This month, as I introduce the Brain Gain issue, I’m reminded that true resilience is not only about strengthening the mind, but also about nourishing the heart. Mental wellness lives in the balance between body, mind and the connections that give our lives meaning. Lately, too many unexpected “goodbyes” have reminded me how fragile time truly is.
Instead of my usual Publisher’s Letter, and in honor of the recent loss of a dear friend, I wanted to share a personal reflection in the form of a poem I have written. I hope it resonates and brings a measure of peace to your day.
The Light That Remains
There are moments that split time in two— the before and the after.
A sudden loss, a voice silenced too soon, and the people you love left holding both memory and longing.
In that shattering, life teaches us the hardest truth: nothing is promised, not even the next heartbeat, the next laugh, the next sunrise.
And yet, love is what remains. It fills the spaces where words cannot, it carries us when grief feels unbearable, and it reminds us—even in sorrow, we are still bound together.
So I say this with an open heart: Do not take life for granted. Do not take people for granted. Tell them what they mean to you. Hold them closer.
Let no kindness go unspoken, no embrace withheld.
For it is the simplest gestures—a call, a smile, a moment shared— that become treasures when tomorrow does not come.
May we live awake to this truth: to cherish now, to honor love, and to let gratitude guide us— even through the ache of loss.
May this light lead us toward greater love, gratitude and joy in the days ahead. Let us carry on with both wisdom and tenderness, honoring those we’ve lost by living fully in the time we have. Embrace your tribe, nurture both mind and body, and hold close the people you love. And remember that growth is not only about expanding the mind, but also about deepening the ways we love, connect and show up for one another.
black soy ink.
With love and gratitude,
A Unique Spiritual
Healing Journey to The Light and Back
Yonkers-based psychotherapist and Reiki Master Cynthia M. Chase is launching Celestial Lessons, a four-week spiritual transformation program based on insights from her 1974 near-death experience, on Tuesdays in October from 7 to 8:15 p.m. The series, which combines Chase’s 30-plus years of clinical expertise with teachings she received during her encounter with beings of light, will be available for both in-person participation, at Chase’s Yonkers office and online.
“The experience completely transformed my understanding of human consciousness and our spiritual nature,” Chase says of her near-death experience. “I’ve spent decades integrating these insights through my work as a psychotherapist and energy practitioner.” Participants will discover their energetic nature, experience divine love, master present-moment awareness and learn energy healing techniques.
Chase’s integrated approach combines traditional therapeutic methods with energy healing and spiritual practices. She also offers reiki classes in the Usui tradition (levels I, II and master level), reiki sessions and spiritual guidance services.
Enrollment in Celestial Lessons is limited and includes a copy of Chase’s new book, Celestial Lessons: A Healer’s Journey to the Light and Back.
Cost: $160. Location: 1 Abbey Pl., Yonkers. For more information or to register, call or text 860-395-0284, email CynthiaMChase@gmail. com or visit CynthiaMChase.com.
Infrared Saunas in private rooms. Step in and out of sauna, in the privacy or your own space, and control the temperature to maximize your sweat point.
N°LIGHTEN INFRARED SAUNA STUDIO Hastings-On-Hudson, NY • 914-222-0539 nLightenInfraredSauna.com
Celebrate Community and Care at Hope Harvest 2025
The Center at Mariandale, in Ossining, invites the community to Hope Harvest 2025, its annual benefit supporting the center’s programs and mission. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. on October 19 and celebrates Mariandale’s cherished friends and the Dominican Sisters of Hope. Held rain or shine, this promises to be a vibrant fall afternoon of connection and reflection, all framed by breathtaking views of the Hudson River.
Attendees can savor seasonal foods and beverages while listening to live music. Handmade gifts, crafts and information on local and global care initiatives will be available, along with opportunities to enter raffles for gift baskets and prizes. The event concludes riverside with a gathering to watch the sunset.
This year’s honorees include Mary Alice Hannan, OP and Desda’s Grate; The Leviticus Fund and Greg Maher; and Katy Christian Ministries’ Executive Director Virginia Gonzalez. The event will recognize their outstanding contributions to the Mariandale community, celebrating their dedication to the center’s mission and values.
Founded in 1976 by the Dominican Sisters of the Sick Poor, Mariandale is a spiritual retreat center focused on care for the Earth, social justice and service to others. The center welcomes all ages and is BIPOC- and LGBTQ-friendly.
Cost: $100 per person and ticket sales end Oct. 17. Location: 299 N. Highland Ave., Ossining. For more information or to register, call 914-941-4455 or visit Mariandale.org. See ad, back cover.
Cynthia M. Chase, MSW, LCSW
One Light Healing Touch Offers Fall Workshops and Training
Co-director and instructor-practitioner
Penny Price Lavin of One Light Healing Touch will offer A Day of Healing workshops on October 25 and November 16, via Zoom. Participants will learn six self-healing practices and three energy techniques to support personal wellness and help others. Lavin will also offer a free introductory workshop on December 14. Her 2026 Zoom Basic Training program, a 15-day immersion, runs from January through May, 2026.
“One Light Healing Touch teaches more than 50 holistic, esoteric and shamanic energy techniques and practices for healing yourself and others,” Lavin says. “The work supports health, awareness and creativity, while helping us fulfill our purpose. The school welcomes those seeking personal growth as well as healthcare professionals, serving both novices and advanced practitioners while honoring all spiritual traditions.”
An energy healer since 1985, Lavin is also an award-winning filmmaker whose documentary The Healing Field: Exploring Energy & Consciousness is available on Gaia.com and Amazon.com. Her book The Healing Field: Exceptional Healing Practices to Change Your Life can be found on Amazon and OLHT1.com
One Light Healing Touch was founded by her husband, Ron Lavin, who has participated in five, landmark, distant-healing studies with the National Institutes of Health and has been featured internationally. Penny and Ron offer in-person and distant healing sessions together, available for $150, with discounts for multiple sessions. The school, formerly based in Lagrangeville, has now relocated to Hyde Park.
For more information, email PennyLavin@gmail. com or visit OLHT1.com. See ad, page 6.
“I
Laurie R. Mallis,
Penny Lavin
Healing with Rebecca Adds New Therapies for Stress Relief and Renewal
Healing with Rebecca, based in Katonah, offers one-on-one sessions and community events designed to support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Owner Rebecca Weinstein, a Reiki Master Teacher, practitioner and spiritual life coach, combines reiki, Ho’oponopono Reiki and complementary therapies such as cranial touch, tuning forks and aromatic hot towels to help clients release stress, restore balance and reconnect with themselves.
Her personalized sessions are tailored to each client’s needs, whether addressing daily stressors or supporting those managing chronic illness. “I want my clients to feel seen, understood and supported,” Weinstein says. “These sessions create space for release and renewal, helping people feel grounded and more connected to themselves.”
This fall, Weinstein is expanding her practice with four new offerings: aromatic hot towels for relaxation, cranial touch therapy to calm the nervous system, vibrational therapy using tuning forks to restore energetic harmony, and Ho’oponopono Reiki for emotional and spiritual healing. Each tool enriches her reiki practice, creating a deeply restorative experience.
Beyond individual sessions, Healing with Rebecca is known for its popular community gatherings, including reiki healing meditations, sound baths, cacao ceremonies and retreats. These events foster connection, reflection and shared healing in safe, nurturing spaces. Her Fall Women’s Wellness Retreat, which sold out quickly, is just one example of the growing demand for these offerings.
Healing with Rebecca is located at 1 Catherine Pl., Katonah. For more information or to register for a session or event, call 914-275-2639, email HealingReikiWithRebecca@gmail.com or visit HealingWithRebecca.com.
Energy Healer Launches New Website Showcasing Transformative Services
Energy healer and psychic intuitive Ann Koronowski is excited to announce the launch of her new website. With more than 15 years of experience, she offers deep, transformative sessions that go beyond traditional readings.
In addition to her well-known psychic intuitive readings, Koronowski provides her signature Full Psychic Intuitive Healing sessions, which blend intuitive guidance with energy work for powerful, personalized healing.
She also now offers Akashic Records analyses through Soul Realignment. “This type of reading digs deep to find out who you are at soul level, and what blocks to your soul’s development you have carried into this lifetime,” says Koronowski.
Clients can now connect with her from anywhere through online sessions, while in-person appointments remain available in the New York Capital Region.
For more information or to book a session, visit AnnEnergyHealer.com.
Shiatsu Program Offered at Omega Institute
The Five Lights Center of Shiatsu, the nation’s longestrunning, fully accredited Shiatsu center, will offer SelfShiatsu: Give and Receive Healing Touch from October 5 through 10 at The Omega Institute, in Rhinebeck.
Led by Founder and Grandmaster Kumiko Kanayama, this immersive, week-long program introduces participants to self-shiatsu techniques rooted in traditional East Asian medicine. Through touch, stretching, movement and guided lectures, attendees will explore the Five Elements method, including Makko Ho, tapping, acupressure for self-care, do-in and Intuitive Shiatsu.
Participants will learn practical skills to help balance energy in the mind, body and spirit while addressing common issues such as headaches, fatigue, poor sleep, PMS and menopause. They will also discover how to integrate shiatsu practices into daily routines for long-term well-being.
Recommended reading prior to participating: Ohashi Bodywork Book: Beyond Shiatsu with the Ohashiastu Method and Do-ItYourself Shiatsu: How to Perform the Ancient Japanese Art of Acupressure, both by Wataru Ohashi, along with Hara: The Vital Center of Man, by Karlfried Graf Dürckheim.
Cost: $550. Location: 150 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck. Tickets are available at FiveLightsCenter.com or at eomega.org/october-2025. For more information, call 917-721-0823 or email Info@ FiveLightsCenter.com. See ad, page 10.
See the YOGA, PILATES, FITNESS NETWORK on page 15.
