Natural Awakenings – Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess NY Edition, April 2026

Sustainable Together

WESTCHESTER, PUTNAM & DUTCHESS COUNTIES EDITION

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Here in the Hudson Valley, we are surrounded by natural beauty that quietly reminds us of our responsibility to care— for the land, for our communities and for ourselves. But sustainability is not just about protecting open spaces or reducing waste. It is about creating a way of living that can be supported, nourished and sustained over time—physically, emotionally and spiritually.

This month’s Sustainable Together issue of Natural Awakenings is rooted in the understanding that true sustainability begins both around us and within us. In these pages, you’ll find a wide range of perspectives on what it means to live sustainably today. From simple, homemade skincare solutions that reduce exposure to toxins, to composting practices that return nutrients to the earth, to the thoughtful restoration of our homes and shared spaces, each article reflects a different entry point into this larger conversation. There is no single path. Instead, there are many small, meaningful choices that, together, create lasting impact.

Sustainability also asks us to turn inward. It invites us to consider how we care for our own bodies and energy. Are we choosing foods that nourish us? Are we creating space for rest and renewal? Are we mindful of the products we bring into our homes and onto our skin? Reducing toxins, managing stress and supporting our health in intentional ways are not separate from environmental responsibility—they are deeply connected to it.

As April unfolds and signs of spring emerge around us, Earth Day offers a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the planet and reflect on how our daily choices contribute to a healthier world. I encourage you to look for local events happening across Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties. Whether it’s a community clean-up, a nature walk, a sustainability workshop or a gathering that simply brings people together outdoors, participating, even in a small way, helps strengthen both our environment and our sense of community.

When we begin to live in alignment with our own well-being, we naturally become more conscious stewards of the world around us. And when we care for the Earth, we create healthier environments that support our collective wellness. It is a reciprocal relationship— one that thrives on awareness, consistency and small, steady steps.

As a publisher and a member of this community, I know first-hand that, amid the pace of everyday life, keeping these intentions at the forefront of my mind can often take effort. But sustainability is not about perfection. It is about progress. It is about choosing, again and again, to move toward what supports life—yours and the planet’s.

I hope this issue inspires you to explore new ideas, revisit familiar practices and find your own rhythm of sustainable living. Start small. Stay curious. And remember that every thoughtful choice contributes to something larger.

In gratitude for our shared journey on this Earth,

Natural Awakenings is printed on partially recycled and

with black soy ink.

Girlfriend’s Getaway Retreat Offers Women a Weekend to Reset and Reconnect

Women seeking rest, renewal and inspiration are invited to the Girlfriend’s Getaway Retreat, May 8 through 10, at The Sagamore Resort on Lake George in New York’s Adirondack Mountains. The 2026 theme, Seeds of Possibility & Potential, offers a heart-centered weekend designed to help participants reconnect with themselves and envision what’s next.

The retreat features a welcome reception with entertainment, a sitdown lunch and fashion show, 18 empowering workshops, meditation and yoga sessions and time to enjoy nature and meaningful connection. Guests may attend with friends or come solo and be welcomed into a supportive community of like-minded women.

Organizers describe the experience as an opportunity to slow down, gain clarity and nurture personal goals in a peaceful setting. The weekend is ideal for women navigating transition, seeking balance or simply craving a restorative pause. Set against a scenic lakeside backdrop, the program blends wellness, learning and connection to support participants in their next chapter.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit GirlfriendsGetawayBolton.com. See ad page 16.

Psychic Awareness Workshop and Spirit

Gallery Coming to Cortlandt Manor

International psychic mediums Carl Seaver and Dolores Rilho will present a threeday, in-person workshop, Expanding Your Psychic Awareness—Beyond Basics, from April 17 to 19 at Universal Healing Arts, in Cortlandt Manor. The immersive program is designed for individuals ready to move beyond introductory intuitive development and explore deeper levels of psychic awareness.

Through guided exercises, demonstrations and hands-on practice, participants will learn techniques to strengthen energetic connections, refine intuitive sensitivity and build confidence in spiritual communication. The workshop is suited for returning students as well as those that feel they have natural intuitive abilities and wish to develop them further in a supportive learning environment.

In addition, Seaver and Rilho will present Whispers from Beyond, a gallery-style mediumship demonstration open to the public, at 7 p.m. on April 18. During this special evening event, the mediums will share messages from loved ones in spirit, offering comfort, healing and reminders of continued connections beyond this life.

Cost: $350 for the three-day workshop; $75 for the April 18 gallery event. Location: 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. For more information or to make reservations (required), call 914-737-4325 or visit UniversalHealingArts.com. See ad, page 13.

Inspired by (shinrin-yoku), reconnects individuals with nature through mindfulness. Valerie Smith, a Certified Forest Therapy Guide and Licensed Psychotherapist, invites you to slow down and rediscover yourself. VALERIE SMITH, LCSW, CFTG

IADC, EMDR, Forest Therapy

Oh, the lovely fickleness of an April day!

—W. H. Gibson

Monthly Reiki Healing Circle Fosters Collective Energy Healing

Robin Mueller, Reiki Master, psychic medium and channel, will host a Reiki Healing Circle from 10 to 11:30 a.m., April 19, at The Well Center, in Armonk. This monthly gathering invites participants to come together in a shared healing environment designed to amplify reiki energy through collective intention.

During the event, participants begin by setting a personal intention—such as self-love, emotional release, mental calm or physical healing—to focus their experience. Mueller prepares the space through energetic cleansing and protection practices, including the use of reiki symbols such as Cho Ku Rei to help create a calm, supportive environment for healing and reflection.

Mueller, who has practiced reiki for more than 25 years and has been leading reiki healing circles since 2001, will also explain how reiki energy supports mental, emotional, spiritual and physical well-being. Breathwork techniques are incorporated to help participants ground their energy and enter the healing process with greater ease.

“I know, without any doubt, that we’re never alone,” shares Mueller.

Cost: $40. Location: The Well Center, 430 Bedford Rd., Ste. 203, Armonk. For more information or to register, call 914-400-7056, email SpiritInsidercm@gmail.com or visit SpiritInside.net.

New Partnership Brings Yoga Classes to Balancing 4 Life

Two wellness businesses, Present Wisdom and Balancing 4 Life, in Armonk, have partnered to offer in-person, Anusarastyle yoga classes beginning on April 7. Classes will be held at the Balancing 4 Life site led by Present Wisdom yoga teachers.

Participants can attend 60-minute, morning, yoga flow classes on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., or a 75-minute class on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Class size is limited to 14 participants to ensure individualized attention in a supportive and tranquil setting.

“Having personally practiced Anusara-style yoga for many years, I am thrilled to welcome

Alka Kaminer and Present Wisdom to the center,” says Anne Bentzen, owner of Balancing 4 Life. “Anusara yoga is a perfect fit with its focus on mindful movement and alignment of body, mind and spirit.”

Both Kaminer and Bentzen share a commitment to healing, presence and community connection. While the two businesses will maintain their distinct services, the partnership expands wellness offerings available at the center. Present Wisdom will continue offering online live and on-demand classes, along with access to its digital yoga library, while Balancing 4 Life provides private wellness treatments and therapies.

Location: 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. To register for classes, visit PresentWisdom.com and for more information, visit Balancing4Life.com.

A Gentle Approach to Supporting Fascia and Movement

on clients.

FulBeing Collective, a multidisciplinary wellness practice in Wappingers Falls, now offers myofascial release services designed to improve mobility, restore function and help manage chronic pain. The practice brings together a collaborative team of practitioners offering holistic physical therapy, acupuncture, massage therapy and therapeutic yoga.

Fascia, the body’s connective tissue network, forms an interconnected system that supports muscles, bones, organs and nerves. When fascia becomes restricted, it can contribute to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Manual myofascial release (MFR) is a gentle, hands-on technique that applies sustained pressure to these connective tissue restrictions to help restore balance and movement throughout the body.

“At FulBeing Collective, we believe that the health and balance of the fascia system is an important part of overall well-being,” says Samantha Fulton, holistic physical therapist and owner. “When the fascia is hydrated and nourished, people often experience enhanced mobility, pain relief, and a sense of ease in their bodies and nervous systems.”

