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BRAUNSLAW.COM 404-418-8244 BREATH AND BALANCE
A February Path to Better Health Welcome to the second month of the year … and the best time to cleanse your body and soul.
In case you were unaware, February gets its name from the Latin phrase februarius mensis, which means “month of purification,” and there are many ways to purify ourselves. Some people go on diets after the holidays, while others seek ways to bring greater mental calm to their daily lives. As for me, the quest for purification has included a little of everything. I’ve always played around with ways to improve my health, and I’m a fitness-focused, chugging-protein-and-hitting-the-gym type of guy (well, at least when my recovery from my recent hip surgery allows it). I’ve explored various approaches to staying in shape over the years. I’ve been vegan and a vegetarian in the past, and there likely isn’t a trendy health practice I haven’t tried. That said, one of my most profound personal health experiences I’ve ever had occurred during my first year of law school. As I mentioned in past editions of this newsletter, I didn’t pursue an education in law until I was 31. To say that law school is highly demanding would be an understatement. By the end of my first fall semester, my stomach was shot . Over the preceding months, I had consumed obscene amounts of caffeine and processed carbohydrates. Out of the blue, I decided to tackle this problem by going on a juice fast. Over the holiday break (which, in hindsight, wasn’t the best time to try it, considering it’s typically a time when many of us eat and drink more than usual), I went about 13 days … and it really worked. That said, the first three days were awful. I hadn’t eased off the caffeine; I had dropped it entirely. I had headaches, sweats, and cramps, and I had to walk around with a wet washcloth on my forehead. It felt as bad as having the flu. By the fourth day, the discomfort started to lift. By the end of the first week, I began noticing a clarity unlike anything I had experienced before. There was no brain fog, and my breathing improved. I began sleeping much better at night, and I started every day bursting with energy. Most significantly, the process actually began to unwind injuries I had sustained, as juice fasting did wonders for my cellular rejuvenation. I injured my knee badly back in high school, and it began hurting again early in the fast before the pain disappeared as quickly as it had reappeared. It was almost as if my body was
shedding the bad layers in my system and dumping them out. That juice fast was life-changing in more ways than one. Have I done another juice fast since then? Well, no. For one thing, there’s a lot of discipline involved to do it properly. Secondly, I like eating! Most importantly, I don’t want to risk losing muscle mass. (I’m a gym rat, after all). But if I had a magic wand, I would do it again … and I would recommend doing it at least once (under a health professional’s supervision, of course) if you haven’t before. Naturally, mental purification is also a necessity. I’m a big proponent of “box breathing,” a process taught to me by a therapist years ago. It’s a technique that utilizes breathwork to regulate your fight-or-flight response. You breathe in for three seconds, hold it for three seconds, and then exhale for five seconds or more. By doing so and controlling your breath, you can actually control that otherwise involuntary part of your brain that triggers your fight-or-flight impulse. It’s actually what Navy SEALs are trained to do in firefights to make good decisions under stress. Learning the “box breathing” was worth the price of therapy alone for me. No matter where your path toward purification takes you this month, I wish you success in seeking a happier and healthier you. And if or when times get tough, don’t forget to breathe.
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and ensure they feel loved. Flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates are the go-to Valentine’s gifts, but you don’t necessarily have to stick to the script. Your family will be thrilled by any gifts they receive! TOGETHERNESS OVER ROMANCE Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be a difficult holiday for many parents. While they’d love to go out for a romantic dinner and enjoy a date night with their spouse, they have to think about the kids, too! Finding a babysitter for Valentine’s Day can be incredibly challenging, so shift gears and spend the day as a family instead of a couple. You can find plenty to do to ensure your Valentine’s Day is fun and exciting for every family member. Here are three activities to try that will help make Valentine’s Day memorable. Write love letters. Valentine’s Day is a holiday all about love and romance, making it the perfect time for your family to share what they love about each other. Give your kids and yourself time to write love letters to each family member, writing down what they love about that
person and some of their favorite memories. It’s a great way to spread joy and show everyone how loved they are. Make some sweet treats. Valentine’s Day often includes desserts and candies; your event should be no different. Instead of taking the kids to the store to pick out their favorite chocolate bars or Valentine’s treats, consider baking something special. Make heart-shaped pancakes for breakfast, or bake sugar cookies and allow everyone to decorate their treats with sprinkles and frosting. You can even bake a red velvet cake or another Valentine’s favorite if you feel adventurous. Give gifts to each other. While Christmas and birthdays are often associated with gift-giving, you can also give your kids and spouse special gifts on Valentine’s Day to brighten their mood
Need Help? Call Brauns “Yessenia served as my case manager, and her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to client service were exceptional throughout the duration of my case. She provided consistent and timely updates via email, text message, and phone call, ensuring I remained fully informed at every stage without ever needing to request information. Her referrals to highly qualified medical professionals further demonstrated her dedication to comprehensive and reliable support. “Based on my experience, Yessenia will remain my preferred choice for any future injury-related matters. Her expertise, diligence, and client-centered approach reflect the highest standards of the profession. 100% recommend.” —Andrea “This is my second time working with the Brauns firm. They have been very helpful with resolving my case and provide the best possible outcome for me. I would refer them for their services anytime. Thank you, Brauns Law.” —Adewale Adekanmbi
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FAITH, FASTING, AND RITUALS OF RESTRAINT Fuel for the Soul
In this month’s cover article, I shared my experiences undertaking a successful juice fast while in law school. Although I fasted as a means of improving my overall health at the time, millions of people around the world incorporate fasting into their regular religious practices. Here are four major religions in which fasting is a fundamental practice. Practitioners of Judaism follow multiple fasting days throughout the year. On Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, observant Jews abstain from a host of luxuries, ranging from eating and drinking to wearing leather and bathing. On the Jewish holiday Tisha B’Av, followers fast from sundown to sundown as a way of acknowledging and mourning various historical catastrophes that have befallen the Jewish people.