Ann Koronowski
Rebecca Weinstein
Grandmaster Kumiko Kanayama
Women’s Wellness Retreat for Calm, Balance and Vitality
Join the team at Balancing 4 Life, in Armonk, for Return to Wholeness—a restorative day designed especially for women—from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on October 25. This one-day retreat offers a multi-faceted path for rebalancing, deep healing and soul nourishment. Anne Bentzen, owner of the wellness center, has collaborated with five distinguished practitioners to create an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience. Limited to just 20 women, the retreat provides a safe and supportive community in which to reconnect and thrive.
Throughout the day, participants will explore Internal Family Systems (Parts Work) with Lynda Mettler, PCC; yoga and meditation with Andrea Cashman; the healing power of nutrition and the Mediterranean Diet with Dr. Artemis Morris; conscious skincare with Mary Lou Barber; the benefits of reiki with Bentzen; and the restorative effects of sound healing with Andie Rudolph, LCSW, RYT.
Blending knowledge with hands-on practice, each session offers an opportunity to release self-criticism, old patterns and stressors, creating space for vitality and inner peace. A healthy, delicious lunch and beverages are included, along with a special olive oil tasting experience.
“Experience empowerment, clarity and renewal as you Return to Wholeness—restoring harmony of body, mind and spirit,” invites Bentzen.
Cost: $190. Location: Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. For more information, call 914-588-4079, email Balancing4Lifeusa@ gmail.com or visit Balancing4Life.com. See ad, page 11.
Find Calm and Clarity Through Restorative Yoga
Beginning this fall, Back2Health Yoga, in Wappingers Falls, will offer a Monthly Restorative Yoga Class one Thursday evening each month at 5:30 p.m. Upcoming dates for these sessions are October 23, November 20 and December 18.
Restorative Yoga uses props such as bolsters, blankets, blocks and belts to fully support the body in long-held, passive poses. This promotes deep relaxation and nervous system regulation while maintaining alignment. A hallmark of the Iyengar method is expanding the chest and ribcage to create space for effortless breathing—calming the mind and revitalizing the body.
Founded by Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Yoga for Scoliosis Trainer Cristina Roy, Back2Health Yoga is a welcoming studio specializing in alignment-based yoga for back care, scoliosis and therapeutic support. With small group classes, private sessions and focused series, students of all levels receive personalized attention.
“Even one restorative session can shift your energy, improve sleep and help you meet the rest of your week with more ease and presence,” says Roy. “Tension releases, breath deepens, and the body naturally finds its way back to balance. You don’t need to be flexible or experienced—just willing to pause and receive.”
Accessible to all levels, including those with injuries, chronic conditions or fatigue, these classes can leave students feeling calmer, clearer and more grounded.
Cost: $28 per class. Location: 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. For more information or to register, call 845-202-2228, email Hello@ b2hyoga.com or visit Back2HealthYoga.com. See ad, page 14.
Hudson Valley Hemp Expands Access with NYSHIP Coverage
Hudson Valley Hemp, a trusted wellness boutique in Mahopac, is making holistic health more accessible by now accepting NYSHIP insurance for medical massage. The familyowned company has been part of the Hudson Valley community for more than three years, offering premium hemp-derived products and spa services designed to support balance, relaxation and everyday wellness.
Known for its high-quality tinctures, gummies, topicals and skincare, Hudson Valley Hemp combines natural remedies with modern science. With the addition of NYSHIP coverage, clients can now experience the therapeutic benefits of medical massage and hemp-infused bodywork at a reduced cost, making integrative care easier to access.
“Hudson Valley Hemp is about balance, healing and care—and now we can extend that further with NYSHIP coverage,” says owner Danielle Canora. She adds, “We want to remove barriers so that more people can experience the relief and rejuvenation that holistic therapies provide.”
The spa’s offerings include massages with cannabis-infused oils, full-spectrum CBD facials and reiki to restore energetic balance. Personalized bodywork, such as ashiatsu and medical massage, is tailored to each client’s needs, while the boutique carries a complete line of hemp products for at-home wellness support.
Open seven days a week, Hudson Valley Hemp serves as a one-stop destination for whole-body care. Gift cards are also available for those wishing to share the benefits of holistic healing.
Location: 888 Rte. 6, Mahopac. For more information, call 845-4423346, email BookNow@HudsonValleyHemp.com or visit HudsonValley Hemp.com.
Cristina Roy
Rapid Goal Success Introduces Holistic Approach to Chronic Pain
Sifu James Moretti, a certified hypnotherapist, movement arts instructor and integrative wellness educator, has developed an eight-week, one-on-one program designed to support individuals living with chronic pain and stress-related conditions.
The program, offered through Moretti’s practice, Rapid Goal Success, combines gentle movement, breathwork, hypnotherapy and integrative mind-body techniques to foster physical comfort, emotional resilience and lasting healing. Drawing on decades of experience in tai chi, qigong, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and holistic fitness, Moretti tailors each session to meet the client’s current needs, with ongoing adjustments to ensure steady progress.
“Many people feel underserved by conventional approaches to chronic pain,” Moretti says. “This protocol provides a personalized path forward—rooted in movement, breath and the body’s natural intelligence—without relying on medication or invasive procedures.”
The program welcomes beginners and requires no prior experience with movement or meditation. Select sessions may include caregivers or support people, creating shared understanding and safety in the healing process. Accessibility is a core focus: Sessions are available in Pleasant Valley, with limited travel options throughout the Hudson Valley.
Complimentary consultations are available to prospective clients by phone or in person to explore readiness and program fit. Fees vary depending on individual protocol design and travel needs.
Classes are held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 808 Traver Rd. in Pleasant Valley. For more information or to register, call 845-577-4018, email James@Empowerment4Life.net or visit RapidGoalSuccess.com. See ad, page 7.
On September 6, at the 14th annual Health, Wellness & Lifestyle Expo in Stamford, Connecticut, Natural Awakenings publisher Erica Mills was honored with the Community Leadership Award for her longstanding commitment to supporting community wellness.
The award recognized Mills’ 14 years of service as a premier media sponsor of the expo—an event presented by Stamford Health that draws thousands from Fairfield and Litchfield counties. During the expo, more than 130 exhibitors and 10 themed wellness zones offered free health screenings, fitness and wellness classes, family-friendly programming and tools for holistic well-being.
According to the expo organizers, the Community Leadership Award highlights individuals and organizations whose sustained contributions foster health, awareness and positive change in the region. Her leadership through Natural Awakenings—providing visibility, resources and inspiration—was singled out for this prestigious honor.
This recognition not only celebrates Mills’ past efforts, but also underscores the importance of media that elevates health, conscious living and community connection. As Natural Awakenings continues to support local wellness, this award is a fitting tribute to her ongoing mission.
“I’m truly honored to receive this award and to be recognized among so many inspiring community leaders,” says Mills. “For more than a decade, it has been my joy to share resources and stories that help our neighbors live healthier, more conscious lives. This recognition belongs not just to me, but to everyone who believes in building a stronger, more connected community.”
Mills is the publisher of two Natural Awakenings editions: Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess (WakeUpNaturally.com) as well as Fairfield and Southern Litchfield counties (eNaturalAwakenings.com).
Erica Mills
Posture and Mood
by Dr. Leigh Damkohler
Posture plays a far greater role in overall well-being than simply supporting the spine. Emerging research reveals a strong connection between body alignment and emotional health, showing that how individuals carry themselves physically can influence how they feel mentally. In today’s tech-driven world, poor posture is increasingly common and it may be silently contributing to issues like fatigue, low mood and stress.
Studies show that adopting an upright posture can improve mood, increase energy and enhance self-esteem, while slouching is linked to sadness, anxiety and negative memory recall. Upright body positions are also associated with better access to positive thoughts and greater confidence. Physiologically, good posture supports oxygen flow, aids neurotransmitter balance and may help regulate stress responses by reducing strain on the vagus nerve.
Practical techniques such as core engagement, deep belly breathing, yoga, neck stretches and chiropractic adjustments can improve posture. Plus, maintaining awareness of postural habits throughout the day—especially during sleep or screen time—can help shift negative patterns. By using posture as a conscious tool, individuals can not only reduce back pain, but also boost their mood, memory and emotional resilience.
Dr. Leigh Damkohler is Westchester County’s only dually licensed and practicing certified chiropractic sports physician and massage therapist. She takes a holistic wellness care approach in her work, capitalizing on the body’s natural ability to heal. Her office is located at 8 Bacon Pl., in Yonkers. For more information or to make an appointment, call 914-523-7947, email Leigh.Damkohler@gmail.com or visit Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com.
Laboratory Tests for Holistic Health
The rise of functional medicine, integrative medicine and other forms of holistic health care has increased the demand for specialized laboratory testing. According to the National Institutes of Health, 37 percent of American adults use at least one complementary or integrative health approach.
To meet this demand, Labcorp has launched a new specialized testing panel to help providers identify underlying imbalances and support preventive care strategies. This panel includes an advanced cardiometabolic biomarker panel; a comprehensive nutrient panel; a longevity and vitality panel analyzing 71 biomarkers related to aging, inflammation and organ function; men’s and women’s comprehensive hormone panels focused on reproductive and endocrine health; and men’s and women’s whole-body wellness panels with more than 75 biomarkers related to various bodily systems.
The new service enables testing of more than 1,000 biomarkers, providing insights into a patient’s health, from heart function and hormonal balance to micronutrient levels and overall wellness. In addition, Labcorp Whole Health Solutions offers healthcare providers consultation services, digital test ordering, tools to interpret results, and analytics to identify high-risk patients and improve healthcare delivery.
Ada on AdobeStock.com
New Book Highlights Research on Memory and Cognitive Vitality
Minding Your Memory is a comprehensive and approachable guide that explores the causes of memory loss and offers practical strategies for prevention and early intervention. Written by members of the Sharp Again Medical Advisory Board and edited by Lisa Feiner and Steve Ledvina, both boardcertified health and wellness coaches and leaders of Sharp Again, the book draws on scientific research, clinical experience and practical tools to help readers maintain brain health and remain mentally sharp throughout their lives.
