tag:www.naturalawakenings.com,2005:/categories/inspiration?page=2Inspiration Inspiration | Natural Awakenings Magazine Page 2Healthy Living Healthy Planet2023-09-05T12:11:45-04:00urn:uuid:ceb6a68d-28dc-49f8-bddb-18a1efc43ec62023-07-17T20:21:10-04:002023-09-05T12:11:45-04:00Lifelong Learning: Benefits of Being the Forever Student2023-07-31 09:30:00 -0400Linda Sechrist<p>It’s never too late to take an evening drawing class at the local high school, learn a language with the help of an app or get one-on-one tutoring from a piano instructor. Adults of any age can find personal and professional benefits when they engage in what is termed “lifelong learning”. It is a great way to spice up retirement, acquire skills for a coveted promotion, master new technology, express creativity or simply keep the mind sharp. Lifelong learners are generally curious, self-motivated and passionate individuals. Their continuing educational pursuits can lead to mental and emotional benefits, including healthier, more fulfilling lives. <br></p><p><br></p><p><b>Brain Benefits</b></p><p><br></p><p>In a study published in the journal <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/home/pss" target="_blank">Psychological Science</a> involving 200 seniors, neuroscientists at the Center for Vital Longevity at The University of Texas at Dallas found that sustained engagement in cognitively demanding, novel activities—such as learning digital photography or quilting—significantly enhanced memory function in older adults. The researchers were surprised to discover that the control group, which engaged in fun, social activities without learning a new skill, did not perform as well in memory tests.</p><p><br></p><p>In a report published in the journal <i>Neurology, </i>Dr. Keith Johnson from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School found that people engaged in higher levels of intellectual stimulation throughout their lives can delay the onset of memory problems and other symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, although it does not represent a cure for the illness.</p><p><br></p><p>The mind is a use-it-or-lose-it tool, says <a href="https://www.lisevansusteren.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Lise Van Susteren</a>, a general and forensic psychiatrist in Washington, D.C. “What better way to use our short-term and long-term memory than to engage in lifelong learning? The older we get, the less likely we are to exercise short-term memory. We program our phones with numbers we call regularly. We store passwords and usernames in our computers and never attempt to memorize credit card numbers,” she explains. “We’re not using our brains enough, leaving us open to being replaced by AI [artificial intelligence]. The brain is a muscle to be exercised regularly or like a car that you must keep tuned up.”</p><p><br></p><p>Susteren points to a five-year study of London taxi drivers, which found that the hippocampus, a part of the brain that is crucial for long-term memory and spatial navigation, was larger than average in the brains of these cabbies. What's more, the neuroscientists at University College London were able to show through magnetic resonance imaging that this gray-matter growth occurred over a four-year period after the drivers had memorized an intricate network of 25,000 streets and thousands of routes to tourist attractions and city hotspots. According to Van Susteren, this study suggests that intensive learning can spur the brain to grow over time.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Making Every Day Count</b><br></p><p>Ingrid Bianca Byerly, a Duke University educator and world traveler, describes lifelong learners as audacious, curious and fun-loving people that passionately seize the day. In a TEDx StGeorge talk entitled “The New Fountain of Youth: Lifelong Learning”, she recounts the invigorating experience of being on the faculty of three Semester at Sea voyages, where she taught adults world music and global advocacy for humanitarian causes while visiting exotic ports of call. </p><p><br></p><p>“Entering college, you’re asking yourself, ‘What am I going to do for a job and a paycheck,’ and at retirement, you’re asking, ‘What is my purpose, and what am I going to do with the rest of my life for my personal fulfillment and enrichment?’” Byerly admires lifelong learners for pursuing life goals, learning to play musical instruments, taking art classes, climbing mountains and writing memoirs, and surmises that the secret to staying young and keeping the mind vibrantly alive is adult education.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Life-Altering Pursuits</b></p><p><br></p><p>For some lifelong learners, seeking new opportunities and embracing change are compelling motivators. Take Maia Toll, for example. In 2006, she followed a whim to study herbalism with a traditional healer in Ireland. For the elementary school teacher living in Beacon, New York, botanical herbs had only been a hobby up to that point.</p><p><br></p><p>“Apprenticing with Eleanor changed everything,” she says of her experience with her Irish-based mentor. “I had the space in my life and money from selling my house. Three months turned into nearly a year, and upon returning home, I continued studying for four more years.”