naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-21--Stressed-Out Teens: Ways to Help Them Chill

Being a teenager is never easy , but it ’ s even harder these days , with the upheaval of the pandemic intensifying the normal academic , social and hormonal turmoil of these pivotal years .
It ’ s no wonder teens are reporting record levels of stress , anxiety and depression : In a Pew Research survey , 70 percent of teens said mental health was a major problem among their peers—and that was in February , before the pandemic hit .
A recent online poll found that most teens are worried that the pandemic will affect their family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that many feel lonelier than usual and worry about losing ground in academics and activities .
Extending a helping hand to teens is not always well received .
They can be notoriously resistant to advice , even when they ’ re stressed , partly because of their brain chemistry , explains Gail Saltz , M.D .
, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell School of Medicine and host of the Personology podcast .
A teen ’ s highly active amygdala makes risk-taking a thrill even as the frontal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developed , while at the same time , a teen seeks independence—an identity and freedom to be more like an adult .
“ This combination means their capacity and interest in taking parental direction is not there , ” she says .
“ As a result , parents in reaction often get louder and more insistent in telling them what to do , which fails and drives them further away.
” The best way to communicate with a stressed teen , say many child psychologists , is to listen deeply while letting them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offering sympathetic support while withholding judgment .
Instead of giving advice , “ Validate your teen ’ s experience and attempt to step into their shoes .
Let your teen know that you hear them , that you support them in their decisions and ask your teen what you can do to help them , ” advises The best way to communicate with a stressed teen , say many child psychologists , is to listen deeply while letting them do most of the talking , and offering sympathetic support while withholding judgment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ your teen ’ s experience and attempt to step into their shoes .
Let your teen know that you hear them , that you support them in their decisions and ask your teen what you can do to help them , ” advises clinical psychologist Alyssa Austern , PsyD , of Chatham , New Jersey .
Other steps can help a teen weather this time of high stress : 1 .
Back up the basics .
Make sure there ’ s healthy food and snacks in the fridge .
Encourage teens to exercise @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them in getting eight to 10 hours of sleep .
2 .
Make self-compassion a family habit .
The self-compassion approach to self-care , which is rapidly gaining ground among psychologists , has three elements : treating ourselves as kindly as we would a dear friend , realizing that many other people have the same problems so we ’ re not alone , and mindfully and nonjudgmentally observing our emotional state .
This method has proven to be helpful not just for adults , but for teens , as well .
A University @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of more than 7,000 teens in six countries concluded that those with high levels of self-compassion had lower levels of stress caused by anxiety and depression .
University of North Carolina researchers found that teens exhibited lower stress , anxiety and depression , as well as more resilience and gratitude , after six self-compassion sessions .
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology .
Helpful books , websites and programs for both teens and adults can be found at A good place for parents to start is with themselves : If they are anxious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ likely to follow suit , reports a study in the .
Helpful books , websites and programs for both teens and adults can be found at Self-Compassion.org , operated by Dr. Kristin Neff , an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin who was a pioneer in the concept .
3 .
Engage them with creative activities .
As teens can seek independence , making sure they spend quality time with the family is also important for their well-being , research shows .
“ Find ways to connect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family , ” advises Crissy Fishbane , of Raleigh-Durham , North Carolina , co-founder of HER Health Collective , an online community for mothers .
“ Teens need to see their parents engaging in self-care behaviors themselves , and it ’ s even better if you can engage in self-care as a family.
” She suggests taking a virtual or outdoor yoga class together , playing a board game , having sudoku competitions , learning deep-breathing techniques or starting a family book club .

Being a teenager is never easy, but it’s even harder these days, with the upheaval of the pandemic intensifying the normal academic, social and hormonal turmoil of these pivotal years. It’s no wonder teens are reporting record levels of stress, anxiety and depression: In a Pew Research survey , 70 percent of teens said mental health was a major problem among their peers—and that was in February, before the pandemic hit. A recent online poll found that most teens are worried that the pandemic will affect their family’s physical or financial health and that many feel lonelier than usual and worry about losing ground in academics and activities.
Extending a helping hand to teens is not always well received. They can be notoriously resistant to advice, even when they’re stressed, partly because of their brain chemistry, explains Gail Saltz, M.D. , clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell School of Medicine and host of the Personology podcast . A teen’s highly active amygdala makes risk-taking a thrill even as the frontal lobe that weighs consequences is not fully developed, while at the same time, a teen seeks independence—an identity and freedom to be more like an adult. “This combination means their capacity and interest in taking parental direction is not there,” she says. “As a result, parents in reaction often get louder and more insistent in telling them what to do, which fails and drives them further away.”
The best way to communicate with a stressed teen, say many child psychologists, is to listen deeply while letting them do most of the talking, and offering sympathetic support while withholding judgment. Instead of giving advice, “Validate your teen’s experience and attempt to step into their shoes. Let your teen know that you hear them, that you support them in their decisions and ask your teen what you can do to help them,” advises The best way to communicate with a stressed teen, say many child psychologists, is to listen deeply while letting them do most of the talking, and offering sympathetic support while withholding judgment. Instead of giving advice, “Validate your teen’s experience and attempt to step into their shoes. Let your teen know that you hear them, that you support them in their decisions and ask your teen what you can do to help them,” advises clinical psychologist Alyssa Austern, PsyD , of Chatham, New Jersey. Other steps can help a teen weather this time of high stress:
1. Back up the basics. Make sure there’s healthy food and snacks in the fridge. Encourage teens to exercise daily, especially outdoors, and support them in getting eight to 10 hours of sleep.
2. Make self-compassion a family habit. The self-compassion approach to self-care, which is rapidly gaining ground among psychologists, has three elements: treating ourselves as kindly as we would a dear friend, realizing that many other people have the same problems so we’re not alone, and mindfully and nonjudgmentally observing our emotional state.
This method has proven to be helpful not just for adults, but for teens, as well. A University of Edinburgh meta-analysis that synthesized 17 studies of more than 7,000 teens in six countries concluded that those with high levels of self-compassion had lower levels of stress caused by anxiety and depression. University of North Carolina researchers found that teens exhibited lower stress, anxiety and depression, as well as more resilience and gratitude, after six self-compassion sessions.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. Helpful books, websites and programs for both teens and adults can be found at
A good place for parents to start is with themselves: If they are anxious, overprotective or fearful, a teen is likely to follow suit, reports a study in the. Helpful books, websites and programs for both teens and adults can be found at Self-Compassion.org , operated by Dr. Kristin Neff , an associate professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas at Austin who was a pioneer in the concept.
3. Engage them with creative activities. As teens can seek independence, making sure they spend quality time with the family is also important for their well-being, research shows. “Find ways to connect, converse and unwind together as a family,” advises Crissy Fishbane, of Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, co-founder of HER Health Collective , an online community for mothers. “Teens need to see their parents engaging in self-care behaviors themselves, and it’s even better if you can engage in self-care as a family.” She suggests taking a virtual or outdoor yoga class together, playing a board game, having sudoku competitions, learning deep-breathing techniques or starting a family book club.
Ronica O’Hara is a Denver-based health writer. Connect at [email protected].


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-09-09--Paperless Shopping: BPA Exposure from Store Receipts

There ’ s an emerging trend in physical retail stores—the use of email or electronic receipts .
One of the principal reasons for this change is that most credit card and U.S. store receipts use thermal paper , which contains bisphenol A ( BPA ) in a free , unpolymerized form that can be readily rubbed off and ingested orally or absorbed through the skin .
According to the Environmental Working Group , more than 30 years of studies have linked BPA exposure to brain , behavioral , learning and memory impairment ; cardiovascular abnormalities ; diabetes ; obesity ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sex hormone disruption ; early puberty ; changes to egg and sperm development and fertility ; and genetic alterations that can be passed on to future generations .
Of special concern are pregnant women and children , because BPA appears to disrupt hormone functions integral to growth and development .
Despite health risks , BPA-laden thermal receipts continue to be used widely in the retail industry , exposing us to cumulative levels of the dangerous chemical .
Studies have measured it in human blood , urine and breast milk .
Workers that handle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent more BPA in their bodies than the average U.S. adult , according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
Responding to consumer complaints , some manufacturers have replaced BPA with bisphenol S ( BPS ) , expecting it to be more resistant to leaching and therefore less likely to be absorbed by people .
However , BPS is detectable in human urine and has similar health risks as BPA .