With more than 500 citations, the book highlights how research supports the connection between risk factors and memory loss, while offering actionable steps for delaying or preventing cognitive decline. As neurologist and New York Times bestselling author David Perlmutter, M.D., notes, “This book doesn’t offer one magic bullet—because there isn’t one. What it offers is something far more powerful: a comprehensive, integrative framework for protecting the most precious asset we have—our minds.”
Sharp Again is a White Plains-based nonprofit organization dedicated to dementia prevention and brain health. Through education, empowerment and support, the organization helps individuals take an active role in protecting their memory and cognition. Using a scientifically based, multi-therapeutic approach, Sharp Again promotes lifestyle changes, raises awareness in the medical community and partners with other organizations to advance understanding of memory loss and its causes.
Minding Your Memory reflects Sharp Again’s mission, championing a future in which cognitive decline is not seen as inevitable, but as a challenge that can be addressed through proactive care.
Cost: $19.99 paperback, $9.99 Kindle. The book is available for purchase at SharpAgain.org/get-informed/minding-your-memory. For more information or to register for upcoming Sharp Again programs, visit SharpAgain. org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Donate Today / Participate Support Connection’s Annual Support-A-Walk For Breast, Ovarian and Gynecological Cancer
Sunday, October 5, 2025
Pre Walk Activities start at 9 am
Walk starts at 10 am
We will be walking in FDR Park in Yorktown Heights, NY and in communities nationwide!
Proceeds from the Walk sustain and enhance our free, year‐round support services and programs for people affected by breast , ovarian and gynecological cancer.
Kindergarten Play Day and Campus Tour
Saturday, October 18th at 10am
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL
and Forest Play Summer Program
Independent K-8 serving the Lower Hudson Valley
Celebrating 15 Years of Healing, Hope and Heart
by Erin Lehn
When Dr. Laurie Mallis opened the doors of SearchLight Medical in October 2010, she was taking a leap of faith. After years in the fastpaced world of Western medicine, she realized the system didn’t allow her to provide the kind of care her patients truly needed. “The cycle of seeing patients was too much. I just couldn’t do it anymore,” she recalls. “As scary as it was to branch out on my own and open up my dream practice, it was the best choice I ever made.”
Fifteen years later, she continues to shine a light of hope, compassion and healing in her Hopewell Junction community.
Boutique Care, Deep Connection
From the moment patients step into SearchLight Medical, they notice something different. The atmosphere is calm, welcoming and deeply personal. “If you don’t hear back from me within 24 hours, there must be a technology glitch and I didn’t get your voicemail or email,” Mallis assures her patients.
That kind of responsiveness is rare in today’s healthcare world—and it makes all the difference. Her approach is boutique, concierge-level service: one-on-one attention, tailored care plans and space for true listening. Most patients aren’t used to having a
doctor who calls them back the same day. But that’s exactly what they find here.
Root-Cause Healing
Mallis believes that health is more than symptom management. She is passionate about uncovering the root causes of illness—often buried in the emotional body. “Ninety-nine percent of all physical ailments are rooted in emotional issues,” she affirms. “Who isn’t dealing with their emotions? And where is it showing up in their body?”
Her patients often experience breakthroughs as they connect the dots between unexpressed emotions and physical
discomfort. “Anger is the easiest emotion to express and deal with,” she notes. “But beneath the anger, there are layers. Healing is like peeling an onion—the crunchy layers come off easily, but the deep stuff takes more effort. And that’s okay. When it comes up for you, it’s because you’re ready to receive it”
The Power of Frequency Medicine
At the heart of Mallis’ practice is ONDAMED biofeedback, a German technology that uses pulsed electromagnetic frequencies to stimulate the body’s own healing response. Each patient begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including history intake and
Yoga, Pilates & Fitness Network
By Anna from AdobeStock.co
“ONDAMED exposes you to frequencies that your body chooses,” sheexplains.“It’sbody-ledfrequencyhealing.Yourjobistoletyour brain take a break and allow your body to lead the way.”
Treatment often includes weekly ONDAMED sessions, acupunctureandothersupportivetherapies.After four to six sessions, Mallis checks in with patients to reassess and co-create the next phase of care. “Healing takes time,” she reminds. “But nobody leaves here not feeling better—or at least different. Sometimes you don’t know how to name the shift, but you know something is moving inside”
A Space for Transformation
For Mallis, the work is as transformative for her as it is for her patients. “I learn something new every single day from my patients,” she shares with delight. “There are so many aha moments—the body connects with the emotions, the emotions with the intellect, and suddenly healing can begin. It never stops fascinating me.”
And her invitation is not just for those that are suffering. She encourages healthy individuals to come as well. “Come when all is well. Come in healthy and bump up to the next best version of yourself,” she says warmly.
Celebrating 15 Years
This month, Mallis celebrates 15 years of following her heart and creating a practice where healing is honored as a holistic journey She beams when she talks about her patients: “I love nothing more than seeing my patients heal physically, mentally and emotionally It’s a privilege to walk alongside them”
Her celebration will be marked with a renewed tradition to serve the community. Patients and neighbors alike are welcome to join in her anniversary specials and experience what so many already know— thatatSearchLightMedical,hopeandhealingwalkhandinhand.
AcuGraph Qi analysis, a computer program that measures energ m y flow through the meridians.
SearchLight Medical is located at 2424 Rte. 52, Ste. 1A, in Hopewell Junction. To learn more about anniversary specials and other offerings, call 845-592-4310, email SearchLightMed@optimum.net or visit SearchLightMedical.com. See ad, page 7
The brain has an amazing ability to rewire itself by strengthening, rerouting or growing new connections in response to learning, experience or injury. This continuous reshaping is known as neuroplasticity. The changes can be positive, such as regaining movement or speech after a stroke or learning a new skill. Sometimes they are neutral, and other times they can be harmful when maladaptive patterns reinforce chronic pain or anxiety. Fortunately, the brain can grow and adapt at any age, and there are many ways to help it thrive. Nourishing foods, mindful movement, meditation, social connection, clean air and restful sleep are everyday choices that can nurture the brain in powerful ways.
Neuroplasticity Across the Lifespan
It has long been believed that children’s brains are more malleable as they grow, and that once they reach adulthood, the brain stops evolving. But new research suggests that this may not be the full story. While the brains of developing children are certainly very adaptable, the adult brain is far from fixed.
A variety of influences, including stress, hormones, neurotransmitters, growth factors, medications, environmental stimulation, learning and aging, can reshape how brain cells are built and function. These factors may trigger changes in the size or structure of brain regions, shift the brain’s chemical makeup, alter the shape of individual neurons and even rewire networks of connections, sparking the growth of new neurons in a process called neurogenesis.
Scientists have long known that injuries, chronic stress and the natural process of aging can take a toll on the brain. Yet, new discoveries in neuroscience and integrative medicine point to the remarkable potential for repair and renewal at every phase of life.
Healthy Fats
“Nutrition is the foundation of everything in health. You can’t build anything in the body without good food,” says Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist, researcher and author of
Dementia Demystified: The Definitive Guide to Resurrecting Your Brain, Reversing Cognitive Decline and Regaining Your Memory Contrary to decades of marketing campaigns for low-fat and fat-free diets, Toups explains, healthy fats are essential for brain health. The spongy white and grey matter of the brain, where all the thinking and messaging happens, is made primarily of fat.
Found in fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and mackerel, as well as in walnuts and fish oil supplements, omega-3 fatty acids are some of the healthiest fats, increasing blood flow in the brain and nourishing its physical structures to help improve learning, memory and cognitive well-being.
Mindful Movement
“The most validated ways to support neuroplasticity are exercise and meditation— and both are free,” says Toups. Exercise is well-known to protect the brain and boost thinking skills. One way it may do this is by supporting the growth of new neurons and strengthening connections within the hippocampus, an area in the brain involved in the formation of fresh memories and the recall of past experiences. A 2017 study published in Experimental Gerontology found that regular exercise significantly increased hippocampus volume, while nonactive participants showed a shrinking hippocampus.
In addition to strength and cardio training, exercise that incorporates mindful and creative components may enrich the benefits. Engaging the body and mind at the same time can strengthen neural networks and support long-term cognitive function. Long walks, yoga classes or playful sessions with the kids or grandchildren are excellent ways to support the link between body and brain. Studies show that tai chi, a mindful movement practice, may be even more effective than regular exercise in protecting cognitive function because it increases brain activation in regions associated with motor function and focus, and is accessible to those with mobility limitations.
Daily Meditation
A regular mindfulness practice supports neuroplasticity, making it easier to regulate emotions and handle stress. A 2024 review found that regular meditation can physically reshape the brain, strengthening areas tied to focus, emotional control and self-awareness. One reason for this is
meditation’s effect on a protein called brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This molecule acts like fertilizer for brain cells, helping them grow, form new connections and remain healthy. Meditation increases BDNF, and higher levels of BDNF are linked not only to sharper learning and memory, but also to longer lasting brain health.
Additional research has demonstrated that even a short daily meditation session can increase gray matter density in regions tied to learning, memory and emotional regulation. Over time, these changes help reduce stress reactivity and support long-term resilience. Even if formal seated meditation is not feasible, simple mindful presence can help. “I try to tell people to find small moments to come into their body, come into the moment and be present,” Toups advises. “You can do that by washing the dishes. You don’t need to sit in lotus position and chant for an hour.”
Creative Activities
“Every time you learn something new or do a novel task, you are promoting neuroplasticity,” explains Toups. Learning new skills, from juggling to speaking a new language, produces measurable changes in brain structure, particularly in brain matter volume. These changes can occur in both early-learning phases and long-term practice, underscoring the brain’s capacity for adaptation throughout life.
Making music and dancing can strengthen connections in the brain; even the act of listening to music has been shown to enhance neural plasticity and cognitive flexibility. Toups recommends rocking out to a favorite song in the kitchen and choreographing a few dance moves.
