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PATHWAYS—Fall 23—3
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4—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
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PATHWAYS—Fall 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 Raj Awasthi Patricia Bonnard Carol Burbank Trish Hall Denise Horton Misty Kuceris Hiram Larew Anna MacLachlan Lisa Masé Jill Mattson Grant Pacernick Dahlia Rose Lisa Simms Booth Michael Tabor Pramela Thiagesan Lindsey Van Wagner
Book Reviews Alyce Ortuzar On The Cover MASS EXODUS II (AT MIDNIGHT) By Kristen Hayes-Campbell Circulation 15K copies by Pathways Staff FALL 23 Volume 48, Number 3 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:
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6—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fall 2023 — What’s Inside
PATHWAYS PROFILE Smith Center for Healing and the Arts: A Place for Healing, Community and Creativity .................9 By Lisa Simms Booth ACCESSING YOUR INTUITION Expanding Your Ability to Channel ....................................................................................................11 By Dahlia Rose YOUTH VOICES Youth-Led Activism in the DMV ........................................................................................................13 By Michelle Alonso, with Local Contributors TO YOUR HEALTH Menstrual Disorders Across the Age Spectrum: Recognizing Issues and Managing with Functional Medicine ...........................................................................................15 By Helena Amos, M.AC. L.AC., Euro. Physician ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS Fall 2023: Realizing Your Needs ........................................................................................................19 By Misty Kuceris GREEN NEWS & VIEWS Food Choices and Our Health ............................................................................................................23 By Michael Tabor TO YOUR HEALTH You Can Heal Yourself – 7 Ways to Take Charge and Do It Your Way .............................................34 By Patricia Bonnard MIND-BODY-SPIRIT Become a Spiritual Activist: End Prejudice, Demonstrate Peace ......................................................37 By Trish Hall WASHINGTON GARDENER Pollinator Plant Picks .........................................................................................................................62 By Kathy Jentz POWER OF POETRY World Food Day and Poetry’s Work to Alleviate Hunger ..................................................................64 By Hiram Larew ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE Creative Interventions: Social Change as Holistic Transformation .................................................67 By Carol Burbank TO YOUR HEALTH Organs, Seasons, and Systems: The Need for Food Rhythms .........................................................78 By Lisa Masé
Fall is the time of harvest in the Wheel of the Year, a solar-based agrarian model, and the season to take stock and express gratitude; by Lisa Adams. Page 28
Honing your manifesting practice is a process yielding abundance. Read more in Fall’s “Cultivating Compassion” from Pramela Thiagesan; edited by Cam MacQueen. Page 31
ON THE COVER: MASS EXODUS II (AT MID- NIGHT), by Kristen Hayes-Campbell. Artist profile, page 85 MORE RESOURCES FOR CREATIVE LIVING • Frequency Healing, by Jill Mattson - pg 69 • Search Beyond, Seek Within: Spice Up Your Practice by Creating Your Own Adventure! by Lindsey Van Wagner - pg 72 • Book reviews by Alyce Ortuzar: Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret , by Catherine Coleman Flowers; Ecothrifty: Cheaper, Greener Choices for a Happier, Healthier Life , by Deborah Niemann - pg 76 • Women and Wilderness: The Vision Quest as a Rite of Passage, by Denise Horton, Ed.M, PhD - pg 84 • Pathways Fall Natural Living Expo
JOIN US! PATHWAYS FALL EXPO & ONLINE MARKETPLACE SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2023, COLLEGE PARK, MD An Invitation From Your Pathways Team
The Pathways Fall Natural Living Expo and Online Marketplace — our premier Mind-Body-Spirit-Eco event in the DMV — is the most fun you can have in one day! You can expect 120+ booths, 40+ workshops, food trucks, ASL Interpretation service, and the fellowship of the Pathways Community. See the Preliminary Program in this issue, and follow us on social media for the latest updates. Join us to support local businesses with purpose and intention to keep resources in the communities where we live and work. Before then, peruse the Fall issue to get socially engaged and holistically healed. Our world is in a state of flux, and we are doing our part for positive change by featuring activism resources to get you involved, as well as healing resources to make sure you are your best self while you do so. It’s time to be the change you want to see. Will you answer the call?