</p><p><br></p><p>Toll left her teaching career to become a full-time herbalist and is now the co-owner of a shop called Herbiary, with locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Asheville, North Carolina, where she lives. She has taught herbalism at West Chester University in their School of Public Health, led a study program in the Amazon rainforest and written several books, including her latest, <i>Letting Magic In. </i>As she explains it,<i> “</i>Lifelong learning can change your life at any age.”</p><p><br></p><p><b>A Greater Commitment to Learning</b></p><p><br></p><p>For more than 40 years, Jim Walker was a college educator and administrator for schools in Los Angeles before retiring in 2003. He recalls teaching a labor law class as an adjunct instructor for Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, and estimates that about 80 percent of his students were lifelong learners, which he defines as adults between the ages of 30 and 45 that were interested in the subject matter for personal or professional reasons rather than satisfying a requirement for a college degree. </p><p><br></p><p>“It was obvious to me that these lifelong learners were more dedicated students than college students. They were like sponges and wanted to absorb everything. Occasionally during classes, it was the lifelong learners that were on their phones googling the subject and updating my facts,” says Walker, who admits that when he had more free time in retirement, he enrolled in meteorology and astrology courses to satisfy longstanding interests of his own.</p><p><br></p><p><b>The Joy of Achieving Milestones</b></p><p><br></p><p>In love with learning and the sense of accomplishment she feels whenever she masters a subject, Doreen DeStefano, of Root Causes Holistic Health & Medicine, in Fort Myers, Florida, has been earning degrees since 1987. She holds bachelor’s degrees in nursing and exercise physiology, master's degrees in criminology and public business administration, and a doctorate in natural health. “In medicine there is always something new to learn,” she says. “I think that’s why I chose this field. It's fun to learn the latest thing.” </p><p><br></p><h2><b>Resources</b></h2><p>There are numerous opportunities for learning, in person and online.<br></p><p><br></p><p><b>In-Person Classes</b></p><p><b></b></p><ul><li>For people that work full time, many cities offer evening classes at a high school, college or civic center on a wide range of subjects. </li><li>Museums and art institutions commonly host demonstrations and in-depth instruction by local artists. </li><li>A neighborhood music store can lead to connections with musicians that tutor burgeoning rock stars. </li><li>For those harboring thespian aspirations, a hometown improv group or regional theater may be holding auditions or offering acting classes. </li><li>Dance studios help people step up their ballroom dance skills. </li><li>Contact a chef or visit a kitchen supply store for cooking lessons. </li><li>A nearby botanical garden or gardening shop may offer how-to classes for growing native or pollinator plants. </li><li>Pick up sewing tips at the fabric store. </li><li>If a class is not offered, create a study group that meets at a cafe or park to learn together. </li></ul><p><br></p><p><b>Online Lessons</b></p><ul><li>To become proficient in a new language, check out apps like <a href="http://www.RosettaStone.com" target="_blank">RosettaStone.com</a> and <a href="http://www.Duolingo.com" target="_blank">Duolingo.com</a>.<b> </b></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.YouTube.com" target="_blank">YouTube.com</a> is an endless source for instructional videos of every variety. </li></ul><ul><li>Visit <a href="http://www.Ted.com" target="_blank">Ted.com</a> for informative and inspiring TED talks by global experts in their respective fields. </li></ul><ul><li>For students that wish to learn while taking nature walks, a vast world of podcasts awaits. </li></ul><ul><li>For transformational learning, try <i><a href="http://www.MindValley.com" target="_blank">MindValley.com</a>,</i> <i><a href="http://www.UbiquityUniversity.org" target="_blank">UbiquityUniversity.org</a>,</i> and <i><a href="http://www.Gaia.org" target="_blank">Gaia.org</a>.</i></li></ul><ul><li><a href="http://www.Coursera.org" target="_blank">Coursera.org</a> offers many streaming courses, documentaries and films.</li></ul><ul><li>Auditing university classes at prestigious, world-class schools is just a click away. Visit these popular sites, many of which offer courses for free: Harvard University (<i><a href="http://www.pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free" target="_blank">pll.harvard.edu/catalog/free</a>), </i>Stanford University<i> (<a href="http://www.Online.Stanford.edu/free-courses" target="_blank">Online.Stanford.edu/free-courses</a>), EdX (<a href="http://www.EdX.org" target="_blank">EdX.org</a>) </i>and<i> </i>The Open University<i> (<a href="http://www.Open.edu" target="_blank">Open.edu</a>). </i></li></ul><p><br><i></i></p><p><br></p><p><i>Linda Sechrist has been a contributing writer to </i>Natural Awakenings<i> publications for 20 years.