Restorative Sleep
Rapid eye movement (REM), a stage of sleep marked by increased brain activity and vivid dreaming, plays an important role in neuroplasticity. During REM, the brain actively prunes unhelpful neural connections and reinforces others, supporting brain development, the learning of new skills and memory improvement.
To support consistent REM sleep, aim for seven to nine hours of shuteye and try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake time. A good night’s rest after learning a new skill or information can help that lesson integrate into the brain, supporting behavioral change.
Clean Air
Keeping the air in the home clean is important for overall brain health. Research suggests that mold toxicity may be a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s disease, after researchers discovered traces of fungi inside the central nervous system of many Alzheimer’s patients—an infection that was absent in healthy individuals. Mold toxicity in the home can elicit an immune response and harm the brain. For example, a 2020 study found that black mold inhalation can cause inflammation in the hippocampus and reduce neurogenesis, the growth of new brain cells.
Practicing clean air habits can help assuage the risks of mold exposure at home. These include investing in an air purifier, ventilating regularly by opening windows, using exhaust fans and maintaining household ducts. Mold concerns can be investigated with a simple at-home testing kit, followed by professional testing and remediation, if needed.
Light Therapy
“Photobiomodulation is a powerful way to create neuroplasticity, both quickly and over the long term,” says Dr. Lew Lim, founder of the Vielight photobiomodulation (PBM) device, which has been studied in collaboration with universities and medical institutions, including the University of Toronto, Harvard Medical School and Mount Sinai Hospital.
PBM, also called light therapy, uses gentle red or near-infrared light to stimulate brain cells, boost the energy-producing parts of cells known as mitochondria, improve blood flow and calm inflammation. “When we activate the mitochondria with PBM, the mitochondria actually release growth factors, which support growth of new cells in the brain,” Lim explains.
According to Lim, PBM may help the brain protect and repair its neurons, encourage the growth of new connections and support the clearing of harmful waste proteins linked to cognitive decline. He asserts that certain light pulse frequencies, such as 40 hertz, may also help tune brainwave patterns that are important for memory and learning. While most research so far has been in small human studies or animal models, the results suggest that regular PBM could strengthen the brain’s natural ability to adapt and rewire itself. Some people use PBM as part of a daily routine to keep their minds sharp, while others use it to heal from more serious brain injuries.
Finding
Community
Research shows that staying connected to others offers powerful protection for the brain. Older adults that feel lonely or spend long stretches without social contact face about a 50 percent higher risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, even when other health factors are taken into account. One long-term study found that memory and thinking skills declined 20 percent faster in those that reported feeling lonely.
Being socially active can help guard the brain against decline. For 25 years, the Northwestern University SuperAging Program has studied people in their 80s and beyond with nimble minds that work as well as people decades younger. Brain scans show that these study participants called SuperAgers do not exhibit the usual thinning of the brain’s outer layer normally seen with age, and one key area involved in attention and decision-making is thicker than even in middle-aged adults.
Under the microscope, SuperAger brain cells are larger, better connected and show fewer signs of Alzheimer’s damage or inflammation. These resilient individuals tend to be very social, valuing close relationships and staying engaged with others—habits that may work hand-in-hand with their unusually healthy brain structures to help protect thinking skills late in life.
Even a weekly coffee with a friend or joining a class can be powerful brain fuel. People with rich social lives, including those that regularly share time with friends, family and communities, tend to keep their minds sharper for longer.
An Evolving Brain
The brain is never truly fixed. It is a living, adapting system that can grow stronger, sharper and more resilient at any age, and we can guide those changes. Whether through movement, nutrition, light therapy, meditation or meaningful connection, every choice we make can help shape and rewire the mind for the better. The science is clear: it is never too late to nurture the brain’s potential. Embrace neuroplasticity as a lifelong journey and let each new day be an opportunity to learn, adapt and thrive.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and former writer at the National Institutes of Health. She also hosts “Root Shock”, a podcast exploring how cultural and systemic forces shape our understanding of health.
Creativity Therapy
Discovering the Healing Power of Crafting
by Megy Karydes
In living rooms, coffee shops and community centers across the country, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The arts and crafts of previous generations—from quilting, basketweaving and jewelry-making to painting, pottery and bookbinding—are experiencing an unprecedented renaissance that extends beyond nostalgia.
“This trend is a natural reaction to how much of people’s lives are spent on screens,” remarks Ivana Labuckas, clinical director at Build Bright Care Group, in Granada Hills, California. “People are constantly dealing with abstract tasks like emails or social media that never give them that satisfying feeling of being truly done. Crafting brings them back to something real.”
Digital Detox
Recent research published in Frontiers in Public Health found that engaging in arts and crafts activities increased people’s sense that life was worthwhile. Of the nearly 7,200 adult participants, those that engaged in creative activities self-reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction and overall well-being, even after accounting for employment status and socioeconomic conditions.
Making things with our hands may be just the digital detox we need. Crafting provides what Labuckas calls “a process people can control and a finished product they can actually hold in their hands, which provides a powerful sense of accomplishment and calm in a world that often feels out of their control.”
Anxiety Relief
The mental health benefits of hands-on crafting are also profound. “Craft-based activities tend to activate various regions of the brain linked with memory, attention and motor coordination,” explains Jessica Plonchak, clinical director at ChoicePoint, a mental health and
addiction treatment center in Fairlawn, New Jersey. “Being engaged in slow-paced handwork works as a meditation for many people, as it keeps their minds in good coordination with rhythm and repetition.”
According to Plonchak, the rhythmic nature of crafting “ultimately increases dopamine levels, while reducing stress and anxiety levels.” Unlike the short-lived boosts from social media notifications, craft-induced dopamine provides sustained satisfaction and genuine mood elevation.
The focused attention required for counting stitches or following intricate patterns creates what psychologists call flow states—periods of deep engagement where stress and time seem to fade away. “Making something by hand is one of the best forms of practical mindfulness people can do,” says Labuckas. “The focused, rhythmic nature of these activities gives busy minds one thing to focus on, quieting the part of the brain that tends to replay worries.”
Kim Rippy, a licensed counselor and owner of Keystone Therapy Group, in Burke, Virginia, is also an avid crocheter. “Crafting slows down the brain to shift into a more mindful state of focusing on the present,” she says. “One can’t count crochet stitches correctly if they’re worried about something else from the past or future.”
For Rippy, who manages patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, crafting serves as a powerful regulation tool. “Something in one’s hands that is productive helps the brain stop from drifting or becoming overwhelmed with anxious or intrusive thoughts,” she notes. This tactile engagement pulls attention away from worry and grounds it in present-moment awareness, a principle that underlies many therapeutic interventions.
Antidote to Overconsumption
The crafting renaissance also allows us to reuse and repurpose materials destined for the landfill. This shift from consumption to creation represents a reorientation of values. “Instead of just buying and discarding things, people realize the utmost importance of creating something of their own and preserving it,” Plonchak says. “It allows people to believe that, apart from being consumers, they are also the creators of something inventive and useful. This acknowledgment boosts self-esteem, improves emotional regulation and keeps the negative forces at bay.”
Consider upcycling fabric scraps into patchwork blankets, turning old CDs into mosaic art, transforming glass jars into lanterns or vases and wine corks into a trivet. To ensure the sustainability of a crafting project, use minimally toxic materials, avoiding new plastics, and be mindful to reduce waste at every step.
Igniting the Imagination
In her clinical work, Plonchak has witnessed firsthand that “crafting serves as a bridge to better mental health by offering moments of stillness and creativity.” It is a sophisticated form of therapy that engages multiple brain systems while providing sustainable, meaningful alternatives to digital entertainment.
As society navigates an increasingly complex and accelerated world, the wisdom needed is not found in the latest technology, but in timetested practices. In every stitch and woven strand, we are not just creating treasured objects. We are choosing to craft calm, build community and rediscover what it means to be truly present in our own lives.
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Balancing Mysticism and Reality with Autumn’s Energies
by Colin McPhillamy
September’s eclipse season continues to reverberate, sending ripples of how to balance the mystical and the practical axis of the zodiac. That theme is echoed by the Saturn-Neptune conjunction, now retrograde on the Aries-Pisces cusp.
The Fall Equinox, which brought equal day and night as the Sun entered Libra, set the stage for relationships to dominate the coming season. Being able to see both sides is a noted feature of Libra, as are negotiation skills and diplomacy; after all, Libra’s glyph is the scales of justice. At this moment however, don’t expect too much in the way of harmony. The polarities mentioned above means there is plenty of room for disagreement and misunderstanding. As ever, conflict can spur growth and careful empathetic attention to issues arising can bring transformations.
Issues that do come to the surface between now and October 22 will respond well to honest discussion. However, there will likely be an undercurrent of confusion and perhaps delusion, as both Saturn and Neptune travel retrograde back into Pisces
It is probable that the emotional landscape will intensify when Scorpio season begins at 10 minutes to midnight on October 22. By the time Sagittarius welcomes the Sun in the last week of November, resolutions or breakthroughs are possible as we get into the celebrations of the holidays.
As ever, nothing is cast in stone. The key is how to best work with the present energies.
For Air Signs
(Gemini, Libra, Aquarius)
Clarity and connection are the themes now. Air, being the most socially
connective of the elements, means these signs have an opportunity to address matters in relationships of all kinds. This influence extends beyond primary partnerships to include social, professional and contractual ties.
For Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius)
This moment carries combustible potential. The natural fire of these signs is best directed toward providing light rather than heat. Sparks may rise in sensitive conversations, making it important to pause and guard against hasty reactions.
For Water Signs (Cancer,
Scorpio, Pisces)
Emotions may bubble up and then subside, only to bubble up again over the next few months.
Balancing available rationality with authentic feelings will be essential. Emotional responses may sway us more quickly than thought, but that doesn’t mean they’re always right.
For Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)
For earth signs, the focus turns to manifestation in the tangible world. This period favors examining current conditions and identifying areas for improvement. In relationships and at home, stability can be supported through deliberate attention to both shared time and the surrounding environment.
