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Interview: Shreddie Mercury Shares The Stoke And Spiritual Side Of Skateboarding Celebrate Summer With The Elements • Citizen Science • When There Were No Yoga Mats Eco-Staycation! Local Gardens • Las 21 Divisiones: Dominican Voodoo • Breaking Down Digestion Five Economic Investments For Gender Parity • Balancing Through Ayurveda In Summer Creating A Culture Of Connection • Summer Astrology • Book Reviews… And More
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PATHWAYS—Summer 23—3
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4—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
Suitable for all levels of practice, this Ayurveda and Yoga Retreat will include nourishment through each of our senses: touch (pranayama, movement, and massage) sound (singing and sound bowls) smell (making bath products and spice blends) taste (mindful eating and cooking) sight We will replenish through the natural beauty evident in the mountain views, trails, and each one of us. Each participant will be o ered a free introduction to Ayurveda recorded video and an optional Ayurvedic consultation at 25% o reduced rate to schedule at your convenience after the retreat. Vibrate: Ayurveda & Yoga Nourishment Retreat August 18–21, 2023 Pathways Retreat Center • Charlottesville, VA A Yoga & Wellness Retreat Presented by Pathways Productions and Village Life Wellness
Program designed & led by Anjali Sunita , ERYT-500, YACEP, Hatha Yoga Instructor, Ayurvedic practitioner, former founder of Baltimore Yoga Village and creator of Village Life Wellness. www.villagelifewellness.com
RETREAT REGISTRATION Space is limited! Register early to secure your spot. $1245 — Single Occupancy
$745 — Double Occupancy (2 Twin Beds) $645 — Dorm Style Occupancy (4 Twin Beds) Lodging, Food + Beverage, Full Program Included Massage Body Service Add-On: $150 To contact us: 240-247-0393 pathwaysads@gmail.com
Pathways Retreat Center Located outside Charlottesville, VA, within 2.5 hours driving distance from the DC Metro & surrounding areas. The 34-acre mountainside property boasts spectacular views, trails and streams. HOME FEATURING: 6 Bedrooms (sleeps up to 16 ppl) + Den 3 Full Bathrooms
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PATHWAYS—Summer 23—5
Erin Desabla Owner & Publisher; Events + Operations + Business Development Michelle Alonso
Editor, Magazine & Web Content; Social Media + Marketing, Events Claudia Neuman Operations + Sales + Event Support Amaya Roberson Sales + Event Support Ann Silberlicht Graphic Design MayaRose Creative
MInd • Body • Spirit • Environmental Resources Since 1979
What We Are About Pathways Productions is a full-service advertising, marketing, event and publishing company serving the mind, body, spirit community since 1979. From the start, we have been a small, family-run busi- ness. Today, we have a women-led team dedicated to helping all businesses — local, small & inde- pendent — succeed and thrive. Over the years, we have expanded our offerings to include live events, most notably the widely successful and always popular Natural Living Expo. The articles and resources offered by Pathways Magazine and its affiliated hosted events demon - strate a common belief on the part of local individuals, businesses and contributors that sharing ideas and expertise builds community and commerce in a spirit of unity, cooperation and under- standing while maintaining a high level of integrity, responsibility and service. Our content em- braces these ideals; we are a conduit — a pathway — for the most loving and dynamic insights and information that enable all of us to live more consciously. The views and opinions expressed in Pathways Magazine, and by vendor materials for our hosted events, are those of the contributing writers, editors and merchants, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Pathways ownership or any Pathways staff. Any content provided by our contributors is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religious, ethnic, or cultur- al group, organization, company or individual. Furthermore, the products and services presented herein and at our hosted events do not necessarily constitute an endorsement of use or a recommen- dation on the part of Pathways and its staff, and are largely paid advertising and vending. Making Connections Join our Pathways Community! Through our quarterly and online publications, and our sched- uled hosted events, we are committed to providing the public with free or affordable access to local resources focused on holistic health and wellness practices, spirituality and personal growth, com- munity activism and outreach, and stewardship to the environment. We foster these opportunities through information, ideas, events, goods and services. Our goal is to provide a platform for businesses to reach the public in a comprehensive and cost-ef- fective way. Through advertising, packaged marketing, live events and retreats, and event planning support, we offer businesses opportunities to market themselves through a variety of channels, and use our expertise to facilitate this growing network. Pathways is your one-stop resource to make connections, nurture growth and achieve success. Finding Pathways Pathways Magazine print edition is distributed through dozens of outlets in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Visit our “Where To Find” page online for the nearest locations to pick up your print copy. More distribution outlets are being added with each issue. We also provide an online digital edition with interactive links to references, resources and businesses for each issue. Our website features our current issue, as well as a magazine archive, where you can view issues dating back to 2010. Subscriptions for Pathways Magazine are available for $16/year and direct-mailed. Order yours through our website: www.PathwaysProductions.com/magazine/subscriptions. Advertising In Pathways Pathways advertising opportunities are available through all of our outreach channels: our free quarterly journal, Pathways Magazine, distributed in print and digitally; our hosted events; and our comprehensive website and growing social media presence. We offer ad rate discounts with custom packages for Expo exhibitors, and provide design services for low one-time fees. For more informa- tion, upcoming deadlines and our editorial calendar, visit us online.
