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WINTER 2023 ISSUE 29
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EDITOR / PUBLISHER / SPECIAL EVENTS Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT / MYSTICAL THYMES Mary Soanes mysticalthymes@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brighid | Jill Basye-Featherston | Dr. William Grigg | Dana Jefferson Chuck Kruse | Camille Leon | Kayla Malik | Coleen Stewart | Trish Zook IT & LOGISTICS Glenn Eckman CREATIVE DIRECTOR Alex Lucas of Oh The Raven Design Studio alex@ohtheraven.com EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Article guidelines are available on our website: http://therapeuticthymes.com/submissions. ADVERTISING INFORMATION To request a media kit, please email advertise@therapeuticthymes.com or call 717-419-8796. Deadline for our Spring Issue (due out in March) is 1 January. WHOLESALE INFORMATION: Interested in carrying Therapeutic Thymes in your store on shop? Email info@therapeuticthymes.com or write us at the address below. OFFICE: Therapeutic Thymes, LLC PO Box 4731 | Lancaster, PA 17604 Phone: 717-419-8796 | info@therapeuticthymes.com © 2023-2024 by Therapeutic Thymes, LLC. | All rights reserved. | ISSN 2474-8315
WINTER, ISSUE 29 | DECEMBER, JANUARY, FEBRUARY
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Winter CONTENTS 2023 13 Get Connected
By Camille Leon, HCC Founder
41
How To Stay Healthy and Fit Even When You Are Super Busy
By Colleen Stewart
18 Materia Medica: Clove
By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
45 Managing ADHD in Adults: Lifestyle Changes
21 Why Not Hug A Tree?
By Dr. William Grigg, DO
By Chuck Kruse
27 Taking Care of Business: Self-Care
By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA
51
You Are Already Whole
By Kayla Malik 54 Bringing in Good Vibes and Cheer for 2023
Brighid’s Astro Planner
33 Self-Care, If You Dare
By Trish Zook
59 Special Section: 37 Developing a Yoga Practice
Holiday Gift Guide
By Jill Basye-Featherston
DEPARTMENTS
COVER IMAGE
By yaroslav-shuraev via Pexels
05 07
Editor’s Note
66 Book Thyme
News & Tidbits
80 Contributors
16
Garden Thyme
84
Advertiser Index
WINTER 2023 | 3
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EDITOR'S NOTE
Welcome to our Winter 2023 Issue. The theme this issue is Self-Care. Too often we put ourselves last. Do you find yourself feeling tired, exhausted, like you are living for everyone else? It is time to put yourself first. We cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot give our best, or be our best, if we ourselves are running on empty. Winter is a time of reflection and self-care. As always, whether you are new to the natural, holistic, and selfsustaining lifestyle, or an expert in a related field, I am so glad you joined us on this exciting journey. Grab a cup of your favorite tea and join us a spell.
Blessings! ~ Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman Editor / Publisher
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” –Eleanor Brownn
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NEWS & TIDBITS TOTAL ECLIPSE FEST TO TAKE PLACE IN APRIL CLEVELAND, OH – Join Great Lakes Science Center, and its partners NASA’s Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra, from 6-8 April for the Total Eclipse Fest 2024, a three-day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
This outdoor, family-friendly event will feature hands-on science activities, a free community concert performance by The Cleveland Orchestra on Sunday, 7 April, food vendors, entertainment, and free eclipse viewing glasses (while supplies last). NASA experts will be on-site to engage with the public and share ways NASA studies the sun and uses that information to understand its impact on Earth and throughout our solar system, and NASA TV will be broadcasting live from the event Monday, 8 April.
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NEWS & TIDBITS visitors will experience several minutes of darkness when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. As the home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center, and the prime downtown destination for viewing the eclipse, the Science Center is estimating crowds of up to 5,000 on Saturday and Sunday, and upwards of 30,000 on the day of the eclipse itself. Make your plans to join us now and be part of this incredible celestial event. Visit GreatScience.com for more information about the event, or Destination Cleveland’s website thisiscleveland.com/2024-solar-eclipse to plan your visit to Northeast Ohio. ❁
The Cleveland Orchestra’s family concert will perform outdoor on Sunday. The Orchestra will perform an “Out of this World” concert program of galactic proportions featuring Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra” (known to all fans of “2001: A Space Odyssey”), music from “Star Wars,” and more, paired with stunning images from the Hubble Telescope, International Space Station and NASA’s photo archives. Excitement surrounding the 2024 solar eclipse is building around Cleveland due to the region’s location along the path of totality, which means residents and
BLENDING AMERICAN ELDERBERRIES & ELDERFLOWERS FOR IMMUNE SUPPORT CARMEL, CA – Carmel Berry Company, an elderberry company committed to using only fresh elderberries sourced directly from American farmers, has unveiled its 2023 Holiday Collection of healthy and wellness products, drink and food inspirations, corporate offerings, and gift ideas. Known for its potent nutritional benefits and traditional immune support, elderberry helps year-round immune wellness. Available
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in two flavors: Honey & Cinnamon and Honey & Lemon. Their berries are never dried and never imported. They use no water, thickness, preservatives, or refined sugar. Carmel Berry Company is a woman owned, WBEC certified, farmer focused company. For more information, visit: www. CarmelBerry.com. ❁
METFORMIN CAN CAUSE B-12 DEFICIENCY Metformin can cause a B-12 deficiency after long-term use. A deficiency of B-12 can cause: dizziness, headaches, memory loss, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in extremities, and trouble concentrating. While one could take vitamin supplements, B-12 is also found in beef, liver, chicken, trout, salmon tuna fish, and clams. ❁
10 SIGNS OF BEING
Ungrounded • Agitation
• Feeling fearful
• Anxiety
• Forgetfulness
• Bad dreams
• Inability to complete tasks
• Dizziness • Eye twitches
• Stress
10 Healing Stones
Amethyst –Helps fight addictions; Promotes psychic development. Aventurine – Relives aches and pains. Bloodstone – Protection. Citrine – Balances; Energizes. Fluorite – Relieves allergies; Helps with concentration. Hematite – Grounding; Protection; Removes negativity. Lapis – Relieves migraines; Relieves acid reflux. Rose Quartz – Brings love; promotes weight loss. Serpentine – Good for pain relief. Sodalite – Sleep aid.
• Feeling cold
REDUCE YOUR ELECTRICITY INTAKE Switch to energy efficient lightbulbs such as LED: If every American household replaced a conventional lightbulb with an LED light,
it would offset the greenhouse gas emissions of 800,000 cars. Unplug appliances that you aren’t using or invest in a power strip you can easily shut off. Items that are plugged in but not in use account for 5 to 10% of residential energy use and cost the average household $100 per year, according to the Department of Energy. ❁
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NEWS & TIDBITS
APPALACHIAN BEGINNING FOREST FARMER COALITION TO HOLD FOREST FARMING CONFERENCE ROANOKE, VA - Held in Roanoke, Virginia, this conference features learning, networking, and strategic planning programs that will shape the future of forest farming of woodland crops such as botanicals, mushrooms, and decorative products in Appalachia and beyond. The conference is scheduled for 22-24 March 2024. It will be held at the Hotel Roanoke. For more information, visit: appalachianforestfarmers.org. ❁
FINANCIAL PREPAREDNESS We can also employ sustainable financial strategies; this keeps us nimble in case of disaster and sets us up with savings for the future. Consider employing the following financial strategies: • Commit to saving a certain amount of money each paycheck. • Gather your financial and critical personal, household, and medical information. Keep them in a fireproof and waterproof safe and keep a copy in your emergency kit. • Obtain property (homeowners or renters), flood, health, and life insurance if you do not have them. ❁
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HYM T S S E SIN
E
GET Connected BU
By Camille Leon, Founder of Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC)
WHEN YOU ARE IN BUSINESS, IT CAN BE LONELY, ESPECIALLY IF YOU WORK FROM A HOME OFFICE AS MANY HOLISTICALLY MINDED BUSINESS OWNERS DO. FOR THOSE WHO START ON THEIR OWN AND THEN KEEP GROWING, IT CAN BE EVEN TRICKIER. It is often stressful making all of the decisions, especially if you are trying to
do it all on your own. Being responsible for taking care of clients/customers, paying bills, updating the website, creating content for social media… Well, it can feel overwhelming and as if you are alone. Too often, we keep that loneliness inside. After all, who will understand? Family and friends care about you and want to help, but without experience starting or running a business, it is hard for them to relate. Even your consultants and staff do not have the same perspective. For those who are in the wellness business, it may even feel as if you always have to inspire others, never sharing your questions or concerns.
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As the Founder of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce (HCC), I learned this the hard way. Now, there are ways for you to make your life easier as a holistically minded business owner and wellness professional. In 2010, I launched the HCC to help consumers find quality holistic wellness providers more easily. By consistently posting wellness content on our social media and sending it via email, the HCC continued to grow — steadily attracting more followers and members. What started as a project became a business requiring staff and a higherlevel website than I could manage on my own.
But as the primary person in charge, the weight of decision-making led to loneliness, and the networking aspect of the HCC became as important as the directory and events calendar. Connecting with HCC members relieves the loneliness of working from home and allows me to gather input and ideas from others who ‘get’ the holistic approach to building a business. Like holistic health and wellness approaches, networking here helps in unexpected ways. What about you? Do you ever feel the weight of building a business alone? Even those who work with a team can get lonely periodically.
Here are six (6) top tips for removing the loneliness factor and learning to love being in business: 1. Find your favorite expert advisors: Yes, you are used to figuring it out on your own. The good news is that you do not need to! There are others who can handle tax preparation, for example, so you do not need to. Find a bookkeeper who can help with recordkeeping and a tax preparer who understands small or micro-business concerns. You can also find a lawyer to assist with contracts, an SEO consultant for your website, and others who can handle those tasks that stress you out but still need to be done.
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2. Find a holistically aligned networking group: Surround yourself with people who ‘get’ who you are and what you do, and are in the working world as a business owner or employee. Learn together, sharing experiences and fresh perspectives that you can apply to your own challenges. Talk with those who can provide understanding, support, and quality referrals. 3. Find a mentor and/or coach: Mentors and coaches are similar yet different. A mentor has done what you want to do, and is willing to share
their experience with you. A coach is a personal guide who will ask you questions to help you define and refine your personal best approach for reaching your goals. A mentor may be available on a pro bono basis whereas a coach will charge a fee.