Manual myofascial release is incorporated into Fulton’s holistic physical therapy sessions. In addition, Joelle Van Sickle offers private and group educational sessions that teach participants self-treatment techniques, using tools such as massage balls and foam rollers to support fascia health at home.

Location: 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. For more information or to make an appointment, call 845-288-1808, email Contact@FulBeing Collective.com or visit FulBeingCollective.com.

Putnam Energy Affordability Campaign

Offers Free Resources to Residents

Joseph Montuori, executive director of Sustainable Putnam.

Sustainable Putnam, a nonprofit serving Putnam County, is partnering with the Mid-Hudson Regional Clean Energy Hub to launch the Putnam Energy Affordability campaign, running April through October. The campaign offers free resources to help county residents lower energy bills and increase home comfort.

Putnam County residents can schedule free home energy consultations with experts that provide unbiased guidance tailored to each home. Consultants review current energy use, explore practical upgrades, and explain available New York State financial assistance and utility rebates, helping residents make informed decisions without being pressured to purchase.

The campaign also includes educational community workshops and a Putnam County Home Energy Expo. The Expo will showcase energy-efficient technologies and connect attendees with reputable local contractors specializing in insulation, heating and cooling systems, solar and more.

“Home energy projects can be complex, and unbiased guidance is hard to find,” says Joseph Montuori, executive director of Sustainable Putnam. “This campaign simplifies the process and empowers residents to choose solutions that make financial and practical sense for their households.”

All services provided by the campaign are free, and the first step for residents is to schedule a consultation. The initiative aims to support homeowners and renters alike in reducing utility costs, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing comfort while promoting sustainable living practices across the county.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 646-598-6560, email Joe@SustainablePutnam.org or visit SustainablePutnam.org.

A Sacred Weekend to Know and Live Your Authentic Self

Soul Shamanism Training–A Weekend With Your Soul, guided by Shaman Janet StraightArrow, will be held from May 29 through 31 at the Himalayan Institute Yoga Center, in Honesdale, Pennsylvania. This three-day, two-night immersive retreat invites participants into an ancient Siberian practice designed to help them know exactly who they are and why they are here now, experiencing themselves on both grounded human and spiritual levels.

Throughout the weekend, attendees will engage in advanced awareness practices, healing, clearing and manifesting work as they release patterns that interfere with living authentically. Participants will explore the “Spirit Lake,” meet their Soul—known as the Spirit Twin—and begin aligning body and Soul in a way that fosters clarity, empowerment and unconditional self-connection.

“Imagine learning a direct process to know exactly who you are and why you are here now,” says StraightArrow. “From this day forward, you will never feel alone.”

Designed for healers, teachers, therapists, coaches, yogis and dedicated seekers, the training includes new levels of teaching, a Soul Shamanism Divine Playbook, recorded practices, post-retreat Zoom integration sessions and access to an ongoing practitioner community.

Cost: $695. Payment is due by May 1. For more information or to register, visit BeTheMedicine.com.

Psychic medium and Reiki Master Laura

Schek is celebrating the 10th anniversary of her practice, Celestial Touch, located in the Village of Pawling. For a decade, she has offered intuitive readings, connections with departed loved ones and reiki sessions designed to support emotional and energetic balance.

Schek says she felt connected to the spiritual realm from an early age, recalling her first experience seeing a spirit at the age of 5. After a life-changing event in 2008, she began formally developing her mediumistic and psychic abilities and later studied extensively at the Omega Institute, in Rhinebeck, with well-known, esteemed mediums from the United States and the United Kingdom.

In addition to intuitive readings, Schek practices the Usui/Tibetan system of reiki. She was inspired by witnessing how reiki supported patients and families in hospital settings. Her sessions integrate energy healing with intuitive guidance to support mind, body and spirit.

Location: 7 Arch St., Pawling. For more information, call 845-2441767 or email Info@CelestialTouchllc.com. To schedule virtual, inperson or phone appointments, visit CelestialTouchllc.com.

Killer Whales Using Tools

A 2025 study published in Current Biology reports the first documented use of tools by marine mammals. Scientists have been studying three pods of killer whales, also known as orcas, in the Pacific Northwest for decades. Using unmanned drones, they observed the whales biting off the stalk ends of bull kelp and using them as tools to massage and scrub each other’s bodies—an activity scientists call allokelping. Thirty sightings of this activity among three pods were documented over the span of 12 days, involving different ages and sexes. The scientists believe allokelping may be a form of social, tool-assisted skin grooming. They also hypothesize that the behavior is unique to this killer whale society.

Loss of Tree Diversity Threatens Forests

Scientists from Aarhus University, in Denmark, analyzed the growth of more than 31,000 tree species around the world. Their study, published in Nature, found an increasing incidence of fast-growing trees that dominate slower, long-lived species, resulting in a loss of diversity and forest resilience. Slower growing species have been the mainstay of forest ecosystems and a key to biodiversity and carbon storage, especially in tropical regions. Now, many face possible extinction.

Faster growing species have lighter leaves, softer wood, lower wood density and shallower root systems that make them vulnerable to die-offs. Although they recover more quickly from wildfires and are preferred by the timber industry, these forests can be destroyed more easily by storms, droughts and pests. Even when a forest looks healthy, the lack of native, slow-growing tree species can put the entire ecosystem at risk.

Native Gardening

Beneficial for the Earth, Beneficial for You

Native gardening across the Hudson Valley benefits both the gardener and the environment. By planting species adapted to the climate, gardeners help restore ecological balance and support butterflies, birds and bees with habitat and food. Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and New York aster (Symphyotrichum novi-belgii) attract pollinators and serve as host plants for some species, while witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) provides rare nectar and pollen into the cold season, when other sources are scarce.

Native plants can also be beautiful additions to the garden. Swamp mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) produces large tropical-looking pink blooms and thrives in wet areas of the yard. Beginner-friendly favorites such as purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), blue lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica) and black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) add vibrant color with minimal effort.

Additionally, native plants offer edible and medicinal benefits. Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) has a pleasant, licorice-like flavor that works well in salads, desserts and teas, and it has traditionally been used to soothe coughs and support digestion.

Finally, because native plants are adapted to the region, they usually require less water, fertilizer and maintenance, creating resilient gardens that support biodiversity while helping people reconnect with their own natural surroundings.

Valerie Smith, LCSW, CFTG, is a psychotherapist, ecotherapist, native gardener, forager and founder of Sugar Maple Counseling and Ecotherapy. She offers integrative, nature-informed approaches to mental health and wellness. For more information or to make an appointment, visit SugarMapleCounseling.com. See ads, pages 5 and 13.

Intuitive & Healing Arts

Healing Arts Center

FULBEING COLLECTIVE

8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls 845-288-1808

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Unlocking the Past to Heal the Present

How Past-Life Regression Can Support Personal Alignment

by Jessica Lawrence

Past-life regression is a spiritual practice based on the belief that the soul carries memories from previous lifetimes that can influence present-day patterns, relationships and personal challenges. Practitioners say that by accessing these memories, individuals may gain insight into the origins of recurring issues and move toward greater alignment with their life purpose.

The idea of reincarnation has been present in spiritual traditions for centuries. References to the concept appear in various interpretations of religious and mystical texts, and the subject has also been explored in modern literature. Psychiatrist Brian Weiss discusses regression experiences in his book Many Lives, Many Masters, while researcher Ian Stevenson documented case studies in Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation.

During a past-life regression session, clients typically begin by setting an intention to understand or resolve a specific pattern, such as difficulty in maintaining relationships or recurring life challenges. The process is conducted in a light trance state similar to deep relaxation or meditation, in which participants remain aware and in control. Practitioners guide clients through visualization exercises intended to access memories believed to be connected to earlier lifetimes.

At the conclusion of a regression, participants may reflect on the experience and ask questions about personal growth, purpose or healing. Advocates say the process can provide perspective on long-standing patterns and encourage conscious choices for change.

Jessica Lawrence has practiced energy healing for more than 25 years. She is a Reiki Master, past-life regression practitioner and Akashic record reader, and holds an M.F.A. in writing from Sarah Lawrence College. She currently offers sessions at Balancing 4 Life, located 495 Main St., Ste. 205, in Armonk. For more information or to register, call 914-588-4079 or visit Balancing4Life.com.