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:fc0a70ca-1d7b-4430-b37b-0a49da22a0932023-06-16T18:10:14-04:002023-07-31T12:05:33-04:00The Sweet Tapestry of Summer2023-06-30 09:30:00 -0400Marlaina Donato <p>July is a heady mix of peak temperatures, sustenance from the soil and inspired invitations to make lasting memories. For gardeners, it is a lilting time of fruition in between rounds of hard work when one’s efforts can be harvested, eaten and appreciated. Summer’s apex brings wildflower tapestries woven with cricket-song and evenings punctuated by rolling thunderstorms, but it also can be a time for us to take a deep dive into the miracle of interconnectedness.</p><p><br></p><p>Visiting the local farmers market is an opportunity to be mindful of all that goes into our shopping bags and bellies: rain, sunlight, nitrogen-rich snowmelt and the vital fertility of topsoil. We can see everyday people in a different light, especially Earth-conscious farmers who choose to be birthing partners of the land. </p><p><br></p><p>Taking a walk outside can remind us that no life would be possible without the near-magical, unseen mycelium network beneath our footsteps. Summer’s delicate balance of elements ensures abundance, and we have a sacred opportunity to be part of that equilibrium. Each of us is a link in the chain of humans co-creating within the symbiosis of all other living things. Will we take away from this balance or add to it?</p><p><br></p><p>Adding to it does not require hours of time or money, but the motivation to make simple decisions for the greater good such as leaving part of the lawn to grow for the winged ones or choosing an eco-friendly refillable water bottle over single-use plastic. Showing a child how to keep a nature journal can foster lifelong connections with the Earth.</p><p><br></p><p>We do our part when we joyfully become part of the landscape—witnessing, observing and allowing nature to go about her business. Making time for languid appreciation contributes to self-nourishment, something that is also vital to the whole. How many avian voices can you hear at sunset? How many colors can you find in a changing mural of clouds? The season of plenty offers a harvest of beauty.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, visionary painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d35b11ae-e34f-4559-af52-b61056c838cc2023-05-15T20:07:33-04:002023-08-09T23:31:17-04:00Barefoot Blessings: Basking in the Soul of Summer 2023-05-31 09:30:00 -0400Marlaina Donato<p>Summer is a splashy reward after winter wears out its welcome. Spring barely has time to shake blossoms from her hair before we plunge headfirst into summer plans: vacations, barbecues and home improvement. As birds and humans go about their inspired tasks, bees and butterflies dive into their own nectarous agenda. There is no arguing that we all wake up feeling a little bit younger as the days burn longer.<br></p><p><br></p><p>Pulling weeds from the garden, deadheading the zinnias, digging our toes into wet sand and picking up sustenance at the local farmers market bring us back to our primal rhythm. We are more inclined to throw our cares to the wind and lean out of life’s open car window on the way to nowhere in particular. We do not need a plane ticket to exotic shores to find our bliss, only curiosity to explore our own backyards and fall in love with our familiar, well-worn lives.</p><p><br></p><p>Timed perfectly, each blossom on the wayside and in the fields has its own hour and medicine. Wildflower wisdom teaches us that we, too, can flourish on seemingly impossible terrain despite fierce opposition from those who do not recognize our value. The blessing of birdsong reminds us that our own survival game can be equally as beautiful when we embody our unique soul-note. Getting up a little earlier can lower our risk of depression and give us a front-row seat to the dew-covered world. </p><p><br></p><p>June beckons us to light an outdoor fire on the solstice and watch fireflies fall in love in light codes. At full power, the sun represents the sacred masculine and nature’s resurrection. We are invited to dance with the Green Man, Europe’s ancient symbol of rebirth peering from dappled forests and over church doorways. We are invited to schedule some actual repose into our vacations, even if we just take a holiday at home with a good book under a breezy tree. We are invited to live.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:0998e1ec-62ff-4c11-bbf1-2045e7a0d8582023-04-18T21:46:47-04:002023-06-01T14:08:54-04:00The Divine Messiness of Motherhood2023-04-28 09:30:00 -0400Marlaina Donato<p>The pitter-patter of little feet is one of life’s most beautiful blessings, but motherhood has always been a challenging role. In today’s world, the calling is more complicated than ever, and the average Mama Bear has a lot on her many plates. Despite support systems, juggling it all is often an obstacle course moms navigate behind closed doors. </p><p><br></p><p>It’s okay to not be okay. Society tends to impose unnecessary guilt upon mothers for voicing what most parents feel at one time or another. Feelings are human, and so too is being overwhelmed. Self-care enables us to nurture others, and it begins by being gentle with ourselves as we weave a tapestry of work, soccer games, homework and bedtime baths. Even when the threads are haphazard and tangled, it is healing to surrender to the realization that sometimes we cannot do it all, and it is not a sign of failure. Showing only the good days on social media or going on autopilot can add pressure, instead of peace.