Buddhists fast at various times throughout the year, including as a form of self-restraint or as part of meditation retreats. They are encouraged to use their fasting periods as times of generosity, meditation, and personal reflection. In addition to following food restrictions, they often abstain from sexual activity and harmful behaviors, such as lying to others, during these periods. In Islam , Muslims observe Ramadan, a holy month of self- improvement, soul purification, reflection, and increased empathy
for others who are struggling. Practitioners fast from dawn to sunset each day, typically breaking their fasts with water and dates before engaging in prayer, followed by a fuller meal. Naturally, these are just brief overviews of how these faiths embrace fasting for spiritual purposes. Like life itself, every religion has nuances that are too extensive to be explored in a single article. That said, it is clear that many faiths utilize fasting for reasons that extend beyond physical health. It’s not about shrinking your stomach; it’s about strengthening your soul!
Mouthwatering Mini Cheesecakes INGREDIENTS • 12 oz package vanilla wafers • 16 oz cream cheese, softened • 3/4 cup white sugar • 2 large eggs • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 21 oz can cherry pie filling In Christianity , followers most commonly practice various forms of abstinence during Lent, the 40 days preceding Easter Sunday. During this time, some Orthodox Christians abstain from meat, dairy, and other foods, often reducing their overall food intake. Additionally, some also give up television, social media, and other modern comforts during this time. Fasting is also common in Buddhism , which considers it a means of improving one’s discipline, compassion, and mindfulness.
Take a Break
DIRECTIONS 1.
Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In two 24-cup miniature muffin pans, line each space with a paper liner. 3. Using a food processor or resealable plastic bag, crush vanilla wafers into a fine crumb. 4. Press 1/2 teaspoon of crumbs into each paper liner. 5. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until light and fluffy. 6. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top. 7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the cheesecakes are set. 8. Cool completely in the pan. 9. Top each mini cheesecake with about a teaspoon of cherry pie filling before serving. Enjoy!
DREAM EQUALITY FESTIVAL GROUNDHOG
HEARTS KING LINCOLN MUFFIN
PANCAKE RABBIT ROSES
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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Inside This Issue 1 2 The Pursuit of Purity Family Activities That Will Make Valentine’s Day Special
Need Help? Call Brauns
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Sacred Self-Control
Mouthwatering Mini Cheesecakes Healing Through the Eyes of Awe
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THE EVERYDAY MAGIC THAT HEALS US FINDING AWE IN THE ORDINARY
In a world that races ahead at full speed, it’s easy to lose sight of wonder. We rush through our routines, scrolling, planning, and worrying, and rarely pause just to feel. But when we do stop long enough to notice the world’s quiet beauty, something remarkable happens: We experience awe. This emotion, which is part surprise, part reverence, can shift our perspective, soothe our nervous system, and reconnect us with something larger than ourselves. Discover the magic of feeling awe.
not in a diminishing way. Instead, we sense our place in life. That feeling of belonging and connectedness nourishes emotional
balance and strengthens our resilience. Encounter awe in everyday moments.
You don’t need to climb a mountain or visit a famous landmark to experience awe. It’s waiting in the subtle corners of your day: the way sunlight dances on a wall, the sound of rain tapping on the roof, or how someone’s kindness catches you off guard. Try taking a few minutes each day to slow down and look around. Step outside, watch the clouds, or listen to a piece of music that stirs you. When you allow awe to find you, you begin to reconnect with presence, gratitude, and joy. Awe heals because it reminds us that we’re part of something larger and endlessly unfolding. In moments of difficulty, wonder offers perspective and hope. It grounds us, opens our hearts, and helps us see clearly beyond fear or fatigue. So, pause today. Let a moment of awe find you and allow it to do its quiet, powerful work.
When we are captivated with awe, time seems to slow. Our thoughts, usually centered on our own problems and plans, suddenly expand to encompass the broader picture, which helps dissolve stress and boosts emotional well-being. Research indicates that awe can reduce inflammation, lower heart rate, and even promote compassion. It’s as if our minds momentarily reboot and remind us that life is vast and full of meaning beyond our daily concerns. Standing beneath a star-filled sky or witnessing a child’s laughter can make us feel small, but
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