Natural Skincare Recipes

by Natural Awakenings staff

Sustainable skin care is achievable without costly products or lengthy routines. Creating quick, easy and affordable formulas at home reduces our reliance on single-use plastics, petroleum-derived agents, irritating alcohol and other harsh chemicals found in many store-bought items. By storing them in glass containers and buying ingredients at bulk-refill stores, wasteful packaging can be virtually eliminated.

DIY scrubs, facial masks, bath crystals, moisturizers and toners are made with simple pantry ingredients such as oats, honey, sea salt and olive oil, which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied topically, aloe vera gel from a houseplant effectively treats burns and soothes chronic conditions like rosacea. Two specialized ingredients with beneficial properties are fractionated coconut oil, which is processed to be clear, colorless, long-lasting and always liquid, regardless of temperature; and pure culinary rosewater made by simmering rose petals.

Even with natural ingredients, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends doing a patch test on an inside arm. Leave the product on for as long as it would be used on the face, monitoring for swelling, redness or itching.

Vanilla Sugar Scrub: Combine onethird cup brown sugar, one-quarter cup olive oil or fractionated coconut oil and one-half teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract. Store the mixture in a small jar and use one teaspoon at a time to exfoliate the skin, applying gentle, circular motions by hand, then rinsing with warm water.

Soothing Oatmeal Mask: In a blender, pulse one-half cup rolled oats into a fine powder. In a bowl, combine with one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon olive oil and two teaspoons warm water until it thickens into a creamy paste. Gently massage onto a dampened face and leave on five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

Fragrant Bath Salts: Combine three cups Epsom salt, one-and-a-half cups sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, one-half cup baking soda and 20 drops of one or more essential oils such as pine needle, rose, lavender or eucalyptus. The yield is enough for five to 10 baths; keep in a glass jar for up to six months. Add one-half to one cup to the bath. Can also be used for a foot spa.

Rosewater Facial Toner or Spritzer: Pure culinary rosewater can be a gentle toner that hydrates, soothes, controls excess oil and tightens pores. Apply straight from the bottle with a soaked cotton ball. May also be refrigerated in a spray bottle for a refreshing facial spritz.

Lip Balms: For cracked lips, apply a thin layer of raw honey overnight for its hydrating and antibacterial benefits. Other soothing ingredients that can be used as needed throughout the day are aloe vera and coconut oil.

Spaces That Restore

How Home Environments Can Support Mind, Body and Spirit

by Stephanie Beams

Spring is often associated with renewal. As the season shifts, many people reflect on how they want to move forward and what they hope to cultivate in the months ahead. It can also be an ideal time to reconsider the spaces that we live in every day.

The environments we inhabit can either support or hinder wellbeing. Just as routines and habits are refreshed in the spring, living spaces can be adjusted to better align with the body’s natural needs for balance, calm and restoration.

A growing body of research helps explain why some environments simply feel better than others. The fields of neuroaesthetics and biophilia explore this connection. Neuroaesthetics examines how the built environment affects the mind and why the brain responds positively to beauty, while biophilia describes the human affinity for nature. Biophilic design incorporates natural elements and plants into interior spaces to help create a sense of harmony.

A wellness-based approach to design is especially important in homes and workplaces, where people spend much of their time. When environments do not support relaxation, the body may have fewer opportunities to activate the parasympathetic nervous

system, which is associated with rest and restoration. Although the modern world has changed dramatically, the human brain still responds to cues similar to those found in natural environments.

The brain processes millions of pieces of information every second, broadly interpreting them as signals of safety or stress. When home environments consistently send signals associated with urgency or overload, the body may have fewer opportunities to fully rest and recharge. Wellness design incorporates many elements, but the following features are commonly used to create more supportive spaces:

Lighting: Maximize natural light when possible and minimize harsh blue-toned lighting, particularly around sunrise and sunset.

Fractal patterns: Repeating, self-similar patterns commonly found in nature, such as ferns, sunflower centers and mountain ranges.

Plants: Bringing nature indoors. The human eye can distinguish more shades of green than any other color, and living plants can contribute to a calming atmosphere.

Minimize visual clutter: Unfolded laundry, piles of mail and dishes can act as persistent visual reminders of unfinished tasks.

Practices such as meditation, yoga, massage, exercise and walking can help reduce stress, but their effects may be harder to sustain if

the home environment does not support relaxation and restoration. When living spaces remain visually or energetically overwhelming, it may be more difficult to maintain the sense of calm these practices create.

Design professionals that incorporate wellness-focused principles often report that clients notice positive shifts in how their homes feel. Supportive environments can reinforce healthy routines and help foster a greater sense of ease in daily life.

In today’s fast-paced world, where many people juggle demanding schedules and constant digital connection, the home can play an important role in supporting physical and emotional restoration. Thoughtful design choices can help transform living spaces into environments that nurture the body, mind and spirit rather than simply serving as places to power devices.

Stephanie Beams is an interior designer and owner of Highstone & Co., where she has been creating spaces that support physical and mental well-being for more than a decade. Drawing on her experience and intuitive approach, Beams works with clients to design personalized environments that reflect how they want to feel in their homes. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit HighstoneAndCo.com. Follow on Instagram @highstoneandco.

• Induced After-Death Communication (IADC) therapy reunites individuals with loved ones who have passed.

• This evidence-based method fosters healing and peace.

• The only licensed IADC practitioner in the lower Hudson Valley.

Transform sorrow into serenity. The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them. —Paul Hawken

It Takes a Circle

Building Greener Lives Together

by Hannah Tytus

In nature, nothing stands alone. Permaculture design—the art of creating sustainable landscapes—mirrors this by building resilience through integration rather than separation. It organizes life into “zones” that circle outward from the home to the wider community.

Conservation efforts are likewise woven together when Earth-conscious individuals form circles of community that grow and reach, stretching their tendrils to interweave with other circles, strengthening the protective, nourishing roots of homegrown actions.

Cultivating a Better Future

Working directly with permaculture, Brandi Mack strives to spark collective change and build lasting legacies of justice and well-being. Influenced by her grandfather, who farmed the fertile soils of Oakland, California, she is a holistic health educator, permaculture designer and co-founder of The Butterfly Movement. Describing the work of this nonprofit, she explains, “We focus on cultivating sovereignty, healing and personal development through land, food and art for Black women and girls.”

“My grandfather said, ‘If you build the soil, you can grow anything,’” Mack recalls. “We facilitate spaces for Black youth and their mothers to reconnect with the land through gardening, learning about food as medicine and reclaiming a relationship with the natural world. Our focus is on our beloved sisterhood—the feminine—as Black women and girls. If we can elevate that, the world will elevate. That is justice.”

Mack envisions the collective potential of the next generation, knowing that they have gifts to share. She has raised her daughters by example, teaching them that it is okay to experiment and grow, and she also encourages older generations to let go of antiquated narratives and let the youth lead.

Regenerating What Is Good

Marvin Hayes is a spoken word artist and executive director of the Baltimore Compost Collective. When he founded this youth-led initiative 11 years ago, he wanted to address what is known as the “sacrifice zone” of waste incineration that blew pollutants all over South Baltimore, threatening the health of his community.

Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health suggests that living near waste incineration facilities is associated with higher risks of certain cancers, birth defects and other negative health outcomes. In the United States, such health burdens are not evenly distributed because 80 percent of municipal solid waste incinerators are located in communities where more than a quarter of residents identify as people of color, live below the federal poverty line, or both.

“The wind doesn’t segregate or discriminate,” says Hayes, noting that air pollution from sacrifice zones blows equally to all neighborhoods, becoming a collective public health concern. Today, he serves 400 households and diverts 2,000 pounds of weekly waste from the incinerator. He uses his business to improve public health, educate local youth about entrepreneurship and advocate for environmental justice in the community.

Instead of going to a trash incinerator, household waste can become an agent of regeneration. According to Hayes, composting nourishes nutrient-depleted soil, making it excellent “black gold” for growing food. It also remediates soil that may be contaminated with lead or other metals and diverts waste from air-polluting incinerators, while providing an opportunity for the community to come together, he explains.