</p><p><br></p><p>“There’s no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one,” says author Jill Churchill. Being a good mother begins by being good to ourselves, and it doesn’t require a miracle to make it happen. A few minor routine adjustments can renew sanity and energy:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Take one minute to run comfortably hot water over your hands and relax into the stream. Hot water helps the body release dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing joyful feelings, lessening pain and lifting anxiety.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Instead of scrolling through social media, take 10 or 15 minutes to do nothing. Lie down on the floor, close your eyes and just breathe. Surrender completely to letting go; begin by relaxing facial muscles and work your way down to your toes. </li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Play a favorite song and dance with your kids.</li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li>Avoid over-scheduling and “shoulds”.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><i></i><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:7bc1a593-68ea-41e3-b32f-8186643a3d9d2023-03-17T14:26:41-04:002023-04-30T21:18:59-04:00The Earth as Muse: Inspiration Meets Conservation2023-03-31 09:30:00 -0400Marlaina Donato<p>The Earth is both our mother and our muse, sustaining our lives and blessing us with beauty when we make time to notice her perpetual creative forces. She has long inspired expressive souls of all disciplines, but some of our modern innovators are merging talent with the urgent need to minimize toxic impact. This eco-vision has resulted in some awe-inspiring efforts. <br></p><p><br></p><p>In an awareness-based art installation he calls Ice Watch, Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson collected 30 blocks of glacial ice found free-floating near Greenland and placed them in public settings across London where passersby could observe them melting. </p><p><br></p><p>Artists John Dahlsen and Rox De Luca spotlight the plastic waste catastrophe in their sculptures and paintings by using debris washed up on the shores of Australia’s beaches. Their sculptural assemblages hang from ceilings and criss-cross walls, driving home the prediction by the <a href="https://www.weforum.org/?src=DAG_2&gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0B9ETX7C7D_woS_fglxw_iSTrkq8i96Qpn66KzC5Hl37orq5aIJkYgaAja0EALw_wcB" target="_blank">World Economic Forum</a> that by 2050 our precious oceans will be more crowded with plastic than marine life. </p><p><br></p><p>When creating our own art, we can join these stirring visionaries by minimizing toxic impacts.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Buy Earth-friendly art supplies for the kids</b>. The common crayon contains chemicals like formaldehyde and asbestos, which are harmful to humans and the planet. Opt for biodegradable glitter, non-toxic modeling clays and recycled paper. For more sustainable supply ideas, visit <a target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/EcoArtSupplies</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Get creative with single-use trash items</b>. Paper towel cardboard rolls, plastic shopping bags, bottles, straws and cutlery can be turned into fun projects for kids, teens and adults. Whimsical mobiles, sculptures and magical miniature cities are just a few ideas to conjure while contributing to Earth Day every day. For more ideas, visit <a href="http://www.Tinyurl.com/SingleUseTrashToArt" target="_blank">Tinyurl.com/SingleUseTrashToArt</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Inspire environmentalism by choosing art implements that celebrate nature. </b>Consider using alternatives to toxic solvents, pigments and varnishes. Look for sustainable brushes made from bamboo or corn and easels fashioned from eucalyptus wood.</p><p><br></p><p><i>Marlaina Donato is a visionary painter who hosts art exhibits for community healing. She is also an author and composer. Connect at </i><a href="http://www.WildFlowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildFlowerLady.com</a><i>.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:e398a097-846f-4b46-9120-c1c3ea5cf5102023-03-17T16:24:32-04:002023-04-28T09:41:11-04:00Earth Day 2023: Investing In Our Planet2023-03-31 09:30:00 -0400Sandra Yeyati<div>
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<p><span>This year’s Earth Day theme—Invest in Our
Planet—reminds us that it is not enough to merely<br>
celebrate our ancestral home for one day. We are called upon to dedicate our time, money and
talents year-round to ensure a sustaining and just world for generations to come. The motto also calls
attention to the economic realities
and opportunities of the climate crisis. It is no wonder that </span><a href="http://www.EarthDay.org" target="_blank">EarthDay.org</a>,
the global organizer of this annual
event, decided to keep the same
theme as last year, thus underscoring a continuing need to bring global
economies together in harmony with
the environment.
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<p>“In 2023, we must come together
again in partnership for the planet.
