reiki Fusion is a dynamic combination of energy healing and Shamanic journeying. Become Your Own Healer

Prerequisite

Reiki Master Level

(Attuned by me or others)

Reiki I.II & Master training available.

Cynthia M Chase, LCSW

Reiki Master /Teacher

Contact: 860-395-0284

CynthiaMChase.com

Ongoing Events

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our January edition. Email listings to AdminWakeUpNaturally.com.

Sunday

Yoga Flow – 9:30-10:30am. A 60-min. breathbased flow of yoga postures designed to reduce stress and improve strength and flexibility. All levels are welcome, but participants must be able to get down and up from the floor. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/ text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

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

Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am2pm. Year-round, weather-permitting. Buy local produce, baked goods, organic products, eggs, pickles, cheese and much more 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. Info: HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.

Awareness Through Movement – 11:30am12:30pm. Gentle, verbally guided movement lessons developed as part of the Feldenkrais Method. Participants are led through slow, mindful movement sequences with the goal of increasing body awareness, improving movement efficiency and reducing unnecessary effort or pain. $20. Universal Healing Arts, Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Monday

TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:3010am. 2nd Mon. Holistic practitioner or wellness entrepreneur? Join our vibrant conscious-living community for breakfast! Connect, grow and share your passion. First visit is free as Beth’s guest—then consider becoming a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Barre Sculpt – 9am. A challenging, total-body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

Level 1 Yoga – 9:30am. Discover the foundations of yoga in our Level 1 class, suitable for beginners and those seeking a moderate practice. Explore seated and standing poses, along with Sun A Salutations, to build strength and flexibility. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 – 9:30am. This yoga class offers a flow with modifications shown designed for yogis just starting out. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in, class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Ongoing Events

Yoga for Back Care – 9:30-10:45am. Class designed specifically for back care includes restorative and supported active poses. This slowerpaced class is a good class if you have back pain, injuries or specific individual needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Vinyasa Express with Betsy – 4:30-5:30pm. A practice that harmonizes breath and movement through fluid transitions. This all-level class invites you to explore pranayama, flowing sequences and practices that nurture balance, flexibility and strength, while encouraging serenity in the mind. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/ register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Level 2 Yoga – 5:30pm. Immerse yourself in a combination of seated and standing poses along with the invigorating sequences. Deepen your practice, challenging you with more advanced postures while maintaining a mindful and balanced approach. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

POWER – 6-7pm. A dynamic, Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. This class allows participants to challenge themselves through movement geared towards enhancing strength and endurance via vigorous flows. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Tuesday

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class with Meditation – 9:30am. The yoga flow will have modifications shown. This class starts and ends with special meditation segments; designed for people new to meditation. All classes are an hour long. $20 Drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Strength in Motion – 9:30am. All levels class. Warm up the body with an add-on of light weights to tone and strengthen. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Candlelight Yin-Soothe & Stretch – 5:30-6:30pm. You will be guided through a series of seated or supine postures in a calming candle lit background. Each pose is held for about 3-6 minutes while Allie uses the healing energies of various soothing instruments to enhance your experience. $22. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Restore – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the transformative power of gentle yoga and an extended savasana by candlelight. Designed for all-levels, this class will close out a long day, loosen up tightness within and melt away stress. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Yoga and Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. This Level I-II class is a combination of gentle movements, Vinyasa flow and meditation. Focusing on breathwork, building strength and flexibility. No experience needed. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-2166810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Wednesday

TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco –8:30-10am. 3rd Wednesday. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Level 1 Iyengar Yoga – 9am. This class builds on Iyengar yoga fundamentals with standing poses, including lateral, forward bends and twists to enhance strength, balance and flexibility. Perfect for beginners. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands-on adjustments—designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—to cultivate balance, flexibility strength and a centered, peaceful state of mind. $20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: 917-721-2529; ZenGardenYoga.net.

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (With Modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Gentle Yoga – 10am. Gentle Yoga Flow combines a relaxing stretch and restorative poses with mindfulness for a calm body and mind. $20 or discounted class card options. Expression Dance & Wellness Center, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

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

Qigong – 11:30am-12:30pm. Qigong (chi kung) is a gentle yet powerful Chinese medicine practice combining breath and movement to restore balance, enhance vitality, and unite mind, body and soul—suitable for all ages.$20. Lifestyle Fitness & Yoga, 35 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie. Info/register: Lorraine Hughes, 845-416-4598.