Magazine & Website, Design + Production Contributing Editors Cam MacQueen Kathy Jentz Contributing Writers Lisa Adams Michelle Alonso
Helena Amos Carol Burbank
Cindy Carrasquillo Lindsey Haldeman Trish Hall Michael Jawer Jazmine Jenné Williams Misty Kuceris Jonathan Marino aka Shreddie Mercury Claudia Neuman Scott Thomas Outlar Anjali Sunita Lindsey Van Wagner Book Reviews Isabella Cates Alyce Ortuzar On The Cover SOUL’S RAINBOW By Brianna Pippens Circulation 12K copies by Pathways Staff SUMMER 23 Volume 48, Number 2 Published quarterly with the season change by ERIN DESABLA PATHWAYS PRODUCTIONS 7407 Aspen Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com PH: 240-247-0393 (Mon. – Thurs. • 12 PM to 5 PM) ADVERTISING EMAIL: pathwaysads@gmail.com Ad Rates Available Online: www.pathwaysmagazineonline.com Deadline for Editorial and Advertising are 2/10, 5/10, 8/10 and 11/10. Publication is approximately four weeks after the deadlines. Please email all arti- cles as file attachments to the Editor at:
pathwaysarticles@gmail.com © 2023 Pathways Productions
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6—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Summer 2023 — What’s Inside
PATHWAYS INTERVIEW Sharing the Stoke: The Spiritual Side of Skateboarding; Interview with Jonathan “Shreddie Mercury” Marino ..................................................................................................................................9 By Michelle Alonso YOGA TODAY When There Were No Yoga Mats: Before Yoga Was a ‘Thing’.............................................................11 By Claudia Neuman MIND-BODY-SPIRIT Celebrate Summer with the Elements ................................................................................................13 By Lindsey Haldeman and Lindsey Van Wagner TO YOUR HEALTH Breaking Down Digestion and Misconceptions of GI Disorders .......................................................15 By Helena Amos ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS Summer 2023: Reflection and Retrograde ........................................................................................19 By Misty Kuceris ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE Gender Parity is Essential for Economic Recovery ............................................................................21 By Saadia Zahidi and Silja Baller HERB CORNER Balancing Through Ayurveda in the Dog Days of Summer ..............................................................25 By Anjali Sunita GLOBAL VISIONS Las 21 Divisiones: Dominican Voodoo ...............................................................................................27 By Cindy Carrasquillo WASHINGTON GARDENER Eco-Staycation! Touring Our Local Public Gardens ..........................................................................31 By Kathy Jentz MIND-BODY-SPIRIT Turning Point: When the Sun Stands Still .........................................................................................45 By Carol Burbank ANIMAL WELLNESS Do Animals Feel Things More Intensely Than We Do? ....................................................................49 By Michael Jawer
The Wheel of the Year, a solar-based agrarian model, is in the Summer Cycle, a time for toil and play! Page 17
Citizen Science involves volunteer-driv- en projects that advance research, build connections to science, and can provide fun for the whole family. Page 43
ON THE COVER: SOUL’S RAINBOW, By Brianna Pippens. Artist profile, page 65
MORE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVE LIVING
• Creating a Culture of Connection, by Trish Hall - pg 47 • Book review by Isabella Cates: Seeking Enlightenment in the Age of Awakening , by Rose Rosetree - pg 52 • Book review by Alyce Ortuzar: High Tech Trash: Digital Devices, Hidden Toxics, and Human Health , by Elizabeth Grossman - pg 55 • Summer Solstice Medicine, by Jazmine Jenné Williams - pg 62 • Power of Poetry: As the Script Unfolds , by Scott Thomas Outlar - pg 63 • Summer Events Calendar - pg 35 • Advertiser Index - pg 66
SAVE THE DATE! PATHWAYS FALL EXPO & ONLINE MARKETPLACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2023, COLLEGE PARK, MD An Invitation From Your Pathways Team
Start planning now for the Pathways Fall Spring Natural Living Expo and Online Marketplace - our premier Mind-Body-Spirit-Eco event in the DMV! As the larger of our annual Expos, you can expect over 120 booths and more than 40 workshops. We are still accepting vendor applications, so check out our website for more information. Online advance ticket purchasing through Eventbrite will be- gin in late summer. Save the date and join us to support local businesses with purpose and intention to keep resources in the communities where we live and work. Until then, enjoy the light, warmth and more leisurely pace of summer. Start your vacation reading with our articles that are full of ways to make the most of the season: local garden tours; science ac- tivities for family holiday fun; tips for seasonal self-care, and much more. Take time to connect with yourself, your loved ones, and Mother Earth. Relax and play!