Preliminary Program - pg 40 • Fall Events Calendar - pg 53 • Advertiser Index - pg 86
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—7
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8—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
PATHWAYS PROFILE
Smith Center for Healing and the Arts: A Place for Healing, Community and Creativity
viding a space for individuals to explore their creativity while navigat- ing health and life challenges. From painting to writing and poetry, these workshops empower participants to channel their emotions, find catharsis, and gain a renewed sense of purpose.
BY LISA SIMMS BOOTH In the heart of Washington, DC, in the historic U Street corridor, lies a serene oasis dedicated to promoting healing, wellness, and creativity — Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts offers respite from the pressures of daily life, serving as a sanctuary for a wide range of in- dividuals, from cancer patients and survivors to caregivers and those seeking solace, healing, and personal transformation. Established in 1996 by Barbara Smith Coleman, the center was born out of her own experience as a caregiver and cancer survivor, and her conviction that creative expression can play a vital role in the healing process. At the heart of Smith Center’s work is the belief that healing is a natural and often deeply personal process that can encompass the en- tire spectrum of our lives — physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Healing is different for everyone. It may mean a return to wholeness or the discovery of hope; to others it is a sense that “I will be alright, no matter what happens.” It can be a return of a sense of joy in life or a renewed sense of purpose despite difficult circumstances. For others it can offer a new or renewed sense of belonging in the world, or of a sense that somehow everything makes sense. Healing vs Curing There is an important dialogue that is taking place in medicine about the distinction between curing and healing. Curing is success- ful medical treatment. It is what the physician hopes to bring to the patient. Healing is broader, and comes from within. It is the inner process through which a person becomes whole. Curing affects the ill - ness, while healing affects the experience of the illness. A person en - gaged in healing work can make a significant transformation in their quality of life, and that itself can sometimes have a positive effect on outcome. Smith Center for Healing and Arts’ staff and facilitators work to help create the space for healing through support, community, and providing tools and techniques that promote life affirming changes. The work is rooted in the belief that everyone harbors innate capaci- ties for healing. We believe healing is always possible even when cur- ing is not. Smith Center Programs Through a diverse range of programs and workshops, the center seeks to meet the whole person needs of the community — the phys- ical, mental, emotional and spiritual. The programs are free or low cost so that money is never a barrier to having access to much needed support and care. Smith Center’s programs are focused on healing and embody the arts and creativity, community and support. The programs include: • The Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery , established in 2008, which embodies the deep belief in the healing power of expression through art. The Gallery, which hosts three to four public exhibitions a year, is dedicated to advancing an understanding of the power of the arts to unite, teach, build community, and heal. In addition to the DC location, a second location of the gallery is located at the Inova Schar Cancer Center in Fairfax, VA. [Image: SmithCtrGallery] • The Artist in Residence (AIR) program provides one-on-one art and creativity experiences, group classes, and musical performanc- es for patients, their families, and staff, in partnership with multiple cancer treatment centers and hospitals across the D.C. Metro Area. • In addition to the Gallery and the AIR program, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts offers an array of art-based workshops , pro-
• Health and Wellness: Smith Center for Healing and the Arts of- fers a wealth of integrative healing programs including mindfulness and meditation, healthy cooking, Yoga and movement, and stress re- duction classes, and creativity workshops. These programs are open to the public and help people cultivate resilience, manage stress, reduce anxiety, and nourish the body for holistic well-being.
• Cancer Support Programs: Recognizing the unique challenges faced by cancer patients and survivors, the Smith Center offers tai - lored programs that address the emotional and psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis. We provide professionally facilitated support groups, peer-led healing circles, retreats, and individual patient nav- igation. Through shared experiences and open dialogue, participants find camaraderie, empathy, and a sense of belonging. For twenty-seven years, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts has stood as a beacon of hope and support in the heart of Washington, D.C. Through its dedication to the transformative power of creativity and community, the center has become a sanctuary for those seeking healing, renewal, and personal growth. As the world continues to rec- ognize the vital role of the arts and community for overall well-being, the Smith Center’s legacy continues to shine and we hope to contin - ue to serve the DC area and beyond for years to come. For more in - formation visit www.smithcenter.org or call 202-483-8600.