4. Spend time with other people: Variety is the spice of life! I do not know who said that, but I know it is true. There are times when a friendly face is all you need for some conversation by the virtual ‘water cooler.’ Take your laptop to the coffee shop for the buzz of others. Enjoy a walk in a well-loved park. Book a desk at the local coworking space for new perspective.
6. Prioritize 1:1 self-care: One-on-one self-care might be getting a massage or acupuncture treatment, time with a therapist, or drinks (coffee? tea?) with a friend. Finding a way to process stress, even if it is through physical movement and exercise, can keep you from burning out and make it easier to share your light with the people who need it. Editor’s Note: For more information on the HCC, please visit: holisticchamberofcommerce.com ❁
5. Social activities are good for you: I get it… You are an introvert. You are busy. But if you are always alone in your head, it is too easy to think you are alone in your life and work. Consider yoga or a drumming circle. Take a class at the community center or gym. See if your local library hosts a book club. With a little effort, you can find a group that is good for you. WINTER 2023 | 15
COMPOSTIN G
A great way to reduce was te while providing nu trients to yo ur home or local gard ens is to com po st your food waste. C onsidering ch ec ki ng out the Envi ronmental Pr otection Agency’s Com posting At H ome page for useful tips on composting. ❁
UR CANNING YO S T HARVES
and be a low-cost Canning can food to reduce your effective way elf-life extend the sh waste and to also n Canning ca of your food. r an to prepare fo be an easy way s u should alway emergency: yo d an od fo s’ worth of have 72 hour ❁ t. ki emergency water in your
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SPOTTE
D LANT
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MATERIA MEDICA: CLOVE (SYZYGIUM AROMATICUM)
By Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
FAMILY: Myrtaceae COMMON NAME(S): Clove. GENDER: Masculine USDA HARDINESS: Zones NATIVE RANGE: Indonesia.
DESCRIPTION & CULTIVATION: Cloves are the aromatic buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae Family. The clove tree itself can grow 15 to 30 feet tall. An evergreen, she has large leaves and reddish flowers. PARTS USED: Flower buds. CULINARY USES: An herb found in most kitchens.
MEDICINAL USES: Analgesic, anodyne, antiemetic, antiseptic, antifungal. It warms the body, increases circulation, improves digestion, and treats flatulence. Clove oil helps ease toothache pain when placed in the cavity. Clove oil can also stop vomiting if taken in water and a clove tea will relieve nausea. MAGIKAL USES: A perfect addition to sachets. Burn cloves as incense to attract riches and repel hostilities.
Sources: Cunningham, Scott. Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn Publications, 2014. Pp. 86 Gladstar, Rosemary. Rosemary Gladstar’s Medicinal Herbs A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing, Page 99. Lust, John, N.D, D.B.M., (1974) The Herb Book. Bantam Books, pg. 159. Tierra, Michael, C.A., N.D. (1990) The Way of Herbs. Pocket Books, pp. 92 Image Credit on Left Page: Elizabeth Blackwell, “The Clove, Carophyllus aromaticus.” Plate 338 from volume 2 of Blackwell’s A Curious Herbal, Containing Five Hundred Cuts, of the Most Useful Plants, Which Are Now Used in the Practice of Physic: . . . To Which Is Added a Short Description of Ye Plants; and Their Common Uses in Physic (London, 1739). [Rare Books Division]
FALL 2023 19
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WHY NOT HUG A TREE? By Chuck Kruse
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Hug a tree. I am not talking about what you are thinking, this is not about environmental activism although I have to say that is certainly a worthwhile subject. No, we are talking about something a bit more ethereal here. We are talking about sharing energy with a tree. Sounds intriguing? Well, here we go. There is no doubt that plants in general and trees in particular are alive. Recent research shows that trees communicate with each other through their roots and the soil. Apparently, they send out 'notices' of what nutrients they need and other trees that have a surplus send the requested items their way. Sensors hooked up to a tree showed that if someone begins chopping down a tree with an axe, then comes back the next day to finish, the tree shows signs of recognizing the person! Keeping this in mind, it begins to become clear why in the far East a practice has emerged to share energy between humans and trees. It is possible, and it holds benefits for both the tree and the person. The Qigong practice called 'Three Circles' holds the key to this. In Figure 1, you can see the pose. For
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your root, place the feet slightly more than shoulder width apart. Some practitioners turn the toes inward, but I was taught to turn them slightly out, so that is what I do. Bend your knees slightly. Now put your arms in a semicircle position about chest high. Your fingers should be six inches or less apart from each other. Once in position, you hold it, without moving. Breathe naturally, in and out
through the nose with your tongue touching the roof of the mouth just behind your top teeth. The object of this is to feel your Qi moving in a clockwise circle around your arms, through your chest, and jumping the gap between the hands. Recall that Qi is electrical, and you can understand that having it move through the circuit you have just created is certainly possible. When I learned this, I learned it from a master whose English was unable to explain 100% the mechanics of this. So, I held the position. And held it. Then held it some more. Nothing happened for months, but I kept on with it as part of my practice. I read everything I could find but it did not help. It seemed like something was missing.
flow. Years went by, and one day, the Qi stopped flowing by itself. That was when I came across the Qigong maxim, 'The mind directs, and the qi follows'. What that means is, you can use your mind, your intention, to direct your Qi as you need it to. Come to find out, this directing your Qi by your intention is a major goal of Qigong as it allows you to bring the Qi to parts of your body that need healing or extra strength. Think about the stories of people who have lifted a car off of someone trapped beneath it. That was a spontaneous eruption of Qi, no more no less, expressed by the dire need. So how do you share this information? Looking back, I see a long line of puzzled expressions on the faces of
Finally, one evening, I had a strong urge to go outside and hold the Three Circles position. When I did, I felt the Qi flow for the first time! It moved quickly and strongly around the circuit, and it was amazing to say the least! I now understood why the masters spoke of holding this position for hours. I held it myself for I don't know how long, and I only stopped when I began to think about stopping and the flow slowed down and then stopped. At that point I knew I had made a real breakthrough. After that, whenever I held the position, my Qi would begin to
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people when I told them to 'direct your Qi with your intention'. While technically correct, the phrase doesn't seem to generate understanding. Then one morning I was down at the park doing my Qigong and my Three Circles Qi didn't start up. I looked down at my arms and ran my eyes around the circuit, imagining the flow.... And it started right up! The key was imagination! Now I am not saying that if you imagine it, you have it because that is not the whole story, but I am saying that your imagination can prime the pump, as it were, for the flow of Qi. The use of imagination has been part of Qigong all along, but it is not generally taught due, I believe, to breakdowns in communications. Everyone speaks of using your intention but imagination? That is a lost pearl but now, here you have it.
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OK. Now you have Qi flow through your Three Circles circuit, no matter how long it has taken you to get it. It is time to go to the trees. Find a pine tree about a foot (12") across. Pines are preferred and considered the best trees from a Qigong point of view but if you don't have one, use what you do have. Now, assume
the Three Circles position with your palms on either side of the tree. Figure Two shows this. Begin to direct your Qi around the circuit. When you get to the tree, you will probably feel a little resistance but give it a little push and when you feel the Qi hit your right hand (remember we are going clockwise) and continue on behind your back, don't be surprised if you let out a little gasp! It will surprise you! Also don't be surprised if you don't get the Qi through the tree right away. It may take a time or two but if you did the preliminary work of establishing the Three Circles circuit, it won't take long. As you continue, you will notice the slight difference in the energy as it passes through the tree back to you. You have just exchanged energy with a tree! As you progress you can work with wider trees, and try other species just to see the difference. You will begin to understand that communication between disparate life forms is subtle but possible, and you will begin to know that when you are in the woods you are never alone. There is life all around you if you can be open to it. You will lose your fear of the deep forest. This is a beneficial side effect of the practice. You might be wondering why the Three Circles position is called Three Circles. Well, it is an advanced practice, but it is possible to move Qi down your leg, through the earth, and back up the other leg in a circuit. That's Circle Two. Circle One is what we have been talking about with your arms. Circle Three is moving
Qi up your back, over your head, and down your front in another circuit. Figure Three shows all this. Some can get all three circuits moving at the same time. I have managed to do it but only rarely and certainly not on command. It is a lofty goal, but the rewards are great. So that is something to work on for both of us. ❁
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TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS:
Self-Care By Dana Jefferson, C.Ht., Ph.D., CAHA
A few years ago, a good friend gave me a book that was about self-care for my specific Sun sign. There were many good self-care ideas in that book which I am sure applied to all the Sun signs and not just mine. While that book certainly fits a specific notch, a good astrologer will tell you that you are more than just your Sun sign, and in fact, there are other parts of your astrology chart that are more indicative of the type of self-care which may be best for you. I personally think that self-care is a very individual need with very unique choices to best serve that individual need. For example, I believe that massage is a wonderful selfcare technique which I recommend to
many people. For me, getting a massage is pure torture. My body reacts in a negative way to this type of pressure. Sometimes the only way we can find out which self-care techniques work for us is through trial and error. I suggest that the best way of determining which selfcare techniques work for you is through accessing your intuition. You know what is best for you. The first step in finding the best selfcare for yourself is figuring out what
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“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self-indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.” — AUDRE LORDE
self-care entails. I like to think of self-care as a tool for wellness in that self-care can be anything that promotes better states of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or social being in the world. The second step would be to hone in on which self-care areas (mental, physical, social, emotional, spiritual, or practical) might constitute the most significant need for you. Maybe you are close to your friends, have all the needed help around your home, and have fulfilling spiritual and mental life experiences. Yet you are an emotional eater that leads to poor food choices. If this is you, then
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you would want to focus your self-care choices on your physical and emotional well-being. Be honest with yourself. What parts of your life are working fully, and which require a boost? There are online tools from universities and health agencies which can assist you with this assessment. Some of these tools may include additional components such as occupational needs. Pick and choose which part of these questionnaires are helpful. Next, explore the available self-care options within the categories you have chosen for yourself.
Here are some ideas if you picked the mental category: ❑ Pick an exciting new book to read or join a book club (the later helps with the social category as well)
❑ Go to a museum and get a guided tour.
❑ Try an international or independent arts film instead of the latest blockbuster.
❑ Just start writing down your thoughts freeform in a journal without worrying about style or content.
❑ Do a mental review of the things you have not finished and make a list so you can check off completed items. This provides a feeling of accomplishment and takes away any looming feelings of something hanging over your head.