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—7
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PATHWAYS INTERVIEW
Sharing the Stoke: The Spiritual Side of Skateboarding Interview with Jonathan “Shreddie Mercury” Marino
in my neighborhood skating. He was doing an “ollie”, which means you make the board jump, and he landed on top of a sidewalk. He went over the curb, onto the sidewalk, and then just kept going. It looked so magical and amazing. And so that was my first inspiration, how it hit home, because it wasn’t on TV, it was in my neighborhood, and he just made it look so easy. And I thought, “If anything, I just want to learn that, and I’ll be happy.” I begged my mom for a skateboard, and I got one from Toys ‘R’ Us. It was a super cheapy style, but that was my beginning. I learned how to ollie, which is part of what’s called “street skating”, because you’re just in the street, free flowing, using whatever is in your neigh - borhood, or in the city, as obstacles, going onto the sidewalk, off the sidewalk, grinding a bench, that kind of thing. So that’s super relatable and something anyone can do if they don’t have a skatepark nearby. It makes sense that you should start learning with a style that’s immediately accessible. What other skating styles have you learned over the years?
INTERVIEW BY MICHELLE ALONSO
Skateboarding has been around for decades, born in California in the 1950s by the surfing community who needed something new to surf when the waves were flat. It has stereotypically been associat - ed with a thrill-seeking, reckless, extreme, or rebellious community of young, mostly men. Thankfully, the perception has changed over the years as skate culture has evolved into many different styles, and gained greater legitimacy — for better or worse — with its introduc- tion into professional sports and the Olympics, and the infusion of corporate sponsorships. And the skate community itself has become much more inclusive and diverse across genders, ethnicities, and age range, due in large part to the virality of social media and the ability to share skateboarding videos from all around the world. More recently, the pandemic has given skateboarding a reason for resurgence as a fun, solo, socially-distanced activity that could be done outdoors. It was during the pandemic when Jonathan “Shreddie Mercury” Marino, a proud Marylander, and an even prouder skateboarder, opened his School of Shred ( www.ShreddieMercury.com ), a local business dedicated to skateboard instruction. He has been nurturing his passion for skateboarding since he was twelve, when he was first exposed to street-style skating in his Gaithersburg neighborhood. He felt an immediate connection that has only grown during the last twenty years, including several of those spent within the SoCal skate scene, to what is now a thriving livelihood teaching skateboarding. Shreddie gets his moniker in part to his resemblance to the late, great Freddie Mercury, frontman of the iconic rock band, Queen, and to his amazing ability to “shred”, the slang term for skilled skating. For over two decades he has been honing his skills by learning the many different skating styles in the community, adapting his mind - set to embrace continuous personal growth, and in turn, “sharing the stoke”, or excitement for all things skateboarding with his students. He is passionate about the many benefits — physical, mental, social and spiritual — skateboarding offers. As it turns out, Shreddie is also stoked about Pathways! He first picked up a copy as a teenager trying to understand and relate to in- terests held by his father, who was “very into the mind-body-spirt world.” He credits reading those issues early on as what got him inter- ested in spirituality, mindfulness, and meditation. And he recognizes the similarity in values and practices found in skateboarding. Shreddie introduced himself to us when he attended a recent Nat- ural Living Expo. This interview is a continuation of that first conver - sation about his love of skateboarding and how he feels about being part of both communities. Here, we delve deeper into where his inter- ests got started, when he made the transition to teaching and how he approaches the discipline, where he finds the intersection of spiritual - ity and skateboarding, and what he has learned along the way. There’s the saying, “Those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”, but as a long-time skateboarder who now also teaches skateboard- ing for a living, this doesn’t apply to you at all! How did you first get introduced to skateboarding? I think the first time I saw skating was on TV, maybe an X-Games on ESPN, or some kind of TV program about skating that caught my attention, and I thought it was really cool. But the main thing that really sparked my attention was when I was 12 years old and saw a kid
I did street skating throughout high school, and then a few years af- ter high school, I moved from Gaithersburg, Maryland, to California. I worked at 411 Video Magazine , which is a skateboarding video series, as a web publisher, and I also had a camera. I would go to different skateboarding contests and events, document them, and make edits as a kind of a freelance video guy, along with making pieces for the website. I became less compelled to flip my board or jump down stairs anymore, but that allowed me to stay in the scene. Around 2014, I got really into transition skating, which is using bowls, ramps and backyard pools for doing tricks and maneuvers. Then, I was invited to be part of a contest called the OG Jam, which was for skaters over 30, thanks to Heidi Lemmon, one of the event or - ganizers. I had no desire to do contests, but the environment was very welcoming, and it helped me progress and learn to skate under pres- sure. That was super fun, and introduced me to a whole new commu-