Colin McPhillamy, a British-Australian actor and astrologer, offers virtual consultations. To explore how celestial patterns are influencing both global and personal experiences, visit GalacticFragment.com to book an appointment.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about one in 10 adults aged 45 and older experience worsening memory loss or cognitive decline, a precursor to dementia. A 2022 study in JAMA Neurology indicates that 22 percent of adults over age 65 experience mild cognitive impairment. Our dietary choices significantly impact brain longevity, and what we avoid is equally important.
The late pioneering researcher Dr. Martha Clare Morris developed the MIND Diet, which merges the Mediterranean and DASH (dietary approaches to stop hypertension) diets to enhance cognitive function with plenty of delicious versatility. A 2015 study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that strict adherence to the MIND Diet can reduce Alzheimer’s risk by 53 percent, while moderate adherence can lower it by 35 percent.
The MIND Diet is a stress-free, lifelong plan with bountiful menu options, including fish, lean poultry, vegetables, nuts, berries, whole grains, legumes and high-quality olive oil. It accommodates glutenfree and plant-based preferences. With satiating breakfast options like Greek yogurt or scrambled eggs, spicy chili for lunch and fun dinner burrito bowls, this diet is flexible and beginner-friendly, allowing for moderate consumption of pasta, potatoes and bread, with a focus on whole-grain, complex carbohydrates over refined ones. It also recommends oven roasting instead of high-heat frying.
A Lifelong Investment
“You can never be too young to embrace brain-healthy dietary strategies in support of longevity. Early adoption of brain-healthy eating habits may also enhance cognitive reserve, strengthening the brain’s resilience to neuropathological damage over time,” says neuroscientist Kristen Willeumier, founder and CEO of the Willeumier Center for Advanced Research in Neurotrauma & Brain Rehabilitation, in California.
Embracing variety is important. “I like to have people think of brain-healthy food groups, not superfoods,” states Annie Fenn, M.D., founder of the Brain Health Kitchen and author of The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food. Fenn notes that women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men “for reasons that have nothing to do with living longer. Alzheimer’s can
start in the brain up to 30 years before the first symptoms. It’s never too early or too late. Data shows that switching to a brain-healthy diet can have benefits even in one’s 70s.”
The Link Neuroscience Institute, in California, recommends eating more colorful berries, fatty fish such as sardines, dark leafy greens, nuts and seeds, and a moderate amount of high-quality dark chocolate to protect the brain from oxidative stress, which can lead to conditions like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as mood disorders, including long-term depression. They also advise against consuming processed and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and sodium.
Cutting Out the Culprits
According to Willeumier, even a modest reduction in the intake of processed foods, including packaged products, sweetened cereals, deli meats and sugary beverages, can have a positive impact on brain health. She recommends the complete elimination of alcoholic beverages. “Neuroimaging studies, including the Whitehall II Study, which followed 550 participants over a 30-year period tracking alcohol intake and cognitive performance, suggest that there is no protective effect of alcohol on the brain, even from light drinking. Eliminate alcohol for the preservation of your long-term brain health.”
Certain foods accelerate brain aging, and Fenn recommends limiting or eliminating fast and fried foods, sugar, artificially sweetened drinks, ultra-processed products and foods that are excessively high in saturated fat like butter and some cheeses. Certain cooking techniques are also problematic. “Frying, searing and grilling directly over high heat creates inflammatory particles called advanced glycation end products, or AGEs,” explains Fenn. “Think low-and-slow when you cook—low heat, slow cooking, braising, poaching, steaming and indirect grilling.”
Willeumier notes that these healthy eating habits can have an immediate effect on brain function by influencing neurotransmitter production, stabilizing blood sugar levels, reducing inflammation and improving cerebral blood flow, all of which can also help us to live longer, maintain our focus and thinking skills, and feel happier.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
SALMON AND ROASTED ASPARAGUS
YIELD: 2 SERVINGS
2 wild-caught salmon fillets
1 lb fresh asparagus, washed
2 Roma tomatoes
1 avocado, sliced
1 head butter lettuce, divided in half
½ lemon, sliced in two
1 to 2 cloves of fresh garlic, finely chopped
Preheat the oven to 400° F.
1 Tbsp fresh or dried thyme leaves
Sprinkle of oregano
Himalayan salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Extra-virgin olive oil, drizzled
Place salmon in a baking dish and squeeze an even amount of lemon juice on each fillet. Season filets evenly with chopped garlic and thyme leaves. Add Himalayan salt and black pepper to taste. Drizzle with olive oil.
Bake salmon in the oven for 25 minutes.
Place asparagus on a baking sheet and drizzle about a tablespoon of olive oil on top. Add Himalayan sea salt and black pepper to taste. Roast the asparagus in the oven for 15 minutes.
Serve salmon on a bed of butter lettuce with chopped Roma tomatoes, avocado and roasted asparagus on the side.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner 890 South Lake Blvd., Mahopac 845-621-2655
BOKMahopac.com
Smart Devices for Pets
Integrating Technology Into Daily Routines
by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN
Advancements in technology are improving the daily lives of pets and their people. From collars equipped with global positioning systems (GPS) to wearable devices that monitor behavior and detect potential health shifts, these innovations are transforming the way we interact with our animal companions. Before embracing smart devices, however, pet parents should be informed about their potential benefits and limitations.
Location Trackers
GPS trackers attached to pet collars are gaining popularity, especially for active or escape-prone animals. Using satellite or cellular signals to continuously monitor a pet’s location, these devices help pet owners quickly locate stray companions.
A 2021 study conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, revealed that the radiation exposure experienced by pets from GPS and Bluetooth devices is well below international safety standards, implying that adverse health effects are unlikely. The study also noted that adjusting how often a tracking device sends location data can influence a pet’s exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF). For example, some devices transmit only every few hours when the pet is resting, but switch to every minute or every few seconds during periods of high activity. To further minimize RF-EMF exposure, the researchers recommend using a harness-mounted tracking device instead of a collar-mounted one.
In addition to GPS technology, microchips can serve as a reliable backup identification method. A microchip is a permanent form of identification implanted under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. It cannot track a pet’s real-time location but stores a unique number linked to the owner’s contact details. If scanned
at a clinic or shelter, it can help reunite lost pets with their owners.
Health Monitors
Although they do not replace veterinary care, health trackers can support early intervention and informed veterinary conversations. Certain devices monitor behaviors such as scratching, licking, shaking, sleeping and resting. They compare this data to the pet’s usual habits or population averages. Sudden changes may indicate discomfort and prompt further attention. Data from health trackers helps veterinarians and pet parents confirm concerns about allergies, anxiety or appetite changes.
These devices can be useful in busy or multi-pet homes. Owners may miss subtle changes, whereas trackers are capable of detecting them. The historical data can help veterinarians see patterns over time. Still, the data needs context, as not every change signals an illness. Environmental shifts, routine disruptions or the natural progression of aging can also impact an animal’s behavior. Trackers flag what is different, but they do not explain why.
While pet health trackers can provide valuable behavioral insights, metabolic estimates such as calorie burn should be interpreted with caution. A 2023 study published by AVMA Publications evaluated the accuracy of a popular dog activity monitor. The study of 23 healthy dogs over a 28-day period found that the monitor failed to accurately measure the dogs’ calorie expenditures. Notably, the device overestimated the calorie needs of most of the dogs, even when their body weights remained stable throughout the study period. While these devices can be useful for tracking trends and identifying changes, pet owners should exercise caution when using them to make dietary decisions.
Automatic Feeders
Feeding routines are crucial components of many pet health plans, particularly for animals experiencing food sensitivities, chronic illness or weight concerns. Smart feeders can automate portion control, meal timing and consistency. For veterinarian-guided weight-loss plans that rely on controlled food and calories intake, it is imperative to select devices that can deliver multiple daily feedings in precise, small portions. Most smart feeders work well for dry kibble. Some models feature sealed trays, microchip-activated lids or cooling compartments, making them suitable for wet or home-cooked meals.
Smart feeders can help maintain consistency and promote healthy habits but should not be considered standalone solutions for dietrelated health concerns. They are most effective when integrated into a clinical feeding plan under the guidance of a veterinarian. This approach ensures that calorie needs are met, a healthy weight is maintained and potential dietary risks are minimized.
Smart Device Limitations
Smart pet technology can provide valuable insights into a pet’s daily habits, but it is essential to understand its limitations. These devices are not diagnostic tools. They cannot test for allergens, run lab work or evaluate physical symptoms. Their primary function is to serve as early warning systems, flagging subtle changes that pet parents might otherwise miss. It is important to refrain from solely relying on technology. Misinterpreting data can lead to unnecessary worry or delayed medical attention. Real observation and professional input remain indispensable.
Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, as well as the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.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 October 8 (for the November 2025 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Admin@WakeUpNaturally.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.
Wednesday, October 1
Healing Together: Reiki Circle – 1-2pm. Led by Rebecca Weinstein. A community program for cancer patients and caregivers, featuring calming meditation and a collective reiki session to restore balance, support healing and nurture body, mind and spirit. Free. Yablon Cancer Health & Wellness Program at Northern Westchester Hospital, 400 East Main St., Mt. Kisco. More info: 914-242-8146.
Friday, October 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.
Sound Bath with Reiki Healing – 7-8:30pm. With Sound Healer, Alejandro Fuentes and Jikiden Reiki Teacher Anne Bentzen. Meditative healing with mixed percussion sounds to open chakras, move energy and receive reiki. Experience release, relaxation, energy flow and restored inner harmony.$40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.
Mark Your Calendar
Jikiden Reiki Weekend Seminar October 4 & 5 9:30am-5pm both days
With Anne Bentzen, Shihan Jikiden Reiki Teacher • Armonk, NY Learn original Japanese reiki physical handson treatments for yourself and others. Learn treatment techniques and history. Receive activations and supervised practice.
Storytime with Dr. Slotnick – 2pm. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, a behavioral optometrist and owner of Mind-Body-World Optometry, will read her children’s book But MOMMY, I Can SEE! Free. Galaxy Hall at the White Plains Public Library, 100 Martine Ave., White Plains. Info: Calendar. WhitePlainsLibrary.org/event/14149492.