Flow – 6-7pm. A Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. Flow through a series of movements designed to center and ground, with an emphasis on flexibility, mobility, and strength. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening –6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday monthly. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Thursday

Rise – 7-8am. Awaken your body and set a positive tone for your day with this gentler Vinyasa-based class with a focus on grounding, flexibility, and creating space. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

TLC Networking Breakfast in Rye – 8:30-10am. Last Thursday monthly. Join us for breakfast! We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (With Modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 dropin. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Slow Flow Yoga with Lucia Rich – 9:45-11am. This class blends meditation and mindful movement to reflect seasonal shifts, reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing energy, organ balance, and joint mobility through Yin and Yang-inspired yoga. $25 drop-in. Class cards available. All Saints’ Artist Collective, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Info/ register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.

Adult Intermediate Ballet – 10:30am-12pm. Mimi Wallace teaches this invigorating and fun class. Wear comfortable clothing and canvas slippers (leather slippers, jazz shoes and thick socks work too). $25. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: UnionHallOnline.com.

The most precious thing I have to give is my time.

—Silvia Hartmann

Chair Yoga/Balance – 12:30-1:30pm. A gentle, breath-based flow designed to Increase flexibility and joint mobility, reduces stress and improves balance. Includes standing and seated exercises. Inperson/via Zoom. $23 preregistration; $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-2166810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Weekly Meditation Practice – 4:30-5:30pm. With Fernando Camacho, MD and Maeve Eng-Wong, LCSW, RYT. Explore various meditative practices to enhance your spiritual path. A short discussion follows the meditation. Free will offering. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Preregistration requested: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.

Power – 5-6pm. A dynamic, Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. This class allows participants to challenge themselves through movement geared towards enhancing strength and endurance via vigorous flows. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

Level 1 Yoga – 5:30pm. Discover the foundations of yoga through seated and standing poses along with Sun A Salutations. Suitable for beginners, this class helps build strength, flexibility and confidence on the mat. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Barre Pilates Blend Class – 6-7pm. Combining ballet-inspired movements with Pilates alignment principles, this class incorporates light resistance with high repetition moves that challenge strength, coordination and balance. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/ text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Balanced Rock Zen – 6:30-8:30pm. MeditationMindfulness-Zen in the Korean Seon tradition. Beginning and experienced practitioners are welcome. $15 suggested donation. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: 646-483-8246.

Radiant Flow with Rajni – 7pm. A rhythmic Vinyasa class geared to inspire your most radiant self. This evening practice includes some heat building sequences designed to build inner stability and clarity. All levels are welcome. Some yoga experience is helpful. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.

Friday

Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands-on adjustments—designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—to cultivate balance, flexibility, strength, and a centered, peaceful state of mind. $20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/ register: 917-721-2529; ZenGardenYoga.net.

See the INTUITIVE & HEALING ARTS on page 10.

Mom and Baby Bonding Through Yoga –11am-12pm. This yoga class supports postpartum moms and babies (ages 6 weeks to pre-crawling) with gentle movement, infant bonding and community—honoring both your recovery and your baby’s early development. $30. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-7210546; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Overnight Healing Retreat in the Energy Enhancement System – 8:45pm-6:30am. Experience deep healing as scalar energy frequencies rejuvenate your cells and spirit while you sleep. Bring sheets, pillow, blanket, water and any comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving.com.

Saturday

Barre Power – 8:15am. Barre, RedTail-style: high-intensity movement meets deep muscle activation, functional strength, and expert sequencing. No ballet needed—just come ready to move with intention, precision, and power. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.

Barre Sculpt – 8:45am. A challenging, total-body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.

Level 1 Yoga – 9am. Discover the foundations of yoga through seated and standing poses along with Sun A Salutations. Suitable for beginners, this class helps build strength, flexibility and confidence on the mat. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.

Intermediate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:15-10:30am. With Kathleen Hinge. For more experienced practitioners who desire more of a challenge. Be guided through more advanced postures, and invited to hold poses longer and explore personal variations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.

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

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

See the YOGA, PILATES, FITNESS NETWORK on page 19.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga – 11am. Vinyasa Flow Yoga for a relaxing and somatic stretch to calm the body and mind. $20 or discounted class card options. Expression Dance & Wellness Center, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.

Belly Dance & Multi-Cultural Dance – 12:15pm. Moms, daughters and seniors. Get fit, have fun and make friends while learning dance from around the world! Arabic Pop, Latin, Jazz. Bollywood, Turkish, Shakira routines and more. $20 cash, drop-in. The Dance Conservatory, 2050 E. Main St. (Rte. 6), Cortland Manor. Info/register: Sarah Bell, 914874-4541; Facebook.com/DanceWSarah.