continued on page 58
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—9
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10—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
YOGA TODAY
When There Were No Yoga Mats: Before Yoga Was a ‘Thing’
ically, there were no actual Yoga classes near me. Along with my Ram Dass studies, the only other thing going was Richard Hittle- man’s Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan . So, I copied the positions from the images of a skinny female model, who wore stirrup tights and had straight bangs across her forehead, for many rounds of 28-day segments. When I was old enough to drive, I would take my Mother’s car to Hollywood where I would do Yoga with the Integral Yoga Society. This was always offered at a private home, usually in the living room where there would be maybe 6 people at most. There were still no Yoga mats, just our beach towels, and classes were a $1 donation. The line up of practices was always the same: you sit and do breath of fire, then alternate nostril breathing, then you rest. Sun Sa - lutes, then rest. Forward bends came next, and then, you guessed it, we’d rest. And so on, until the headstand and shoulder stand at the very end. After a long Savasana (resting pose) and a meditation, we
BY CLAUDIA NEUMAN, MSW, E-RYT 500 YACEP
For the Yoga community, and for better or worse, it’s fair to say that Santa Monica, CA, is considered the launching point for Yoga in the United States. As a Yoga student and instructor for over forty years, and a California native born in Los Angeles, I have a unique and deep - ly personal history with and perspective of this founding. Not only did I watch it unfold, I had a front-row seat… and remember when there were no Yoga mats. Back in the day… we are always weary when something starts with this phrase, I understand, but… Back in the day… Yoga wasn’t a thing. Very early on Yoga was for the weirdo Hollywood types like Gloria Swanson and Marilyn Monroe. But I was born into a family that abid - ed by the health fads of the era. There was Euell Gibbons ( Stalking the Wild Asparagus ), an early environmentalist and “back to the land” wild food forager, and later Adelle Davis ( Let’s Eat Right to Keep Fit ),
were invited to eat soup, which would be on the stove while we did our practices. If you were flush, you left a dollar; if not, no worries. What was important was just to come and practice. Why? Because the mind and body are one and the same — and Yoga is about de- votion to something greater than chaos. The emphasis is always on meditation. We did the poses so we could have a peaceful mind and meditate. That was the point.
who made points about the disastrous state of health and nutrition in America. Then there was the couple, Durk Pearson and San - dy Shaw, who pioneered the vitamin fad and extolled the virtues of vitamin therapy for an- ti-aging. I was impacted — by both my fami- ly’s embrace of these fads, as well as the fads themselves (not all) — for a lifetime. It started at age 8, when my amazing Moth - er took me to the local Yoga class held in the park on Wednesdays. We are talking about 1966, Los Angeles. Yoga was not a ‘thing’ — it was for off beat weirdos like my Mother and myself. I loved going, despite being the only kid there. From my point of view closer to the ground than the adults towering above me, I watched their strained faces; everyone looked really serious and stiff. I didn’t understand. To me, it was the most natural thing in the world to do bends and twists and balancing poses. And we didn’t have Yoga mats. You were supposed to bring a towel, specifically a beach towel, something large and thick. We sat and did breath exercises and facial exercises, like sticking our tongues out un- til we could touch our chins. There were no
Studios on the Scene In my twenties I was blessed to find a Yoga teacher named Ragavan with an actu - al studio. It’s hard to imagine this now, but his was the only Yoga studio in Santa Monica, CA, where I was also living at the time. It was with Ragavan that I did my first serious study of Yoga. He emphasized quieting the mind through meditation, using the poses to bal- ance the body and the nervous system, and building up strength through the practice of pranayama (breath retention). Yoga practice was offered at 6am and 6pm; it was always the same sequence of poses. And it was iden - tical to the Yoga I had known — beach towels, no mats, no standing poses, resting in between, and meditation at the end. Classes were still $1. Ragavan offered his students the opportunity to study to be teach - ers with him. His training was a year-long course during which you were expected to attend both morning and evening practices, go ad- ditionally on the weekends to learn the philosophy of Yoga, as well as learn about the lifestyle to adopt. He taught diet, fasting, reading the texts, practicing meditation and more. Ragavan called his studio “Scientific Yoga” because he taught us that Yoga was a precise science for living. He and his wife eventually opened a health food restaurant. She was an amazing woman with fiery hair and clear, golden eyes, who would teach for him if he was too busy. Many afternoons were spent hanging out with them at their restaurant, sipping tea and listening while he talked about the Yoga Sutras or Tantric texts. She would cook and have a new menu daily. I remember talking with her once