Businesses, governments and civil
society are equally responsible for
taking action against the climate crisis and
lighting the spark to accelerate change
towards a green, prosperous and
equitable future. We must join together in
our fight for the green revolution, and for the health of future genera-
tions. The time is now to invest in our
planet,” advises EarthDay.org President Kathleen Rogers.</p><div><div><div><div>
<p>Surmounting the climate crisis is
within reach if we all take action. The
time is right for innovators to bring
planet-saving ideas to market, and
for consumers to stop supporting
brands that are socially and environmentally irresponsible—instead,
spending money with businesses that
take the Earth’s future seriously. </p><p>In the voting booth, citizens have
the power to elect leaders that will
help build a green economy through regulations, incentives and partner-
ships with the private sector. We can
press our congressional representatives to support clean energy jobs and
move away from the doomed fossil
fuel economy.</p><p>
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<p>There are many ways to make a difference in our daily lives, too. We can
eat sustainable foods, pick up trash
while on a run, participate in beach
cleanups, reduce our use of plastic,
write our representative, switch to
solar power, take reusable bags to
the grocery store, drive an electric
vehicle, compost, go pesticide-free,
plant a pollinator garden, support
local farmers, eat less meat, purchase
secondhand clothing, use environmentally friendly cleaning products,
turn off lights when not in use, take
shorter showers and so much more.
Learn about all of the ways to make a
difference at <a href="http://www.EarthDay.org" target="_blank">EarthDay.org</a>. </p><p>
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<p>This year, join one of the empowering events and
meet planet-loving people that are
ready to push up their sleeves, vote
with their pocketbooks and dedicate
their time to a healthy, equitable and
prosperous future on Earth. </p><p><br></p><h3><b>Here are a few Earth Day (Saturday, April 22 2023) Online Event Options:</b></h3><br><br><br><strong>How Certified Organic Beauty & Wellbeing Businesses Invest in our Planet</strong><br><a href="https://www.crowdcast.io/e/earthdayorganicbeautyandwellbeing/register " target="_blank">For More Information Click Here</a><br><br><br><strong>Reef Dwellers Art Show by Selva Ozelli<br></strong><a href="https://ubiverse.org/posts/an-art-show-for-world-wetlands-earth-day-by-selva-ozelli " target="_blank">Click Here for More Information</a><br><br><br><strong>Sustainability Partnerships - Invest in Green Innovation in the NHS<br></strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/earth-day-invest-in-green-innovation-tickets-293983631957 " target="_blank">Click Here for More Information</a><br><br><br><strong>KadaHive Earth Arts' Festival</strong><br><a href="https://kadahivehub.com/programmes-events/ " target="_blank">Click Here for More Information</a><br><br><br><strong>Ocean Love NO Plastic NO Waste<br></strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/caribwishfoundation https://www.instagram.com/caribwishfoundation/ " target="_blank">Click Here for More Information</a><br><br><br><strong>Captain A TV’s 2022 Virtual Earth Day Event<br></strong><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtd-msrj4vE9QXHvydzBSP02b7aJR8FD_T " target="_blank">Click Here for More Information</a><br><br><br><br><br>
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</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:aa13e853-1f15-4d0d-a837-5bf63d9e49002023-02-16T14:15:41-05:002023-04-04T16:19:15-04:00 The Cellular Magic of Compassion2023-02-27 09:30:00 -0500Marlaina Donato<div>
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<p>Dropping off a homemade treat on a neighbor’s porch or going out of our way
for a stranger can make the recipient’s day, but the giver also gets a boost.
Thanks to a scientifically proven cascade of feel-good chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine, performing regular acts of kindness forges new neural pathways in the brain, amping up our cognitive ability while reducing symptoms of anxiety
and depression.</p>
<p>The “helper’s high” is as real as the runner’s high and, according to sources cited by
the <a href="https://kindspring.servicespace.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAxbefBhDfARIsAL4XLRo788anYbIsxL5vYVJ6S2WHiD4sSiFOKRSHIY7D8Pb2PrdDH3f1oC0aAmuUEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Random Acts of Kindness Foundation</a>, neurotransmitters stimulated by compassion have a stronger influence on health and longevity than exercise and other positive
lifestyle factors.
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<p>Studies show that practicing kindness for just seven days increases happiness, but
the magic is ephemeral. Oxytocin, the “love chemical” that bonds humans to each
other, floods the bloodstream for only four minutes after a positive interaction, which
means the more doors we hold for each other and the more we offer small soul-gifts to
others, the more we train our brains to be happier and our bodies to be less sensitive to
chronic pain patterns.
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<p>Of course, giving must be counterbalanced with a healthy ratio of receiving. Expressing compassion to ourselves is equally as important and effective. Including the self is paramount in purposeful generosity. Allowing ourselves the full range of human
emotions without judgement, giving our bodies that much-needed extra hour of sleep,
buying fresh flowers for our office and crediting ourselves for daily accomplishments
are all easy ways to turn on endorphins.
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<p>The more joyful we can be in our own skins, the more likely we are to beam that joy out into the world. Being both giver and receiver to ourselves blesses us with an
understanding of why expressing benevolence is vital to the planet. “The more you are
motivated by love, the more fearless and free your action will be,” said the Dalai Lama,
exemplifying how giving in itself is the greatest reward.