There’s an emerging trend in physical retail stores—the use of email or electronic receipts. One of the principal reasons for this change is that most credit card and U.S. store receipts use thermal paper, which contains bisphenol A (BPA) in a free, unpolymerized form that can be readily rubbed off and ingested orally or absorbed through the skin.
BPA Health Risks
According to the Environmental Working Group , more than 30 years of studies have linked BPA exposure to brain, behavioral, learning and memory impairment; cardiovascular abnormalities; diabetes; obesity; breast and prostate cancer; thyroid and sex hormone disruption; early puberty; changes to egg and sperm development and fertility; and genetic alterations that can be passed on to future generations. Of special concern are pregnant women and children, because BPA appears to disrupt hormone functions integral to growth and development.
Thermal Paper Linked to Higher BPA Levels
Despite health risks, BPA-laden thermal receipts continue to be used widely in the retail industry, exposing us to cumulative levels of the dangerous chemical. Studies have measured it in human blood, urine and breast milk. Workers that handle hundreds of receipts every day have 30 percent more BPA in their bodies than the average U.S. adult, according to data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Steps to Reduce BPA Receipt Exposure
Do not allow children to handle receipts.
When the option is available, choose email or electronic receipts.
Keep saved receipts in an envelope or zipped plastic bag.
Wash hands after handling receipts, especially before preparing or eating food.
Do not recycle receipts or other thermal papers. Throw them in the trash, as they will contaminate recyclables.
Avoid using alcohol-based hand sanitizers before or after handling thermal receipts, because they increase absorption of BPA through the skin.
Cashiers and other workers that handle receipts all day are advised to wear gloves and wash hands thoroughly and frequently. Thermal paper contains a powdery layer of BPA and a special dye to create visible impressions when pressure and/or heat is applied. When thermal paper is scratched with a fingernail or coin, a dark line appears. To reduce exposure, follow these precautions:
Beware of BPA Replacements
Responding to consumer complaints, some manufacturers have replaced BPA with bisphenol S (BPS), expecting it to be more resistant to leaching and therefore less likely to be absorbed by people. However, BPS is detectable in human urine and has similar health risks as BPA.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-15--Preventing Type 2 Diabetes: Natural Lifestyle Choices to Curb the Disease

Six decades ago , only one American in 100 had diabetes .
Today , it ’ s almost one in 10 , including rising numbers of youth and one in four people older than 65 .
More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2 , once known as adult-onset diabetes , which is linked to diet , obesity , inactivity , environmental toxins , heredity and other factors .
It can wreak havoc throughout the body—attacking blood vessels , eyes , nerves and organs—and make COVID-19 harder to combat .
The good news is that scientists have identified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm of diabetes .
“ Type 2 diabetes is a condition , not a disease .
It exists in a particular environment ; when you change the environment , you can change the condition , ” says San Francisco-based Wave Goodbye to Type 2 Diabetes .
That ’ s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes , 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact , according to the The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is a condition , not a disease .
It exists in a particular environment ; when you change the environment , you can change the condition , ” says San Francisco-based Nicki Steinberger , Ph.D. , author of .
That ’ s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes , 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact , according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention A key player is the pancreas , a multitasking organ of both the endocrine and digestive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ make and store energy from sugars , as well as enzymes to break down proteins , fats and carbohydrates .
While Type 1 diabetes , a genetic autoimmune disease , negates the body ’ s ability to produce insulin , Type 2 results from an insufficient or improper use of insulin .
Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by metabolic syndrome , a condition marked by high blood pressure , a large waist circumference and high triglycerides .
Insulin resistance—the body ’ s improper use of insulin—can also be a sneaky forerunner to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ abdominal fat , fatigue and frequent infections years before hyperglycemia—too much sugar in the blood—becomes evident .
Improving gut flora is vital in improving most health conditions , including Type 2 diabetes .
“ Microbes in the gut that have become toxic for a multitude of reasons create an inflammatory response .
This type of assault repeated over time increases the risk of fatty liver and compromised cells—conditions linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity , ” says Steinberger .
This mindset is harmonious with glycemic index recommendations , so avoiding any added @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fruits like berries , citrus and apples , as well as eschewing pasta , white rice and bread , can go a long way toward maintaining healthier blood sugar levels .
Stevia , an herb , is a better sweet substitute .
Preferable in drops or bulk form rather than blended with sugars , it ’ s been shown to help control blood sugar .
Insulin-supporting medicinal herbs offer many benefits for Type 2 diabetics .
Aloe vera , bilberry , cinnamon , goldenseal , bitter melon , milk thistle , fenugreek , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , have been found to aid in the utilization and production of insulin .
Tulsi , also known as holy basil , is a heavy hitter for reducing blood glucose and buffering the kidneys and liver from the metabolic side effects of high blood sugar .
Herbs that support the liver , such as milk thistle , dandelion and artichoke , are other noteworthy plant medicines , especially when blood sugar fluctuates from high to low .
Atkinson also emphasizes the wisdom of keeping it simple .
“ I encourage clients to incorporate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ diet , like cinnamon , fennel , garlic and onions .
For someone taking insulin , it ’ s important to introduce herbs slowly and be sure to take them with meals , monitor blood glucose levels closely and keep their physician informed of herbal protocols and follow their physician ’ s recommendations.
” Improving diet choices can be highly rewarding and fun , too .
“ Not only does eating well not have to be tortuous , it can be enjoyable , inspiring and creative , ” says Steinberger .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fresh , whole foods with basic herbs and spices.
” Vitamin D , magnesium , vitamin C , B complex and chromium are also valuable in managing Type 2 diabetes .
Polyphenols—antioxidants found in tea and unsweetened cacao nibs—also pack a healthy punch .
Alpha lipoic acid , found in broccoli , spinach and fish oil , can help to reduce inflammation .
Berries , kale and other nutrient-packed greens , nuts , sweet potatoes and beans promote sugar balance and are versatile for delicious , healthy meals .
Linking all the vital @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2 diabetes , she adds , “ I would say to start with the basics—plant-based foods , exercise , stress management and better sleep .
When you have a solid base , your body will be less susceptible to the other factors.
” Thriving is possible through commitment and wise choices .
As Davis says , “ There is strong and consistent evidence that many people who are motivated to reverse Type 2 diabetes can succeed in this task .
”