Gentle Hatha Yoga – 12:30pm. A yoga style based in Kripalu tradition, focusing on yoga postures, mindful awareness and self-care. Breathing techniques and meditation will be explored as well! Suitable for all levels! $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.

Classifieds

List Your Classified Here: Email Erica@ WakeUpNaturally.com to place your listing.

Donations

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

Grow Your Business

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let us connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 914-2937410 or email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com.

Volunteers

JOIN STRAY HELP’S TEAM of dedicated cat rescuers. Work directly with cats or help “behind the scenes”. Let’s save lives together. Visit StrayHelp.org/volunteer.

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

Accounting/Tax Services

STERNBACH & ROSE, CPAS

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

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

Acupuncture

SEARCHLIGHT MEDICAL

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

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being.

Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 7.

Addiction Cessation

QUIT WITH QUINN

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

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. All natural, energetic healing programs with 90% success rate. See ad, page 9.

Alternative Healing

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

Dr. Michelle Adams, Owner & Natural Health Practitioner 7 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills • 914-218-3428 QuantumHealingAndWellnesspma.com

Dr. Adams, Natural Health Practitioner, offers AO Scan, revealing imbalances in 12 body systems, along with EESystem™ and other holistic therapies and technologies. Experience advanced energy healing, detox and cellular regeneration to restore balance and optimize wellness. Empower your body’s natural ability to heal! See ad, page 13.

Ayurveda

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village

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

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: M-F. See ad, page 13.

Behavioral Optometry

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

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

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

CBD Wellness Center

HUDSON VALLEY HEMP CO

888 Rte. 6, Mahopac 845-442-3346 • HudsonValleyHemp.com

Hudson Valley Hemp, in Mahopac, offers wellness services like soothing massages and facials, enhanced with cannabis-infused products. Explore our extensive line of premium hemp products designed to promote relaxation, healing and overall wellbeing for a truly revitalizing experience.

Chiropractic

DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT 8 Bacon Pl., Yonkers 914-523-7947

Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

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

Craniosacral Therapy

JOY MATALON, LMT, CST

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

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

Detoxification

N'LIGHTEN SAUNA STUDIO

157 Southside Ave., Hastings on Hudson By appointment: 914-222-0539

NLightenInfraredSauna.com

Infrared Sauna Therapy heats up the body directly rather than just heating the air. It raises the core body temperature and produces a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level where most toxins are stored. Get Hot! Get Healthy! Get Happy! See ad, page 16.

Eastern Healing Arts

FIVE LIGHTS CENTER

220 W. 93rd St., NYC

Demo & Classes in Purchase 917-721-0823 • FiveLightsCenter.com

Intuitive Shiatsu facilitates mental wellness; relieves muscular and joint pain; reverses low energy and treats chronic conditions. Here at Five Lights Center—the longest-running accredited Japanese Shiatsu center in America—we invite you to leave the chaos of the world out there. Together, we bring you back to balance.

Education

BLUE ROCK SCHOOL

West Nyack  Admissions@BlueRockSchool.org BlueRockSchool.org

With our progressive approach to education, Blue Rock School has been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. Our hands-on curriculum, from kindergarten through eighth grade, nurtures children’s love of learning and prepares them for a changing world.

Energy Healer

ANN KORONOWSKI

Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner By online appointment/ Schenectady AnnEnergyHealer.com

Allow me to access your soul’s divine blueprint through your Akashic Record to discover your true gifts and why your current patterns of choice may not be in alignment with your soul’s intentions. Learn  actionable steps to create the life your soul intended. Other services: energy healer, psychic readings.

Energy Healing

ANNE H. BENTZEN

495 Main St., Ste. 205, 2nd Fl., Armonk 914-588-4079 • Balancing4Life.com

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

Experiential Transformation

RON BAKER

Bioenergetics Therapist

Virtual or In-Person in Woodstock RonBakerEAL@gmail.com • RonBaker.net

Are you stuck going through the motions? Are you ready to access your potential and make more powerful choices for you? With 25 years of experience guiding thousands worldwide, I look forward to sharing this unique and powerful approach to personal transformation with you. Email to set up your free, 15min. phone consultation!

Hair Salon

FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS

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

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

Herbal Medicine

LORRAINE HUGHES

Registered Herbalist (AHG) 263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl. Wappingers Falls

LorraineHughes54@gmail.com 845-416-4598 • EmpoweredByNature.net

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

Herbalist

TARA GREGORIO LLC

Virtual Sessions & Online Courses Hello@TaraGregorio.com

TaraGregorio.com

Certified Herbalist Tara Gregorio helps women—postpartum and beyond—heal naturally with Western and Ayurvedic herbs, functional medicine, and Gerson protocols. Get personalized, breastfeeding-safe support. Book a free consultation today!