Lisa Simms Booth is the Executive Director at Smith Center for Healing and the Arts. She also serves on the Board of Directors for both National Organiza- tion for Arts in Health and Commonweal.
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—9
Wanda Lasseter Lundy
Learning At Its Best!
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 Three: Advanced Program Inter-Dimension Well Being
Level Two: Core Program Activate your Intuition and Energy Pt. 1
By the end of this class, you will readily sense each dimension in which you exist, harness the energy in each, and integrate all of you into one fabulous, knowing being. We will cover: • What constitutes a dimension • Metaphysical vs conventional descriptions • Dimensional fields • Travel of consciousness between dimensions • Perception of alternate realities • Awareness of and integration of consciousness from all realities Date: September 16 & 17, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $350 if paid by September 2, $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* Level Four: New Courses Planetary Energy This class will help you discern the energy field of a planet and sense the earth consciousness as a being. You will learn: • to read the energy of countries and continents • to feel the rotation of the planet • to forecast planetary changes based on the path of evolving earth • to read the energy of other planets and sense the balance and communication between them Date: November 12, 2023 Time: 12:00 pm–6:00 pm Tuition: $150.00 if paid by October 29, $180.00 if later
Are you naturally empathic? Psychic? Open your intuitive gifts and change your life. Develop your natural psychic ability to collect information on anything, anywhere at any time. Learn how intuition works as a function of energy and how to become competent in the use of intuition. • Develop self-awareness to activate your intuition • Access inner knowing • Make faster and better decisions • Consciously activate your body’s psychic senses • Use intuition to sense and interpret energy as information • Sense your brain’s role in reading energy • Learn to use intuition on demand Learn, heal, and practice your new healing skills with many interactive exercises for yourself and with others. Date: September 23–24 or October 14–15, 2023, Time: 9:30 am–5:30 pm, 9:30 am–4:00 pm ONLINE & IN-PERSON Register: Wendy Wisner at 202-549-7954 or at wendy@radiantyou.com 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
10—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
ACCESSING YOUR INTUITION
Expanding Your Ability To Channel
ers a sense of meaning, or to provide purpose and direction for their lives. As human beings are asked to become more dependent on out- side sources for information and automation expands, what is not being discussed is how much this is pushing us away from our intu- ition and ability to receive messages from the Divine, our spiritual connections, and even the intuition that comes up within our bodies. However, with the expansion of technology and automation comes the freedom of creativity, as well as the ability to turn your attention to reconnecting with the wisdom of your body and expand your energy into a place of receptivity that includes channeling. Now more than ever, there is an importance to be able to intuit what is real and right for yourself in the face of artificial intelligence and a world leaning into chaos. The questions of “Who am I?” and “What am I here to accomplish?” ring louder than they ever have within the hearts of human beings at this stage of their evolution. Channeling one’s own insight and acting on that wisdom from a higher calling is
BY DAHLIA ROSE
Being a channel and the concept of channeling is something that has always been a part of mankind’s history. We can trace our con - nection to receiving Divine information all the way back to the ora - cles of Delphi in ancient Greece who gave up their mundane existence and families in order to sit in temples and give Divine information to distant travelers seeking support or inspiration for their path and purpose. Channeling predates written history as well. In other parts of the world, such as Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China, one could find a soothsayer, or person embodied to receive messages, to make de- cisions, predictions or warnings, or to make medicines for the sick; or one who was a conduit for healing energies that could support the community. These individuals and their communities knew that the importance of bringing connection and understanding of the spirits, gods, and ancestors was intimately woven into who we were as hu-
completely possible now. Amid all the chang- es taking place on a global scale, you have an opportunity to do more than just seek out the channel or the Oracle, but also to become one yourself. You may have found yourself already con- necting to the Divine and accessing informa - tion that changed the direction of your life, your decisions, and supported those around you. Becoming your own Channel carries the benefits of tapping into your source of person - al and universal truth for healing and growth. Imagine being able to define a connection for yourself. As you connect with divinity or oth- er beings, you will see how human connection can change, and how supportive boundaries are on all planes of existence. We are in the information age, and the most valuable tool we can cultivate is critical
man beings. And these individuals had their unique place within their societies. They were not tasked or burdened with labor of other kinds because everyone had their station and way of supporting the community individual- ly. Oracles and Channels were also thought to have been chosen for such a life. What is Channeling?