Six decades ago, only one American in 100 had diabetes. Today, it’s almost one in 10, including rising numbers of youth and one in four people older than 65. More than 90 percent of the cases are Type 2, once known as adult-onset diabetes, which is linked to diet, obesity, inactivity, environmental toxins, heredity and other factors. It can wreak havoc throughout the body—attacking blood vessels, eyes, nerves and organs—and make COVID-19 harder to combat.
The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm of diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition, not a disease. It exists in a particular environment; when you change the environment, you can change the condition,” says San Francisco-based Wave Goodbye to Type 2 Diabetes. That’s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes, 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact, according to the The good news is that scientists have identified lifestyle strategies that lower the risk and harm of diabetes. “Type 2 diabetes is a condition, not a disease. It exists in a particular environment; when you change the environment, you can change the condition,” says San Francisco-based Nicki Steinberger, Ph.D. , author of. That’s important news for the one in three Americans—about 88 million people—that have prediabetes, 84 percent of whom are not aware of the fact, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A key player is the pancreas, a multitasking organ of both the endocrine and digestive systems, which produces insulin to help make and store energy from sugars, as well as enzymes to break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates. While Type 1 diabetes, a genetic autoimmune disease, negates the body’s ability to produce insulin, Type 2 results from an insufficient or improper use of insulin.
Type 2 diabetes can be triggered by metabolic syndrome, a condition marked by high blood pressure, a large waist circumference and high triglycerides. Insulin resistance—the body’s improper use of insulin—can also be a sneaky forerunner to the disease, often manifesting as excessive abdominal fat, fatigue and frequent infections years before hyperglycemia—too much sugar in the blood—becomes evident.
“Diet and lifestyle play a tremendous role,” says The Diabetic Health Journal. “Increasing insulin sensitivity is a multi-prong approach, most notably influenced by improving circadian rhythm, reducing stress, eating lower glycemic carbs, reducing animal fats and increasing activity.” “Diet and lifestyle play a tremendous role,” says Lauren Bongiorno , a virtual diabetes health coach and creator of. “Increasing insulin sensitivity is a multi-prong approach, most notably influenced by improving circadian rhythm, reducing stress, eating lower glycemic carbs, reducing animal fats and increasing activity.”
Hidden Environmental Factors
The American Diabetic Association cites excess weight and lack of exercise as significant risk factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes, while recent studies also point to impacts from toxic air, chemicals and mercury exposure.
The American Diabetic Association cites excess weight and lack of exercise as significant risk factors in the development of Type 2 diabetes, while recent studies also point to impacts from toxic air, chemicals and mercury exposure. Research published in 2018 in Environmental Science and Pollution Research International reveals a correlation between exposure to phthalates found in plastics and the incidence of new-onset Type 1 diabetes in children, suggesting that the loss of beta cells from phthalate exposure leads to a compromised insulin response.
“Plastics containing BPA can mimic estrogen (xenoestrogens) and can contribute to insulin resistance, insulin over-secretion, beta cell exhaustion and the development and progression of Type 2 diabetes,” says registered dietician and nutritionist Brenda Davis , the Alberta, Canada, author of The Kick Diabetes Cookbook and Kick Diabetes Essentials
An earlier Indiana University An earlier Indiana University study published in Diabetes Care showed young-adult exposure to mercury can raise the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life by 65 percent. Davis adds, “Heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, have been linked to impaired insulin secretion and decreased insulin sensitivity.” Choosing organic produce and fish that contain lower levels of mercury, such as salmon, shrimp and catfish, is advised.
Medication Backlash
Improving gut flora is vital in improving most health conditions, including Type 2 diabetes. “Microbes in the gut that have become toxic for a multitude of reasons create an inflammatory response. This type of assault repeated over time increases the risk of fatty liver and compromised cells—conditions linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity,” says Steinberger.
Sleep and Sugar
considers sleep deprivation a significant diabetic risk factor and recommends that people take melatonin as a sleep aid and avoid working night shifts. It cites a study in which healthy adults that were restricted to four hours of sleep for just six nights exhibited a 40 percent reduction in their ability to break down glucose.
hugo/AdobeStock.com The National Sleep Foundation considers sleep deprivation a significant diabetic risk factor and recommends that people take melatonin as a sleep aid and avoid working night shifts. It cites a study in which healthy adults that were restricted to four hours of sleep for just six nights exhibited a 40 percent reduction in their ability to break down glucose. Although the role of dietary sugar in diabetes is debated by scientists, evidence shows a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes and sugar, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in the diet. A 2015 review of 21 studies Although the role of dietary sugar in diabetes is debated by scientists, evidence shows a strong correlation between Type 2 diabetes and sugar, fructose and high-fructose corn syrup in the diet. A 2015 review of 21 studies published in The British Medical Journal found that regular intake of sugary beverages can lead to diabetic conditions even when obesity is not a factor. Many holistic health advocates identify all sweeteners, including “healthy” alternatives like honey and maple syrup, as sugars that harbor similar potential.
This mindset is harmonious with glycemic index recommendations, so avoiding any added sweeteners and opting for fresh, low-glycemic fruits like berries, citrus and apples, as well as eschewing pasta, white rice and bread, can go a long way toward maintaining healthier blood sugar levels. Stevia, an herb, is a better sweet substitute. Preferable in drops or bulk form rather than blended with sugars, it’s been shown to help control blood sugar.
Promising Phytotherapy
Insulin-supporting medicinal herbs offer many benefits for Type 2 diabetics. Aloe vera, bilberry, cinnamon, goldenseal, bitter melon, milk thistle, fenugreek, fennel and gymnema sylvestre, among others, have been found to aid in the utilization and production of insulin. Tulsi, also known as holy basil, is a heavy hitter for reducing blood glucose and buffering the kidneys and liver from the metabolic side effects of high blood sugar. Herbs that support the liver, such as milk thistle, dandelion and artichoke, are other noteworthy plant medicines, especially when blood sugar fluctuates from high to low.
in vitro studies show that they impact blood sugar by slowing digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the release of insulin and modulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver. Some of Atkinson’s favorite plant allies are hawthorn, hibiscus and tilia for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as lipid, glucose and vascular support. Renata Atkinson , a clinical herbalist in Greenbelt, Maryland, says of blood tests, “Clinical trials have shown that many of these herbs can have a significant effect on the clinical markers for diabetes and prediabetes in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose and HbA1C, or glycosylated hemoglobin.” Animal andstudies show that they impact blood sugar by slowing digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby improving insulin sensitivity, increasing the release of insulin and modulating the metabolism of glucose in the liver. Some of Atkinson’s favorite plant allies are hawthorn, hibiscus and tilia for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well as lipid, glucose and vascular support.
Atkinson also emphasizes the wisdom of keeping it simple. “I encourage clients to incorporate culinary herbs and spices into their daily diet, like cinnamon, fennel, garlic and onions. For someone taking insulin, it’s important to introduce herbs slowly and be sure to take them with meals, monitor blood glucose levels closely and keep their physician informed of herbal protocols and follow their physician’s recommendations.”
Improving diet choices can be highly rewarding and fun, too. “Not only does eating well not have to be tortuous, it can be enjoyable, inspiring and creative,” says Steinberger. “It helps to keep it simple by using fresh, whole foods with basic herbs and spices.”
Vitamin D, magnesium, vitamin C, B complex and chromium are also valuable in managing Type 2 diabetes. Polyphenols—antioxidants found in tea and unsweetened cacao nibs—also pack a healthy punch. Alpha lipoic acid, found in broccoli, spinach and fish oil, can help to reduce inflammation. Berries, kale and other nutrient-packed greens, nuts, sweet potatoes and beans promote sugar balance and are versatile for delicious, healthy meals.
Whole-Body Healing
Holistic bodywork modalities such as acupuncture also support diabetic health. In 2019, Iranian Holistic bodywork modalities such as acupuncture also support diabetic health. In 2019, Iranian researchers reported in the journal Hospital Practices and Research that biofeedback training lowered glucose levels and improved the quality of life for diabetic patients. “The biggest mistake I see people with diabetes make is to view the mental piece as not as important as the physical,” says Bongiorno.
Linking all the vital threads in the complex web of Type 2 diabetes, she adds, “I would say to start with the basics—plant-based foods, exercise, stress management and better sleep. When you have a solid base, your body will be less susceptible to the other factors.”
Thriving is possible through commitment and wise choices. As Davis says, “There is strong and consistent evidence that many people who are motivated to reverse Type 2 diabetes can succeed in this task.”
Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-21--Natural Beauty: Homemade Solutions for Glowing Skin

Pure Skin Care : Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty .
The Marble Falls , Texas , esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond , plus a few drops of an essential oil .
Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product .
Her favorites are lavender , tea tree , sweet orange and frankincense .
Lemon , lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure .
Facial , body and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Stephanie Tourles , author of .
The Marble Falls , Texas , esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond , plus a few drops of an essential oil .
Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product .
Her favorites are lavender , tea tree , sweet orange and frankincense .
Lemon , lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure .
“ Scrubs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exfoliating the skin , ” Tourles says , cautioning that salt scrubs can sting if applied after shaving or waxing .
Other common ingredients that can be added are oats , almonds or sunflower seeds ground in a coffee grinder .
When mixed with water , cream or yogurt , they offer a moisturizing facial treatment .
Tourles loves homemade body balms using oil and a thickener such as cocoa butter or beeswax .
“ Balms are easy to make , great for kids and good for dry cuticles and lips .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ingredients spoiling .
They condition the skin and smell great , ” she says .
In harsher weather , skin requires a little extra TLC .
Tourles suggests a hydrating winter toner made with a 50/50 mix of aloe vera juice and rosewater .
“ Honey is also nice for the face and incredibly hydrating for winter , ” she says .
“ Simply warm a little bit , apply it to your clean face for 20 minutes , then rinse with warm water.
” “ People often forget to apply more moisturizer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ things you can do is exfoliate your face with a simple scrub to slough off dry , dead skin .
Use gentler ingredients for your face than your body , like oats , baking soda or almonds ground finely , ” says Gerber .
For chapped lips , she recommends a gentle exfoliant like sugar and honey applied as an antibacterial lip scrub .
“ Matcha green tea makes a beautiful mask that astringes and tones skin .
Combine it with aloe gel and honey for some soothing moisture in the colder months @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Adelmann .
Some products are best purchased from a commercial source .
“ You can make many preparations at home—from masks to cleansing scrubs , cleansers , lotions and creams—but when these recipes contain water , they have a short shelf life .
If you are looking for something with a longer shelf life , you ’ re going to run into more complicated instructions incorporating preservatives , ” says Adelmann .
“ Moisturizers , creamy cleansers and hand creams have the steepest learning curve to craft yourself , ” says Tourles @ @ @ @ @ @ @ like herb tea and aloe vera with oils , butters or waxes is like mixing oil and vinegar in a salad dressing ; these ingredients want to separate.
” According to Gerber , sunscreen is another product worth buying rather than trying to make at home .
Homemade or store-bought products aside , the best skin enhancer is a drink of water , according to Gerber .
It doesn ’ t get easier or more economical than that .

Skin, our largest organ, plays an important role in supporting and protecting the rest of the body. That’s why it should be treated kindly by using natural, chemical-free ingredients. Many U.S. beauty products contain hidden chemicals, including dozens of ingredients that are banned in other countries. Even products labeled “organic” or “natural” can contain potentially harmful petrochemicals, according to the Environmental Working Group
Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book. A natural skincare routine doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Balms, masks, scrubs and toners can be made from healthy, everyday products already present in most homes. “Oats, yogurt, coconut oil, honey: there are many kitchen staples that you can easily use in your skincare routine,” says Marlene Adelmann, founder of the Herbal Academy , in Bedford, Massachusetts, and author of
Hello Glow: 150+ Easy Natural Beauty Recipes for A Fresh New You. As an example, face masks can be made with ingredients from the spice rack, including turmeric and black pepper. “One-ingredient treatments, like a honey or yogurt mask, feel so good and are easy to make,” says Stephanie Gerber , the Nashville author of
Pure Skin Care: Nourishing Recipes for Vibrant Skin & Natural Beauty. The Marble Falls, Texas, esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond, plus a few drops of an essential oil. Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product. Her favorites are lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense. Lemon, lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure. Facial, body and foot scrubs are great beginner creations, according to Stephanie Tourles , author of. The Marble Falls, Texas, esthetician recommends starting with a base of sugar or salt and adding an edible oil such as almond, plus a few drops of an essential oil. Essential oils should be diluted—add only six to 12 drops per ounce of finished product. Her favorites are lavender, tea tree, sweet orange and frankincense. Lemon, lime and bergamot are phototoxic and can cause sensitivity if added to any scrub before sun exposure.
“Scrubs are wonderful for softening, soothing and exfoliating the skin,” Tourles says, cautioning that salt scrubs can sting if applied after shaving or waxing. Other common ingredients that can be added are oats, almonds or sunflower seeds ground in a coffee grinder. When mixed with water, cream or yogurt, they offer a moisturizing facial treatment.
Tourles loves homemade body balms using oil and a thickener such as cocoa butter or beeswax. “Balms are easy to make, great for kids and good for dry cuticles and lips. You don’t have to worry about ingredients spoiling. They condition the skin and smell great,” she says.
In harsher weather, skin requires a little extra TLC. Tourles suggests a hydrating winter toner made with a 50/50 mix of aloe vera juice and rosewater. “Honey is also nice for the face and incredibly hydrating for winter,” she says. “Simply warm a little bit, apply it to your clean face for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.”
rawpixel/AdobeStock.com
“People often forget to apply more moisturizer in winter. One of the best things you can do is exfoliate your face with a simple scrub to slough off dry, dead skin. Use gentler ingredients for your face than your body, like oats, baking soda or almonds ground finely,” says Gerber. For chapped lips, she recommends a gentle exfoliant like sugar and honey applied as an antibacterial lip scrub.
“Matcha green tea makes a beautiful mask that astringes and tones skin. Combine it with aloe gel and honey for some soothing moisture in the colder months when our skin needs rejuvenation,” says Adelmann.
Some products are best purchased from a commercial source. “You can make many preparations at home—from masks to cleansing scrubs, cleansers, lotions and creams—but when these recipes contain water, they have a short shelf life. If you are looking for something with a longer shelf life, you’re going to run into more complicated instructions incorporating preservatives,” says Adelmann.
“Moisturizers, creamy cleansers and hand creams have the steepest learning curve to craft yourself,” says Tourles. “Trying to emulsify watery ingredients like herb tea and aloe vera with oils, butters or waxes is like mixing oil and vinegar in a salad dressing; these ingredients want to separate.” According to Gerber, sunscreen is another product worth buying rather than trying to make at home.
Homemade or store-bought products aside, the best skin enhancer is a drink of water, according to Gerber. It doesn’t get easier or more economical than that.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-21--Body Gratitude: Being Thankful Empowers Our Workouts