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<p>Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and host of multimedia art exhibits intended for
healing the community. Connect at <a href="http://www.WildflowerLady.com" target="_blank">WildflowerLady.com</a>.
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</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:dd8f50a2-a962-4f29-8506-efc09cf9b3d52023-01-16T16:06:12-05:002023-02-27T09:37:05-05:00Musings of the Heart2023-01-31 09:30:00 -0500John Diamond, M.D.<span>To help celebrate Heart Health Month and Valentine’s Day, take a moment to enjoy this selection of Musings from a former pioneer in holistic healing. Breathe deeply; pause between each of them; take in life’s energy and reflect and connect with your intentions and loved ones.<br></span><span><br><br>Teaching</span> is for the mind;<span><br>healing</span> is for the<span> heart.<br></span><span><br>A</span> daily healing invocation:<span><br>I</span> open my heart<span><br>for</span> the Spirit to pass<span><br>onto</span> those<span><br>who</span> want Healing through<span> me.<br></span><span><br>The</span> heart is the way to the Soul.<span><br>The</span> more open the heart, the<span><br>more</span> the Soul is<span> revealed.<br></span><span><br>This</span> may well be the best description of Healing:<span><br>The</span> healer opens his heart, his<span><br>love</span> pouring out from him to<span><br>enfold</span> the sufferer, to bring<span><br>him</span> into his expanded<span> aura.<br></span><span><br>And</span> the sufferer, feeling this<span><br>love,</span> opens his heart to enter<span><br>the</span> healer’<span>s.<br><br></span>
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<p><span>As a holistic healer for almost fifty years who had his practice in his home, Dr. John Diamond (1934-2021) said he wanted to try to make his home a hearth, where the life energy,
the heart flame, the flame of love and life of the sufferer may be rekindled to blaze anew.<br>
He saw his heart as a flaming beacon for the sufferer lost in distress. Not to come for a fixed
time, but to spend time, to visit, living not by the clock, but by the heart. And home can be
any place one feels love in their hear</span>t. Diamond’s musings, of which he wrote hundreds, are
individual pearls of wisdom, each created with the intention of raising the life energy of
the reader. Read more at <a href="http://www.DrJohnDiamond.com" target="_blank">DrJohnDiamond.com</a>. ~ Susan Diamond
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</div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d376b206-27a7-4875-9098-fbe3b7bb61802023-01-16T17:05:39-05:002023-03-08T12:28:37-05:00A New Chapter: Nexus for Consciousness, Healing and Hope2023-01-31 09:30:00 -0500Brooke Goode<span><p>In 1994, the same year Jeff Bezos founded Amazon and Deepak Chopra laid the first bricks on his path to enlightenment, Sharon Bruckman created Natural Awakenings magazine. Each a visionary. Each ahead of their time.</p><br><p>By the late 1990s Americans had developed a voracious appetite for well-researched, practical information about the latest natural approaches to nutrition, fitness, personal growth and sustainable living. The Natural Awakenings franchise was born, expanding into the largest franchise publishing network in the health and wellness industry.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/mcJu3BcEK85iRYagoFZi08dVi_JUYtJn4sj_r7xBEdybifKz_33__dfLX0Zeb3LNn5yMCB0TXolOUBBVxT0ldxmiexckrQoHvpcT-N9eSNul0TW7G7WQQAkTwIdsijpCTGcPuh438K7yyhXxWaUM3sw" height="428"></p><br><p>As the magazine's 25th anniversary issue, published in 2019, explained, <i>Natural Awakenings</i> was woven from the threads of grit, inspiration and serendipity, creating a tapestry of health, healing and mindfulness. In an interview appearing in that issue, Bruckman clarified her purpose, saying, "The why that has been keeping me ‘on purpose’ can be found in the same mission statement that inspired me to create Natural Awakenings: to inspire and empower people to awaken to their highest potential, so together we can create a world that works for all living things.”</p><br><p>The world's delicate ecosystem, now in crisis, was also in need of help. "The critical issues we now address in <i>Natural Awakenings</i>—like genetically modified foods and climate change—were just emerging in serious public discourse then, but have since grown in urgency," Bruckman said. "The good news is that in the past 25 years, viable solutions in renewable technologies, organic farming methods and holistic healthcare practices have made great strides; now they just have to be implemented on a grander scale."</p><br><p>Shortly after the 25th anniversary issue was published, Joe Dunne, Natural Awakenings’ COO, had a serendipitous meeting with Kimberly Whittle, founder and CEO of <a href="https://www.knowewell.com/">KnoWEwell</a>. One conversation later, he was certain that Whittle and Bruckman should meet, given their shared vision and mission. Dunne describes KnoWEwell’s online Regenerative Whole Health Hub as “WebMD, NEJM [New England Journal of Medicine], Match.com, Home Advisor, LinkedIn, Facebook, Amazon, Quora, Medium and Apple News all rolled into one for health.” A week later, Whittle was on a plane to Florida to visit Bruckman at her home. It was the start of a providential relationship between two visionaries determined to bring natural healing, health and hope to individuals and families.