NEXT DEADLINE
10/8/25
Mark Your Calendar
Annual Support-A-Walk Presented by Support Connection, Inc. October 5
Bring help and hope to people fighting breast and ovarian cancer. Walk with us in FDR Park or wherever you are!
There are many ways to help: Donate • Raise Funds Form a Team • Spread the Word Volunteer • Make a Difference!
SupportConnection.org 914-962-6402
Sunday, October 5
Mahopac Street Festival – 12-5pm. Get ready for a day full of food, vendors and fall fun! Look for Health-Balanced Fitness Studio’s booth. Attendance is free. Rte. 6N & South Lake Blvd, Mahopac. Info: MahopacCarmelChamber.com.
Harvest Moon Sound Bath – 4:30-6pm. The Hudson Sound Healers create a harmonious soundscape of crystal, singing bowls, gongs, bells, chimes, and soothing voice; a vibratory sanctuary of warmth and stillness. This full moon experience awakens the spirit with joyful reflection and inner expansion. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.
Tuesday, October 7
Autumn Restorative Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Enjoy an evening of restorative yoga where you will deeply relax by candle light with support from lots of props - all supplied. $35. Tula Yoga for Wellness @ Weil Preserve, 3 Willow Ln., North Salem. Info/register: 914-806-3286l TulaYogaForWellness.com.
Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) shares sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles for living a balanced life. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.
Wednesday, October 8
Meditative Art Journaling – 1:30-3:30pm. With Karen Rippstein, CPT. Explore meditative art journaling through prompts, collage and reflection. Bring a magazine, unlined notebook, scissors, glue and a pen. Extra supplies will be provided. No experience needed. $35. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Preregistration requested: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.
Guided Meditation and Reiki – 6-7:30pm. Led by Rebecca Weinstein. Awaken your inner energy and experience the ultimate fusion of reiki and cutting-edge energy technology for deep healing and rejuvenation. $88. Quantum Healing and Wellness, 7-9 Norm Ave., Bedford Hills, Info/register: QuantumHealingAndWellnessPMA.com.
Friday, October 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.
Saturday, October 11
Hudson Valley 5 Rhythms – 5-6:30pm. Oct. 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.
Mandala Painting at the Farm – 3:30-5:30pm. Find your center in the presence of horses with Amy from Mandala Minds & Wellness. $65. All materials included. Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue, Dover Plains. Early registration recommended: 845-877-0685; LuckyOrphans.org/upcomingevents.
Tuesday, October 14
Free Online Lecture: The Excretory System –7-8pm. Dr. Somesh N. Kaushik, an Ayurvedic and Naturopathic physician, will hold a free online lecture, “Eating in Harmony with Nature: Autumn – The Excretory System,” through the Pawling Free Library. Held online. Registration required through the library: 845-855-3444 or PawlingFreeLibrary.org.
Wednesday, October 15
Candlelit Yin Yoga – 4:30-6pm. With Kathleen Hinge. Relax into Yin Yoga by candlelight. The poses are held passively, stretching deeper into joints and connective tissue, accompanied by slow deep breathing fostering a calm and meditative state. In-person only. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogacenter.org.
Myopia, Prevention & Control – 7-9pm. Glasses getting stronger every year? Learn the triggers which increase nearsightedness, and how to stop or even reverse myopia progression at any age. Free. Dr. Samantha Slotnick, Mind-Body-World Optometry, 495 Central Park Ave., Ste 301, Scarsdale. RSVP: 914-874-1177. DrSlotnick.com.
Thursday, October 16
The Simple Care of a Hopeful Heart – 2-4pm. With Dr. Robert J. Wicks. Explore ways to strengthen resilience and nurture spiritual well-being in challenging times through self-care, perspective, balance and deeper awareness. This free program is offered in person and via live stream. Preregister: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.
Cacao, Reiki and Sound Healing – 7-8pm. With Vinny Colandrea and Rebecca Weinstein. Sip the heart-opening warmth of ceremonial cacao, then journey inward through waves of reiki and the deep, resonant tones of gongs, bowls, and kotamo. $65. Healing With Rebecca, 1 Catherine Pl., Katonah. Preregistration required: HealingWithRebecca.com.
Mark
Your
Calendar
Living Mastery for Healing Professionals
October 17-19
Art Farm, Catskill Mountains, NY Shaman, healer and sage Janet StraightArrow shares advanced ways to hold space for individuals and groups, how to work with challenges in myriad situations, and how to stay safe to avoid and also clear yourself from taking on energy and entities. A weekend of community, learning, healing, and raising your energy, awareness, and offering peaceful, confident solutions to your challenges as a healer. StraightArrow has been training and coaching healers for 30 years. Her focus has been dedicated to helping students create mastery in all ways. $827 • (Bring a friend, $50 off each).
For more information or to sign up: 973-647-2500 • BetheMedicine.com
Friday, October 17
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.
Gathering with Grief – 6:30-8:30pm. Each month, Emily guides themed sessions exploring how yoga, breathwork, and meditation support the body and mind in navigating grief and regulating the nervous system. All levels welcome. Note: not a substitute for therapy. $40. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914-2635427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.
Whispers From Beyond – 7-9pm. An evening of connections with loved ones in the Spirit world with internationally renowned psychic mediums Carl Seaver and Dolores Rilho. $75. No admittance after event starts. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Early registration recommended: 914-7374325; UniversalHealingArts.com.
Sunday, October 19
The Journey of Birth – 10:30-11:30am. During this talk we will review the journey of labor, including the signs of labor, when to go to your birth location, timing contractions and what to expect during each step along the way. $35 per couple. Yoga Haven, 125 Marbledale Rd., Tuckahoe. Info/register: 914263-5427; YogaHaven.com/events-series.
Astrology: Voices of the Outer Planet – 2-4pm. Astrologer Nancy Volante shares archetypal forces of Saturn that shape our inner world and collective destiny. Guided meditation, journaling, ritual and reflection. Adults $45 Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.
Quantum Healing Frequency Fair – 2-6pm. Enjoy three, personalized, 15-minute mini-sessions from a range of holistic practices, such as reiki, massage, Emotion Code, tarot, astrology, Access Bars, numerology and more. Guests will also take part in a Salt Room Sound Bowl Meditation. $39. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Info/tickets; 914-218-3428; QuantumHealingAndWellnessPMA.com.
Hope Harvest 2025 – 4-7pm. Join the Mariandale community for a fall afternoon of connection and reflection, celebrating cherished friends and the Dominican Sisters of Hope with breathtaking views of the Hudson River. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Tickets: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.
Tuesday, October 21
Native American Medicine Wheel Teachings –7-9pm. Scott Nelson (Spirit Keeper Brother) shares sacred Anishinaabe Medicine Wheel and guiding principles for living a balanced life. Adults $40. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.
Wednesday, October 22
Psalms by the River – 9:30am-12pm. With Carol Mackey. The psalms embrace every emotion and the fullness of human experience. Together, we’ll make them our own, praying with nature’s beauty and the timeless rhythm of the Hudson River. Free will offering. The Center at Mariandale, 299 North Highland Ave., Ossining. Preregistration requested: 914-941-4455; Mariandale.org.
Thursday, October 23
Relax + Restore: Restorative Yoga – 5:30-7pm. Oct. 23. Nov. 20 & Dec. 18. This class celebrates the art of deep relaxation. We will prepare the body with specific poses to open the body and move into a relaxed state. Basic breathwork will be introduced to deepen the meditative practice. $28. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Friday, October 24
Dancing Home with Lucia Rich – 6-7pm. Organic movement and curated music lead the way in this free-form movement based process with guided instruction. Unwind and shake loose. Each session is unique to your body’s intrinsic movements. No experience necessary. Ages 18 and up. In person only. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.
Magic of the Circle – 7-9pm. Participate in monthly spiritual circle here with like-minded souls for conscious living and personal growth. Sharing, tarot card pulls, meditation. Limit 12. $30. Balancing 4 Life, 495 Main St., Ste. 205, Armonk. Preregister: 914-588-4079; Balancing4Life.com.
Masks & Meditation – 7-9pm. With Lisa Cito. Create your own mystical mask, pull cards from a magical deck, sink into a deep guided and imagination meditation connecting with your spiritual archetype. Join us for this magical evening! $30. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.
Saturday, October 25
A Day of Healing – 10am-5pm. With instructor Penny Lavin from One Light Healing Touch School. Learn six self-healing practices and scanning, radiant and distant healing for healing oneself and others. Held via Zoom. Register: 845878-5165; OLHT1.com.
Mark Your Calendar
Return to Wholeness: Women’s One-Day Retreat
October 25 • 9:30am-3pm Armonk, NY
Learn how to rebalance, heal deeply and nourish your soul. Six expert practitioners share their disciplines: Internal Family Systems(IFS), yoga, breathwork, holistic nutrition, conscious skincare, reiki and sound healing.
Neuro Art: Fantasy Gold Pumpkin – 2-4pm. With art instructor and artist Anne Zimmerman. Participants will delight working on black paper with gold, copper and white paint pens to create their own ornate fantasy pumpkin. $30. All supplies included. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.
Sisterhood of the Rose – 2-4:30pm. Join us, Sisters, to support, inspire and reconnect with our bodies and divine essence. Through sound, breath, ritual, movement, plants and essential oils, we will manifest sacred dreams and celebrate love, courage and joy. Hosted by Katya Varlamova, clinical herbalist and founder of Warmicita Herbals. $27. Ascend Center + Collective, 75 Main St., Cold Spring. Register: 845-264-4444; AscendCenter.com.
Native American-Style Drumming Circle – 3-5pm. 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.
Wednesday, October 29
Sacred Connections With Psychic Medium Stacy Schaffer – 7-9pm. In this powerful group event, audience members may receive heartfelt messages from loved ones in Spirit. Join us for an unforgettable night of connection and insight! $75. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-737-4325; UniversalHealingArts.com.