“ When we ’ re appreciating ourselves , we open the floodgates to joyful movement and freedom , ” says personal trainer Katie Hunt , in Milwaukee .
“ What if today were the last day I got to run ?
This question forces me to appreciate every little thing my body can do and minimizes the focus on what I dislike doing .
Suddenly , running feels like a gift instead of a task.
” Using daily affirmations—simple sentences written or spoken aloud—is a wonderful way to infuse exercise time with positivity .
Leaning into a challenging asana or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with self-affirming intention can snuff out self-criticism .
“ Moving your body is not a competition .
You don ’ t have to prove yourself or your ability to anyone .
Practice feeling grateful for how your body can move , starting with your heartbeat and breath , ” says Sofia Angelina Marcus-Myers , an intuitive energy worker and portrait photographer in Portland , Oregon .
Healing self-portraiture and dedication to daily affirmations propel Marcus-Myers through chronic pain and help her to see the body as a sacred vehicle .
“ Affirming your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it will feel awkward , absurd or tedious .
Do it until you feel more comfortable affirming yourself , and then keep doing it.
” Living with discomfort makes exercising challenging , but learning to respect the body ’ s rhythms and limitations can be beautifully empowering .
“ I love the quote , ‘ Unless your compassion begins with yourself , it is incomplete , ’ ” says Stern .
“ Taking a class together ( even virtually ) gives us a sense of being in this together .
When we breathe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ practice , it helps us to appreciate where we are on any given day.
” For Loolwa Khazzoom , a Seattle-based author and musician , it ’ s all about surrender .
“ Don ’ t fight your pain ; dance with it—literally and figuratively .
Dance from your bed .
Dance in your head .
Dance wherever and however it ’ s comfortable.
” As the founder of Dancing with Pain , a wellness company that teaches a natural approach to pain relief through movement , Khazzoom says , “ Our consciousness @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and overlooks the places that feel good .
Those places are quite literally our pathways to wellness.
” She recommends focusing on pain-free areas of the body with the joy , power , harmony and other sensations that come from moving to enjoyable music , noting , “ As we inhabit those places with our entire beings , there is less and less room for the pain , to the point that it may vanish altogether.
” Exercise is crucial to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease , diabetes , depression and many other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ maintain a routine can sometimes be challenging , even for fitness devotees .
Cultivating an appreciation for the way our bodies carry us through life can turn what may have seemed like a humdrum workout into something special .
Research shows that a gratitude practice fosters patience , encourages self-care and nourishes self-discipline , especially when there is temptation to reach for another slice of pie.During pandemic restrictions , a socially distant power walk with a friend can get the blood moving and shift perspective .
“ Something about feeling my heart pounding @ @ @ @ @ @ @ break a sweat and the ability to share authentically with a close friend at the same time reminds me of both my powerful mind and miraculous body .
How can I not be grateful ?
” asks Andrea Stern , owner of the Satori Yoga Studio , in San Francisco .
Her thankful intention is carried into each yoga session .
“ I encourage students to bring a sense of gratitude to the mat with them .
Before the class begins , I ask folks to connect with the present moment and to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ truce with body imperfections can help us feel more comfortable in our skins , something that can go a long way .
For Hunt , shifting perspective inward is key .
“ What if we all stop and imagine being on a desert island ?
What would your perfect workout , body and life be like if there were no outside influences ?
” Marcus-Myers brings the message home with , “ It isn ’ t your body ’ s purpose to be anyone ’ s ideal .
Your body is an incredible @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gratitude .
”

Appreciation in Motion
“When we’re appreciating ourselves, we open the floodgates to joyful movement and freedom,” says personal trainer Katie Hunt , in Milwaukee. “What if today were the last day I got to run? This question forces me to appreciate every little thing my body can do and minimizes the focus on what I dislike doing. Suddenly, running feels like a gift instead of a task.”
Motivation Through Affirmation
Using daily affirmations—simple sentences written or spoken aloud—is a wonderful way to infuse exercise time with positivity. Leaning into a challenging asana or doing one more lap in the pool with self-affirming intention can snuff out self-criticism. “Moving your body is not a competition. You don’t have to prove yourself or your ability to anyone. Practice feeling grateful for how your body can move, starting with your heartbeat and breath,” says Sofia Angelina Marcus-Myers , an intuitive energy worker and portrait photographer in Portland, Oregon. Healing self-portraiture and dedication to daily affirmations propel Marcus-Myers through chronic pain and help her to see the body as a sacred vehicle. “Affirming your body is a practice, and sometimes it will feel awkward, absurd or tedious. Do it until you feel more comfortable affirming yourself, and then keep doing it.”
Pain and Compassion
Living with discomfort makes exercising challenging, but learning to respect the body’s rhythms and limitations can be beautifully empowering. “I love the quote, ‘Unless your compassion begins with yourself, it is incomplete,’” says Stern. “Taking a class together (even virtually) gives us a sense of being in this together. When we breathe, stretch and grow together through our practice, it helps us to appreciate where we are on any given day.”
For Loolwa Khazzoom , a Seattle-based author and musician, it’s all about surrender. “Don’t fight your pain; dance with it—literally and figuratively. Dance from your bed. Dance in your head. Dance wherever and however it’s comfortable.” As the founder of Dancing with Pain , a wellness company that teaches a natural approach to pain relief through movement, Khazzoom says, “Our consciousness naturally goes to the places in pain and overlooks the places that feel good. Those places are quite literally our pathways to wellness.”
She recommends focusing on pain-free areas of the body with the joy, power, harmony and other sensations that come from moving to enjoyable music, noting, “As we inhabit those places with our entire beings, there is less and less room for the pain, to the point that it may vanish altogether.”
Exercise is crucial to preventing and managing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression and many other health conditions, but staying motivated to maintain a routine can sometimes be challenging, even for fitness devotees. Cultivating an appreciation for the way our bodies carry us through life can turn what may have seemed like a humdrum workout into something special. Research shows that a gratitude practice fosters patience, encourages self-care and nourishes self-discipline, especially when there is temptation to reach for another slice of pie.During pandemic restrictions, a socially distant power walk with a friend can get the blood moving and shift perspective. “Something about feeling my heart pounding, a cool breeze after I first break a sweat and the ability to share authentically with a close friend at the same time reminds me of both my powerful mind and miraculous body. How can I not be grateful?” asks Andrea Stern, owner of the Satori Yoga Studio , in San Francisco. Her thankful intention is carried into each yoga session. “I encourage students to bring a sense of gratitude to the mat with them. Before the class begins, I ask folks to connect with the present moment and to check in with themselves.”Calling a truce with body imperfections can help us feel more comfortable in our skins, something that can go a long way. For Hunt, shifting perspective inward is key. “What if we all stop and imagine being on a desert island? What would your perfect workout, body and life be like if there were no outside influences?”Marcus-Myers brings the message home with, “It isn’t your body’s purpose to be anyone’s ideal. Your body is an incredible living thing, worthy of love and gratitude.”