Traveling Lightly

“Composting is critical, because when food ends up in a landfill, it chemically degrades differently than it would in a compost pile, producing methane gas that is 28 times worse than CO2,” says Samuel McMullen, co-founder of ZeroWaste.org alongside his sister, Lydia McMullen-Laird. “The hardest

thing to do in living a zero-waste lifestyle is addressing food and food packaging,” he shares, adding that one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the making, transport and refrigeration of food.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food waste is the number one component in landfills, accounting for one-quarter of their mass. The average American sends approximately 350 pounds of food waste to the landfill each year, with a family of four losing $1,500 annually to uneaten food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

To address this issue through prevention, McMullen runs the Zero Waste Challenge—an invitation to produce as little waste as possible for a week, while reflecting on the garbage created. On Earth Day, a similar challenge can be accessed virtually from anywhere in the world at ZeroWaste.org

“Learning follows action. Take action first,” advises McMullen, who sees zero-waste habit-building as a practical entry point for broader change. Holding corporations accountable for climate change and focusing only on institutions to make a difference can make people feel powerless, he observes. By tracking their trash, choosing reusables and making small sustainable swaps, individuals can begin to build tangible skills for activism efforts in systems change.

“The beauty of the [Zero Waste] Challenge is that you confront your own waste footprint,” McMullen says, adding that participants are

invited to examine their trash from a place of curiosity, rather than criticism. “It’s easy to cut your waste in half. The last 10 percent is very challenging, but that’s okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.”

McMullen relates that even eating at a restaurant can be an opportunity to practice zero-waste principles by bringing a reusable container and bag for leftovers to reduce single-use packaging and opening playful dialogue with restaurant staff to make a game of reducing waste throughout the meal. “Don’t be annoying about it,” he quips, noting that reducing our personal waste footprint is secondary to building a social culture of sustainability and teamwork. “The main function is to build awareness with other people—to create common ground and to show that there is another way.”

Sharing Stewardship

For three years, Jen Myers, Ph.D., has called the EcoVillage at Ithaca (EVI) home. This upstate New York community is designed to be socially, culturally, economically and ecologically sustainable, integrating human life harmoniously with nature. Members rely on renewable energy, shared spaces, local food production and pooled resources to make sustainable living feasible.

According to Myers, EVI shares 175 acres of land—far more than a single homeowner could handle—including farms, forests and scenic natural spaces that are diligently stewarded by community members. Since its modest 30-household beginnings in the 1990s, it has grown into a lively community of 100 households. Living in community promotes sustainability by reducing individual environmental footprints and encouraging collaborative eco-friendly practices.

“I live in a net zero home, and it’s really rewarding having the infrastructure to make sustainable living easy,” says Myers, project director of the Thrive Ithaca EcoVillage Education Center. “I don’t have to do as much consuming as I would as an individual running a household in a typical suburban neighborhood.” Lawnmowers, playground equipment, compost bins and more are all shared and enjoyed together.

Myers likes to highlight the recreational opportunities available at EVI, including hiking trails and ponds for swimming and ice skating, as well as EVI’s communal dining spaces that make togetherness easy. The community also models multi-generational sustainability. “It is such a joy to know I am modeling conservation behaviors in my household with my daughter,” she says.

Everyone at EVI shares leadership responsibilities, meeting monthly to make decisions on critical issues. Residents commit two to four hours a week to facilitate the community, contributing based on their strengths in areas like administration, cooking, gardening, compost management and recycling. Myers appreciates this skill sharing, saying, “I’ve been so pleasantly surprised with how much value living in community brings to my life.”

Building a Resilient Culture

Sustainability is not a checklist but a culture shaped by what we

normalize and celebrate. McMullen urges joyful modeling of alternatives, reminding us that “your actions are not really about you.” Visible practices—solar panels, reusable mugs, composting—ripple outward and shift norms over time. Myers calls this “ground-up design,” a liminal space where communities create the world they want by sharing resources and celebrating seasonal food, redistributing power and reducing isolation. Hayes centers youth leadership, cultivating agency and business skills in food systems so that youth are equipped to shape their own futures.

Embracing Life’s Reciprocity

Drawing from permaculture’s lessons, Mack says, “The soil is loyal. When you study permaculture, you are reminded that we are all connected. The only way we’re going to fix the planet is by remembering we are connected. When you know you’re doing something that affects someone else, you’ll stay committed. The reality is we are one species on a planet in the middle of the universe. We learn everything from nature. We are nature. It’s important for us to understand right now that we go fast alone and far together.”

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring cultural underpinnings of health.

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE LANDSCAPING

Michael Gulbrandsen, Owner

845-489-7250 • LandscapingWithNature.net

Reflections of Nature Landscaping is dedicated to creating sustainable outdoor environments that restore the natural connection between people and the land. Led by owner Michael Gulbrandsen, the company designs landscapes that work in harmony with nature, transforming ordinary yards into peaceful sanctuaries that support both human well-being and local ecosystems.

For Reflections of Nature, landscaping is about more than curb appeal. Their goal is to create sacred spaces where people can slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with the quiet beauty of the natural world. These landscapes encourage reflection, connection and renewal.

“Every landscape holds a memory—of wildflowers swaying in the breeze, rain nourishing the soil and birds greeting the morning light,” shares Gulbrandsen. “Over time, many outdoor spaces have lost that connection, replaced by concrete, chemicals and constant upkeep. When someone steps into one of our landscapes, they’re stepping into a living story—one that honors the past, thrives in the present and grows into the future.”

The team at Reflections of Nature believes every landscape holds the potential to reflect the rhythms of the natural world. All of their designs incorporate native plants that thrive in the regional climate, pollinator-friendly habitats and water-wise solutions that respect the earth’s resources.

“Our designs work with the land, not against it,” adds Gulbrandsen. “Every stone, path and planting is placed with intention, transforming ordinary yards into living, breathing places of peace.” See ad, page 11.

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Growing Well, Together

Rethinking What Helps Children Thrive

by Erica Mills

When conversations turn to children’s health, nourishment is often measured in protein intake, sleep schedules and sports participation. While these essentials matter, children also need emotional safety, creative expression, meaningful challenge and a sense of connection with others and the natural world to be able to thrive. Increasingly, families are exploring education models that support this broader vision of wellbeing and reflect the idea that healthy development happens within strong communities.

Across the country, progressive and experiential schools are reimagining what education can look like. The focus extends beyond academic achievement to nurturing the whole child—intellectual, physical, social and emotional—while helping students understand their role within a larger community and environment.

Learning That Engages the Brain and the Heart

Research in developmental psychology shows that children learn best when they are actively engaged. Passive memorization activates short-term recall; meaningful exploration builds deeper, lasting understanding. Alternative educational approaches often integrate subjects into interdisciplinary projects so children can see connections among math, science, literature and the arts.

This type of contextual learning strengthens executive functioning skills such as problem-solving, flexible thinking and sustained attention. It also reduces performance anxiety by shifting the emphasis from “getting the right answer” to thoughtfully engaging with ideas and working through challenges together.

Emotional engagement plays an equally important role. When students feel respected and heard, stress hormones decrease and intrinsic motivation increases. Classrooms that prioritize discussion, collaboration and student voices help cultivate confidence, resilience and a sense of shared responsibility—qualities that support lifelong mental health and healthy communities.

The Power of Time Spent Outdoors

Another hallmark of many experiential learning environments is regular immersion in nature. Outdoor classrooms, school gardens and wooded campuses are more than aesthetic choices; they reflect growing evidence linking time in nature with improved well-being.

Studies have associated outdoor exposure with reduced symptoms of anxiety and attention difficulties, improved mood regulation and enhanced creativity. Natural environments gently restore directed attention, allowing children’s cognitive systems to reset from digital and academic demands.

Physical health benefits follow as well. Outdoor learning encourages movement, coordination and sensory integration. Whether investigating soil composition, observing insects or tracking seasonal changes, children engage their bodies and senses alongside their intellect.

These experiences also foster environmental awareness. Hands-on exposure to food systems, ecosystems and natural cycles helps children understand sustainability and the importance of caring for shared

resources—lessons that reinforce the idea that personal well-being and planetary health are connected.

Creativity Is Not Extra— It’s Essential

In traditional settings, art, music and drama are sometimes treated as enrichment. Many alternative models view creative expression as central to development.