Here are some ideas if you picked the physical category: ❑ Get a massage, go to an acupuncturist, or try another form of healing bodywork
❑ Go to a salt chamber or sound bath healing
❑ Try out the latest healthy vegetarian restaurant
❑ Treat yourself to organic or local
❑ Take a bike ride through a beautiful area
❑ Spice up your life by using new and exciting spices and herbs in your diet. It is a way to make vegetables more enticing. ❑ Pay attention to your sleeping arrangements in addition to allowing enough time for sleep. Feng Shui offers some helpful hints such as make sure you can’t see yourself in a mirror while in bed (although if you can’t see your door from your bed, you can use a mirror to allow you to see the door from your bed while not seeing yourself in the bed) or don’t have your feet facing the door as it draws energy away from sleep.
❑ Have a solo dance party (pick your favorite tunes)
❑ Do not forget needed vitamins, herbs, or other helpful supplements
❑ Discover the healing properties of crystals
❑ Various essential oils can be helpful such as using Bergamot to help you sleep
If you picked the social category, try: ❑ Call a friend that you like but have not talked to recently.
❑ Invite others to go to dinner or to come over to your place for dinner instead of waiting for them to ask you
fresh fruits
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❑ Send a greeting card to a friend just to say you miss them or were thinking of them (and hopefully, your kindness will be returned in an unexpected way)
❑ A weekend trip with friends. I recently went with two friends to a nature immersion weekend which totally lifted my spirits.
❑ Host a special party such as a henna party to create temporary body art or a fun island-themed party.
is very simple, “I’m sorry; Please forgive me; Thank you; I love you.”
❑ Smile, it makes your brain feel happy
For the spiritual category, try the following: ❑ Treating yourself to a silent meditation retreat
❑ Spend the evening just gazing at the stars. Doing so during one of the annual meteorite showers is especially helpful.
For the emotional category, try one of the following:
❑ Take in a sunset
❑ Watch a sad movie and allow
Church (wildchurchnetwork.com)
your tears to flow to move blocked emotions out of your body or watch an outrageous comedy as laughter can be the best medicine.
❑ Try a gratitude and/or dream
❑ There are many therapies that can help with self-care such as EMDR
❑ Do a private ritual to honor a loss (be it a pet, a family member, or a dream) rather than just putting on a stiff upper lip and going about your life
❑ Bang a drum, literally. Allow your emotions to be released through the movement of playing the drum.
❑ Forgive yourself. I suggest doing the traditional Hawaiian forgiveness prayer (Ho’oponopono) daily. It
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❑ Experience your local Wild
journal
❑ Find a mantra that suits you personally. A famous one is “Om Mani Padme Hum” which ultimately means that wisdom is within us.
Finally, self-care might also include some practical items that make your life easier such as: ❑ Getting a dishwasher unless you are someone who finds washing dishes relaxing.
❑ Moving to an apartment or condominium if yard work stresses you out.
❑ Decluttering your home or
office to reduce the stress of finding things when you need to do so. A decluttered home also changes the energy of your home in general to be more calming and relaxing.
❑ Go on a social media detox. If will add extra available time during your day to complete your tasks.
❑ Learn how to say no. If you only do things that you want to do, you will have less stress and more time.
❑ If you hate doing certain chores, try to turn doing them into a game.
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How do you pick which option is best considering price, availability, and obvious preference? One option I recommend is using tarot cards. I typically do not read cards in the upside down or reverse position. That is a personal preference. I do keep one of my many tarot sets shuffled with reverse cards just for yes or no questions. I shuffle while thinking about the particular option and lay down five cards. If three or more cards are reversed, then the answer is no. If three or more cards are not reversed, then the answer is yes. If you receive a no response, try this again while shuffling and thinking of another option. Continue until you get a yes response. There are also tarot spreads to evaluate several options at once, but doing the recommended yes/no spread is easy for everyone to use even if you are not a skilled tarot reader. Remember that self-care can have numerous unexpected benefits such as increasing your level of compassion and boosting your immune system. Most importantly, it can help you reconnect
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better with yourself. Ultimately, self-care is an essential component of self-love. I am involved with many spiritual development groups where the conversation eventually turns to the discussion of self-love. It is the core to preventing self-sabotage and to healthy romantic relationships. After all, how can you truly love someone else if you don’t love yourself? While self-love can be difficult, an attitude of “I deserve self-care” may be the breakthrough for which you have been searching. There are many options available for self-care. You do not need to try all of them, but you could enjoy experimenting with all those that call to you, especially those that are easy and inexpensive. While growing up, L’Oréal aired commercials with the slogan, “Because You’re Worth It.” Maybe we should all adopt a slogan of “because I’m worth it.” You are worth it. Don’t put off your own self-care. There is no better day than today to get started. ❁
Self-Care, If You Dare By Trish Zook
I am a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reflexologist and Energy worker. I am not an expert on self-care but have learned through the years the importance of taking care of myself to stay healthy and provide the best care for those I love. Why is it hard to make ourselves a priority? Why do we struggle with it? Do we feel that it is selfish and, as women, we must multitask constantly to stay ahead? Making others happy is what we do best and that is very rewarding. It’s satisfying. And although we feel so good helping others, we forget self-care is a necessity. If we do not take care of ourselves, we cannot take care of others.
“Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you” -Katie Reed WINTER 2023 | 33
Sometimes it just takes being kind to yourself and tuning into your body along with your mind and spirit. Selflove is self-care, but along with that goes self-respect and self-awareness. The disease rates in other countries pale in comparison to that in the United States because of our neglect of self-care. We live with stress and do not seem to have time to even think of the danger our bodies are in. Just a few minutes a day spending time caring for yourself can make a marked impact on your life. Just saying no is a step towards self-care. Don’t be afraid to say no. Let go and release things you cannot control. Trust your instincts and do not say anything bad about yourself. Give yourself credit for everything that you have achieved.
soon learned that putting my body in that relaxed state helped my eye. It did not cure it, but the pupil was not as large and painful. Prescription eye drops that I had taken for over ten years were no longer needed. The magic of self-care took over. I realized it was the stress of everyday living that affected me physically and heaven knows what was going on inside my cells. I was very fortunate and blessed to have this awakening happen to me. It changed my life. Everyone is going through something. It is unavoidable. It is life. The past year and, especially, the last two weeks have been extra challenging to me. It was ironic thinking that I am writing an article on self-care because this is what I truly believe while at the same time I'm having a hard time grasping taking care of myself through this crisis. With the help and support of friends and family, there again appears a light at the end of the tunnel. It is funny because I had to try to look at simple things to get me through the day. Sometimes one small positive thought in the morning can help change the entire outcome of the day. I'm sharing a few simple ideas that I have benefited from.
"Everyone is going through something. It is unavoidable. It is life."
I personally would rather have been a martyr than make myself a priority. I learned through experience it does not work that way. In my younger years, I had an accident which caused the pupil in my eye to not react. I lived with it for many years, and it was not a pleasant feeling. I could not be in the sun and driving at night was not easy. I discovered reiki and although I started reiki to help others (again, not to help myself ), I
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A simple shower with a nice fragranced soap in the morning is a
"Love yourself. You are the most important person." boost. My favorite is Frankincense. I love it. Every morning I take the time in the shower and let the aroma fill my lungs. This is my time, and I can control it. I start the day off positively. I try to be aware of my thoughts. And I remind myself repeatedly “Don’t believe everything you think.” Love yourself. You are the most
important person. If you can, journal a few things you are grateful for at the end of the evening, or whenever you can. Think of one of your happiest memories and drift off to sleep with the love surrounding you. Give yourself the same grace that you would give others. Improve your life with self-care. You are beautiful! Be good to yourself! ❁
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Developing a Yoga Practice By Jill Basye-Featherston
Have you thought about starting yoga practice but not sure where to begin? Worried that you will look like a newbie? My biggest mindset suggestion is to get rid of the idea of having to be perfect and having to wear uncomfortable tight clothes, having to force yourself into positions you have never even thought of, or having to be wonderfully firm, thin, and muscled as you go in the class. Perhaps you need to work on your own experience with judging yourself and others. You are enough, perfection is in showing up for practice. I invite you to consider that the body you are in right now is exactly right for you to develop a practice, meaning even a short time of focused breathing and
body movement. There are so many opinions about yoga and all those types of yoga. You do not have to learn about the styles as a beginner. Primarily, a caring attentive teacher is going to be key to motivating you. Take an internal accounting of what you really like. You will be able to find a class that you enjoy, one that makes you feel good, or maybe you will feel happier. Consider the idea of taking your amazing body to a yoga class! Are you a self-starter who does well following an online teacher? Do you want to take a class close to where you live or work? Add an exploration of classes to your ride home routine, and wear your yoga shorts under your work clothes as a reminder! Do you like teachers to help you with personal guidance? In person classes are a great way to be engaged.
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You can let your body guide you and try just one class at a convenient place. Be gentle with yourself just like you would be gentle with a newborn kitten. Treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated. Consider your mindset, consider your love for yourself. Consider that you are in a physical body on purpose, and it may be time for you to move that body! I remember watching yoga classes on television on the public broadcast station (PBS) when I lived in a small town of Ohio in the ‘seventies. I listened to the beautiful voice and the relaxing imagery and did exactly what the teacher said feeling myself relaxing to release the stresses of my day as a seventh grader. Following my after-school habit, even buying a workbook with pictures, and feeling satisfied with my poses, I continued that practice, with the calm voice of Lilias inviting me to let stress melt off my face like snow melting off a mountain in spring. At one point in
time, my mother invited me to come and do some stretches and relaxation exercises as a class for her friends. I remember that the sun salutation slowly was enough for them, together with the "press and melt your body onto the floor" pose. (That is where you pretend to be dead.) These memories are offered to encourage you to listen to your teacher’s voice, and let yourself remember the pose names as you like. Just watch and do your best to move and stretch and breathe. One other amusing memory of my PBS yoga experience is that I was telling one of my friends from church about enjoying yoga. She seemed worried and in a deadpan certain voice told me that yoga was not for Christians, since there were mystical movements and meditation, it would take you away from God! She was certain, at the ripe age of thirteen!