Holistic Dentist

DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND

Yorktown Heights 914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com

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

See the FOODIE GUIDE on page 21.

Holistic Wellness

THE DANCING WEB

Nada Khodlova, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT

By Appt in Fishkill & Beacon 646-633-8052 • TheDancingWeb.com

The Dancing Web invites you to explore whole healing through body, mind, spirit and earth practices. Services include individual Dance/Movement Psychotherapy, Herbal remedies, Sacred Circle Dance, Women's and Girls Groups. Discover freedom in your body, joyful connection, embodied community and Earth’s medicine. Be seen, heard and understood.

Integrative Optometry

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker

Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman

Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami

Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh

Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee 6515 Main St., Trumbull, CT • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd., Southport, CT • 203-255-4005 992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford, CT • 203-357-0204 572 US-6, Mahopac • 845-628-3750 103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco • 914-241-2020

CTNYEyecare.com

Naturopathic Doctor

DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Yellow Monkey Village

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

Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: Monday-Friday. See ad, page 13.

Reflexology

LORRAINE HUGHES

ARCB Certified Reflexologist 263 New Hackensack Rd., 2nd Fl. Wappingers Falls • 845-416-4598 LorraineHughes54@gmail.com EmpoweredByNature.net

Spiritual Healing Teaching

BE THE MEDICINE

Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com

Remote mentoring healersteachers-therapists, spiritual seekers, Catskill retreats, trainings, classes, profound healing, clearing, reiki, Shamanic Intuitive Energy Sessions. Soul Retrievals. Past, Ancestral, current life healing. Business, home, land clearings. Get unstuck. Discover purpose. 33 years experience. Shaman, Master Healer-Teacher, Sage, Astrologer.

Support Group

SUPPORT

CONNECTION

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services

914-962-6402 • 800-532-4290

SupportConnection.org

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

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

Reiki

REIKI CLASSES

Cynthia M. Chase, LCSW, Reiki Master 860-395-0284 • CynthiaMChase@gmail.com CynthiaMChase.com

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today. Visit our website at: WakeUpNaturally.com/Offers

Or scan the QR code with your phone camera!

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

Retreats

YOGA IN THE ADIRONDACKS

(YITA) at The Divine Acres

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

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

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions

203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

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

Veterinary Hospital

EARTH ANGELS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

EarthAngelsVet.com

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

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

for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.

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

• 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

In this season of reflection and waiting during Advent, Mariandale offers a variety of programs and events to help you embrace the holiday season with peace, serenity, and wisdom.

ADVENT TAIZE PRAYER SERVICE

Center at Mariandale staff & Anne Holland, singer, song writer, and church musician

Thursday, Dec. 11, 5:30pm (On Site and Live Streamed)

Celebrate this sacred tradition, Advent Taize Prayer, in the Chapel at Mariandale. This sacred candlelight service includes beautiful, seasonal chants and the reading of a psalm and gospel passage, followed by a generous time of silence for personal reflection. We end with intercessions for personal, local, and global needs. It will also be livestreamed.

WEEKLY MEDITATION PRACTICE

With Fernando Camacho & Maeve Eng-Wong (On Site)

Thursdays, 4:30pm, December 4, 11, 18

Join us in the newly heated chapel! Are you seeking a contemplative community? This weekly gathering explores various meditative practices to enhance our spiritual paths. The only requirement is a yearning for a contemplative community.

MARY OF NAZARETH: TRULY OUR SISTER

With Sister Peggy Murphy, OP (On Site) Wednesday, Dec. 17, 9:30am to 3:30pm (Lunch included)

Join us during Advent for a day of prayer and recollection that will focus on Mary of Nazareth, the first disciple of Christianity and a female model of trust and courage in living dialogue with God on our spiritual journey.

A luncheon is included in this special program.

THE LONGEST NIGHT: A Winter Solstice Celebration Center at Mariandale & Dominican Sisters of Hope staff Sunday, December 21 from 3 to 5pm

Observe the Winter Solstice at Mariandale, as we transition from the days of “longest darkness” and celebrate the return of light. We’ll gather indoors for family-friendly crafting, refreshments, and reflection on the ancient origins of our Christmas traditions. Weather permitting, we’ll end our time together outdoors with a candlelit labyrinth walk, setting intentions for our own lives and the life of the world.