standing poses. We did classic sun salutes, forward bends, back bends, twists and inversions. In between each pose, we did a resting pose. At the end, after a longer resting pose, we would sit up for meditation. The emphasis was clear: we do all this breathing and moving in order to have a clear mind for meditation at the end. Yoga is about having a balanced, sattvic (meaning light or pure ) mind. The mind and its thoughts must be harnessed to move in the direction of truth. When I was about 16 years old, I wanted to have a Vegetarian fast food chain. Yes, I was a vegetarian at that age. It was radical then. I grew sprouts in a jar and tried to make yogurt. I ate carob instead of chocolate. I had read books like Be Here Now by Ram Dass, while my Mother did Yoga in the backyard and meditated every day. She stud - ied Metaphysics and taught me how to develop my psychic abilities. She would faithfully do Yoga on TV with Lilias Folan, Yoga and You ; if she missed Lilias’ broadcast, she’d make sure to get in her half hour with Jack LaLanne, the famed fitness and nutrition guru of the time. I, on the other hand, was doing Yoga from a book, because, iron-
continued on page 50
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—11
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12—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
MIND-BODY-SPIRIT
Celebrate Summer with the Elements
BY LINDSEY HALDEMAN AND LINDSEY VAN WAGNER
Summer is a great time to reconnect with the elements of our nat- ural world. We tend to spend more time outside and vacation in wide open spaces. Air, water, fire, earth, and ether are the building blocks of everything we are, everything we see, and everything we do. Schedule a time to play with these elemental practices or try them out intuitively as you feel drawn to explore nature’s wonder. Air Our connection to the breath is sacred. If we fail to continuously inhale and exhale this magical substance we call air, we die. But, this ongoing and intimate relationship with the air around us has healing effects beyond basic survival. Air connects us to the natural kingdom — we inhale oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide that the plants need to manufacture their food, and they in turn release oxygen we need. It is a constant giving and receiving, a cyclical interaction that begins when we are born and ends when we die. If we are fortunate, this intricate and miraculous process of the breath comes quite naturally. In fact, we hardly consider what’s hap - pening in our bodies until we make an attempt to notice. Many spiritu - al practices encourage us to focus on the breath, lengthen the breath, return to the breath because this is a powerful way to relieve stress and calm the nervous system, especially when in a state of fight or flight. The summer season brings what Ayurvedic medicine calls Pitta en- ergy, associated with heat, intensity, aggravation, and a fiery nature. When Pitta is elevated, it is best to cool that energy and restore our bodies to homeostasis. Slowing down the breath is beneficial in the heat especially because the less breath we take per minute, the less energy demand we put on our bodily systems, for example blood pres- sure and heart rate. Try this simple practice: 1. Sitting comfortably, set a timer for five minutes. 2. Inhale through the nose for four seconds. Breathing practices such as this one allows the body to operate with greater efficiency. Also, breathing in and out through the nose helps retain more moisture in the body than mouth breathing. Walk through summer with an airy lightness and give yourself the freedom to enjoy the season, create space, and expand your imagination. Water It might be shocking but taking a cold shower has many wonderful benefits. A cold rinse can improve circulation, bringing fresh oxygen - ated blood to muscles and organs. By causing blood vessels to restrict, a cold rinse reduces inflammation and can even relieve pain. Taking a cold plunge has also been shown to lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety, boosting your mood by activating your parasympathetic nervous system and pulling you out of fight or flight mode. As temperatures rise this summer, beat the heat with a cold shower! Here are some tips on how to get started: 3. Hold the breath for four seconds. 4. Exhale out the nose for four seconds 5. Hold the breath out for four seconds. 1. Try breathing rapidly to gain control of your breath, as the initial chill of the water may seem like it is taking your breath away. When comfortable, move into a slower breathing pat- tern. 2. Start with just your hands and feet if having your whole body under is too much. Splash your face with water collected in your hands. 3. Play your favorite song. Listening to music or dancing while taking a cold shower gives your brain something to focus on other than just the temperature.