"Treat yourself the way you deserve to be treated. Consider your mindset, consider your love for yourself." 38 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
In my experience, you can find exactly what your body needs if you consider your options. I enjoy getting to know about different types of yoga in person and online. I do encourage you to sample different styles and different teachers. Ask your doctor about picking up a new personalized stretching mindfulness practice. Go on, I will wait. Was the advice to do it, and take it easy? Good! There is chair or seated yoga. Sometimes you can come to class/practice a bit early and ask questions. Experiment with stopping yourself from talking about what you CAN NOT do and talk about what you CAN do. Most yoga teachers will ask if you have any physical issues that they need to know. They will talk you
and the class through the movements. It is OK if you just look at them doing movements (flow) and postures that you hold (asana), following your own best abilities. A good teacher will offer modifications for beginners throughout the class. I suggest listening to that trial teacher for kind patient language, and listening to your own gut feeling for teacher personality and abilities, just like you do with other decisions. Remember the idea of not comparing yourself to other students. That can be a fitness goal or your own. Be gentle with yourself and hold back before you over stretch something. If you struggle a bit getting down to your mat on the floor, make that your “work out,” your intention to improve.
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Keep on following your gut when you choose a teacher or studio. About 10 years ago, I was struggling with a hot yoga posture. The teacher stopped her directions to ask, “Is someone groaning, who is groaning”? I waved my hand feebly, and her sharp response was, “Stop it!” She was having a hard day, maybe I was disruptive, but I started looking at the teacher schedule, and found other teachers who never called me out. Final thoughts on developing a yoga practice: There are lots of types of yoga and some are mostly body placement with meditation. With Bikram/Hot Yoga, you will need to stay in the room, mostly flat on your mat if it seems too
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much to do. The names of the poses are not as important as the class feeling. You do not have to learn Sanskrit to take a yoga class. What do you wear? You should have something that is form fitting, not too tight. Your teacher will want to give you guidance for the alignment of your back and legs, and the rest of your body. Loose baggy clothes may hide an adjustment that you need. Jeans will not bend well with you. You do not need to wear skimpy clothes, just your class clothes close to your skin. The most important thing is to find something that works for you. ❁
How To Stay
Healthy & Fit Even When You Are Super Busy By Colleen Stewart
Your schedule is wild. You have been grabbing fast food on the go, and your only exercise is dashing off to your next appointment. Yet you know you cannot keep this up much longer. You want to be healthy and fit even though — and perhaps especially because — you are super busy, but you do not know how to get there since you are also on a budget. Read on for some ideas.
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Make Good Food Choices It is so easy to gulp down a burger and fries on the run, but it certainly is not healthy. You can make better food choices even when you are busy. Set aside time on the weekend to prepare and freeze meals for the coming week. You can even separate your dishes into single portions that you can grab, heat, and eat on the go. Try packing yourself a lunch each morning instead of relying on unhealthy choices from the nearest fast-food restaurant or cafeteria, and make an effort to drink water rather than soda. You will be eating healthier, feeling better, and saving money.
Exercise Throughout the Day You might think you have no time to exercise, but this is not true. You can actually exercise throughout your day even if you are stretched for time. Take the stairs at work instead of the elevator, and do a couple of extra runs up and down to get moving a little more. Go for a walk during lunch, too, and get up every hour to do some stretches and run in place for a couple of minutes. Make an effort to exercise after work at least a few days a week. You can go to a local gym and sample some fitness programs to see what works for you, or you can develop your own program right at home. Try to get in 15–20 minutes of exercise, and build up over time.
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Track Your Health As you make changes to your eating and exercise habits, track your health as well. There are several free or low-cost apps that can help you with this. Some apps let you plan meals or count calories. Others let you mark your progress in your exercise routine, provide ideas for improving your sleep patterns, and even note your blood pressure readings or other health measurements. Pick out some to try, and commit to using at least a couple. It is also important to be aware of how what you consume affects your mood. For instance, many people become anxious after having too much caffeine. You might be drinking that cup of coffee to wake yourself up, but you could face a new (and more stressful) challenge by
increasing anxiety. Start tracking how much caffeine your favorite beverages have and experiment with different strengths to see how you feel.
Regularly See a Doctor Regularly seeing a doctor is vital to maintaining good health. By scheduling routine check-ups, you can catch potential health issues early on and receive preventative care that can help avoid more serious health problems down the line. If you are looking for more natural ways to care for your body, subscribe to Therapeutic Thymes Magazine!
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Manage Your Stress Finally, to improve your overall health, especially when you are super busy, the National Institutes of Health notes that you must manage your stress. You do not need to spend much money to do this. You might use a calming playlist for some music therapy or try some guided breathing exercises. Read a good book, or watch a favorite movie. Take some time to chat with a friend and have a good laugh. Just have some fun, even for a few minutes, every single day, and your stress will decrease. If you enjoy having people over, throw a small gathering and invite your closest friends. Socializing is great for our mental health. And you can make it fun and fancy by sending out invitations. Do not worry. You can create stunning invitations with a user-friendly tool. Start with a template that reflects your gathering, customize it, and send it off. And it is all free!
Be Healthy and Fit You can be healthy and fit even when you are super busy, and you do not have to spend a lot of money to do it. So, make a commitment to follow some of these tips – from getting in a walk when you can and seeing the doctor on a regular basis – and improve your life. ❁
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MANAGING ADHD IN ADULTS: LIFESTYLE CHANGES By Dr. William Grigg, DO In these times of technological advancements where society thrives on rapidity, hyperactivity has become quite common. Sustaining prolonged focus can be challenging and overwhelming for all, not to mention those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). People with ADHD are particularly sensitive to distractions that heighten their restlessness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, creating additional hurdles.
A survey indicates that 4.4% of adults in the US have this complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Such prevalence makes the need for effective ways to manage the disorder. A comprehensive approach includes medication, therapeutic interventions, and transformative lifestyle adjustments. This synergistic blend empowers those with ADHD to navigate the intricacies of life and attain an enhanced sense of well-being.
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LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR MANAGING ADHD SYMPTOMS Combining treatment with day-today lifestyle changes can significantly enhance the effectiveness of medical interventions. A new lifestyle may even help in managing adult ADHD symptoms on its own, depending upon their severity. Here are several ADHD self-help tips you might consider incorporating if you live with ADHD and want to manage the condition better. GET ENOUGH SLEEP People with ADHD often experience sleep problems that can further exacerbate their symptoms. Fortunately, improving sleep hygiene and establishing healthy sleep routines can help mitigate the effects of insomnia and therefore reduce or prevent cognitive decline. The most common and effective measures to enhance sleep quality and maintain it include the following: • Establishing consistent bedtime. • Refraining from caffeine consumption. • Avoiding screen time later in the day. • Taking a warm bath. •Practicing relaxation techniques to induce sleepiness. PROPER NUTRITION Individuals with ADHD occasionally find themselves snacking frequently and overeating. In other instances, they might skip meals due to their tendency
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to get distracted easily. Maintaining a diet plan or journal may help adults with ADHD ensure they do not miss a meal and adopt a healthy diet. A healthy diet should be rich in proteins, vitamins (particularly vitamin B12 and vitamin D), minerals, and essential fatty acids. These nutrients have been demonstrated to enhance brain activity. Consequently, it is advised to embrace this type of diet to support brain functions such as cognitive abilities, memory, and learning. It is also recommended to minimize sugar intake due to its potential for negative effects, such as worsening of hyperactivity and desensitization of dopaminergic receptors. CONNECT WITH NATURE Humans are inherently designed to connect with nature, a fact that is deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. Medical evidence supports both the physical and psychological benefits of spending time in nature. According to studies, time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce ADHD symptoms by improving attention span, enhancing focus, and promoting a sense of calmness. Moreover, it contributes to overall mental and emotional well-being by effectively reducing stress. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS Stress can provoke ADHD symptoms, and mindfulness techniques can help manage it effectively. At its core, mindfulness involves non-judgmental acceptance and awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, and sensations. It allows individuals to be mindful of their
impulses, sustain attention, manage distractions, and allow emotional regulation. In people with ADHD, these techniques can also reduce hyperactivity, promoting a more composed state, and enhancing focus, attention, and overall well-being.
into their routine to reduce restlessness and hyperactivity. The activities can range from simple actions like jogging, walking, or cycling, to more structured workout routines. Also, even 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise can be highly beneficial for stress management.
REGULARLY TAKE PART IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES Physical activities tend to improve executive functions, such as memory, decision-making, task prioritization, emotional regulation, and attention. The underlying mechanism involves the stimulation of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, through exercise. These neurotransmitters play a pivotal role in alleviating ADHD symptoms, somewhat mirroring the effects of stimulant medications.
REDUCE SCREEN TIME The pervasive use of screens has significantly escalated in recent years, leading to increased risk of a range of problems. These include digital eye strain, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased in-person social interactions, among the rest. The use of screens can also aggravate ADHD symptoms, especially in children. Reduced attention span, impulsive behavior, restlessness, and sleep problems stand out as some of the prevalent problems associated with screen time. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with ADHD to limit their screen exposure in order to mitigate
Considering these facts, it is recommended that people with ADHD incorporate regular physical activity
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these risks. Instead, screen time could be effectively substituted with alternative activities, such as reading, outdoor activities, art, board games, and many more. MAINTAIN DAILY ROUTINES Daily routines establish structure and predictability, which significantly aid in managing ADHD symptoms and help individuals stick to a routine. These elements reduce uncertainty and promote a sense of control, ultimately leading to decreased distractions stemming from ADHD. Those with ADHD often experience decision fatigue, but routines alleviate this by minimizing impulsive choices. Moreover, daily routines contribute to enhanced time management, task prioritization, planning, organization, and sleep
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patterns, resulting in heightened focus and attention, contributing to more effective symptom management. AVOID DRUGS, SMOKING, AND ALCOHOL Individuals with ADHD often engage in various forms of substance abuse, including alcohol and tobacco, due to impulsivity, seeking immediate rewards, and difficulties in self-regulation. Studies indicate that the misuse of drugs may exacerbate ADHD symptoms. To reduce the risks, individuals can adopt preventive efforts, including educating themselves about their increased susceptibility, learning coping strategies, engaging in healthy activities, seeking professional support, and nurturing a strong social network.