Artistic practice strengthens neural pathways linked to innovation and adaptive thinking. It provides children with tools to process emotions, communicate complex ideas and build self-awareness. When children compose music, paint murals or perform in plays, they practice courage, collaboration and perseverance.

Play also remains essential. Unstructured play supports executive functioning, emotional

regulation and social negotiation skills. Through imaginative scenarios, children rehearse real-world problem-solving in low-stakes environments, building resilience and confidence.

Relationships as the Foundation

Small class sizes and strong teacher-student relationships are common features of many experiential schools. When educators know children well—their strengths, challenges and interests—learning can be guided in ways that support balanced growth.

Community-centered environments also emphasize empathy, cooperation and respectful communication. Children practice conflict resolution and collaborative decision-making as part of daily life, learning how to contribute to a healthy group dynamic.

In these settings, success is measured not only by grades, but also by growth: curiosity sparked, questions asked, kindness practiced and persistence demonstrated.

Supporting Healthy Development at Home

Parents can reinforce many of these principles regardless of where their children attend school. Protecting time for outdoor play, limiting over-scheduling, encouraging creative projects and including children in meaningful family conversations all support healthy development.

Healthy kids need more than academic preparation. They need space to explore, trusted adults who listen, opportunities to move and create, and a sense that they are part of something larger than themselves.

When learning reflects how children naturally grow—through curiosity, connection and shared experience—well-being becomes something families and communities can build sustainably, together.

Blue Rock School is an educational community that embraces experiential learning, outdoor exploration and whole-child development as core principles. Location: 110 Demarest Mill Rd., West Nyack. For more information, call 845-535-3353, email Admissions@BlueRockSchool.org or visit BlueRockSchool.org.

Erica Mills is publisher of both Natural Awakenings Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess and Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties.

please contact

Allergies and the Nervous System

Calming Herbs for Yearlong Resilience

by Hannah Tytus

Seasonal allergies are often framed as a localized immune problem—something that happens in the nose, sinuses or lungs. But holistic practitioners see them as a whole-body experience shaped by stress, nourishment and environment. Linda Conroy, a bioregional herbalist with more than three decades of experience, uses native medicinal plants in a three-tiered approach that focuses on prevention, tonification and support. Tonification aims to nourish, strengthen and restore balance to the body’s vital energy.

“You’re not going to take one herb and have it fix everything,” explains the founder of Moonwise Herbs. “You have to work on diet, lifestyle, relationships and stress reduction. It has to be multilayered.” Rather than suppressing symptoms, Conroy works to strengthen the body’s baseline resilience so that when pollen counts rise or seasons shift, it is equipped to respond.

The Role of Stress

All parts of the body are interconnected. When the nervous system is stressed, other systems are affected. We see this with asthma, says Conroy, citing research that links prenatal and early-life stress to respiratory vulnerability later in childhood. “When someone’s respiratory system is in distress, we have to work with all the systems of the body to address it,” she explains.

A major player in immune system robustness is the endocrine system—a network of glands and organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including the stress response and mood. According to Conroy, hormonal imbalances can increase vulnerability. “Many people live their lives as if they are in danger all the time and this chronic alertness can make immune responses overactive,” she observes. “We also see a significant number of people with thyroid problems. When the pituitary or thyroid glands are weakened, people tend to be more reactive overall.”

To calm the nervous system, Conroy recommends a calcium-rich diet with ample leafy greens and dairy, as well as a longsteeped tea made with oatstraw—the dried green stalks and leaves of the oat plant, which is rich in calcium, magnesium and B vitamins. She also champions small rituals for stress relief such as always turning off the phone before bedtime or regularly enjoying a rosemary facial steam to rejuvenate the skin and feel restored. “Stay committed to something consistently,” she advises, recommending that people find their rhythm with their modalities of choice. Together, these practices reflect a holistic approach, relieving stress and improving allergy symptoms simultaneously, while building resilience year-round.

“Sleep, digestion and stress regulation form a feedback loop,” says Joanna Helms, Olezzo/shutterstock

founder of Mama Jo’s Sunshine Herbals. With more than 30 years of experience in Chinese, Western, Native American, Scottish, Unani-Tibb and Japanese herbalism, she defines her practice as a way to support the body in being the healer.

Helms recommends year-round herbal support to strengthen the body and reduce allergy vulnerability with calming herbs like oatstraw, lemon balm and holy basil. She also suggests regular exercise, adequate sleep, meditation, journaling and even talking with a friend. Evening rituals like massaging herbal salves into the feet before bed can calm the heart and settle the body.

Herbal Allies for Allergy Season

Conroy recommends nettle infusions, which she says have an antihistamine effect. Stronger than tea, infusions are made by steeping one ounce of nettle in boiling water for four to eight hours, then straining. This savory medicine keeps for up to three days in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed warm or cold, sometimes added to soups or

paired with miso. Nettle can be overly drying for individuals in arid climates. In such cases, Conroy suggests marshmallow root to soothe dry, irritated mucous membranes.

Mullein is traditionally used to prevent or alleviate respiratory distress caused by colds and flu, and Conroy recommends it to strengthen the lungs. Mullein’s flavor profile pairs well with a sweetener of choice. Her favorite recipe combines warm mullein tea with steamed milk and maple syrup for a delicious herbal latte.

Both experts celebrate the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of goldenrod, which has garnered a bad reputation when it is mistakenly associated with the allergy-inducing ragweed. In fact, goldenrod relieves allergies. Conroy calls it a tonifier that supports the whole system, “helping dampen the body’s overreaction, easing symptoms and reducing the intensity of the allergic response.”

“Goldenrod is one of my favorites for drying things up, especially in the eyes,” says Helms, adding that people in arid climates may find

Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Network

it too drying. In such cases, she recommends mixing goldenrod with chrysanthemum or licorice for a harmonizing blend.

Locally Sourced Herbs

According to Conroy, “We will get way more benefit from plants that grow around us. Try to source herbs as close to home as possible. It’s a relationship. I don’t think of herbs as a drug or pill. These are my allies; they’re going to support me. We need to care about the plants, and they will care about us.”

Helms encourages her clients to grow their own herbs, observe them as they grow from season to season or even draw them in a field journal. Such practices that foster listening, meditation and relationship remind us that plants can be healing even when we do not ingest them.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring the cultural underpinnings of health.

Fitness Studios

Fitness for Active Aging

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

HealthBalanced.com

Pilates

HOPEWELL JUNCTION

ALIGN PILATES

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

TheAlignPilates.com

BEDFORD

7 Norm Ave. 914-218-3428

QuantumHealingAnd WellnessPMA.com

BREWSTER

LUNA POWER YOGA

Move, Sweat & Breathe

175 East Main St. 845-276-4619

LunaPowerYoga.com

DOBBS FERRY

SACRED SPIRIT YOGA & HEALING ARTS CENTER

343 Broadway (on campus of South Presbyterian Church) SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org

MAHOPAC

PUTNAM YOGA

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

NORTH SALEM

TULA YOGA FOR WELLNESS

Kathy Daigneault 914-806-3286

TulaYogaForWellness.com

SOMERS

ZEN GARDEN HEALTH

COACHING & YOGA

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

WAPPINGERS FALLS

BACK2HEALTH YOGA

Iyengar Yoga 6 Broadway Ave. 845-202-2228

Back2HealthYoga.com

YORKTOWN HEIGHTS

PURE PRESENCE YOGA

JV Mall, 650 Lee Blvd. 914-214-8111

PurePresenceYogaNY.com

LIST YOUR STUDIO ON THIS PAGE.

Brooklyn Organic Kitchen

Serving Up Fresh, Healthy and Inspired Cuisine

At Brooklyn Organic Kitchen (BOK), in Mahopac, owner and head chef Sandra Marinelli blends culinary artistry with a passion for health-conscious dining. What began as a small hometown coffee shop has grown into a full-service organic restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a loyal following drawn to its fresh ingredients, customized dishes and welcoming atmosphere overlooking Lake Mahopac.

Marinelli’s connection to food began early. The daughter of Italian immigrants who owned several pizzerias, she spent much of her childhood in the kitchen with her grandmother, learning the value of cooking from scratch. “My grandmother taught me to love my food. Not just cook it—love it,” Marinelli shares. “The love she had for me went right into my food and created the person I am today.”