Channeling is the process of allowing energy or information to connect with your spiritual and physical body in a way that is then expressed verbally, energetically, artis- tically, or through movement that can alter your vibration or those around you. This is the art of connecting with higher realms of consciousness, transcending the limitations of the physical body, and tapping into the wisdom and guidance of spiritual entities, guides, and ascended beings. It is an ancient practice that has been utilized by various cultures and traditions throughout history. Learning to channel opens up a conduit of communication between you and these higher realms, providing access to insights and perspec- tives that go beyond the limitations of ordinary human perception. We also have the ability to channel our own ego or aspects of our pain. Because of this, it is important to pursue healing and balance. Human beings have a unique ability to consciously raise and lower the fre- quency of their energy. This ability allows us to connect with other life forms and frequencies that exist across the Universe. Channeling: Necessity and Opportunity in Today’s World With the industrial age came a full-force push away from focusing on the creative and only focusing on the analytical. Fast forward to now, and there is less dependence on the hunt, on community, and on your individual agricultural contributions because you can go to the store and pick up what you need when you need it. Our dependence on our own efforts, intuition, and gaining Divine insight has the potential to decrease more and more with every generation, and as automation increases. There are also socioeconomic implications that make the opportunity to choose the direction of your life outside of hard work even more challenging. This leaves space for a sense of meaningless- ness or drifting through life. The gift of the Oracle or Channel was the ability to bestow on oth-
thinking. Developing your inner Channel or Oracle can increase your critical thinking as information flows to you and through you. You will have the ability to analyze its meaning and to accept or discern the information in front of you. As that skill develops, your body and energy will become a barometer for the truth and deceit. You will also be able to increase discernment as you navigate the ability to deeply see, feel, and know other energies and beings as reflections of your - self and others. Channeling as a Practice of Healing Once you find a rhythm and a balance with your energy and the practice of channeling, there is a place where you can engage with being healed in the process of bringing through Divine messages. Consider that during the channeling process, information is moving through the Channel. The information moving through said Channel is energy. As that energy moves through the Channel’s physical body, the higher vibrational nature of the information begins to flood the Channel’s system, along with the room and potential people that may be participating in the process. Beyond the acquisition of wisdom and guidance, channeling also serves as a potent tool for transformation. When channeling, a sa- cred space is created that allows for the release of stagnant energies, emotional wounds, and limiting beliefs that hinder personal growth.
continued on page 71
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—11
12—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
YOUTH VOICES
Youth-Led Activism in the DMV
BY MICHELLE ALONSO, WITH LOCAL CONTRIBUTORS
In August 2023, a state judge in Montana ruled in favor of 16 young plaintiffs — climate advocates who range in age from 5 to 22 — in a landmark case and huge victory for climate activists everywhere. In Held v. State of Montana , District Court Judge Kathy Seeley ruled that the rights of the plaintiffs have been violated by the Montana En - vironmental Policy Act because the law has prevented the state from assessing the climate impacts of mining projects. In the nation’s first ruling on a constitutional, youth-led lawsuit regarding the climate, Seeley said fossil fuel emissions, including Montana’s, “have been proven to be a substantial factor” in heating the planet and causing pollution. Because the Montana Constitution guarantees residents a “clean and healthful environment,” the state’s environmental policy law violates the document, said Seeley. This latest climate win sets important legal precedence with poten- tial