JOIN SUPPORT GROUPS Support groups offer a platform where individuals facing similar challenges, such as the ones brought on by ADHD, can openly share their experiences, receiving peer support that effectively reduces stress. Sharing common experiences enhances selfesteem by fostering a sense of shared understanding. These groups enable individuals to discover and utilize their strengths to the fullest extent. Additionally, support groups facilitate individuals to discover, learn and practice ADHD coping strategies, all within the context of peers facing similar situations and overcoming them. WHEN TO CONSULT A DOCTOR Lifestyle changes can be helpful for individuals with mild to moderate
symptoms of ADHD. The abovementioned strategies can help with daydreaming, difficulty following instructions, impulsivity, restlessness, and trouble maintaining focus. However, if ADHD disrupts daily activities, including organizing tasks, decisionmaking, or remembering details, these situations require professional medical attention. Medical consultation is necessary if ADHD causes hindrances in academic tasks, personal relationships, and professional functioning. If you start noticing emotional dysregulation, getting frustrated easily, low self-esteem, and anxiety, these signs require your attention too. In addition, the risk of ADHD often rises in the presence of comorbid disorders such as autism spectrum
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disorder (ASD) or mood disorders. If you are dealing with these conditions, remain cautious about potential ADHD symptoms. Being aware of its indicators and promptly seeking medical assistance can help to learn more about effective management. MEDICATIONS AND THERAPY FOR ADHD Lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient for comprehensive ADHD management for everyone. Doctors typically formulate a holistic approach that combines medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to effectively address ADHD. This enhances the overall wellbeing and quality of life. Several medications commonly prescribed for ADHD are as follows: • Adderall (amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine). • Ritalin (methylphenidate). • Concerta (methylphenidate). • Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). • Strattera (atomoxetine). •Intuniv (guanfacine). Psychotherapies are also often incorporated into individualized treatment plans. Psychologists can offer people with ADHD targeted strategies designed to resolve the specific challenges arising from the disorder’s underlying symptoms. These therapies are centered around ways to manage inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. The following are some examples of psychotherapeutic approaches used for
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ADHD treatment: • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). • Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). • Occupational therapy. CONCLUSION ADHD has the potential to disrupt your daily activities, but it does not define you entirely, it is only a part of your identity. Moreover, its impact can be effectively managed by adopting various self-help tips for ADHD that possess transformative power. In addition to lifestyle changes, support groups and education about ADHD offer valuable insight into ways to cope with disturbing symptoms. In most cases, the synergy between lifestyle adjustments, medication, and therapy has higher efficacy and helps to ease ADHD, emphasizing the significance of a personalized approach. This approach can help you navigate challenges related to emotional regulation, focus, and impulsivity. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional to access a tailored treatment plan that will suit your unique needs. ❁
You Are Already Whole By Kayla Malik
Sometimes we can get so stuck in fixing ourselves and all the newest selfhelp tactics, that we forget we are already whole. We were born as a whole human BEING with innocence and pure intent. You do not need to fix yourself or search outwardly for things to make you feel better, the healing you are seeking is already inside of you, you just have to remember. You are whole and exactly in the place you are meant to be on your journey. You are not moving too fast or too slow, you are
simply moving at the right speed. You are not missing a part of you if you are single. Yes, I do believe soul mates exist but not for the sole purpose of making you a whole person, you are so fully WHOLE without another person. Your relationships do not define you or make you whole, you already are with or without any relationship. Material things or the newest hottest styles will not fill the void or patch you back together. There is no void to be filled, if you had a HOLE in your system, you would not be sitting in the same position you are in right now. There are no holes in your body, mind, or soul. You simply just are whole and once you accept this you can WINTER 2023 | 51
"Try and remember a time when you were a kid where there was just pure joy! " stop searching for your missing parts and trying to fix up the holes. Let us tap into this wholeness a little more by tapping into our inner child. Try and remember a time when you were a kid where there was just pure joy! You were smiling or belly laughing and everything felt so easy and beautiful. There could be no wrong in that moment because to you, everything was perfect. That person is still YOU! You did not go anywhere or disappear, the same human BEING that was there when you were five, is still with you right now. They are in there somewhere; they may have been hiding for a long time and it may be hard for you to connect and feel or remember this time of your life. So many memories our brain forgets, but that does not mean that our souls do not remember them, because it does. Our bodies were there for those memories, albeit they are much taller and bigger now, but it was the same body, and the same soul that was there back then and it is still with you now. Remember that! Really remember. What did you enjoy doing as a child? What were your likes and dislikes? Favorite sports or color or dinosaur? What made you feel the 52 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
most happiness? Who was your favorite relative to visit? Who was your best friend? What was your favorite thing to do on the playground? Would you ever look at a young child and tell them they are incomplete as they are? No, because you understand that they are evolving, just like you were back then. You would nurture them, watch them develop their personalities and souls, and shower them with unconditional love. SECRET: You were whole then and you are still whole now! Nothing has changed except the shape of your body and the amount of knowledge you have gained. So, stop looking for the quick fixes, turn your focus inward and fully remember the whole person you have always been. Speak words of compassion to your inner child. Tell yourself you are worthy, valued, loved, cared for, accepted. Let them know that it is ok to come back out. Give yourself a REALLY big hug, fully, like you mean it. Welcome them with open arms. Now I challenge you to do something today that would make littler you smile from ear to ear. You can pick one of these suggestions or add to the list by doing your favorite childhood memory. Whatever it is just get out there!!!
❑ Run through a sprinkler.
shapes they make.
❑ Blow bubbles
❑ Jump in a puddle.
❑ Ride a bike.
❑ Finger paint outside
❑ Pack a picnic and go to
❑ Invite all your friends over for a sleepover.
❑ Go to the amusement
❑ Roll down a hill (I
your favorite spot.
promise you it is even more fun as an adult)
❑ Draw all over your driveway with chalk.
park.
❑ Dance, like REALLY dance like you love yourself.
❑ Collect sticks and
❑ Swing on a swing
❑ Take a bubble bath.
❑ Go down a slide.
❑ Play dress up.
rocks and make a fairy house.
❑ Build a sandcastle.
❑ Go to the basketball
❑ Make a bird feeder
❑ Make a flower crown. ❑ Lay and watch the clouds and see what
courts or soccer fields and play ball.
with a pinecone, peanut butter, and bird seed.
❑ Go ride go carts.
Embrace your wholeness, relish in your inner child's joy, and live your life to the fullest, just as you were always meant to! ❁
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WINTER 2023 | 53
Brighid’s Astro Planner
Bringing in
Good Vibes & Cheer for 2023 The end of 2023, in general, will be extremely positive for most signs. The “Astro Vibes” will be highly optimistic with a touch of “hurry up and wait” being the overall feeling for all signs. All “Air Signs” (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) will have had to change their plans several times. How many day planners did you burn through this year? With the closing of, 2023, most of the Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces) will be reflecting on a tougher year, with the end of year having more open doors and smiling faces. Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) has underwent big changes in 2023, with loss and gains, I promise 2024 will bring opportunities and a more even energy to enjoy life. For all you Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)2023 was marked with gains, and hard work with a dash of decision making. You can look forward to 2024 continuing to provide more opportunities and more gains. A general look at the energy of December 2023 will be provided below. Each sign will be highlighted with a general forecast, with the emphasis to always best to look at each your Sun and Moon sign. The most accurate reading is with your personal date of birth, time, and place of birth. 54 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
Happy December, New year! We start the year with the planets doing their “Thang” 1 December 2023 Mercury enters Capricorn. Watch for mistakes in the written word or those clauses and fine print in contracts. 4 December 2023 Venus enters Scorpio with passions rising and so will tempers. Listen to “how” people say things, not the words they are saying. You will have to read between the lines. 12 December 2023 New Moon In Sagittarius brings more opportunities. It is a great time to start a business or plan a new project. 13 December 2023 Mercury goes retrograde. This brings the energy of planning and divine ideas. Write your ideas down, they have been brewing in this current energy since the end of August. Retrograde of Mercury will force you to slow down and make those ideas that have been bouncing around in your brain. You have the power to turn it to reality.
15 December 2023 Moon in Aquarius, Time to sit back, indulge in activities of self-care and be aware of how you fit into the Collective. We may hear the sounds of kinder world whispering in the wind. 30 December 2023 Full Moon in Cancer has our focus on home and family. Bringing us closer to the ones we are sharing our life journey.
Aries
Happy Soon to be New year Aries! You have been making strides all year with self-care, home improvement or promotions. Whichever one occurred; you are marching forward with 2024! December will have you finalizing plans and literally charming business partnerships into profit! With the close of the new year, long range plans are your focus, as well as those plans you are finishing.
Taurus
The choices of the last one and half years are coming to a culmination. The 2023 choices regarding friends, family, career and living situations were to build the foundations of a better life. Alignment with your goals and true authentic nature are possible, because of the work you did in 2023. December will be a slower month, with time to dedicate to self-care and fun. Do not forget to have fun!!!! Your “all work and no play” is interfering with your energy level and
health. Take time for personal reflection and listen to your inner guidance.
Gemini
The last quarter of 2023 will bring new opportunities as well as new wealth. Mercury, your ruling planet, goes retrograde December 13th, with old offers in the past will be returning. Early December will be fast paced, with a slowing towards the end of the Month. Take this time for self-care and reflection. The New Year of 2024 is bringing you more opportunities to shine!
Cancer
December 26th marks a milestone for you emotionally and astrologically. Eclipses that greatly impacted your life will be ending. You will find the end of December will be filled with more peace, prosperity, and promotions. Keep your chin up and you will achieve your dreams and so much more.
Leo
December will be a month for planning not doing. Finances will be your focus as you can envision a future of abundance. With your thoughts on future successes, really look at your current place of employment. Are you really being all you can be? Real estate investments should be put off into the first Quarter of 2024, when you will be able to see
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the entire picture. Enjoy family and make up for all the extra effort you gave in 2023.
Virgo
With the energies of December closing out the year, you will certainly be looking at your relationship with money and those you share your life. Your work life balance has been more like work and more work balance. Take time to smell the roses. With Capricorn and Sagittarius shining their energies upon you, its time to complete those projects, proposals, and business plans. Travel opportunities will present themselves in December and the first Quarter of 2024.
Libra
From December 17th until Marche 7th of 2025, this transit of Saturn entering Aquarius, provides you the key to open the door of opportunity. Growth in business and expansion in career leaves stardust on your life path. You will be networking with those that can be a helping hand to get you where you are going. Love life will be stable and comfortable. Librans will be raking in the cash!
Scorpio
The end of 2023 will bring a time for rest and relaxation. April and August brought opportunities for growth and expansion in your financial sector. Investments and Real Estate will 56 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
bring your financial goals into focus. Agreements, Contracts, and negotiations are favorable to be finalized at the end of the year.
Sagittarius
Family will be your focus at the conclusion of 2023. The best day of the year will be December 12th, when the Full Moon in your sign of Sagittarius opens the door of opportunity for 2024. Projects, contracts, and negotiations are best to be started at this time. Financial health for 2024 will be vibrant!