Photo by Single.Earth on Unsplash
Fire Many people associate fire energy with action, but fire also has the amazing ability to cleanse and purify. Burning bowls are a great way to harness this cleansing property. Burning bowl rituals have been celebrated throughout many different traditions and continue to be practiced today. Releasing to the fire what is no longer serving you is a symbolic and energetic way to create space in your life for what you would like to create. As you contemplate what you would like to release, think about something that is blocking your journey. This might be a habit, an ob- ject, a behavior; but please note, it is not traditional to burn a ‘person.’ If you would like to release a person from your life, consider writing something pertaining to your relationship or your attachment to that person you would like to change. A ritual might look like this: 1. Create a sacred space for the burning bowl by selecting a spot clear of debris and clutter. 2. Gather your materials: a small candle, matches or lighter, a dish with sand in the bottom, a small piece of paper, and writ- ing utensil. 3. Light the candle and take a moment to reflect on what you would like to release to the flames. When you are clear about what you would like to liberate yourself from, write your thoughts on a small piece of paper. The release starts the mo- ment you bring pen to paper so be mindful as you are writing. 4. Hold the paper gently and send gratitude to what you are about to release, though it is time to let this thing go, it did serve some purpose in your life’s journey and it is important to recognize that. 5. Carefully put paper to flame and when ready, drop the paper into the dish filled with sand. Now that you have released this thing, take a moment to think about how you would like to fill this newly created space in your life. Burning bowl rituals can be celebrated in a group setting or indi - vidually; consider creating a community burning bowl during a sum- mer bonfire. For added effect, hold the ritual during a waning moon — this phase holds the energy of releasing and letting go. Earth Earth is the most solid and grounding of the elements, represent- ing structure, foundation, consistency, and stability. As humans, we have separated ourselves from the earth by way of roads, concrete, and
continued on page 42
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—13
Learning At Its Best!
Wanda Lasseter Lundy
The Lasseter Lundy Institute is an educational organization that provides a full curriculum for intuitive healers to be certified as Lasseter Lundy Method practitioners and to become faculty members of Lasseter Lundy Institute. We provide learning for becoming a master of intuitive healing. The course material is unique to Lasseter Lundy Institute and provides a comprehensive education in energy healing, intuition and combining the two skill sets. You will understand how intuition and energy work, how these skills can be fully developed, and you will become more enlightened in the process.
Lasseter Lundy Institute is:
Level 4 Specialty Program Working With Places and Objects (Taught by Wanda Lasseter Lundy – Founder and Principal of Lasseter Lundy Institute) This course provides knowledge and skills with reading and healing places and objects. Learn to experience the consciousness holding form in place, to read that consciousness, converse with it, and bring healing energy to improve functionality, the atmosphere around the place or object, and the energy within it. Interact with places and objects in a way that raises vibration of locales, regions, areas, homes or objects such as crystals, furniture, jewelry, etc. Date: Saturday & Sunday June 10 & 11, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $350 if paid by June 3rd, $380 if later To register: Please call Wanda at (812) 705-5135 or Email Laura at llilauraprice@gmail.com *Class delivers online. Register to receive an invitation* Additional Courses Working with Color Bands (Taught by Wanda Lasseter Lundy – Founder and Principal of Lasseter Lundy Institute) Learn to: Distinguish bands of color, Vibrate with the color, Provide that color to yourself or someone else and heal with the bands. Date: July 15, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $150 if paid by July 1st, $180 if later To register: Please call Wanda at (812) 705-5135 or Email Laura at llilauraprice@gmail.com *Class delivers online. Register to receive an invitation* Event One Day Healing Event This one day healing event is a powerful day of healing provided by Wanda Lasseter Lundy. The healing includes your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. The healing will profoundly effect your life path and bring important insights. Date: August 12, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $150 To register: Please call Wanda at (812) 705-5135 or Email Laura at llilauraprice@gmail.com *Class delivers online. Register to receive an invitation* For more information and to see more on our upcoming classes, please visit our Website and Facebook Page: Website: lasseterlundy.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/ Lasseter-Lundy-Institute-115595590132572