</p><br><p>A decade earlier, in 2009, Whittle was driven by a series of family health crises to embark on a search for solutions. Deep diving into evidence-based research, she traveled the country to multiple integrative and functional medicine practitioner conferences. “I was blessed to find tremendous success in the prevention and healing of chronic conditions through what today is defined as Regenerative Whole Health, a broad spectrum of global healing approaches and therapies that consider the whole person—mind, body and spirit—connecting the dots between soil, food, lifestyle choices, planet and personal health to help prevent and address the root causes of chronic diseases,” she explains. “I began as a mom on a mission. As I grew into my family’s healer, and then a health and well-being resource for my friends, I felt a deep yearning to go beyond my community and help more people.”</p><br><p>Combining her entrepreneurial spirit, professional experiences, passion and purpose, Whittle formed KnoWEwell as a force for good in the world, to pay it forward and make it easier for others facing their own health crises, and to pay it back to the professional organizations and providers that helped her family heal. Much like Natural Awakenings, KnoWEwell’s mission is to transform health care by inspiring and empowering individuals with the knowledge, resources and community to proactively prevent harm, address chronic diseases and create “WELLthier Living” for themselves, their families, humanity and the planet.</p><br><p>Last December, KnoWEwell acquired Natural Awakenings, creating an integrated ecosystem that is committed to community, spanning the information gaps, providing immersive multimedia educational experiences and fostering trusted connections locally and globally. Together, these two companies are set to be the solution for consciousness, healing and hope.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RexjoVH251QJJ6qjur_9oM0QD1sTOe1btcloXg-2LW0YTbq_vWTrtaAXcrRowcajL_RwsK9dZ7oxkgox8HdTJircMJQvVx-8tTmSTQQ32Ttc1We7sfBVQWq_w_YUIbACY9EjfAmTg_3K3pHxWX7ATgA" height="301"></p><br><p><b>A World in Crisis Needs Our Collective Help</b></p><br><p>Individually and collectively, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Human and planetary health are in crisis, and they are inextricably linked. According to the <a href="https://www.who.int/">World HealthOrganization</a>, climate change is the biggest global health threat confronting humanity.</p><br><p>The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that 33 percent of the Earth’s soils are already degraded, and more than 90 percent could become degraded by 2050. Soil erosion decreases agriculture productivity and contributes to a host of environmental threats. It can take up to 1,000 years to produce just two to three centimeters of soil.</p><br><p>While gene-edited crops are being promoted by the world’s largest chemical companies as “giving mother nature a boost,” Jeffrey Smith, founder of the <a href="https://responsibletechnology.org/">Institute for Responsible Technology</a>, warns, “With gene editing techniques, such as CRISPR, nature could be permanently corrupted by countless GMOs, and our food supply—including organic—could be overrun.”</p><br><p>Meanwhile, six in 10 adults and more than half of all children have a chronic health condition. The problem, Whittle believes, is that while our conventional medical system excels at acute care for an injury or a heart attack, it was never designed to treat chronic conditions, focusing more on the symptoms than the root cause of disease. Studies show there is a roughly 17-year lag between new research and mainstream health and medicine practices.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/lo9Dbc89fWLQj_d7x3aq5uAyIrRERYThZVgo90ANxW14n7x0MjwxIcErSFOmHCzV8A8YdP55TORzB10T5Mk4LqAHkhz34h315G1HmePQEoN1ZY8Khq_GLJnmOLl9hbIU96r2CMuI--luCSW6vAdMrLY" height="307"></p><p> </p><p><b>Hope for People and Planet</b></p><br><p>Evidence-based research is proving that while our DNA may be our ancestry, it is not necessarily our destiny. According to Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, "Our gene expression is altered by numerous influences including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors and stress. These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on—or off—certain genes." Ninety percent of the risks of chronic disease are due to non-genetic factors, and with the right knowledge and resources, individuals can change their lifestyle and environment to prevent and reverse chronic health conditions.</p><br><p><a href="https://rodaleinstitute.org/">Rodale Institute</a>, a leader in organic farming education and research, points to the importance of farming methods in addressing the health and planet crisis. According to the organization, “Hope is right below our feet. Healthier soil grows healthier plants, and healthier plants are more nutritious plants. In our work at Rodale Institute, we’re investigating the links between soil health and human health and proving that organic [farming] can feed the world.”