Capricorn
December brings the love of family into focus. 2023 has been a busy year full of busy activities for work and home. If you are like most Capricorns, you moved or cashed in on investment properties. Take some time to slow down, practice selfcare. You need to focus on home projects and those things that give your home the energy of calm and restoration. Family will be demanding your time at the close of 2023. Make some lasting special memories!
Aquarius
Your family has undergone additions and subtractions in 2023. Family members will be front and center to provide you a little help on your journey. They, out of great love for you, may want in on your next big move or project. Take some time for you and you only! You will have some networking
opportunities at the end of December that will provide opportunities in 2024.
of 2023 should provide many open doors of opportunity.
Pisces
Here is wishing you the best New Year, from Brighid! Remember, be kind to everyone, because you never know where their Saturn is in their chart. That is Humor!!!
Life in 2023 has had its challenges! December 12th, 2023, the last full moon of 2023, will mark a significant milestone for you. The obstacles of the past year should be nearing a conclusion. You will have the opportunity to change your life’s direction on path that you feel more comfortable. Your networking and connections you made in the last quarter
These are general overviews of the Astrological energies of the closing of 2023. If you want a detailed, personalized chart, You will need your date, time, and place of birth for the best result. Afterall, your date, time, and place of birth, is your Social Security number for the Universe! ❁
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58 | Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
Holiday Gift Guide Welcome to Therapeutic Thymes Magazine's Inaugural Holiday Gift Guide, a curated selection of thoughtful gifts suitable for all ages. Explore our guide featuring items such as anxietyrelief books for children, enchanting woodland adventures, handcrafted bags, inspiring journals, wholesome natural teas, and a treasure trove of other remarkable finds.
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Vibrant Original Paintings by Camille Leon
Let artist Camille Leon's vivid and creative abstract artwork infuse joy and energy into your space. Borrowing from spiritual traditions and modern design, Camille's soulful canvases range in size from stocking stuffers with their own display stands to large triptychs. Pictured: Mustard Seed Miracles (top right), Modern Bright Flower series Custom requests are welcome! camilleleonstudio.com
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Buddha's Bling Buddha's Bling offers handmande reiki infused jewelry and crystals. Each piece is hand-picked and ready to go with you on your Spiritual Journey. buddhasbling.com
My Herbal Apothecary Naturally supporting your health is the ultimate act of self-care. Check out our organic offerings to stock your medicine chest this holiday season. Use promo code THERAPEUTIC15 to receive 15% off your next order. myherbalapothecary.com
The Forest Story
from Locust Light Farm Embark on a magical forest adventure as you help gnomes and fairies keep the forest ecosystem running smoothly, making ample mischief along the way. A choose-your-own-path story delivered via email. locustlightfarm.com/the-forest-story
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
13: The Herbalism + Plant Magic Mini Course Become a confident herbalist in 4 months without memorizing anything. 13 herbs. 5 tools. Water. Bite-sized lessons- delivered weekly to your inbox, designed to fit into your life. locustlightfarm.com/13-the-herbalism-plantmagic-mini-course
NFT USA Bag Discover the epitome of exclusivity! My handmade bags are true masterpieces, meticulously crafted to perfection. Each one is a unique work of art, never to be duplicated. Experience luxury like never before! facebook.com/NFT.USA.BAG.Official
Mystical Thymes Mystical Thymes is a collection of intention-based essential oil blends kissed softly by the full moon. Division of Therapeutic Thymes. facebook.com/mysticalthymes
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
William, The What-Wonder Series by Carol Wulff Join William, The What-If Wonder, on his adventures! On his first day of school, William battles nervous what-if thoughts. In "His Sleepover Worries," he faces new fears but seeks fun with friends. These rhyming tales, featuring charming illustrations, teach kids to conquer anxiety through cognitive re-framing. Accompanied by insights from psychologist Margaret R. Mauzé, PhD, ABPP, these books guide parents and caregivers in nurturing resilient problem-solvers. thewhatifwonder.com/books
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
2024 Affirmation Journal by Sharon Salerno-Muzzio, The Wellness Woman 52 weeks of positive affirmations to work with daily. Looking deep into what blocks you in a very gradual gentle way to create a shift. altaviewwellness.com
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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE
Virgin Tiger Moth Downloadable Paper Entomology Kit Create as many striking Virgin Tiger Moths as your heart desires with this resuable kit! Aside from access to a printer, all you need to get started on getting into a new, cruelty-free form of vulture culture and specimen collection are a few basic art supplies and this downloadable kit. beastieandbone.com/shopall
Smooth Acres Finest Soaps All-Natural Soap made on the farm using the highest quality ingredients, including milk from our East Friesian dairy sheep, whom we milk. We also grow fresh herbs, fruits, and berries for use in some of our soaps. Sheep Milk soap is ultramoisturizing and a gentle yet effective cleaner. It has more than double the proteins, vitamins, and minerals than cow or goats milk, which benefits our skin. smoothacresfinest.com
Petals Tea Shop Petals Tea Shop is a small, family-owned business that takes our commitment to people and the planet seriously. You have our promise that each Petals product is made with love, positivity, and sustainable practices. We pride ourselves in pouring our hearts into every cup and using our resources to give back to our community. petalsteashop.com
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BOOK THYME
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BOOK THYME NEWS:
An Experiential Guide to Contemplative Practice from Bestselling Author Mary Bond Our physical structure, often known simply as “posture,” is shaped by the balance of tension between our bones and soft tissues—fascia, tendons, muscles, and ligaments—as well as by the mental, emotional, and physical stresses we experience. This tensional integrity, or “tensegrity,” along with our sensory experiences, movements, and physical expressions all offer access points for developing fully embodied presence—that is, for engaging the body’s capacity for perception, expanded awareness, and even spiritual presence. Exploring the profound connections between tensegrity and inner perceptions and awareness, Mary Bond teaches you to unlock your body’s inner guidance—its somatic wisdom—through a journey of embodiment that will improve your posture in the process. Integrating movement theory, philosophy, neuroscience, fascia research, polyvagal theory, and personal story, Bond reveals how the human body organizes and expresses movement through perception. She looks in depth at the role of the fascial system in transmitting bodily
perception, showing how fascia functions as the preeminent organ of embodiment and mind-body connection. She explains the process of internal perception, or “interoception,” the body-mind’s ability to identify, access, understand, and respond appropriately to its internal signals. Offering an experiential understanding of the structural foundation of the human body in motion and in stillness, Bond presents more than 50 self-explorations that allow you to transform your sensory experience, expand your awareness, and make embodiment—your own complex body—the focus of contemplative practice. The author also includes streaming audio and video links for each practice. Inviting you to awaken to the grace and wisdom of your body as a personal mandala that is always available for meditative focus, the author shows how conscious embodiment can help us become more perceptive and more humane beings. About the Author: Mary Bond has a master’s degree in dance from UCLA and trained with Dr. Ida P. Rolf as a Structural Integration practitioner. Former chair of
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BOOK THYME the movement faculty of the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute of Structural Integration, she teaches movement workshops nationally, internationally, and online. The author of Balancing Your Body and The New Rules of Posture, she has also published articles in numerous health and fitness magazines.
She lives in Los Angeles, California. healyourposture.com ❁ Publisher: Healing Arts Press Release Date: November 2023 ISBN-13: 978-1644118825 Paperback: $24.99 288 pages
NEWS:
Learn the Magical Charming Ways of Appalachia Granny Thornapple’s Book of Charms ST. PAUL, MN — Little Ann was born in Nelson’s Holler during a thunderstorm on the same day her grandmother died. She was also born with the gift. Follow Ann’s story as she grows up learning the folkways, connects with her natural cunning, and eventually becomes her town’s charmer, earning the name “Granny Thornapple.” Brandon Weston begins each chapter with a compelling snippet from the life of this fictional practitioner, who is based on many healers he has interviewed. Alongside these stories, Weston shares teachings from the Ozark charming tradition and authentic workings. You will witness how this mountain magic is connected to familiar poems and verses, including some featured in nursery rhymes and fairytales. Watch as these intuitive folkways help you seize your inborn power and enhance your own charming abilities. About the Authors – Brandon Weston is a folklorist, writer, and healer whose work with clients includes everything from spiritual cleanses to house blessings. He comes from a long line of Ozark hill-folk and is a folk herbalist, yarb doctor, and power doctor. For more, visit www.OzarkHealing.com ❁ Publisher: Llewellyn Release Date: January / February 2023 ISBN-13: 9780738776088 Trade Paperback, 336 pages
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BOOK THYME
NEWS:
How to Release Cellular Memories and Heal the Intergenerational and Collective Traumas Hidden Beneath our Suffering
The journey to healing trauma is not always straightforward. As Efu Nyaki reveals in detail, the healing process is a complex ritual of energy movement on the physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Efu explains how she came to develop her profoundly successful system for helping people heal trauma by integrating ancestral tribal wisdom with a fusion of two Western healing systems: Somatic Experiencing and Systemic Family Constellations Therapy. She shares how her journey to become a healer was initiated by her Grandfather, who told her the legend of the sacred healing snail of the Nyaki clan. She explains how she discovered Somatic Experiencing and Systemic Family Constellations Therapy, and how combining these therapies created a powerful system for releasing cellular memories and healing the
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intergenerational and collective traumas hidden beneath the surface of suffering. Sharing stories from her healing work around the world, she presents action steps, such as meditations, breathwork, or creating a family tree, that readers can take immediately to regulate their nervous systems, deepen their awareness, and engage the personal healing process. Demonstrating how trauma survivors can transform their suffering into vibrant wholeness, the author shows how healing trauma is the result of bringing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects of our lives into an integrated coherence.