Thursday, October 30
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.
Ongoing Events
Ongoing Calendar listings must be resent quarterly for our January edition. Email listings to AdminWakeUpNaturally.com.
Sunday
Yoga Flow – 9:30-10:30am. A 60-min. breathbased flow of yoga postures designed 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. Register: call/text 845-216-6810; HealthBalanced.com.
Journey Into Power Yoga Class – 9:30-11am. This 90-min signature class is a journey to vitality, power and freedom. All levels. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga. com; 845-605-2257.
Hudson Valley Regional Farmers Market – 10am2pm. Year-round, weather-permitting. Buy local produce, baked goods, organic products, eggs, pickles, cheese and much more 15 Mt. Ebo Rd. South, Brewster. Info: HudsonValleyFarmersMarket.org.
Monday
TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:30-10am. 2nd Mon. Holistic practitioner or wellness entrepreneur? Join our vibrant consciousliving community for breakfast! Connect, grow, and share your passion. First visit is free as Beth’s guest—then consider becoming a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).
Barre Sculpt – 9am. A challenging, total-body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.
Level 1 Yoga – 9:30am. Discover the foundations of yoga in our Level 1 class, suitable for beginners and those seeking a moderate practice. Explore seated and standing poses, along with Sun A Salutations, to build strength and flexibility. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.
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: 914-806-3286; 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.
POWER – 6-7pm. A dynamic, Vinyasa-based class focused on aligning movement with breath. This class allows participants to challenge themselves through movement geared towards enhancing strength and endurance via vigorous flows. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845-276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.com.
Tuesday
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class with Meditation – 9:30am. The yoga flow will have modifications shown. This class starts and ends with special meditation segments; designed for people new to meditation. All classes are an hour long. $20 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. Restore – 6:30-7:30pm. Experience the transformative power of gentle yoga and an extended savasana by candlelight. Designed for all-levels, this class will close out a long day, loosen up tightness within and melt away stress. $25 drop-in. Luna Power Yoga, 175 Main St., Brewster. Info: 845276-4619; LunaPowerYoga.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.
Yoga for Back Care – 9:30-10:45am. Class designed specifically for back care includes restorative and supported active poses. This slowerpaced class is a good class if you have back pain, injuries or specific individual needs. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
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: 845216-6810 or HealthBalanced.com. Register: call/ text 845-216-6810; HealthBalanced.com.
Wednesday
TLC Networking Breakfast in Mount Kisco –8:30-10am. 3rd Wednesday. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).
Level 1 Iyengar Yoga – 9am. This class builds on Iyengar Yoga fundamentals with standing poses, including lateral, forward bends, and twists to enhance strength, balance, and flexibility. Perfect for beginners. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-2022228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork, and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands on adjustments—designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—to cultivate balance, flexibility, strength, and a centered, peaceful state of mind. $20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/ register: 917-721-2529; ZenGardenYoga.net.
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (With Modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-4948118; PutnamYoga.com.
Pure Hatha – 10am. This breath-centered flow class will lead you through a well-balanced series of dynamic and static poses. The steady yet easeful pace will allow the student to focus inward to explore and address their individual strengths, weaknesses and imbalances. All levels welcome. Some experience helpful. Pure Presence Yoga, Jefferson Valley Mall, 650 Lee Blvd., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: PurePresenceYogaNY.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 opportuni-
ties 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). Beach Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Sept. 3 & 9 only. Join Yoga With Carly for outdoor beach yoga on a scenic wooden deck. Flow through mindful movement and breath. Open-level class designed for all bodies. Leave feeling refreshed and inspired. $20. Harbor Island Park, Mamaroneck. Info/register: Instagram.com/yogawithcarly_om.
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 203-8569566 (call/text).
Putnam Yoga Level 1 to Level 2 Class (With Modifications) – 9:30am. For those who are more familiar with yoga, we incorporate power yoga poses and techniques that are designed for in-depth strength training, as well as improvements in breathing, posture, and mobility. All classes are an hour long. $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-4948118; PutnamYoga.com.
Slow Flow Yoga with Lucia Rich – 9:45-11am. This class blends meditation and mindful movement to reflect seasonal shifts, reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing energy, organ balance, and joint mobility through Yin and Yang-inspired yoga. $25 drop-in. Class cards available. All Saints’ Artist Collective, 201 Scarborough Rd., Briarcliff Manor. Info/register: EmbodiedArtsAndWellness.com.
Chair Yoga & Exercise – 10:30am. Gentle yoga and exercise for all levels—seated and standing with chair support. Light strengthening and conditioning with a relaxing guided meditation to end class feeling rejuvenated. $15 or discounted class card options. Expression Dance & Wellness Center, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914-293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.
Adult Intermediate Ballet – 10:30am-12pm. Mimi Wallace teaches this invigorating and fun class. Wear comfortable clothing and canvas slippers (leather slippers, jazz shoes and thick socks work too). $25. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: UnionHallOnline.com.
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. Register: call/text 845-216-6810; HealthBalanced.com.
Weekly Meditation Practice – 4:30-5:30pm. With Fernando Camacho, MD and Maeve EngWong, 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: 914-9414455; 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: 914-806-3286; 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. Register: call/text 845-216-6810; HealthBalanced.com.
Balanced Rock Zen – 6:30-8:30pm. MeditationMindfulness-Zen in the Korean Seon tradition. Beginning and experienced practitioners are welcome. $15 suggested donation. Union Hall, 2 Keeler Ln., 2nd Fl. studio, North Salem. Info: 646-483-8246.
Radiant Flow with Rajni – 7pm. A rhythmic Vinyasa class geared to inspire your most radiant self. This evening practice includes some heat building sequences designed to build inner stability and clarity. All levels are welcome. Some yoga experience is helpful. $17. PranaMoon Yoga, 1000 N. Division St., Ste. 2H, Peekskill. Info/register: 845-528-0318; PranaMoonYoga.com.
Friday
Vinyasa Yoga Flow: Open Level – 9-10am. Flow through mindful stretches, gentle breathwork, and accessible poses, with your knowledgeable teacher’s hands on adjustments—designed for beginners and seasoned practitioners alike—to cultivate balance, flexibility, strength, and a centered, peaceful state of mind. $20. Zen Garden Health Coaching & Yoga, 25 Carpenter Pl., Yorktown Heights. Info/register: 917-7212529; ZenGardenYoga.net.
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: 914721-0546; YogaHaven.com/events-series.
Overnight Healing Retreat in the Energy Enhancement System – 8:45pm-6:30am. Experience deep healing as scalar energy frequencies rejuvenate your cells and spirit while you sleep. Bring sheets, pillow, blanket, water and any comforts needed for a good night’s sleep. Quantum Healing & Wellness, 7 Norm Ave., Ste. 202, Bedford Hills. Pricing/preregistration (required): 914-218-3428; WellnessLiving. com/rs/schedule/quantum_healing_wellness.
Saturday
Barre Power – 8:15am. Barre, RedTail-style: high-intensity movement meets deep muscle activation, functional strength, and expert sequencing. No ballet needed—just come ready to move with intention, precision, and power. $25 drop-in; class cards and memberships available. RedTail Power Yoga, 810 Rte. 82, Hopewell Junction. Info: RedTailPowerYoga.com; 845-605-2257.
Barre Sculpt – 8:45am. A challenging, total-body workout utilizing low-impact and high-intensity movements to improve strength and flexibility. BYO mat. Grip socks recommended. $35 per class or monthly packages available. Barrebelle by Joelle, 83 N. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua. Info/ register: 646-734-6964; BarreBelleByJoelle.com.
Level 1 Yoga – 9am. Discover the foundations of yoga through seated and standing poses along with Sun A Salutations. Suitable for beginners, this class helps build strength, flexibility and confidence on the mat. Tula Yoga for Wellness, Hammond Museum, 28 Deveau Rd., North Salem. Info: 914-806-3286; TulaYogaForWellness.com.
Intermediate Kripalu-Based Yoga – 9:15-10:30am. With Kathleen Hinge. For more experienced practitioners who desire more of a challenge. Be guided through more advanced postures, and invited to hold poses longer and explore personal variations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org.
Beginner Kripalu-Based Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. With Kathleen Hinge. A very nurturing practice, promoting mindfulness, flexibility and relaxation. Classes
include setting intentions, guided breathing, meditation and gentle pose sequences. Suitable for beginners, and those with physical limitations. In-person or virtual. Info/register: SacredSpiritYogaCenter.org. Beginner Yoga – 11am. Class consists of standing poses to build strength, balance and improved flexibility. Detailed instruction with focus on proper form and function will help you build a safe, fun and nurturing practice. $22. Back2Health Yoga, 6 Broadway Ave., Wappingers Falls. Register: 845-202-2228; Back2HealthYoga.com.
Adult Yoga – 11am. Vinyasa and Gentle Flow all-level yoga for a relaxing and rejuvenating start to the weekend! $20 or discounted class card options. Expression Dance & Wellness Center, 2141 Crompond Rd., Cortlandt Manor. Register: 914293-7021; ExpressionDanceWellness.com.
Belly Dance & Multi-Cultural Dance –12:15pm. Moms, daughters and seniors. Get fit, have fun and make friends while learning dance from around the world! Arabic Pop, Latin, Jazz. Bollywood, Turkish, Shakira routines and more. $20 cash, drop-in. The Dance Conservatory, 2050 E. Main St. (Rte. 6), Cortland Manor. Info/register: Sarah Bell, 914-874-4541; Facebook.com/ DanceWSarah.
Gentle Hatha Yoga – 12:30pm. A yoga style based in Kripalu tradition, focusing on yoga postures, mindful awareness and self-care. Breathing techniques and meditation will be explored as well! Suitable for all levels! $20 drop-in. Class cards and memberships available. Putnam Yoga, 30 Tomahawk St., Baldwin Place. Info/register: Christine Dodge, 845-494-8118; PutnamYoga.com.