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-19--Giving Thanks for a Healthy Feast: How to Lighten Up Thanksgiving Fare

Due to travel restrictions , tighter budgets and concern for family members that may be older or have underlying health conditions , Thanksgiving might be a smaller affair this year , but that ’ s no reason to give up on having a scrumptious , celebratory meal .
With a little creativity and lots of flavor , our treasured American holiday need not suffer .
Giant turkeys may not grace as many tables as usual , so it ’ s the perfect time to up the side-dish game , embracing healthier options and taking full advantage of an abundant supply @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sides that rate high in both nutrition and taste , the James Beard winner favors in-season veggies like brassicas and Asian greens .
“ Napa cabbage is great roasted , grilled or prepared raw as a salad .
Brussels sprouts shaved on a mandolin and sautéed briefly with shallot and garlic , and dressed with apple cider vinegar and diced apple , is another nice option , ” Satterfield says .
One of his go-to dishes is a root vegetable salad with shaved celery root , walnuts , apples and dried cranberries with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lemon .
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin offer a nutritional edge over white potatoes , giving them top billing at Satterfield ’ s holiday table .
He suggests simplifying the traditional sweet potato casserole by first parboiling , straining , peeling and cutting the potatoes into thick chunks , and then baking with lemon juice , nutmeg and water .
“ The sweet potatoes will caramelize and form a natural syrup .
It has a bright and refreshing flavor without adding the usual butter , marshmallows and sugar , ” he explains .
According @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are plentiful this time of year , including chicory , radicchio , frisée and endive .
“ Last Thanksgiving , I made a chicory salad with dates , pecans , shaved parmesan and persimmon with a sherry vinaigrette with olive oil and shallots .
The sweetness of the fruit balances nicely with the bitter greens , which add fiber and help with digestion and the circulatory system.
” The PlantPure Nation Cookbook .
“ There is a substitute for every animal product out there , so it ’ s not hard to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durham , North Carolina , native .
Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh , rather than dried , herbs such as rosemary , thyme and sage , as well as natural binding agents like lentils , flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water .
“ Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying , ” she says .
“ Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.
” Thanksgiving offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ according to Kim Campbell , vegan chef and author of .
“ There is a substitute for every animal product out there , so it ’ s not hard to make traditional recipes plant-based , ” says the Durham , North Carolina , native .
Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh , rather than dried , herbs such as rosemary , thyme and sage , as well as natural binding agents like lentils , flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying , ” she says .
“ Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.
” Campbell encourages people to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce and learn how to cook in season .
Fruit-based desserts can be a great way to showcase what ’ s in season and still keep guests light on their feet .
“ You don ’ t have to use crust or a lot of added sugar for something like an apple crisp or cobbler @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Suppers at Salt Water Farm : Recipes from Land and Sea .
Annemarie Ahearn , founder of the Salt Water Farm cooking school , in Lincolnville , Maine , also suggests a healthful rethinking of traditional Thanksgiving dishes .
“ Instead of a green bean casserole , consider blanched green beans with almond and cranberry .
Dried cranberries can go in a salad , rather than a sauce .
You can have the same ingredients and keep the same focal point , but use less cream and dairy , ” says the author @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on Thanksgiving cooking , encourages people to take a stroll after the main meal to let food settle before having dessert .
She also suggests serving some dishes at room temperature to relieve the pressure of having everything arrive hot at the table .
For those unable to be with extended family , Satterfield suggests trading recipes in advance , and then having a virtual Thanksgiving by sharing a visual image of how the meal turned out .
“ You can even send leftovers if you ’ re in the same vicinity , @ @ @ @

Due to travel restrictions, tighter budgets and concern for the health of loved ones, Thanksgiving might be a smaller affair this year, but that’s no reason to give up on having a scrumptious celebratory meal. Giant turkeys may not grace as many tables as usual, so it’s the perfect time to up the side-dish game, embracing healthier options and taking advantage of an abundant supply of delicious, in-season produce.
Root to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons. To right-size the Thanksgiving spread for carnivores, “Get a Cornish hen or another small bird from a local poultry producer, or consider turkey parts like breasts or thighs, instead of cooking an entire big bird,” advises Steven Satterfield , co-owner and executive chef of the Miller Union restaurant, in Atlanta, and author of
For sides that rate high in both nutrition and flavor, the James Beard winner favors in-season veggies like brassicas and Asian greens. “Napa cabbage is great roasted, grilled or prepared raw as a salad. Brussels sprouts shaved on a mandolin and sautéed briefly with shallot and garlic, and dressed with apple cider vinegar and diced apple, is another nice option,” Satterfield says. One of his go-to dishes is a root vegetable salad with shaved celery root, walnuts, apples and dried cranberries with a simple dressing of olive oil and lemon.
Sweet potatoes and pumpkin offer a nutritional edge over white potatoes, giving them top billing at Satterfield’s holiday table. He suggests simplifying the traditional sweet potato casserole by first parboiling, straining, peeling and cutting the potatoes into thick chunks, and then baking with maple syrup or brown sugar, lemon juice, nutmeg and water. “The sweet potatoes will caramelize and form a natural syrup. It has a bright and refreshing flavor without adding the usual butter, marshmallows and sugar,” he explains.
According to Satterfield, many nutritious bitter greens are plentiful this time of year, including chicory, radicchio, frisée and endive. “Last Thanksgiving, I made a chicory salad with dates, pecans, shaved parmesan and persimmon with a sherry vinaigrette with olive oil and shallots. The sweetness of the fruit balances nicely with the bitter greens, which add fiber and help with digestion and the circulatory system.”
The PlantPure Nation Cookbook. “There is a substitute for every animal product out there, so it’s not hard to make traditional recipes plant-based,” says the Hillsborough, North Carolina chef. Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh, rather than dried, herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, as well as natural binding agents like lentils, flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water. “Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying,” she says. “Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.”
Thanksgiving offers a good opportunity to go meatless, according to Kim Campbell , vegan chef and author of. “There is a substitute for every animal product out there, so it’s not hard to make traditional recipes plant-based,” says the Hillsborough, North Carolina chef. Her recipe for a nutty or beanie loaf ramps up the flavor and health profiles by using fresh, rather than dried, herbs such as rosemary, thyme and sage, as well as natural binding agents like lentils, flax seeds or chia seeds mixed with water. “Guests will be amazed that whole foods can be so flavorful and satisfying,” she says. “Go the extra mile with quality ingredients for a special meal like this.”
Campbell encourages people to enjoy the abundance of fresh produce and learn how to cook in season. Fruit-based desserts can be a great way to showcase what’s in season and still keep guests light on their feet. “You don’t have to use crust or a lot of added sugar for something like an apple crisp or cobbler,” she says.
Full Moon Suppers at Salt Water Farm: Recipes from Land and Sea.
Annemarie Ahearn, founder of the Salt Water Farm cooking school , in Lincolnville, Maine, also suggests a healthful rethinking of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. “Instead of a green bean casserole, consider blanched green beans with almond and cranberry. Dried cranberries can go in a salad, rather than a sauce. You can have the same ingredients and keep the same focal point, but use less cream and dairy,” says the author of
Ahearn, who teaches a class on Thanksgiving cooking, encourages people to take a stroll after the main meal to let food settle before having dessert. She also suggests serving some dishes at room temperature to relieve the pressure of having everything arrive hot at the table. For those unable to be with extended family, Satterfield suggests trading recipes in advance, and then having a virtual Thanksgiving by sharing a visual image of how the meal turned out. “You can even send leftovers if you’re in the same vicinity,” he says.
Savory Thanksgiving Dishes


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-27--Sherri Mitchell on Indigenous Wisdom for Our Times

What people really need to understand about the laws of attraction and manifestation , which are foundational laws of creation , is that humans have been manifesting the reality they ’ ve been living in for a very , very long time .
Connected by the laws of entanglement , whatever we are giving life to , whatever we are thinking , speaking and breathing out is creating the current that is manifesting the storm we are currently living .
We are co-creators of this reality , and it is time to move beyond the kindergarten-level of the law of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are actively creating , whether we intend it or not , because we are creating and putting things into motion all the time .
We , as spiritual beings having a human experience , need to begin taking grown-up responsibility and move beyond the childlike dependence that colonization has imprinted within us .
It ’ s difficult to talk about colonization in sound bites because it ’ s a complex subject .
With regard to history , colonization was about taking over lands occupied by an indigenous population .
The romanticized myth @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americas , was unsettling .
The language surrounding colonization makes it sound as if it was a wonderful thing , when it was actually disruptive , destructive and filled with violence and domination .
Moving into and taking over an already occupied area to gain and maintain control over resources is an act of conquest and domination .
We are not living in a post-colonial era .
Colonization , like capitalism , reaches what appears to be an end point , and then it turns around and begins cannibalizing itself .
For example @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the commons—companies taking control of the majority of the Earth ’ s drinking and potable water and making a statement that human beings don ’ t have a right to that water .
Water should be part of the commons and available to everyone equally .
It ’ s an indigenous extinction story for the human species .
There are a number of them relevant to the times we are living in .
In the Wabanaki tradition , Giwakwa , the cannibal giant , lives deep in the forest and only awakens to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This lets Giwakwa know that humans are consuming faster than she can produce and harming her faster than she can heal .
Awakened , Giwakwa plays music on his flute that dances people into frenzied , mindless , faster and faster consumption until they consume themselves off the planet , giving Mother Earth the opportunity to heal and renew .
These indigenous extinction stories are active now across the globe .
Author of Sherri Mitchell ( Weh ’ na Ha ’ mu Kwasset ) has been an attorney , spiritual teacher and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ years .
Born and raised on the Penobscot Indian Reservation , she draws upon her ancestral knowledge to address environmental protection , social justice and spiritual change , offering a set of cultural values to help preserve our collective survival for future generations.Human beings have set in motion all the ideologies and beliefs that are currently governing and manifesting the reality that we step into , moment-by-moment .
According to the law of motion , this is going to stay in motion until it meets with an equal or greater force .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stand in the path of the energy we have created and actively stop its movement .
We need to transform the energetic pattern of it and shift it in another direction.Cannibalization by ongoing colonization is also happening to our air through the Paris Agreement .
Trading for shares of clean air through a carbon credit program is the greatest smoke-and-mirrors scam of our time .
We are in the midst of the “ Dance of the Cannibal Giant ” with colonization and capitalism as key players.The only way to put the cannibal giant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wake up fully to the fact that the Earth is being damaged at a rate far greater than she can heal herself , and that there are many species on the verge of extinction .
We are one of them .
People must be incredibly discerning now .
They must get grounded in their center to listen and heed the direction of their inner compass that will guide them in a right direction.Natural Awakenings .