She later earned a culinary degree from the Natural Gourmet Institute, in New York City, where she studied health-supportive cooking designed for people with diverse dietary needs. That training helped shape the philosophy behind Brooklyn Organic Kitchen, where organic, high-quality ingredients form the foundation of every dish.

“We use only USDA-certified organic vegetables, eggs, chicken and milk, and the majority of our other ingredients are either allnatural or organic as well,” says Marinelli. “Even the simplest of foods can be amazing with clean, fresh ingredients, and that begins with organic food.”

The restaurant’s menu reflects Marinelli’s commitment to inclusivity and wellness. Dishes are crafted with dietary sensitivities in mind, offering options for vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and gluten-free diners. Marinelli is especially passionate about accommodating guests with food allergies or restrictions. “My greatest feeling of accomplishment as a chef is cooking for a customer with strict dietary preferences,” she explains. “I love to be able to surprise them with something delicious that they can actually eat.”

Beyond the menu, BOK is a curated and personal dining experience. Marinelli takes pride in learning her customers’ preferences and making them feel at home. “Whether it’s how they prefer their eggs poached or how they like their double Americano, I make my customers feel like someone is truly paying attention,” she shares. “It gives me great pleasure to see people sitting down, relaxing and enjoying themselves.”

BOK continues to evolve while staying rooted in its original mission—to offer nourishing, thoughtfully prepared food that helps customers feel their best. And feeding people well remains the heart of Marinelli’s work. “I am passionate about feeding and serving people,” she says, adding that BOK will be extending their hours beginning this spring to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Brooklyn Organic Kitchen is located at 890 South Lake Blvd., in Mahopac. For more information, call 845-621-2655 or visit BOKMahopac.com.

FALAFEL SPRING BOWLS

YIELD: 3 TO 4 SERVINGS

1 garlic clove

¼ cup red onion, roughly chopped

⅓ cup fresh cilantro leaves

⅓ cup fresh parsley leaves

1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 egg

¾ cup breadcrumbs (divided)

½ tsp cumin seeds

½ tsp ground coriander seeds

½ tsp salt

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

Shape the mixture into small patties using about 1 tablespoon each. Coat the patties with the remaining breadcrumbs, pressing each side into the crumbs so they stick.

Place the falafel patties on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through the baking time.

Layer a bowl with any cooked grain of choice and/or various spring greens, followed by a few falafels. Top with Sesame Ginger Dressing, Lemon-Tahini Dressing or a favorite homemade dressing.

SESAME GINGER DRESSING FOR FALAFEL SPRING BOWLS

4 Tbsp rice vinegar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp chili sauce

1 tsp maple syrup

1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger

2 Tbsp sesame oil

⅓ cup olive oil

In a food processor, finely chop the garlic by pulsing. Add the onion, cilantro and parsley and process until minced. Add the chickpeas and process to form a coarse dough. Add the egg, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander and salt. Pulse until combined. Place all ingredients in a jar and shake well before each use. Keep any remaining dressing in the refrigerator.

LEMON-TAHINI

DRESSING FOR SPRING BOWL FALAFELS

1 garlic clove

¼ cup tahini

2 Tbsp lemon juice

3 Tbsp nutritional yeast

Markets

GREENS NATURAL FOODS

Briarcliff Manor

97 North State Rd. 914-800-9146

Eastchester

780 White Plains Rd., Scarsdale 914-874-5481

Mount Kisco

666 Lexington Ave. 914-864-1274

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

GreensNaturalFoods.com

GREEN ORGANIC MARKET

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

FB: GreenOrganicMarket

2 Tbsp olive oil

2 Tbsp water

1 Tbsp pure maple syrup ½ tsp salt

In a food processor, pulse the garlic to mince. Add the tahini, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, oil, water, maple syrup and salt and process until smooth. Place any remaining dressing in a jar and refrigerate.

Recipe courtesy of chef Gwen Eberly.

MOTHER EARTH’S STOREHOUSE

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

MotherEarthStorehouse.com

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

NaturesPantryhv.com

NATURE’S HARVEST MARKET HV

1955 South Rd., Poughkeepsie 845-296-1069

NaturesHarvesthv.com

WHOLE FOODS MARKET

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

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

WholeFoodsMarket.com

Restaurant

BROOKLYN ORGANIC KITCHEN

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 890 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac 845-621-2655

BOKMahopac.com

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

Friday, April 3

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

Mark Your Calendar

Spiritual Discussion: Develop Your Creative Powers through Soul Travel

April 4 • 2-3pm

Curious about Soul Travel?  Experience the spiritual freedom that comes through developing your creative powers via Soul travel. Discussion points will be inspired by the booklet: Key to Soul Travel by Harold Klemp.  Free copy of booklet for all attendees. FREE and open to the public

Sponsored by Eckankar of Hudson Valley Kingston Library meeting room 61 Crown St., Kingston 845-706-4130

Monday, April 6

Community Yoga Class – 5:30-6:45pm. A welcoming monthly class designed to make Iyengar yoga accessible to all. Providing clear guidance, supportive instruction and space for everybody to practice with comfort and confidence. Donation-based. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

NEXT DEADLINE

4/8/26

Wednesday, April 8

The Power of the Drum – 6-7pm. With Shaman Elizabeth Rose Matheson, RMT. Drumming circles are an ancient form of healing and community. The drum becomes a tool, supporting release of negative feelings and fostering feelings of unity and peace. All welcome. No drum required. $20. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Thursday, April 9

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

Mark Your Calendar

Reiki 1 and Reiki 2 Certification Course

April 10 • 6:30-8:30pm April 11 & 12 • 11:30am-5:30pm

Taught by Reiki Master Healer/Teacher Shima Chayvet, participants gain skills for both self-healing and offering healing to others with clarity, ethics and reverence rooted in tradition and spiritual wisdom.

$425 Universal Healing Arts 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor Register: UniversalHealingArts.com • 914-737-4325

Friday, April 10

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

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

Mark Your Calendar

Listen to the Whispers of Your Heart

April 11 • 1:30-2:30pm

Experience a simple spiritual technique that awakens a quiet wisdom and reveals your heart’s deepest truths. After a contemplation, attendees are warmly invited into an open discussion of a spiritual nature, to share insights & experiences or just to listen to others. Free and open to the public

Sponsored by Eckankar of Hudson Valley Greenburgh Public Library meeting room, 300 Tarrytown Rd., Elmsford 914-262-5589

Saturday, April 11

Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Apr. 11 & 25. Come sweat your soul! 5Rhythms is a dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in your body—that ignites creativity, connection, and community. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Pricing/register: AscendCenter.com/ events-summary.

Sunday, April 12

Four Energy Gates Full Moon Experience –11am-12pm. Qigong instructor, Beth Anesi, teaches self-care system to reawaken your body’s healing wisdom with 4 acupressure points and a powerful standing meditation for your core energy foundation. Adults $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.

Native American-Style Drumming Circle – 2-4pm. Scott Nelson leads to help you raise your vibration and release low residue following Native American traditions. Extra drums and shakers. Families welcome with children 10 and up. Adults $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.

Soulful Sound Journey – 6-7:30pm. With Maria Mehta and Sorelle Sound Healing. Experience reiki and sound for deep relaxation, energetic renewal and inner balance. No yoga or meditation experience needed. $44. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/ register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Tuesday, April 14

Hospice Spring Soirée – 11 am-8pm. Dine at Le Jardin du Roi and support Hospice of Westchester, with 10 percent of proceeds donated to its programs and services. Reservations required; mention “Hospice.” Le Jardin du Roi, 95 King St., Chappaqua. Info/ tickets: 914-238-1368; HospiceOfWestchester.org.

Thursday, April 16

Common Ground – 6:30-8pm. What have you been taught about your own ability to make change? Eileen Flanagan offers lessons on building common ground to make a positive and lasting environmental impact. Talk and book signing. $10. Details: BlueRockSchool.org.