consequential effects on the hundreds of lawsuits that have been filed in the U.S. arguing against the continued extraction of fossil fu - els. And it is just the latest example of how youth activists are stepping up, taking charge, and organizing to protest — or protect — the many pressing issues that matter to them and will directly impact their, and future, generations. From sit-ins to walkouts, mutual aid groups to legal action, street protests to social media campaigns… youth-led activism has a long history in this country. We’ve seen a resurgence of momentum and high profile coverage, especially in the last decade. Gun violence, the climate crisis, racial injustice, LGBTQIA+rights, and threats to our democracy are just some of the issues fueling the fervor of our young people, who are leading movements to make change happen. They harness technology to break down barriers, rally forces, communicate messages, and stay connected. Young people need to be given agency to help shape the course of their future on this planet. When they are engaged with their peers and in their own voices, they can channel their collective energy to- ward positive action and hopefully make a difference in the world they are going to inherit. And the adults in their lives must encourage and support them to think globally, act locally. Youth activism in the DMV is no exception. Area youth are living in the shadow of Washington, DC, arguably one of the most powerful cities in the world, where they are steeped daily, if not directly affected by the nation’s most pressing challenges. We reached out to several youth-led activist groups to see what they are doing locally to address these concerns; and to give them an opportunity to share their mis- sions in order to help support them. We received a few direct respons- es from area organizations, who range from advocating for commu - nity public safety to spotlighting issues through student films, and to coalition-building in order to shape public policy. We also highlight a few additional groups who are active in our region. This is by no means exhaustive, just one small way to start. Better Planet 4 Kids: Youth Advocates for Safety BY RAJ AWASTHI Better Planet 4 Kids (BP4K) is a non-profit organization found - ed by myself, a rising Freshman (headed to Montgomery Blair High School’s STEM Magnet Program), and my sister, Parnika Awasthi, a rising 5th grader (heading to Lakewood Elementary School). The or - ganization raises awareness regarding problems faced by the youth of
Raj & Parnika in front of proposed road improvements
today, and leads projects that bring kids from different communities together to address these issues. Around six months ago, our organization launched a campaign, “Safer Roads 4 Kids”. The campaign addressed the primary safety con - cern for “T intersection blind spots on roads near elementary schools and children’s parks in Rockville (Wootton Parkway neighborhood)”. For kids in the neighborhood heading to school or the park, it’s diffi - cult to be sure that no vehicles are approaching as they cross the road. Speaking with other children and parents further revealed the prob- lem, as there are few to no signs (speed limit, yield, etc.) present to slow the vehicles near residential areas. As part of the initiative, we partnered with the City of Rockville and the Mayor’s Council — especially with Councilmember Mark Pierzcha - la and Councilmember Beryl Feinberg — as well as with the Rockville Pedestrian Advocacy Committee to discuss the issue at length. Due to our efforts, the City of Rockville has conducted several Pedestri - an Safety Studies of key intersections to improve the traffic situa - tion. During the month of June 2023, city staff went into the field to measure the pedestrian island, and made the outlines of the improve- ments. Shortly after the plans and specifications for the construction are complete (finding value design options, cost-saving strategies, fea - sibility, etc.), the County will begin the construction process! For next steps, our team will be meeting with Lakewood Elementa- ry School principal Dr. Ebony-Nicole Kelly to discuss potential envi - ronmental opportunities in the school during the coming school year. Join Us! Along with our ongoing efforts, we are also looking to expand our organization and looking for new projects to focus on! For any ques - tions or interest in joining, please contact us at: betterplanet4kids@ gmail.com.