NEWS:
Set Boundaries and Put a Stop to SelfSabotage: Trauma Expert Explains How in New Book New York, NY— Coping habits in early childhood often become selfdefeating strategies in adulthood, says trauma-informed coach Laura K. Connell, whose own upbringing in a dysfunctional family led to self-destructive habits in her adult life. She turned to traditional therapies such as behavior modification and thought control, but found that any changes were only temporary. “It didn’t create a change in me or a transformation. It just sort of worked as
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About the Author: Efu Nyaki is a healer, born and raised in Tanzania in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro’s slopes. She facilitates trainings and workshops internationally on trauma healing. The co-founder of AFYA, a women’s holistic healing center in Brazil, she is a faculty member at the Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute and a Professor of Systemic Family Constellations Therapy at the Hellinger Science Institute. She lives in Brazil. Publisher: Healing Arts Press (November 2023) ISBN-13: 9781644118528 Paperback: $19.99 Pages 192 Also available as an ebook
long as I was policing myself, and then I would just fall back into the old patterns,” Connell said in a recent interview. “If I wasn’t acting perfectly and following all these instructions on how to behave, I would just go back to being myself because myself hadn’t changed — it was just the behavior that changed.” So Connell took matters into her own hands. She spent 12 years studying the dynamics of dysfunctional families, and she learned that her habits of self-sabotage were her inner child’s way of keeping her safe — a misguided form of selfprotection that prevents far too many people just like her from living their lives to the fullest potential. In her new book, It’s Not Your Fault: The Subconscious Reasons We SelfSabotage and How to Stop, Connell helps
BOOK THYME
readers uncover the subconscious reasons they hold themselves back and explains that these blind spots were often created in childhood as coping mechanisms in response to trauma. But rather than teach tactics that ignore or give surface attention to adverse childhood events, Connell lovingly guides readers toward a deeper understanding of the ways in which these negative childhood experiences have impacted their lives and fed into the problem. “Those who have been let down by traditional therapeutic techniques know that behavior modification doesn’t work for everyone,” she said. “Simply doing things differently while staying the same on the inside might help in the short term, but before long, old patterns emerge.”
About the Author: Laura K. Connell is a trauma-informed author and coach who helps her clients uncover blind spots that lead to relationship struggles and self-sabotage. She writes about healing dysfunctional family dynamics at her website laurakconnell.com. Her guest articles have further reached millions through personal development websites Life Hack, Pick the Brain, Dumb Little Man, Thought Catalog, Highly Sensitive Refuge, the anthology Chicken Soup for the Soul, and national newspapers The Globe and
Throughout her book, Connell walks alongside the reader as a trusted guide who has been where they are now. She provides the tools and anecdotal evidence to show readers how to overcome the pain of self-sabotage and create the lives they desire. “We are sometimes our own worst enemies, sabotaging our success and with it our chance for lasting happiness,” she added. “Readers will be relieved to discover that it's not a lack of willpower that has held them back, but a lack of self-knowledge instead.”
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Mail and Toronto Star. She hosts popular multi-speaker online retreats that have helped thousands heal from dysfunctional family trauma. She has been featured on podcasts such as The Love Fix, Adult Child and A Date with Darkness. To learn more, visit laurakconnell.com, or follow the author on Instagram (@laurak. connell) or Twitter (@laurakconnell). Release Date: September 12, 202 ISBN-10: 0757324738 ISBN-13: 978-0757324734 Available on Amazon.com, BN.com and other online retailers
Begin Your Healing Journey with Radiating Our Reiki Light HARRISBURG, PA – Radiating Our Reiki Light brings together real heartfelt stories from Rickie Meryl Freedman’s real clients, students, and other practitioners. In this unique compilation of personal and professional stories, Rickie shares her own stories and teachings from her decades of Integrative Reiki practice, as well as collecting stories from over 40 contributing authors from around the world. Copies available in Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place as well as on Amazon.com About the Authors: Rickie Meryl Freedman is a full-time Reiki Master/ Teacher, Physical Therapist by background with a focus on Integrative Medicine. She has been published in several magazines, including Reiki News Magazine. She owns and operates the Harrisburg-based Reiki by 72 Therapeutic Thymes Magazine
Ricki – ReikiSpace & Learning Place. For more information, go to: reikibyrickie.com Release Date: November 2023
NEWS:
Learn How Thoughtful Therapeutic Touch Heals Body and Mind Sacred Massage ST. PAUL, MN.– Through thoughtful touch, your hands can provide relaxation and relief to family and friends with a variety of ailments from headaches to PTSD. Debra DeAngelo introduces you to massage through the lens of spirituality, magic, and ritual. In addition to physical techniques, she teaches you how to infuse a session with divine love and channel your healing energy into another person. Sacred Massage guides you through preparing your ritual space, creating an altar, grounding, centering, setting intentions, inviting the elements, and more. Discover how to utilize meditation, herbs, crystals, essentials oils, candles, and deities for a deeply spiritual session. Filled with instructional graphics and culminating in a full-body massage sequence, this easy-to-understand book provides everything you need to create a magical massage experience for yourself and your loved ones. About the Author: Debra DeAngelo has been a massage practitioner for more than twenty years. She runs her own
BOOK THYME private practice where she incorporates spiritual techniques into every session. In addition to developing her own method called “Blended Deep Swedish Massage,” Debra is trained in hot stone, ayurvedic, reflexology, reiki, and other massage styles. She also writes feature stories and book reviews for SageWoman and Witches & Pagans magazines. For more, visit debradeangelo.com Publisher: Llewelleyn Release Date: August 2023 ISBN-13: 9780738772679 Trade Paperback, 288 pages
NEWS:
Process the Motherhood Experience Through the Lens of Yoga Using Exercises Outlined in Whole Mama Yoga BOCA RATON, FL -- People are drawn to yoga for its physical benefits, its ability to induce calm and presence, and its offering of spiritual depth. In their new book, Whole Mama Yoga, authors Alexandra DeSiato and Lauren Sacks cover all phases and stages of becoming and being a mother or birth parent — offering a way to extend yoga’s gifts and tools for all who parent. On their inspiration for the book, Sacks says, “We are both fierce advocates for increased empowerment during pregnancy, in labor and throughout parenthood. Yoga offers a deeply intuitive way to connect
to the wisdom inherent in our own body and experience. That powerful connection is what we hope to share through the sequences, philosophy, and stories in Whole Mama Yoga.” Accessible to those new to yoga, experienced practitioners and yoga teachers alike, Whole Mama Yoga offers tools for the entire journey of parenthood. It is for those just thinking about beginning a family, those in the early stages of pregnancy, those getting close to labor and delivery, and for moms and birth parents, navigating an entirely different world. This is a book to reference as children grow, change and become little (and big) people. With yoga poses at the core of the text, yogi moms and instructors DeSiato and Sacks offer helpful information in movement offerings that meet all moms and birth parents where they are. Each chapter shares the wisdom of yoga through sections including: MOVE: poses and sequences for each part of the parenting journey REFLECT: grounding meditations and mantras BREATHE: helpful breathing techniques and pranayama practices WISDOM: yoga philosophy and lessons from perinatal and maternal wellness, mental health, Ayurveda, physical therapy and sleep experts as they apply to motherhood and parenthood RELATE: a chance to hear from other moms and parents who have also used yoga poses and philosophy along their journeys
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About the Authors Alexandra DeSiato and Lauren Sacks cofounded the Whole Mama Yoga collective, offering yoga classes to support fertility, pregnancy, and the postpartum and motherhood experiences. DeSiato, an expert in prenatal and postpartum yoga, coauthored Lifelong Yoga and Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses and lives in Chapel Hill, NC, with her husband and daughter. Sacks is a perinatal and hatha yoga instructor with over 20 years of teaching experience and lives in Carrboro, NC, with her husband and two children.
how the background of even the humblest holiday treat is a global story.
For more information, visit their website at wholemamayoga.com.
About the Author: Linda Raedisch is a writer, paper crafter, and soap maker. She is the author of The Old Magic of Christmas as well as numerous articles on folklore, herblore, and ancient religions.
Publisher: HCI Books Release Date: August 29, 2023 ISBN-10: 0757324665 ISBN-13: 9780757324666 Trade Paperback, 240 pages
NEWS:
The Secret History of Christmas Baking Just in Time for the Holidays ST. PAUL, MN – Spice up your season by rolling, molding, and kneading your way through the world’s oldest and most iconic Christmas recipes. This culinary adventure offers fascinating historical details and uncanny tidbits about sailors, saints, tomb raiders, refugees, and witches. You will discover what the ancient Egyptian version of gingerbread was like, why cookies were once considered pharmaceuticals, and
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Through forty recipes adapted for modern bakers, Linda Raedisch shows you how to make Linzer tartles, Christollen, almond cookies, and other goodies. She also offers illustrations for dressing up your parcels, tins, and cookie plates with festive crafts. From Ancient Rome and the European Middle Ages to the traditions we recognize today, this book explores the surprising and sometimes dark origins of some of our most beloved holidays bakes.
Publisher: Llewellyn Release Date: September 2023 ISBN-13: 978-0-7387-7235-6 Trade Paperback, 320 pages
BOOK THYME
REVIEW:
WELLNESS WITCHERY
WRITTEN BY LAUREL WOODWARD Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
REVIEW:
Llewellyn’s Little Book of Witchcraft WRITTEN AND BY DEBORAH BLAKE ARTWORK BY KIRA KONOSHENKO
Wellness Witchery introduces the reader to various plants, showing their power through herbal and self-care applications. The perfect complement to this self-care issue of Therapeutic Thymes, Woodward offers formulas and recipes for immune boosting, stress relieving, beverages, essential oil blends, and herbal remedies. This book blends day to day living with plants into a more magical mindset. On the flipside, the book brings to light the magic in our day to day relationship with the plants. ❁
Deborah Blake delivers again! In this delightful little book, she walks the reader through the how-to steps of various day to day hands-on activities. She also provides simple explanations of the Sabbats, the lunar cycle, divination, commonly used terms, and more. A great read to have on our personal journeys, wherever they may lead. ❁
Publisher: Llewellyn (October/November 2023) ISBN-13: 9780738775340 Pages 360
Publisher: Llewellyn (September 2023) ISBN-13: 978-0-7387-7481-7 Trade Paper Pages 240
Reviewed by Jeanne RuczhakEckman
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REVIEW:
Slavic Kitchen Alchemy WRITTEN BY ZUZA ZAK ARTWORK BY KIRA KONOSHENKO Reviewed by Jeanne Ruczhak-Eckman
I was excited from the start to review this book. My first thought was that I might somehow get closer to my Baba and to all my Slavic ancestors. I was not disappointed!
Others were new to me, and I cannot wait to try them out.
Zusza Zak’s book is a mess of Slavic folklore and kitchen witchery, with droplets of historical tidbits along the way. Some of her remedies are very familiar and almost second nature, like her use of boiling water and a sprig of mint as an inhalation, although I prefer eucalyptus to mint.
Definitely recommend! ❁
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The illustrations throughout the text by Kira Konoshenko add just the right feeling of Slavic heritage.