An Evening with Spirit – 7-8:30pm. With Jessica Lawrence, top Westchester psychic and clairvoyant leads group reading. Receive loving messages from your guides and ancestors. Bring clarity to your life issues. Limit 12. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Expanding Your Psychic Awareness

April 17-19 • 10am-5pm

A transformative, 3-day in-person workshop with international psychic mediums Carl Seaver and Dolores Rilho. Take your psychic abilities beyond the basics while exploring new techniques in a supportive environment.

$350 914-737-4325

UniversalHealingArts.com

Friday, April 17

Candlelight Yoga Nidra & Sound Healing –7-8:30pm. Gentle restorative postures, guided yoga nidra and crystal sound bowls in a candlelit studio. Ease stress, insomnia and anxiety. All levels welcome.$40. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.

Nidra Meditation & Manifestation – 7-8:30pm. With Lisa Cito. Nidra meditation and manifestation in the energy of the new moon in Aries. Release stress and ignite your inner fire with a warming tea ritual. $30. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Magic of the Circle – 7-9pm. Anca Chelaru and Mary Streche lead monthly spiritual circle for likeminded souls seeking conscious living and personal growth. Sharing, tarot card pulls for reflection and meditation. Limit 12. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-5884079; Balancing4Life.com.

Saturday, April 18

Information Session & Campus Tour – 10am. Blue Rock School invites families interested in kindergarten through eighth grade to visit their beautiful, five-acre wooded campus and learn more about their progressive educational approach. Free. Details: BlueRockSchool.org.

Whispers From Beyond – 7pm. An evening with international psychic mediums Carl Seaver and Dolores Rilh,o featuring connections and messages of hope and love from your loved ones in the spirit world. $75. Info/ register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

The Astrology of Now – 1-3pm. Astrologer Nancy Volante leads a hybrid program exploring current astrological transits and themes affecting personal and collective life. All levels welcome. Limit 15. $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.

Sunday, April 19

Reiki Healing Circle – 10-11:30am. Group reiki session with Robin Mueller focused on intentionsetting, breathwork and collective healing to support emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. The Well Center, 430 Bedford Rd., Ste. 203, Armonk. Info/register: 914-400-7056; SpiritInside.net.

Monday, April 20

Aura Photo Day – 11am-5pm. What does your aura say about you? Receive your personal aura photo and a multi-page analysis. Appointments available; walk-ins welcome. $40. Details: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Wednesday, April 22

The Power of the Drum – 6-7pm. With Shaman Elizabeth Rose Matheson, RMT. Drumming circles are an ancient form of healing and community. The drum becomes a tool, supporting release of negative feelings and fostering feelings of unity and peace. All welcome. No drum required. $20. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Info/ register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Thursday, April 23

Earth Day: Under the Fairy Tree – 3:30-5:30pm. Celebrate Earth Day with crafts and a special fairy tree activity for kids and the young at heart. $15 per child; second child $10. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

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

Saturday, April 25

Come On Let’s Get Happy: 70’s & 80’s Dance Party – 7-10pm. 70’s and 80’s dance and karaoke party with raffles. Food, fun and friends. 70’s and 80’s dress encouraged. $25. Universal Healing Arts, 4 Crestview Ave., Cortlandt Manor. Info/register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.

Sunday, April 26

Walking Stone Circles – 1-4 p.m. Workshop using stone circles to connect with ancestors, the land and spiritual realms through the Medicine Wheel and Druid Triskelion Labyrinth. Space limited; preregistration required. $50. Inner Circle Farm, 40 White Hawk Trail, Patterson. More info: 845-489-7250; TheNaturesWhispers.com.

Tuesday, April 28

Pure Gentle Flow: Beginner-Friendly – 7pm. Soothing flow that combines gentle postures, slow stretches, mindful movement, meditation and intentional breathing to help you feel relaxed, grounded and fully present. $22. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Jikiden Reiki Weekend

Level 1 Seminar

April 25 & 26 • 9:30am-5pm both days

Original, intuitive Japanese Reiki physical hands-on treatment for self and others taught by Jikiden Reiki Shihan, Anne Bentzen. Includes treatment techniques, history & culture, 3 activations and supervised practice.

$350 new students; $150 reviewing students.

Balancing 4 Life

495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk.

Preregister: 914-588-4079 • Balancing4life.com

Mark Your Calendar

April 8 & 22 • 6-7pm

Drumming Circles are an ancient form of healing and community. All participants are invited to join the circle with or without a drum. The circle highlights the drum as a tool supporting release of negative feelings and fostering feelings of unity and peace.

Led by Elizabeth Rose Matheson Shaman, Reiki Master $20

Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor

Please call to register: 914-737-4325

Mark Your Calendar

The Shift

A 6-Week Lifestyle Framework for Women in Midlife

Starts May 3

Midlife changes how your body responds to food, stress and movement. The Shift helps you adapt with it, not fight against it. Weekly live coaching calls, resources and supportive community.

Jen Mullen, Founder of The Simply Living Way Certified Health Coach & Menopause Specialist Investment: $449

Natural Awakenings Readers receive 10% off (code: NA10)

Learn more & register: Go.TheSimplyLivingWay.com

Visit website for upcoming + online options

Mark Your Calendar

Light Your Sparkle Return to Love, Return to Light

May 9 • 10am-1pm

Return to the most luminous version of yourself. You don’t need fixing. You need remembering. Solution-focused approach to love and relationships, combined with transformational energy of Reiki Fusion. Hosted by Cynthia Chase & Dr. Deb Castaldo. $99

Ix Chel Center,23 Wilson St., #2, Hartsdale To register: CynthiaMChase@gmail.com DebDCNYC@aol.com

Mark Your Calendar

Soul ShamanismA Weekend With Your Soul

May 29-31

Experience an Ancient Siberian Practice brought forward to the future to assist us in these times of ascension. A sacred weekend to learn a practice where you know and live your authentic self. Meet your soul, learn to access the love, wisdom and truth of who you are. Learn how to heal and walk your journey with understanding and high-level spiritual connections and energy. Bring all forward into your everyday life.

Guided by Shaman, Janet StraightArrow. Himalayan Institute Yoga Center, Honesdale, PA 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com

Ongoing Events

Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our April, July and October editions. Email listings to AdminWakeUpNaturally.com.

Sunday

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

Myofascial Release & Yoga – 9:30-11am. With Joelle Van Sickle. Use massage balls, foam rollers and yoga to release fascia, hydrate tissue and enhance resiliency. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ ClassesWorkshops.

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

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

Monday

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

Mark Your Calendar

Catskill Summer Vision Quest & Mitote

July 9-12

Pause and get off the track of everyday life, to go inside and discover your authentic self, visions and spiritual connections in nature. Indoor cabins, or camping as you choose, private wooded land to safely sit in nature to hear your heart speak. Awaken clarity, life purpose and joy as we break through illusions fears and ego protections. Seasoned Guide, Shaman, Janet StraightArrow Art Farm, Accord, NY 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com

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

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

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

Back Care Essentials – 9:30-10:45am. A foundational yoga class that strengthens the spine, improves alignment and eases tension. Ideal for all levels, including those with back pain, injuries, or specific needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228 Back2HealthYoga.com.

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

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

All Levels Iyengar Yoga – 5:30-6:45pm. Yoga that emphasizes safety, optimal body alignment and attention to detail. Modifications will be given as necessary for those new to yoga, injuries or certain medical conditions. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

Tuesday

Present Wisdom Yoga Flow – 8:45-9:45am. Open level flow class uses breath & sequenced postures to increase vitality and gentle methods to open the body. Cultivate a mindful practice that helps to build endurance and strength, increase flexibility and balance. Limit 14. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-5884079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.

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

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

Smart Strength Training – 12pm. With Erin Baker. Improve strength and function; all abilities welcome. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ClassesWorkshops.

Tai Chi – 4:30pm. Weekly one-hour class with Sifu Steven Reilly, blending movement, philosophy and laughter; beginners encouraged. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective. com/ClassesWorkshops.

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

Yoga and Meditation – 6:30-7:30pm. This Level I-II class is a combination of gentle movements, Vinyasa flow and meditation. Focusing on breathwork, building strength and flexibility. No experience needed. $23 preregistration, $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com.

Wednesday

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

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

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

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

Chair Yoga for Healthy Aging – 11am. Participants practice poses seated in a chair or standing with assistance of a chair. Great for active older adults who want to build strength and improve balance, coordination and posture. $20. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.