Website: www.betterplanet4kids.org/ Twitter: @btrplanet4kids Youtube: www.youtube.com/@BetterPlanet4Kids
continued on page 73
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—13
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: SPIRIT SPEAKS ON PAST/POST/ FUTURE LIVES Mondays at 7:30 p.m. via Zoom HEALING FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. 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
14—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
Menstrual Disorders Across the Age Spectrum: Recognizing Issues and Managing with Functional Medicine BY HELENA AMOS, M.AC., L.AC., EURO PHYSICIAN TO YOUR HEALTH
gether during menopause. • Menopause-related disorders: Menopause can bring about various symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and mood changes, just to name a few. These symptoms are caused pri- marily due to declining hormone levels. PMS, Menorrhagia and PCOS: An In-Depth Look It is fair to say that a large percentage of women who have had or are having a menstrual cycle will experience at least one or more associated disorders within the duration of her reproductive lifespan. Of the disorders listed here, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Menor - rhagia, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) are three of the most prevalent, and are therefore worth discussing more in depth. Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) From mild to acute, PMS is experienced in varying degrees by the majority of menstruating women. According to recent established studies available through the NIH National Library of Medicine on global and regional prevalence rates, an estimated 90% of females of reproductive age were impacted by mild to acute premenstrual symp-
One of the most complex, varied, mysterious and misunderstood components of women’s health is the reproductive cycle. And this is a source of great frustration and concern considering half of the plan- et’s population was born with a female reproductive cycle; and for the majority of women, it lasts three-quarters of their lifespan. Start- ing with puberty and sexual maturity, through childbearing years to postpartum sexual activity, and waning with menopause and aging, these components are regulated by environmental, genetic, physiolog- ic, hormonal, behavioral, and psychosocial factors, which means that each woman’s experience is almost entirely unique. Given how multifaceted the female reproductive cycle is, using a functional medicine approach to address related disorders makes good healthcare sense. Functional medicine (FM) takes a holistic view, aiming to identify and treat the root causes of health concerns in order to assess specific imbalances, determine appropriate treat - ments, and monitor progress over time. It’s an extremely flexible and individualized form of care, ideal for reproductive health disorders that can occur at any time across a huge age spectrum. Let’s consider the applications more closely. Common Menstrual Concerns By Age Group Menstrual period disorders can occur at any age, and their char - acteristics and causes may differ depending on the age group. Here is a description of common menstrual period disorders for young, mid- dle-aged, and mature age. Young Age (adolescence to early 20s) • Dysmenorrhea: This refers to severe menstrual cramps often ex- perienced during the teenage years. It can be primary (without any underlying condition) or secondary (caused by conditions like endo - metriosis or fibroids). • Amenorrhea: This condition occurs when a young woman misses her period for several months. It can be due to factors like extreme weight loss, excessive exercise, or conditions affecting the reproduc - tive system. • Irregular periods: Teenagers often experience irregular menstru- al cycles during the first few years after menarche. This can lead to unpredictable bleeding patterns. Middle-aged (late 20s to early 50s) • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): This hormonal disor- der is common in this age group, leading to irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and hormonal imbalances. • Heavy or prolonged periods (menorrhagia): Excessive bleeding or periods lasting longer than usual can occur due to hor- monal imbalances, uterine fibroids, or other underlying conditions. • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Some women experience physical and emotional symptoms like bloating, fatigue, body & head- aches, mood swings, and/or breast tenderness, a few days or weeks before their period. Mature Age (late 40s and beyond) • Perimenopause and Menopause: As women approach meno- pause, they may experience irregular periods, lighter or heavier flow, or longer gaps between periods. Eventually, menstruation ceases alto-
Illustration 87710530 © Anna Odintsova | Dreamstime.com
toms. Among them, about 20% to 40% encounter PMS, while 2% to 8% experience PMDD, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder — a more severe type of PMS. Although the exact cause of PMS is not fully un - derstood, various elements can contribute to its development. Here are some common causative factors and a functional medicine ap- proach to its treatment: 1. Hormonal Imbalances: Fluctuations in estrogen and proges- terone levels during the menstrual cycle can contribute to PMS symp - toms. FM aims to rebalance hormone levels by addressing underlying factors such as impaired liver detoxification, adrenal imbalances, or disrupted feedback loops within the hormonal system. Treatment may involve hormone support, herbal remedies, or lifestyle modifications. 2. Nutritional Deficiencies: Certain nutrient deficiencies can contribute to PMS symptoms. FM emphasizes a nutrient-dense diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Specific nutrients that may be targeted include magnesium, B-vitamins, vitamin D, and
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PATHWAYS—Fall 23—15
TO YOUR HEALTH