Awareness Through Movement – 1pm. With Guild-Certified Carol Moran. A somatic Feldenkrais method. Break free from stiff and habitual patterns of the body and regulate the nervous system. $20. Universal Healing Arts, Cortlandt Manor. Register: UniversalHealingArts.com.
List Your Classified Here: Exposure in Westchester, Putnam & Dutchess counties. Email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com to place your listing.
Donations
LET IT SHINE AGAIN THRIFT STORE IN VERPLANCK – Donations needed of housewares and home decor in excellent condition. Vases, platters, dishes, pots—beautiful and useful things for the home. Items sold to support Let It Shine Food Pantry. Set up a donation appointment: email Info@LetItShineOnline.com.
Grow Your Business
IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let Natural Awakenings connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 914-293-7410 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.
Your Ad Here
AD SPACE AVAILABLE: Want to reach 40,000 readers every month? Call or email today to learn more about our advertising and partnership opportunities in Natural Awakenings magazine. We offer something to fit every budget as well as personalized marketing plans for your business. Call: 914-293-7410 or email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com.
Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Erica@WakeUpNaturally.com to request our media kit.
Accounting/Tax Services
STERNBACH & ROSE, CPAS
115 E. Stevens Ave., Ste. 100, Valhalla 914-940-4449 • SandrCPA.com
Our goal is to help people have less anxiety about managing their finances, to maximize their income and run their businesses better. Giving people a stronger financial foundation can absolutely contribute to a better quality of life.
Frustrated with not feeling or looking your best? Let me guide you on your path to better health and well-being.
Utilizing: Medical Acupuncture, ONDAMED Biofeedback Therapy, Reiki, Mei Zen Acupuncture for facial rejuvenation, weight loss and fertility. See ad, page 7.
Addiction Cessation
QUIT WITH QUINN
Midtown Manhattan and Garrison Steve.HealingNY@gmail.com 914-473-2015 • QuitWithQuinn.com
Quit with Quinn helps people overcome daily addictions and unwanted habits ranging from sugar, smoking, alcohol, weight loss, to overeating and other compulsive habits. All natural, energetic healing programs with 90% success rate. See ad, page 10.
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 9.
Ayurveda
DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC
Yellow Monkey Village
792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725 DrKaushik.com • DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com
Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: M-F. See ad, page 9.
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.
Hudson Valley Hemp, in Mahopac, offers wellness services like soothing massages and facials, enhanced with cannabis-infused products. Explore our extensive line of premium hemp products designed to promote relaxation, healing and overall wellbeing for a truly revitalizing experience.
Chiropractic
DR. LEIGH DAMKOHLER, CCSP, LMT 8 Bacon Pl., Yonkers 914-523-7947
Chiropractor-WestchesterNY.com
Personalized treatments designed for you by Westchester’s only dually licensed practicing Sports Chiropractor and Massage Therapist. Receive a unique combination of muscle work and adjustments not provided elsewhere. Dr. Leigh can help you move and feel better. Get back to the life you love!
CranioSacral Therapy with Somato Emotional Release allows physical, emotional and spiritual issues to be intimately explored bringing relief from pain and activating a healing process which continues beyond the session. Experience CST alone or integrated in therapeutic massage.
Detoxification
N'LIGHTEN SAUNA STUDIO
157 Southside Ave., Hastings on Hudson By appointment: 914-222-0539
NLightenInfraredSauna.com
Infrared Sauna Therapy heats up the body directly rather than just heating the air. It raises the core body temperature and produces a deep, detoxifying sweat at the cellular level where most toxins are stored. Get Hot! Get Healthy! Get Happy! See ad, page 6.
Dog Spa
DOG-BIZZ, INC.
313 City Island Ave., Bronx DogBizzCityIsland@gmail.com 718-808-1070 • Dog-Bizz.com
We offer diverse services for pet owners, including hygiene options, care during work hours or vacations, and engaging activities for socialization and exercise. Services include self- and full-service baths, grooming, daycare, boarding, and play events in our dog run. Pickup service available within 25 miles.
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. See ad, page 10.
Education
BLUE ROCK SCHOOL West Nyack Admissions@BlueRockSchool.org BlueRockSchool.org
With our progressive approach to education, Blue Rock School has been fostering confident critical thinkers for over 30 years. Our hands-on curriculum, from kindergarten through eighth grade, nurtures children’s love of learning and prepares them for a changing world. See ad, page 13.
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.
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. See ad, page 11.
Experiential Transformation
RON BAKER
Bioenergetics Therapist
Virtual or In-Person in Woodstock RonBakerEAL@gmail.com
• RonBaker.net
Are you stuck going through the motions? Are you ready to access your potential and make more powerful choices for you? With 25 years of experience guiding thousands worldwide, I look forward to sharing this unique and powerful approach to personal transformation with you. Email to set up your free, 15min. phone consultation!
Hair Salon
FRESH ORGANIC SALON SOLUTIONS
Hair care, Skincare & Make up 190 Rte. 117 Bypass Rd., Bedford 914-242-1928 • FreshOrganicSalon.com
A healthy approach to beauty and wellness led by Maureen Toohey, Regional Educator for Organic Salon Systems. The fresh team is committed to making your experience fully complete and satisfying, organically. Receive a gift valued at $75 with your 1st color appointment, when you mention Natural Awakenings.
Lorraine offers Individual Wellness Consultations based on the Chinese Herbal Medicine Paradigm which provides A preventative and individual approach to balanced health. Each “unique” individual protocol will include Chinese, Western, Ayurvedic herbal remedies and nutritional planning.
Certified Herbalist Tara Gregorio helps women—postpartum and beyond—heal naturally with Western and Ayurvedic herbs, functional medicine, and Gerson protocols. Get personalized, breastfeeding-safe support. Book a free consultation today!
Holistic Dentist
DAVID L LERNER, DDS, CAC, FIND Yorktown Heights 914-214-9678 • HolisticDentist.com
We offer a unique approach to the health care of the mouth based on a holistic understanding of the whole body. I invite you to explore our website to learn how we can serve your needs. See ad, page 3.
Holistic Wellness
THE DANCING WEB
Nada Khodlova, MA, BC-DMT, LCAT By Appt in Fishkill & Beacon 646-633-8052 • TheDancingWeb.com
The Dancing Web invites you to explore whole healing through body, mind, spirit and earth practices. Services include individual Dance/Movement Psychotherapy, Herbal remedies, Sacred Circle Dance, Women's and Girls Groups. Discover freedom in your body, joyful connection, embodied community and Earth’s medicine. Be seen, heard and understood.
Integrative Optometry
EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC
Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD
Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker
Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman
Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami
Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh
Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee 6515 Main St., Trumbull, CT • 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave., Norwalk, CT • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd., Southport, CT • 203-255-4005 992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford, CT • 203-357-0204 572 US-6, Mahopac • 845-628-3750 103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco • 914-241-2020 CTNYEyecare.com
We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.
Mobile Massage
INTO ORDER MOBILE MASSAGE 307 McLean Ave., Yonkers 646-645-8772
IntoOrderMassageTherapy.com
Mobile massage services at your location; home, office, event, corporate parties and individual services customized for each client’s needs. Relieve stress, manage pain, and promote wellbeing with deep tissue, Swedish, hot stones, sound therapy, chair and table massages. Our expert therapists are here to help.
Naturopathic Doctor
DR. KAUSHIK’S AYURVEDIC AND NATUROPATHIC CLINIC
Yellow Monkey Village
792 Rte. 35, Cross River and NYC Office: 914-875-9088 • Cell: 646-670-6725 DrKaushik.com; DrKaushik@DrKaushik.com
Combination of Ayurveda and Naturopathy is used to create a unique treatment plan to regain and maintain health. Based on one’s particular body constitution (dosha), a plan may include supplements, diet/nutrition suggestions, lifestyle management, detoxification, hydrotherapy, ozone therapy, Panchakarma. Clinic days: Monday-Friday. See ad, page 9.
Nutrition
LOUISE BEACH INTEGRATIVE NUTRITION
Louise Beach, MS, CNS 914-260-7548 • LouiseListens.com
Optimize your health by optimizing your gut with the help of a Certified Microbiome Analyst/ Nutritionist specializing in SIBO and digestive issues. Louise can competently guide you to affordable, cutting-edge testing, interpret the results and recommend interventions such as probiotics, prebiotics, herbs, diet and lifestyle to help correct dysbiosis throughout the entire gastrointestinal tract.
Foot and/or Hand Reflexology sessions are offered with the use of essential oils applied to acupuncture points based upon each individual’s presenting pattern. Please refer to Services page on website for the many benefits of this ancient modality.
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.
YITA at the Divine Acres is a yoga shala – a safe place for healing and becoming healthy within our authentic selves. Eliminate distractions and illuminate positivity to focus on our true intentions. YITA is a place of education and joy, with miniature donkeys and sheep that add love to this divine space.
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. See ad, page 13.
Transformative Healing
BETH LEAS
Transformative Healing • Tarot
Virtual and In-Person Sessions
203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com
If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot.
Veterinary Hospital
EARTH ANGELS VETERINARY HOSPITAL
44 Saint Nicholas Rd., Wappingers Falls 845-227-P-A-W-S (7297)
EarthAngelsVet.com
Where East meets West with compassionate care for a holistic approach to your pet’s health. Offering a wide range of services/products including wellness exams, nutritional support, alternative cancer therapies, surgery, dentals, acupuncture, CBD products, pet boarding and more on our beautiful 9-acre facility.
Into a Business Turn Your Passion
Own Your Own
Natural Awakenings Magazine!
Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming the owner of a Natural Awakenings magazine. Empower others with current, valuable insights and resources to enhance their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
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Call 239-206-2000 for a FREE evaluation of your community’s potential. Learn more or apply today at: Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com
for a free evaluation of your community's potential at 239-206-2000. To apply or learn more, visit Corp.NaturalAwakenings.com.
Add Your Community to Where Natural Awakenings Is Now Publishing:
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