What people really need to understand about the laws of attraction and manifestation, which are foundational laws of creation, is that humans have been manifesting the reality they’ve been living in for a very, very long time. Connected by the laws of entanglement, whatever we are giving life to, whatever we are thinking, speaking and breathing out is creating the current that is manifesting the storm we are currently living. We are co-creators of this reality, and it is time to move beyond the kindergarten-level of the law of attraction and take conscious responsibility for what we are actively creating, whether we intend it or not, because we are creating and putting things into motion all the time. We, as spiritual beings having a human experience, need to begin taking grown-up responsibility and move beyond the childlike dependence that colonization has imprinted within us.
What is colonization?
It’s difficult to talk about colonization in sound bites because it’s a complex subject. With regard to history, colonization was about taking over lands occupied by an indigenous population. The romanticized myth of colonization, the settling of the Americas, was unsettling. The language surrounding colonization makes it sound as if it was a wonderful thing, when it was actually disruptive, destructive and filled with violence and domination.
Moving into and taking over an already occupied area to gain and maintain control over resources is an act of conquest and domination. We are not living in a post-colonial era. Colonization, like capitalism, reaches what appears to be an end point, and then it turns around and begins cannibalizing itself. For example, we’re seeing colonization of the commons—companies taking control of the majority of the Earth’s drinking and potable water and making a statement that human beings don’t have a right to that water. Water should be part of the commons and available to everyone equally.
It’s an indigenous extinction story for the human species. There are a number of them relevant to the times we are living in. In the Wabanaki tradition, Giwakwa, the cannibal giant, lives deep in the forest and only awakens to the Earth mother’s distressed cry. This lets Giwakwa know that humans are consuming faster than she can produce and harming her faster than she can heal. Awakened, Giwakwa plays music on his flute that dances people into frenzied, mindless, faster and faster consumption until they consume themselves off the planet, giving Mother Earth the opportunity to heal and renew. These indigenous extinction stories are active now across the globe.
Author of Sherri Mitchell (Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset) has been an attorney, spiritual teacher and indigenous rights activist for more than 25 years. Born and raised on the Penobscot Indian Reservation, she draws upon her ancestral knowledge to address environmental protection, social justice and spiritual change, offering a set of cultural values to help preserve our collective survival for future generations.Human beings have set in motion all the ideologies and beliefs that are currently governing and manifesting the reality that we step into, moment-by-moment. According to the law of motion, this is going to stay in motion until it meets with an equal or greater force. That force is us. We need to stand in the path of the energy we have created and actively stop its movement. We need to transform the energetic pattern of it and shift it in another direction.Cannibalization by ongoing colonization is also happening to our air through the Paris Agreement. Trading for shares of clean air through a carbon credit program is the greatest smoke-and-mirrors scam of our time. We are in the midst of the “Dance of the Cannibal Giant” with colonization and capitalism as key players.The only way to put the cannibal giant back to sleep is for us to wake up fully to the fact that the Earth is being damaged at a rate far greater than she can heal herself, and that there are many species on the verge of extinction. We are one of them. People must be incredibly discerning now. They must get grounded in their center to listen and heed the direction of their inner compass that will guide them in a right direction.Natural Awakenings.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-27--Giving Thanks: Meditation on Gratitude and Joy

I offer this meditation that opens our hearts to gratitude and joy this holiday season .
Let yourself sit quietly and at ease .
Allow your body to be relaxed and open , your breath natural , your heart easy .
Begin the practice of gratitude by feeling how that , year after year , you have cared for your own life .
Now let yourself begin to acknowledge all that has supported you in this care : With gratitude , I remember the people , animals , plants , insects , creatures of the sky and sea , air @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all whose joyful exertion blesses my life every day .
With gratitude , I remember the care and labor of a thousand generations of elders and ancestors who came before me .
I offer my gratitude for the life I have been given .
Just as we are grateful for our blessings , so we can be grateful for the blessings of others .
Continue to breathe gently .
Bring to mind someone you care about ; someone it is easy to rejoice for .
Picture them and feel the natural joy you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happiness and success .
With each breath , offer them your grateful , heartfelt wishes : May your good fortune and the causes for your joy and happiness increase .
Sense the sympathetic joy and caring in each phrase .
When you feel some degree of natural gratitude for the happiness of this loved one , extend this practice to another person you care about .
Recite the same simple phrases that express your heart ’ s intention .
Practice dwelling in joy until the deliberate effort of practice drops away and the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ joy of your own wise heart .
Then , gradually open the meditation to include neutral people , difficult people and even enemies , until you extend sympathetic joy to all beings everywhere , young and old , near and far .

I offer this meditation that opens our hearts to gratitude and joy this holiday season.
Let yourself sit quietly and at ease. Allow your body to be relaxed and open, your breath natural, your heart easy. Begin the practice of gratitude by feeling how that, year after year, you have cared for your own life. Now let yourself begin to acknowledge all that has supported you in this care:
With gratitude, I remember the people, animals, plants, insects, creatures of the sky and sea, air and water, fire and earth, all whose joyful exertion blesses my life every day.
With gratitude, I remember the care and labor of a thousand generations of elders and ancestors who came before me.
I offer my gratitude for the life I have been given.
Just as we are grateful for our blessings, so we can be grateful for the blessings of others.
Continue to breathe gently. Bring to mind someone you care about; someone it is easy to rejoice for. Picture them and feel the natural joy you have for their well-being, for their happiness and success. With each breath, offer them your grateful, heartfelt wishes:
May your good fortune and the causes for your joy and happiness increase.
Sense the sympathetic joy and caring in each phrase. When you feel some degree of natural gratitude for the happiness of this loved one, extend this practice to another person you care about. Recite the same simple phrases that express your heart’s intention.
Practice dwelling in joy until the deliberate effort of practice drops away and the intentions of joy blend into the natural joy of your own wise heart.
Then, gradually open the meditation to include neutral people, difficult people and even enemies, until you extend sympathetic joy to all beings everywhere, young and old, near and far.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-21--Mindful Parenting: The Conscious Path to Raising a Child

Lo Bannerman , a Tucson nutritionist , was making homemade cookies with her toddler .
“ Or rather , making a mess while stirring cookies , ” she recalls .
“ Something in me snapped .
I wanted to take control , kick her out of the kitchen and do everything the ‘ right ’ way.
” As Bannerman took a deep breath , a memory arose .
“ As a child , I was only allowed to count scoops of flour or teaspoons of vanilla .
I was never allowed to fully , actively participate in the kitchen .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ I was not ‘ good enough ’ to make it so .
I felt this in my core .
Was I passing this on to my daughter ?
” Bannerman recalls that , after taking a moment to reset , she and her daughter “ happily made a mess , a memory and a foundation for a brighter future together.
” The Conscious Parent : Transforming Ourselves , Empowering Our Children .
“ Children aren ’ t ours to possess or own in any way .
When we know this in the depths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our “ It ’ s crucial we realize that we aren ’ t raising a ‘ mini-me ’ , but a spirit , throbbing with its own signature , ” says psychologist Shefali Tsabary , Ph.D. , author of .
“ Children aren ’ t ours to possess or own in any way .
When we know this in the depths of our soul , we tailor their raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our needs .
” Peaceful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ starts with—and hinges upon—parents understanding themselves deeply and realizing how their upbringing shapes their parenting actions .
It ’ s not always easy , especially during housebound pandemic months .
“ Our children have the capacity to trigger us more than anyone else .
So , when they exhibit childish behavior—which is , of course , part of their job description—it ’ s often hard for parents to stay calm , ” says Laura Markham , Ph.D. , a Brooklyn clinical psychologist and author of “ We see our child ’ s behavior @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and we draw a conclusion ( He ’ s going to be a psychopath ! )
which triggers other conclusions ( I ’ ve failed as a mother ! )
.
This cascade of thoughts creates a runaway train of emotions—in this case , fear , dismay , guilt .
We can ’ t bear those feelings .
The best defense is a good offense , so we lash out at our child in anger .
The whole process takes all of two seconds , and later we wonder why we overreacted.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ through therapy , reading , journaling , meditation , mindfulness practices or simply facing head-on the hard knocks of life—the more open we are to forging a deep relationship with our children and the easier it is to calm ourselves in the moment of a trigger , psychologists say .
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family and The Mother ’ s Guide to Self-Renewal .
“ Most of all , practice self-compassion .
You will make mistakes .
Forgive yourself and move on ; this is beautiful modeling for your kids.
” Correcting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ being a guide or coach , rather than a law enforcer .
“ Disciplining from a place of presence or awakened consciousness means having the willingness to pause , reflect , course-correct as needed in the moment , apologize , take ownership , ask for help and to drop history and reset as needed , ” says Renée Peterson Trudeau , the Brevard , North Carolina , author ofand .
“ Most of all , practice self-compassion .
You will make mistakes .
Forgive yourself and move on ; this is beautiful modeling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lies in our past , Markham says .
“ Any issue that makes you feel like lashing out has roots in your own early years .
We know this because we lose our ability to think clearly at those moments , and we start acting like children ourselves , throwing our own tantrums.
” Jessica Speer , a family-book author in Steamboat Springs , Colorado , lives that process .
Raised in a home “ where anger wasn ’ t managed well , ” she had no tools to draw on when she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tantrums .
It was , she says , “ a wake-up call that I needed help.
” Diving deeply into books , mindfulness and meditation helped her to understand herself better .
“ Fast forward 10 years , and I still meditate regularly , ” she says .
“ Now , when my daughter experiences big emotions , I try to ground myself so I can be there by her side .
This has been so healing for both of us.
” , by Shefali Tsabary , Ph.D. An Oprah favorite , she @ @ @ @ @ @