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

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

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

Thursday

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

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

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

Present Wisdom Yoga Flow – 9:30-10:45am. Open level flow class uses breath & sequenced postures to increase vitality and gentle methods to open the body. Cultivate a mindful practice that helps to build endurance and strength, increase flexibility and balance. Limit 14. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-5884079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.

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

Yoga Therapeutics: Functional Movement & Breath w/ Dani Locastro – 10-11:15am. Learn yoga poses and breathing techniques to support a healthy body, clear mind and greater awareness. $28/class; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective.com/ClassesWorkshops. Adult Intermediate Ballet – 10:30am-12pm. Mimi Wallace teaches this invigorating and fun class. Wear comfortable clothing and canvas slippers (leather slippers, jazz shoes and thick socks work too). $25. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: UnionHallOnline.com. Chair Yoga/Balance – 12:30-1:30pm. A gentle, breath-based flow designed to increase flexibility and joint mobility, reduces stress and improves balance. Includes standing and seated exercises. Inperson/via Zoom. $23 preregistration; $25 drop-in. Health-Balanced Fitness Studio, 900 South Lake Blvd, Ste. 6, Mahopac. Register call/text: 845-2166810 or HealthBalanced.com.

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

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

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

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

Balanced Rock Zen – 6:30-8:30pm. MeditationMindfulness-Zen in the Korean Seon tradition. Beginning and experienced practitioners are welcome. $15 suggested donation. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: 845-6669-6551.

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

There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.

—Paul McCartney

Friday

Present Wisdom Yoga Flow – 8:45-9:45am. Open level flow class uses breath & sequenced postures to increase vitality and gentle methods to open the body. Cultivate a mindful practice that helps to build endurance and strength, increase flexibility and balance. Limit 14. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-5884079; Balancing4life.com/upcoming-events.

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

Smart Strength Training for Women – 10:1511:15am. With Erin Baker. Focus on strength and movement patterns for daily life. $28; packages available. FulBeing Collective; 8 Barristers Row, Wappingers Falls. Info/register: FulBeingCollective. com/ClassesWorkshops.

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

My Friend, PerI: A Free Perimenopause Workshop Series — 2/6, 2/13, 2/27. 11am-12:30pm. Certified herbalist Tara Gregorio leads a free three-week workshop series exploring the physical and hormonal changes of perimenopause and natural ways to support hormone metabolism. Walk-ins welcome; registration suggested. Free. The Hub, 3590 Route 9, Suite 109, Cold Spring. MyFriendPeri.eventbrite.com.

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

Saturday

Barre Power

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

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

• Established wellness & massage spa in prime Fairfield County location.

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

• Loyal clients, fully established, strong community presence, zero startup needed.

FOR SALE in prime Fairfield County, CT location. Established wellness & massage studio in prime. Loyal clients, fully established, strong community presence, zero startup needed. Ready for a handson owner/operator to take it to the next level. NO BROKERS. BusinessCTSale@gmail.com.

• Ready for a hands-on owner/operator to take it to the next level.

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

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

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

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

Donations

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

Grow Your Business

IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let us connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 914-8308306 or email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com.

Volunteers

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

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

55 + Beginners Yoga – 1:30-2:30pm. Feb. 14, 21 & 28. This beginner’s yoga series offers a safe, supportive and welcoming space to build strength, improve balance, increase flexibility and relax the mind. No prior yoga experience is needed, but must be able to get up and down. BYO yoga mat. $20/class or $48 for series. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.

TIME TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS

Cultivate your business by marketing with Natural Awakenings. Regional exposure in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess Counties, In Print and Online.

Connect with health-minded readers and followers seeking to discover local resources to support their healthy lifestyle. Perfect for…

•Wellness Practitioners

•Farms & Natural Food

•Holistic Wellness

•Personal Growth

•Yoga & Pilates Studios

•Authors

•Acupuncture

•Reflexology

•Retreats & Workshops

•Meditation

•Organic Foods •Massage Therapy

•Nutritionists

•Weight-Loss

•Fitness Centers

• Spas

•Biofeedback

•Pet Services

•Anti-Aging

•Natural Beauty

•Energy Healing

•Healthy Dining

•Mental Health

•Health & Wellness Centers

•Counseling

•Organic Landcare

•Education

•Stress Management

•Integrative Health

•Juicing & more…

•Salt Caves

•Holistic Practitioners

•CBD/Hemp

• Detoxing

•Eco-Friendly Services

•Chiropractic

•Regenerative Healing

•Homeopathy

•Intuitive Healing Arts

We have something for every budget from monthly classifieds to yearly marketing packages. We also offer nonprofit discounts too.

Connecting

Acupuncture

SEARCHLIGHT MEDICAL

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

Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being. Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 5.

Addiction Cessation

QUIT WITH QUINN

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

Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. All natural, energetic healing programs with 90% success rate. See ad, page 15.

Alternative Healing

QUANTUM HEALING & WELLNESS

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

Dr. Adams, Natural Health Practitioner, offers AO Scan, revealing imbalances in 12 body systems, along with EESystem™ and other holistic therapies and technologies. Experience advanced energy healing, detox and cellular regeneration to restore balance and optimize wellness. Empower your body’s natural ability to heal! See ad, page 8.

Behavioral Optometry

MIND-BODY-WORLD OPTOMETRY

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

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

Chiropractic

DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT

8 Bacon Pl., Yonkers 914-523-7947

Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com

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

Craniosacral Therapy

JOY MATALON, LMT, CST Locations: Ossining, Garrison 914-519-8138

JoyMatalon.com

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

Eastern Healing Arts

FIVE LIGHTS CENTER

220 W. 93rd St., NYC

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

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

Energy Healer

ANN KORONOWSKI

Cert. Soul Realignment Practitioner By online appointment/ Schenectady

AnnEnergyHealer.com

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

Energy Healing

ANNE H. BENTZEN

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

Balancing4Life.com

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

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot

Virtual and In-Person Sessions 203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

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

Hair Salon

FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS

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

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

Healing Gardens

REFLECTIONS OF NATURE LANDSCAPING

Serving the Hudson Valley Area EcoPlanner191@gmail.com 845-489-7250

LandscapingWithNature.net

Sustainable landscaping that connects you to nature. We build and maintain holistic landscapes and sacred spaces. secret gardens, labyrinths, vedic gardens, hiking trails, medicine wheels, pollinator and butterfly gardens, fairy gardens, permaculture, perennial seasonal gardens, patios and fire pits. See ad, page 11.

Integrative Optometry

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD

Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker

Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman

Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami

Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh

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

We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

See the INTUITIVE &

ARTS on page 10.

QHHT-Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique

THE SWEET

PATH • MAMARONECK

Vicky Sweet Vicky@The-Sweet-Path.com The-Sweet-Path.com/schedule-free-consult

As a QHHT Level 2 Practitioner, I am dedicated to Dolores Cannon’s method (qhhtofficial.com/ about-us). If you feel called to experience a transformative session, I'd be honored to support your journey. Reach out to learn more or schedule your session.

Reiki

REIKI CLASSES

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

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

Spiritual Healing/ Connection

ROBIN MUELLER, REIKI MASTER

Psychic Medium/Channel/Healer Armonk in Person or Remote SpiritInside.net • 914-400-7056

Robin’s various sessions including reiki healing and tarot help heal and guide. Her ability to connect to the spirit world enables her to bring amazing energy into every session. Her 5-Star Google reviews are a testament to her client’s experiences.

Spiritual Healing Teaching

BE THE MEDICINE

Janet StraightArrow 973-647-2500 • BeTheMedicine.com

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

Support Group

SUPPORT CONNECTION

Breast and Ovarian Cancer Support Services

914-962-6402 • 800-532-4290

SupportConnection.org

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

Tarot

BETH LEAS

Tarot • Transformative Healing Virtual and In-Person 203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

What’s in the cards for you? Tarot is a powerful tool for guidance and will empower you to make your best choices. Gain insight to your most thoughtful questions. The answers you receive will illuminate your path, making visible your challenges and ways to overcome them.

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Virtual and In-Person Sessions 203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com

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

Veterinary Hospital

EARTH ANGELS

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

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

EarthAngelsVet.com

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