</p><br><p>Research by Rodale has confirmed that adoption of regenerative organic farming practices could capture more than 100 percent of current, human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Rodale researchers concluded, “We now know enough to have real hope, and with this hope comes the responsibility to journey down a new path.”</p><br><p>Millennials are leading the way on conscious living, flocking to integrative options and opting for more “natural” care, long advocated by Natural Awakenings. They now constitute the largest sector of the U.S. workforce with annual spending power of $600 billion. Close to 60 percent of millennials research information about health and nutrition online and on social media. This health-conscious generation believes good health is both a personal and social responsibility. They are early adopters of wearable technology and prefer organically grown, locally sourced and ethically raised foods. But consumers of all ages are overwhelmed by information and unverified online sources in the fragmented whole health market.</p><br><p><img width="300" alt="" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/THTTnpEyOwpekSmRKSAOhDxxFkLT6BCKqTLDNxJ5R3ErAuqbQMMZGKKkIwEX-Gvl788b1SJex68ZHNChIGpxpPXp80roLCY31xybSNib00AXgEozlNzI2BcSSy9QBjzoH-xhL36-1_EQjl-PwudLBU0" height="301"></p><br><p><b>Looking Forward</b></p><br><p><a href="https://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2023">The World Economic Forum</a> reported in 2021 that health care is undergoing a digital revolution that requires multi-stakeholder collaboration and the bridging of information gaps by fusing the digital and analog worlds. The 2017 industry white paper “The Rise of Wellcare”, by PricewaterhouseCoopers, concluded that integrated ecosystems for the consumer in the healthcare industry are essential. This paradigm would include products, services, social media, community and environmental activism.</p><br><p>The good news is that Natural Awakenings magazine and KnoWEwell will continue to bring new answers and common-sense approaches to be incorporated into an enjoyable, fulfilling and healthy life. Whittle is honored to be continuing Bruckman’s legacy. "We are kindred spirits; I have the same purpose and unwavering drive that Sharon had founding Natural Awakenings nearly 30 years ago. I am deeply committed to multi-stakeholder collaboration that benefits all— our families, communities and the planet. We will educate to bring consciousness of connections into daily practices and respect for Mother Earth so all can thrive and prosper. Together, we will inspire, empower and achieve a WELLthier Living World.”</p><br><br><p>Brooke Goode is KnoWEwell’s national editor.</p><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>urn:uuid:a68c5d3a-099e-445d-950f-071cd638ca142022-12-11T18:48:30-05:002023-07-03T17:17:56-04:00Welcoming the Unknown2022-12-30 09:30:00 -0500Marlaina Donato<p>Ushering in a brand-new year can be filled with hope, but it can also feel as daunting as a blank sheet of paper. We might pause at the threshold with pen in hand, recounting past mistakes and failures, hesitant to make our mark. The unforeseen is like a stranger, easy to mistrust. Dreading the unknown can be a self-sabotaging habit that obstructs the view and keeps us wishing instead of living.</p><p>Nature’s great gift is her constancy of seasons, but she thrives on change. Despite the human propensity for clutching what is familiar and predictable, we do best by leaving the door ajar for the unexpected. If we are fortunate, we will have 12 more months to have another go at it.</p><p>Setting a place at the table for delight shifts our frequency from resistance to receiving our highest good, and swapping anxiety for excitement can be a <a href="/article_tags/spirituality" target="_blank">spiritual</a> practice during our most uncomfortable moments. Instead of making a resolution, what if we made the simple decision to not believe our fears?</p><p>With no concept of limitation or worry of scraped knees, we once learned to walk, happily undiscouraged when we stumbled. That first spark of eager curiosity remains deep in our memory, not confined to youth. Embracing possibility this year can be a subtle, mantra-in-motion as we go through our days, a cellular willingness to expect an outcome tailored specifically for us. Here are some prompts for embracing possibility:</p><ul><li>On scraps of paper, write down 12 things you have postponed doing or trying and keep them in a special canister. Pull one out each month and follow through with joyful anticipation.</li><li>Witness the sunrise once a week and designate it as an opportunity to open your heart and mind to the new and glorious.</li><li>Change things up in the kitchen: Buy new dishes and donate the old to a local thrift store. Try a new food every week and explore herbs and spices not usually in the cupboard.</li><li>Notice something in your daily surroundings that might have gone unnoticed before.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><a href="http://wildflowerlady.com/" target="_blank"><i>Marlaina Donato</i></a><i> is an author, painter and composer.</i></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.naturalawakenings.com">Natural Awakenings National</a></small></p>