Lo Bannerman, a Tucson nutritionist, was making homemade cookies with her toddler. “Or rather, making a mess while stirring cookies,” she recalls. “Something in me snapped. I wanted to take control, kick her out of the kitchen and do everything the ‘right’ way.”
As Bannerman took a deep breath, a memory arose. “As a child, I was only allowed to count scoops of flour or teaspoons of vanilla. I was never allowed to fully, actively participate in the kitchen. Everything had to be perfect, and I was not ‘good enough’ to make it so. I felt this in my core. Was I passing this on to my daughter?” Bannerman recalls that, after taking a moment to reset, she and her daughter “happily made a mess, a memory and a foundation for a brighter future together.”
Bannerman, who blogs at Nourishing Families , was practicing an increasingly popular approach in raising children known as either conscious, mindful, soulful, awake or peaceful parenting. Instead of focusing on shaping a child’s behavior through rules and discipline, which can bring up contentious issues of fear, ego and control, the focus is on connecting deeply with a child through love, authenticity and acceptance of the child’s innate nature.
The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children. “Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our
“It’s crucial we realize that we aren’t raising a ‘mini-me’, but a spirit, throbbing with its own signature,” says psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D. , author of. “Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs rather than molding them to fit our needs .”
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids.
The transformation starts with—and hinges upon—parents understanding themselves deeply and realizing how their upbringing shapes their parenting actions. It’s not always easy, especially during housebound pandemic months. “Our children have the capacity to trigger us more than anyone else. So, when they exhibit childish behavior—which is, of course, part of their job description—it’s often hard for parents to stay calm,” says Laura Markham, Ph.D. , a Brooklyn clinical psychologist and author of
“We see our child’s behavior (He hit her again!), and we draw a conclusion (He’s going to be a psychopath!) which triggers other conclusions (I’ve failed as a mother!). This cascade of thoughts creates a runaway train of emotions—in this case, fear, dismay, guilt. We can’t bear those feelings. The best defense is a good offense, so we lash out at our child in anger. The whole process takes all of two seconds, and later we wonder why we overreacted.”
The more deeply we know ourselves—whether through therapy, reading, journaling, meditation, mindfulness practices or simply facing head-on the hard knocks of life—the more open we are to forging a deep relationship with our children and the easier it is to calm ourselves in the moment of a trigger, psychologists say.
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family and The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal. “Most of all, practice self-compassion. You will make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on; this is beautiful modeling for your kids.” Correcting a child becomes then a matter of being a guide or coach, rather than a law enforcer. “Disciplining from a place of presence or awakened consciousness means having the willingness to pause, reflect, course-correct as needed in the moment, apologize, take ownership, ask for help and to drop history and reset as needed,” says Renée Peterson Trudeau , the Brevard, North Carolina, author ofand. “Most of all, practice self-compassion. You will make mistakes. Forgive yourself and move on; this is beautiful modeling for your kids.”
Helpful Parenting Books
skldjflkasdljf /AdobeStock.com
Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids: How to Stop Yelling and Start Connecting, by Laura Markham, Ph.D. Find videos and other resources at , by Laura Markham, Ph.D. Find videos and other resources at Aha! Parenting
Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting, by John Gottman, Ph.D., a marriage and family researcher. , by John Gottman, Ph.D., a marriage and family researcher. The Gottman Institute offers videos, books and card decks to help develop emotional intelligence in kids.
Nurturing the Soul of Your Family: 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday Life, by , by Renée Peterson Trudeau
Growing Up Mindful: Essential Practices to Help Children, Teens, and Families Find Balance, Calm, and Resilience, by Christopher Willard, Psy.D. Find
, by Christopher Willard, Psy.D. Find talks and workshops
Strategies for Soulful Parenting Renée Peterson Trudeau, the author of Nurturing the Soul of Your Family and The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal, offers suggestions for soulful parenting. Read More »
The answer often lies in our past, Markham says. “Any issue that makes you feel like lashing out has roots in your own early years. We know this because we lose our ability to think clearly at those moments, and we start acting like children ourselves, throwing our own tantrums.” Jessica Speer , a family-book author in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, lives that process. Raised in a home “where anger wasn’t managed well,” she had no tools to draw on when she got triggered by her toddler’s tantrums. It was, she says, “a wake-up call that I needed help.” Diving deeply into books, mindfulness and meditation helped her to understand herself better. “Fast forward 10 years, and I still meditate regularly,” she says. “Now, when my daughter experiences big emotions, I try to ground myself so I can be there by her side. This has been so healing for both of us.”, by Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D. An Oprah favorite, she offers videos and other information.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-27--Skin-Soothing Herbs for Dogs and Cats: Simple Ways to Reduce Itching

From allergies to liver deficiency , many factors can itch , inflame and irritate the skin of our pets .
A dog ’ s or cat ’ s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances .
Skin problems in pets have many causes , yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable .
While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly , most forms of skin and coat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can be extremely difficult to identify and address .
Chronic or recurring skin conditions that can not be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues , some of which can be serious or even life-threatening .
The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep .
And while topical salves , liniments , shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain , they will not likely address the root causes of a dog @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ailment .
For that , the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs .
It ’ s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supplement to dogs and cats .
The omega-3 fatty acids in these marine lipids play critical roles in regulating immune system inflammatory response to allergens .
More specifically , they inhibit inflammation , while omega-6 fatty acids typically found in grains and vegetable oils stimulate inflammation .
Both processes are necessary for healthy body functioning , but an imbalance of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ skin allergies , a dull coat and excessive shedding .
Liver deficiency is another common factor to consider .
The liver is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and acids needed to break down and assimilate food while also filtering waste from the bloodstream .
If the liver is deficient in any of these functions , excess waste that can not be eliminated via normal pathways will wreak havoc on the body , often manifesting as a skin condition .
If this happens , symptoms commonly recognized as pyoderma , eczema or psoriasis will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the waste , pushing the toxins outward and away from vital internal organs toward the skin .
In addition to dietary adjustments , liver support is helpful when it comes to skin problems , and this is where herbs come in .
Burdock root ( Arctium lappa ) .
This herb has an ancient history as a skin remedy .
It contains inulin , an indigestible polysaccharide constituent that serves as a prebiotic , feeding beneficial microflora in the gut and improving digestion .
It also contains a broad variety of compounds that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to help detoxify the body and aid in transporting waste out of the bloodstream .
Burdock can be found as a tincture or a fresh root at many health food stores .
Grate the fresh root liberally onto the pet ’ s food at each mealtime .
Burdock is fairly neutral in flavor and very safe , so there ’ s no need to worry about overfeeding .
Dandelion ( Taraxacum officinale ) .
The roots and leaves are highly nutritious .
They contain a complex assortment of liver-supporting compounds as well as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ eliminating toxins via urination . )
, alfalfa ( ) and milk thistle ( ) .
These are well-known blood cleansers worth considering .
Look for formulas that contain a balanced array of all three.Herbs for Pets : The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet ’ s .