Level 2 Core Program Working with Angels, Guides and Masters This class is about communicating with angels, guides and masters to provide additional information to clients. Learning includes: • Sensing the need for additional guidance • How to channel • Types of channeling • How to access guidance • Different types and levels of guidance • The audio/visual and sensory input from angels, masters and guides • How to transfer energy of angels, masters, and guides • How to acquire and keep the energy of these beings as your own • How to ask questions and receive answers • How to tailor the information received for a client • Practice exercises Date: June 17, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $150 To register: Please call Wanda at (812) 705-5135 or Email Laura at llilauraprice@gmail.com *Class delivers online. Register to receive an invitation* Energy Healing: Redistribution, Clearing, & Balancing (Taught by Wendy Wisner & Rodrigo Ortiz – Faculty members of Lasseter Lundy Institute using the Institute’s materials) Become an Intuitive Energy Healer to heal yourself and those you love. Activate your energy healing gifts and intuition. Learn how to clear your own and someone’s energy to achieve the frequencies and flows. You will learn to: • Build your intuitive energy healing & skills • Asses healing needs based on unhealthy beliefs and their impact • Work with energy flows to promote integration • Identify types of blockages and distortions • Determine when balance has been achieved Date: Saturday & Sunday June 24 & 25, 2023 Time: June 24, 9:30 am–6:00 pm • June 25, 9:30 am–4:00 pm Tuition: $350 To register: Please call or text Wendy at (202) 549-7954 or Email wendy@radiantyou.com *Class delivers online or In Person at 3615 Madison LA, Falls Church VA Etheric Surgery (Taught by Wendy Wisner & Rodrigo Ortiz – Faculty members of Lasseter Lundy Institute using the Institute’s materials) Work with Angels and Masters to perform advanced energy healing called Etheric Surgery. Surgically heal the body, mind, and emotions simultaneously. You will learn: • Heal through the surgeons and perform Etheric Surgery yourself • How Etheric Surgeons can help you sleep and give pain relief. Date: Saturday & Sunday August 5 & 6, 2023 Time: August 5, 9:30 am–6:00 pm • August 6, 9:30 am–4:00 pm Tuition: $350 To register: Please call or text Wendy at (202) 549-7954 or Email wendy@radiantyou.com *Class delivers online or In Person at 3615 Madison LA, Falls Church VA • How Etheric Surgery works and heals • Types and tiers of Etheric Surgeons
14—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
Breaking Down Digestion and Misconceptions of GI Disorders BY HELENA AMOS, M.AC. L.AC., EURO. PHYSICIAN TO YOUR HEALTH
soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K require fat to be absorbed. Bile helps to digest and absorb those vitamins. Bile aldo helps to eliminate waste products from the body, such as bilirubin, a waste product of red blood cells, as well as other toxins. Identifying Underlying Causes With a better understanding of the digestive process, it’s easy to see how complex a system it is, and why identifying any problems can be difficult. But the shortcoming in a Western medicine approach to healthcare is the focus placed on chasing the symptoms, when more attention needs to be given to the causative factors of those symptoms. Here are a few underlying issues that could be causing confusion or complication for identifying and treating a range of GI problems. HCl Insufficiency This condition, also known achlorhydria, is one in which there is a low production of stomach acid. It can cause a number of digestive problems such as: • heartburn or acid reflux • bloating and gas after meals • feeling full quickly • nausea and vomiting • undigested food particles in the stool • nutritional deficiency, especially in iron, calcium and vitamin B12.
One of the most mysterious and varied health concerns relates to gastrointestinal (GI) problems. What parent can relate to the situa - tion of their child’s vague but nonetheless urgent moan of “my tummy hurts”? Who among us can say they haven’t had some kind of “stom - ach issue” but the source of the symptoms is unknown? As an acupuncturist, natural medicine doctor, and health care professional, I treat patients who are presenting with a wide range of symptoms that seem to be linked to GI issues, but are wondering if they could also be related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), pancre - atic insufficiency, mental health concerns, or something else entirely. There are many misconceptions about intestinal disorders, and even more misinformation about symptoms, that need to be addressed to
help people deal with their own GI complaints. If you have, or have had (but are not sure why): ● Gas and bloating ● Pain and spasm in the stomach ● Diarrhea or constipation ● Pain or sensitivity under the right ribs ● Pain on the back of waistline ● Reflux issues ● Nausea and indigestion … then read on.
How Digestion Works Very often, Western medicine doctors don’t discuss everyday life - style changes, diet adjustments, natural approaches, and generally how digestion works. Let’s examine the three major components of digestion. 1. Digestion in the stomach: The role of pepsin and HCl (hy- drochloric acid) in the digestive system is to help break down proteins, which happens in the stomach. Pepsin is an enzyme activated by the presence of HCl in the stomach. It works the peptide bonds of protein, breaking them down into smaller peptide fragments. HCl, on the oth- er hand, provides the optimal acidic environment for pepsin activa- tion and also helps sterilize the stomach by killing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that may be ingested with food. Together, pepsin and HCl play a crucial role for the digestion of proteins in the stomach before they are further broken down in the small intestine into amino acids with the help of digestive enzymes. 2. Digestive enzymes from the pancreas enter the diges- tive tract into the duodenum, the first part of the small in - testine. Digestive enzymes are essential for the breakdown of food molecules into nutrients that can be absorbed and used by the body. Each enzyme is specific for a particular type of food and helps to break it down to simpler components. Examples: amylase breaks down car- bohydrates into glucose; protease breaks down protein into amino ac- ids; and lipase breaks down fat into fatty acids and glycerol. Without digestive enzymes the body would not be able to properly digest and absorb food, which could lead to malnutrition, deficien - cies, and other health problems. Digestive enzymes also help to pre - vent gastrointestinal discomfort such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Overall, digestive enzymes play a critical role in ensuring the body can efficiently extract nutrients from food, maintain digestive health, and support overall wellness. 3. Bile is a third important component of digestion. It is important for the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intes- tine. It breaks down large fat globules into smaller droplets (a process known as emulsification ), making it easier for lipase to digest it. Fat