Publisher: Watkins Publishing (October 2023) ISBN-13: 978-1-78678-672-2 (Hardback) ISBN-13: 978-1-78678-794-1 (eBook) Pages 208
BOOK THYME Published with permission from Watkins Publishing,
Design and typography copyright © Watkins Media
vuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvuvu
SL AV I C Watkins K I TCH E N A L CHLimited E M 2023 Y Media Limited
Text and photography copyright © Zuza Zak 2023
SLOW-COOKED BEETROOT BARSZCZ STEW WITH HORSERADISH for vitality An old Polish lady (who studied chemistry at Oxford with Margaret Thatcher and became an avid beekeeper in her later years) once told me that the food often shows us what it’s good for. The example she gave me was walnuts, which, she pointed out, look like a brain and are beneficial to the brain. Following on from this theory, it’s interesting to note that blood-red beetroot improves blood flow and blood pressure. It is also known to help fight heart disease, and, if you’ve ever held a cooked, juicy beetroot in your hand, you will not be able to deny the similarity between the root vegetable and our vital organ: the heart. In folk wisdom, beetroot has been known to give us strength and vitality. Beetroot and sage rinses were used to heal sore throats, while beetroot leaves were used to heal a headache (see page 148). Moreover, beetroot was also used to attract love through magical rituals. Horseradish was used in folk medicine long before it was used to flavour food. It is known to soothe pain, help
Cover illustrations copyright © Shutterstock 2023
Internal illustrations copyright © Kira Konoshenko & Shutterstock 2023
digestion and act as an antibiotic to fight infection. Babcia Ziuta would use the leaves as a compress to soothe rheumatic pain. Together, beetroot and horseradish are a typically Slavic flavour combination. Here, they meet in a warming and delicious barszcz winter stew. Note: I like to use lardons in this recipe, as an age-old peasant method of creating depth of flavour, but for a vegetarian version, you can skip them and swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock. I also use a slow cooker for this barszcz stew, as it’s extremely energy efficient. However, you can also use a large pan over a low heat and cook for 2 hours rather than the 4 I indicate in this recipe. SERVES 4 2 large or 4 medium beetroots, peeled and diced 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon allspice berries ½ teaspoon peppercorns 1.5l/52fl oz/6½ cups water 50g/1¾oz bacon lardons 3 tablespoons cold-pressed rapeseed/canola oil 1 tablespoon peeled and grated horseradish root (or 2 tablespoons horseradish sauce) 1 leek, finely chopped 40g/1½oz celeriac/celery root or 1 celery stalk, finely chopped WINTER 2023 | 77
BOOK THYME Published with permission from Watkins Publishing, Watkins Media Limited
Design and typography copyright © Watkins Media Limited 2023
Text and photography copyright © Zuza Zak 2023
2–3 carrots, peeled and grated 100g/3½oz beetroot stalks and leaves if fresh-looking (otherwise cabbage or other greens, shredded) 400g/14oz can of chopped tomatoes 2–3 tomatoes, chopped, or another 400g/14oz can of chopped tomatoes 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced 250ml/9fl oz/1 cup chicken or vegetable stock 400g/14oz can of butter beans or cannellini beans, drained Juice of 1 lemon 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon sugar Black and white pepper TO SERVE 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley 4 tablespoons sour cream (optional) Bread
M Place the diced beetroot in
the slow cooker with the bay leaf, allspice berries and peppercorns. Cover with the water.
M In a frying pan, fry the lardons
in a bit of rapeseed oil until slightly crispy. Add to the slow cooker.
M Add more rapeseed oil to the pan and fry the horseradish root (if using), stirring for 5 minutes, then add to the slow cooker.
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Cover illustrations copyright © Shutterstock 2023
Internal illustrations copyright © Kira Konoshenko W I N T E R & Shutterstock 2023
M Add more rapeseed oil to
the frying pan and fry the leek, celeriac and carrots for about 10 minutes, or until softened, stirring regularly, then add to the slow cooker.
M Add the beetroot stalks and leaves, canned tomatoes, fresh tomatoes, potatoes and stock. Place the lid on and cook for 2–2½ hours on low.
M Add the beans, lemon juice,
salt and sugar, and season with black and white pepper. At this point, add the creamed horseradish sauce, if you didn’t use fresh horseradish. Cook for another 2–2½ hours on low.
M At the end, taste and adjust
the seasoning, then serve with dill or parsley on top and sour cream on the side, if you like. Any good bread works brilliantly with this.
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CONTRIBUTORS
JILL BASYEFEATHERSTON, B.S. ED., M.A.TESOL, M.ED. BILINGUAL ED.,
BRIGHID Brighid started her curiosity of the Solar System, at the tender age of nine! She became a Certified Astrologer, through Linda Goodman’s program when she was in her teens. She has been following and interpreting the Universe’s messages for people and businesses ever since! She can provide a detailed chart, and explanation of how it will be affected by current and projected configurations of planets and stars! Her contact information is: Brighidsees@gmail. com https://www.facebook.com/ AstroBrighid?mibextid=ZbWKwL
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C.S. T.H.I.N.K Jill has a practice as a Theta Healer®, and as a Master Instructor in this extraordinary energy healing modality. She is thrilled with her intuitive healing connection with the Creator which releases limiting beliefs and spiritual/physical/emotional issues. Theta Healing has been a large part of her healing from stress and overwhelm, moving towards energy development, which she is happy to share. Jill enjoys
CONTRIBUTORS
belly dance, dog walks, marrying couples, and yoga. ThetaGrace.com
DR. WILLIAM GRIGG, DO Dr. William Grigg is a distinguished board-certified physician dedicated to providing exceptional medical care in the beautiful state of Colorado. He earned his DO degree (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed an MBA in Healthcare Administration at South University. With a passion for healthcare and a commitment to patient well-being, Dr. Grigg has garnered a reputation as a compassionate and skilled practitioner.
DANA JEFFERSON, C.HT., PH.D., SPHR Dana Jefferson has a private practice at the Natural Connection Wellness Center in Huntingdon, PA where she is President of the Huntingdon Health and Wellness Association. She is a certified hypnotherapist and honors graduate of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Dana is a member of the American Hypnosis Association and Hypnotherapy Union Local 472. Dana is retired from her work at the University of Massachusetts
Boston and as the Director of Human Resource (HR) Management for the state of Delaware. She has a Ph.D. in Psychology, is certified in conflict resolution, and is a Covey PrincipleCentered Leadership Facilitator. Dana has taught psychology and HR management at the University of Delaware. Dana has had the opportunity to train with many gifted spiritual leaders including: Michael Harner, Ph.D., Sandra Harner, Ph.D., Larry Peters, Ph.D., Tom Cowan, Serge King, Ed “Two Moons” Rothwell, Jane Ely, Kay Cordell Whitaker, John Perkins, Sandra Ingerman, Geo Cameron, Doña Bernadette Vigil, Nicki Scully, and Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq. Dana is an ordained interfaith minister. Dana is a Reiki Master in two traditions and graduate level Feng Shui practitioner. She is a graduate of the Foundation for Shamanic Studies Three-Year Program of Advanced Initiations in Shamanism and Shamanic Healing and a three-year apprenticeship with the Buffalo Trace Society (including a vision quest). She has completed coursework in Harner Method Shamanic Counseling and advanced studies in Celtic, Toltec, and Tibetan Shamanism including studies in foreign countries. Dana worked with women’s groups for over 20 years including conducting weekend retreats and Croning ceremonies. She is a member of Red Tents in Every
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CONTRIBUTORS Neighborhood Global Network and has trained in Purple Tents. Additional advanced hypnotherapy certifications incudling Smoking Cessation, Weight Loss, Pain Management, and Past Live Regression provide a comprehensive toolkit of services to Dana’s clients. CHUCK KRUSE Chuck Kruse has lived in the woods in Alaska, worked as a deckhand on a freighter, done logging in the Pacific Northwest and North Pennsylvania, owned a residential tree service, and programmed computers for major hospitals. Through it all he has studied and practiced herbalism which he finds fascinating. He can be contacted at woodsman98@gmail.com. CAMILLE LEON Camille Leon is the Founder and Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of the Holistic Chamber of Commerce. She is also a published author, artist and adventurer. For more information on the HCC, visit: holisticchamberofcommerce. com. Camille’s work can be found at camilleleonstudio.etsy.com or amzn. to/37uCK71
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KAYLA MALIK Kayla Malik helps people reach their mental health goals. She has a bachelors in Psychology and is currently enrolled in a psychedelic facilitator program in Oregon. She is writing a meditation book and also in the beginning stages of working towards building her own business called Soul Mind Body Connection where she teaches somatic movement, mindfulness techniques, breathwork, and meditations. She can be reached by email: kaylazbrookez@ gmail.com and is on Tiktok @ soulmindbodyconnection JEANNE RUCZHAKECKMAN Jeanne is the heart, soul, and Publishing Editor of Therapeutic Thymes Magazine, bringing together people and resources in a therapeutic and natural manner. As publisher, she leads the editorial direction and manages the business operations. She has her degree in Mass Communication / Journalism from Lock Haven University as well as a Print Certificate in the Pennsylvania College of Art & Design’s Digital Design program. Jeanne is also a genealogist, seeking Ancestors, hers, and yours. She has authored various articles pertaining to genealogy and maintains AncestralPassages.com.
CONTRIBUTORS COLLEEN STEWART Colleen Stewart loves giving her two kids a healthy example to live by. Her passion for community and wellness inspired her and her husband to team up with their neighbors and create a playgroup that allows the adults and their kiddos to squeeze in a workout a few times a week. She created Playdate Fitness to help inspire other mamas and papas to prioritize their well-being and set a healthy foundation for their little ones in the process. For more information, visit her site at playdatefitness.com
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TRISH ZOOK Trish is a Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in Therapeutic Massage and is an experienced Reflexologist working with feet, hands and meridians of the face. She offers Traditional and Thai Reflexology as well as Reflexology for Chronic Pain. Trish is a Reiki Master Teacher, a Third level student with Healing Touch and has studied Integrated Energy Therapy. Trish’s business, “A Little R&R of the Valley”, is located in Hummelstown PA. Like and follow on Facebook at: facebook.com/people/A-Little-RR-of-theValley/100063664024218/
“ Early detection gave us time to adapt together, as a family.”
If you’re noticing changes, it could be Alzheimer’s. Talk about visiting a doctor together. ALZ.org/TimeToTalk
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