From allergies to liver deficiency, many factors can itch, inflame and irritate the skin of our pets. A dog’s or cat’s skin can become damaged or compromised because the skin is the first line of defense against attacks from external substances. Skin problems in pets have many causes, yet a variety of herbs can help a dog or cat feel more comfortable.
While the catalysts of acute-onset skin issues such as insect bites or sunburn are obvious and can be dealt with directly, most forms of skin and coat disease are caused by deeper issues that can be extremely difficult to identify and address. Chronic or recurring skin conditions that cannot be attributed to influences outside the body usually point to deeper health issues, some of which can be serious or even life-threatening.
The greatest mistake one can make when assessing a skin problem is assuming the problem is only skin deep. And while topical salves, liniments, shampoos or lotions can be quite effective in temporarily suppressing itching and pain, they will not likely address the root causes of a dog’s or cat’s skin ailment. For that, the situation must be approached from the inside-out with diet and several key herbs.
Many cases of chronic skin issues in dogs and cats are either directly attributable to or strongly influenced by inappropriate and allergy-inducing ingredients in pet foods . Be critical about the quality of pet foods and avoid those that contain meat byproducts, artificial flavors and preservatives, as well as all grains, especially wheat and corn.
It’s also important to give a good fish or krill oil supplement to dogs and cats. The omega-3 fatty acids in these marine lipids play critical roles in regulating immune system inflammatory response to allergens. More specifically, they inhibit inflammation, while omega-6 fatty acids typically found in grains and vegetable oils stimulate inflammation. Both processes are necessary for healthy body functioning, but an imbalance of too much omega-6 sets the stage for skin allergies, a dull coat and excessive shedding.
Liver deficiency is another common factor to consider. The liver is responsible for producing digestive enzymes and acids needed to break down and assimilate food while also filtering waste from the bloodstream. If the liver is deficient in any of these functions, excess waste that cannot be eliminated via normal pathways will wreak havoc on the body, often manifesting as a skin condition. If this happens, symptoms commonly recognized as pyoderma, eczema or psoriasis will increase as the body tries to eliminate the waste, pushing the toxins outward and away from vital internal organs toward the skin.
In addition to dietary adjustments, liver support is helpful when it comes to skin problems, and this is where herbs come in.
svvvita/AdobeStock.com
Burdock root (Arctium lappa). This herb has an ancient history as a skin remedy. It contains inulin, an indigestible polysaccharide constituent that serves as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial microflora in the gut and improving digestion. It also contains a broad variety of compounds that gently stimulate the liver at various levels to help detoxify the body and aid in transporting waste out of the bloodstream. Burdock can be found as a tincture or a fresh root at many health food stores. Grate the fresh root liberally onto the pet’s food at each mealtime. Burdock is fairly neutral in flavor and very safe, so there’s no need to worry about overfeeding.
svvvita/AdobeStock.com
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale). The roots and leaves are highly nutritious. They contain a complex assortment of liver-supporting compounds as well as diuretic properties that aid the body in eliminating toxins via urination.
svvvita/AdobeStock.com
Topical Herbs that Relieve the Itch Effective topical herbal remedies to help naturally relieve pet itching and reduce inflammation and redness in suffering dogs and cats such as witch hazel, aloe vera, calendula and teas. Read More »
), alfalfa () and milk thistle (). These are well-known blood cleansers worth considering. Look for formulas that contain a balanced array of all three.Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet’s.


naturalawakeningsmagazine--2020-10-15--The Green Burial Revolution: Sustainable End-of-Life Options

There ’ s an emerging movement in the funeral industry , fueled by environmentalism and a yearning to accept mortality and reclaim a connection to Earth and to each other .
Although it seems revolutionary , a green burial is as old as humanity , while the conventional burial commonly practiced in the United States is only a bit over 150 years old .
Continuing a practice that began in the Civil War , the conventional funeral typically involves embalming with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde to preserve the body for viewing .
Elaborate metal and varnished hardwood caskets are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and entombed in memorial parks , where lawns are maintained with heavy machinery and liberal applications of herbicides and pesticides .
In a true green burial , the body is put in repose in its natural state ; refrigeration or dry ice replaces embalming fluids .
Families may choose to bathe and dress their loved one ’ s body , wrap the body with a natural cotton shroud or place it in a casket made of sustainably grown and biodegradable materials including pine , bamboo , wicker or even cardboard .
The burial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with indigenous plants , meadows and soil untouched by chemicals .
The grave is dug and refilled by hand , while family and friends use ropes to lower their loved one directly into the earth .
“ You ’ re going back to nature .
Your body will decompose and in turn it can nourish the environment .
New life will come from your death , ” says Ed Bixby , owner of Steelmantown Cemetery Companies and president of the Green Burial Council , which certifies eco-friendly cemeteries and funeral services .
Natural @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people can hike , birdwatch , cross-country ski or camp .
These beautiful cemeteries are full of life and regeneration .
“ The neat part is that they ’ re using their income stream for open-space preservation—buying property , using it for burial purposes and dedicating that land so that it will always be open and green , ” says Robert Prout , a third-generation funeral director in Verona , New Jersey .
Every state has at least one natural burial site .
There are hundreds nationwide , and 11 of them are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by conservation or state agencies .
As people learn more about green burials and request them , traditional cemeteries are setting aside areas for these alternatives .
Bixby is encouraged by the hybrid models .
“ It ’ s helping change the direction of the funeral industry .
We ’ re empowering and educating families .
That ’ s how we ’ re going to grow this movement , ” he says .
A green burial will usually cost less than the conventional one .
“ The environment is suffering , and people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says Fournier .
“ People are realizing that you don ’ t have to spend a lot of money after someone has passed away to show your love.
” In some towns , backyard burials are an option , too .
From an emotional and spiritual perspective , there ’ s a lot to be said for a green burial .
“ It ’ s been so clinical for so long , where you wear your black suit .
You sit on the sideline .
The gravedigger and undertaker do everything .
You @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” says Fournier .
“ By being a part of the process , there ’ s a greater sense of acceptance .
You can see a lot of the pain and grief wash away , ” says Bixby .
“ It allows us to not only care for our dead , but also not be so afraid of our common denominator .
We ’ re all going to die .
It shouldn ’ t be a scary , disconnected experience.
” Although cremation is greener than a conventional funeral , it is still @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The process requires a fair amount of natural gas or oil , and releases toxins into the air , especially if the person is embalmed , has mercury tooth fillings or was treated with chemotherapy .
The carbon footprint of cremation can be offset when scattering cremains by mixing them into soil and planting a tree in memory of the person or encasing the ashes in a reef ball to give back to the ocean .
A controversial new type of cremation that is legal in only a handful of states—alkaline hydrolysis—offers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ low-heat water and lye bath slowly dissolves the flesh and neutralizes toxins , leaving only the bones , which are then processed to create ash-like remains .
Time will tell if this method is widely adopted .
Although cremation is greener than a conventional funeral , it is still not as ecological as a natural burial .
The process requires a fair amount of natural gas or oil , and releases toxins into the air , especially if the person is embalmed , has mercury tooth fillings or was treated with chemotherapy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ offset when scattering cremains by mixing them into soil and planting a tree in memory of the person or encasing the ashes in a reef ball to give back to the ocean .

There’s an emerging movement in the funeral industry, fueled by environmentalism and a yearning to accept mortality and reclaim a connection to Earth and to each other. Although it seems revolutionary, a green burial is as old as humanity, while the conventional burial commonly practiced in the United States is only a bit over 150 years old.
Continuing a practice that began in the Civil War, the conventional funeral typically involves embalming with toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde to preserve the body for viewing. Elaborate metal and varnished hardwood caskets are lowered into cement or steel burial vaults and entombed in memorial parks, where lawns are maintained with heavy machinery and liberal applications of herbicides and pesticides.
The Green Burial Guidebook.
These materials are not just polluting the Earth, but depleting resources only to bury them forever. “You can build a replication of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco annually with all the metal placed in the ground. Why would we bury these materials that people could actually be using?” says Elizabeth Fournier , a licensed mortician in Portland, Oregon, and author of
In a true green burial, the body is put in repose in its natural state; refrigeration or dry ice replaces embalming fluids. Families may choose to bathe and dress their loved one’s body, wrap the body with a natural cotton shroud or place it in a casket made of sustainably grown and biodegradable materials including pine, bamboo, wicker or even cardboard.
The burial site has a more natural feel, with indigenous plants, meadows and soil untouched by chemicals. The grave is dug and refilled by hand, while family and friends use ropes to lower their loved one directly into the earth. “You’re going back to nature. Your body will decompose and in turn it can nourish the environment. New life will come from your death,” says Ed Bixby, owner of Steelmantown Cemetery Companies and president of the Green Burial Council , which certifies eco-friendly cemeteries and funeral services.
Natural burial sites are public recreational havens where people can hike, birdwatch, cross-country ski or camp. These beautiful cemeteries are full of life and regeneration. “The neat part is that they’re using their income stream for open-space preservation—buying property, using it for burial purposes and dedicating that land so that it will always be open and green,” says Robert Prout , a third-generation funeral director in Verona, New Jersey. Every state has at least one natural burial site. There are hundreds nationwide, and 11 of them are legal preservation grounds, owned and managed by conservation or state agencies.
As people learn more about green burials and request them, traditional cemeteries are setting aside areas for these alternatives. Bixby is encouraged by the hybrid models. “It’s helping change the direction of the funeral industry. We’re empowering and educating families. That’s how we’re going to grow this movement,” he says.
A green burial will usually cost less than the conventional one. “The environment is suffering, and people’s wallets are suffering,” says Fournier. “People are realizing that you don’t have to spend a lot of money after someone has passed away to show your love.” In some towns, backyard burials are an option, too.
From an emotional and spiritual perspective, there’s a lot to be said for a green burial. “It’s been so clinical for so long, where you wear your black suit. You sit on the sideline. The gravedigger and undertaker do everything. You’re sort of a spectator,” says Fournier.
“By being a part of the process, there’s a greater sense of acceptance. You can see a lot of the pain and grief wash away,” says Bixby. “It allows us to not only care for our dead, but also not be so afraid of our common denominator. We’re all going to die. It shouldn’t be a scary, disconnected experience.”
Overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a burial at sea is yet another green option in which the body decomposes naturally on the ocean floor. To find a state-by-state list of natural burial sites, visit the Green Burial Council
Sandra Yeyati, J.D., is a professional writer. Reach her at [email protected].