Photo by VD Photography on Unsplash Because stomach acid acts as a barrier against harmful bacteria, having an HCl insufficiency can cause bacterial infections in the gut, causing these associated symptoms to develop. There are several rea- sons why achlorhydria occurs, but the most common are due to aging, usage of certain medications, and as a complication of autoimmune diseases. Pancreatic Insufficiency Digestive enzyme insufficiency, also known as pancreatic insuffi - ciency, occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes to break down and absorb food properly. It occurs as a result of pancreatitis, stress, some medications, and aging. The symptoms commonly associated include:
continued on page 30
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—15
Takoma Metaphysical Chapel
Sunday 11:00 Services now virtual at Zoom (81385184622) and Facebook Live. Other activities via conf. at 717-908-1636 (635833#) A Spiritual Community That Supports Your Individual Development
Imagine A Place Where…. Your beliefs are supported and embraced. Everyday events are explored from the physical, mental and spiritual perspective. Like-minded individuals support you in your spiritual journey. At the Takoma Metaphysical Chapel, you will find such a place. The Takoma Metaphysical Chapel is a growing community of people committed to spiritual growth and development resulting in transformation and emotional well-being. You’ll find uplifting services, you’ll feel the spirit of Love, and you’ll learn practical ways to put this energy to work for your greatest good. Relevant, Practical Themes. Teachings based on numerous “new thought” spiritual traditions that show you how to apply timeless spiritual principles in practical ways to navigate your life with more peace, joy and grace. Come As You Are Come experience uplifting music, meditation, prayer and messages designed to touch your heart and uplift your spirit. Experience wisdom from various spiritual traditions to heal your heart, mind and soul. The Takoma Metaphysical Chapel meets on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. on Zoom (Meeting Code 81385184622) and on Facebook Live.
Our Mailing Address Is: 1901 Powder Mill Road, Silver Spring, MD 20903
Classes and Workshops Include: ASK SPIRIT ANYTHING Mondays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom OPENING TO CHANNEL Thursdays at 7:30 pm via Zoom See website www.takomametaphysicalchapel.org for other classes, online support and more details. Many classes available via conference call also.
OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE: Wednesday Evening Healing/ Meditation Circles 7:15 – 8:30 p.m. via conf. 717-908-1636 (635833#) 3rd Sunday Goddess Circle 7:30 p.m via conf. 717-908-1636 (635833#) A Course In Miracles Calls M-F 6:55 a.m. via conf Sunday 9:30 a.m. via conf 717-908-1636 (635833#)
(301) 587-7200 • takomachapel@netzero.com www.takomametaphysicalchapel.org
16—PATHWAYS—Summer 23
Wheel of the Year, Summer Quarter: Toil and Play! SEASONAL INSIGHTS
BY LISA ADAMS The Wheel is ever turning and time marches onward, based on the movement of our Sun and its patterns of waxing and waning. We align ourselves to the rhythm of nature when we follow its cues. If ever we aren’t sure about our next steps in life, look to nature for answers. The Sun is at the peak of its power on Summer Solstice (June 21) after which the days begin to get a little shorter. Summer is time to fill our reserves, preparing ahead for harvest and winter. It shines light on life and brightens our outlook. During Summer months our agrarian ancestors would spend time daily observing and tending to their gardens and livestock. This was the time they work each day, maintaining or changing the plan ac- cording to the conditions they encountered. Many would work along - side their neighbors, helping with big projects, borrowing and lending tools to one another. On Solstice the tradition was to work in the fields during the day followed by a large community celebration to honor the longest day and celebrate their ongoing effort. Summer sees the Sun at its fullest — long hours of daylight and warmth imbuing nature with vital lifeforce energy. Photosynthesis peaks, vibrant green is everywhere, nature teems with life. How can we glean from these cues? At this point in the Sun cycle, we have planted our seeds — those things we wish to grow — literally and metaphorically. This includes our intentions. Now comes the toil of summertime. The Importance of Toil Toil is crucial to our wellbeing. It’s the work we do day-in and day-
out to live our lives, take care of responsibilities, move our agendas forward, and tend to those things we cherish. The things we do, the actions we take daily, are how Divine/Universal Energies (fill in with your preferred cosmology) recognize what is important to us. Every mundane task demonstrates our dedication to life — it’s the gritty, grounded, embodied living necessary to being a human in this 3D time-space continuum. continued on page 18
PATHWAYS—Summer 23—17
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