Menstrual Disorders... ...continued from page 15
modifications, dietary changes, supplements, and other targeted in - terventions to address your unique imbalances and improve overall well-being. Excessive Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia) Data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is one of the most common problems women report to their doctors. It affects more than 10 million American women each year, meaning about one out of ev - ery five women has it. Menorrhagia can have several causative factors. Here are some of the most common and a functional medicine ap- proach to treating each one: 1. Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones are a key player in so much that’s involved with the reproductive cycle. Imbalances in es - trogen and progesterone levels can lead to abnormal uterine bleeding. FM focuses on rebalancing hormone levels by addressing underlying factors such as disrupted feedback loops, impaired liver detoxification, or adrenal imbalances. Treatment may involve hormone support, nu- tritional interventions, herbal remedies, or lifestyle modifications. 2. Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus called fibroids can cause heavy menstrual bleeding. Nutritional approaches, supplements, or hormonal support may be involved in any treatment designed to reduce the size of fibroids or alleviate symptoms. 3. Endometriosis: Endometriosis is a condition where the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, leading to heavy bleeding. FM aims to address inflammation, hormonal imbal - ances, and gut health imbalances that can contribute to endometriosis symptoms. This may involve dietary modifications, anti-inflammatory continued on page 80
omega-3 fatty acids. Supplementation might be recommended if defi - ciencies are identified. 3. Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in the body can worsen PMS symptoms. FM focuses on identifying and addressing sources of inflammation, which might include a poor diet, gut health imbalances, or environmental toxins. Anti-inflammatory dietary modifications, gut healing protocols, and targeted supplements might be recommended. 4. Gut Health Imbalances: Disruptions in gut health, including imbalances in gut bacteria (dysbiosis) or leaky gut, can contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalances that exacerbate PMS symp - toms. FM aims to improve gut health through specialized diets (such as the Low FODMAP or Specific Carbohydrate Diet), probiotics, pre - biotics, and gut-healing nutrients. 5. Stress and Adrenal Function: Chronic stress can affect hormone balance and worsen PMS symptoms. FM emphasizes stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, Yoga, and adaptogen herbs to support adrenal health and improve stress re- sponse. 6. Detoxification Support: Supporting the body’s detoxification pathways, specifically the liver, is important for hormone metabolism and elimination. This may involve dietary modifications, liver-sup - portive supplements, and practices like saunas or dry brushing. 7. Individualized Treatment: It’s essential to consult with a qualified functional medicine practitioner who can assess your spe - cific health profile and develop an individualized treatment plan for your PMS symptoms. They will combine diagnostic testing, lifestyle
16—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—17
October 8, 2023 Pathways Expo and Workshop Science of the Initiates in the light of the Age of Aquarius By Carmen Froment: Editor, Author and Coordinator of e Aquarian Team ( eAquarianTeam.com)
• Nutrition:
food is a love letter from the Earth and the Creator
• Reincarnation: based on the cosmic moral laws • Sexuality:
applying polarity to live a balanced & harmonious life
These three topics concern each and every one of us. The workshop will examine them in the light of the Science of the Initiates, based on the Teachings of Master Omraam Mikhael Aivanhov. Emphasis will be on applying these insights to prepare ourselves for the coming solar civilization in line with the energies of Aquarius.
Omraam Mikhaël Aïvanhov (1900–1986) was a Bulgarian-French philosopher, spiritual teacher, and author, emphasising the importance of self-improvement, inner transformation, and the harmony between humans and between humans and nature. He focused on topics like meditation, virtues, and the unity of all existence. Through his lectures and books, he offered guidance on living a balanced, meaningful life, fostering a deep connection with the Divine and embracing universal principles.
Carmen was trained in the USA as a yoga teacher. She discovered the esoteric teaching of Master Omraam Michael Aivanhov in the 1970s. She then integrated the practical methods of his Teaching while continuing her airline career. See her interview from Lilou Mace’s Web TV on tinyurl.com/ CarmenFroment. Now co-author of three books, she is a motivational speaker and teaches the sacred dance called Paneurhythmy.
Receive the latest book of The Aquarian Team with your participation in our workshop at the Natural Living Expo, October 8!
18—PATHWAYS—Fall 23
ASTROLOGICAL INSIGHTS
Fall 2023: Realizing Your Needs
BY MISTY KUCERIS
Fall is often a time when the energies start shifting from adventure and discovery to preparation and renewal. During the summer months you want to wander. Yet by fall you start feeling winter is around the corner and you want to prepare for the shift of weather. For those of you who are gardeners, you realize this is the time to prepare for the harvest and dormancy of your crop. For others, you feel the need to think about the start of school, return to work, and other activities that mean spending more time indoors. While feeling these shifts is common, this year you will feel it a bit more than other years. Although this fall quarter and the month of September start with Mercury in retrograde motion, the real shifts you feel are caused by Venus in Leo turning from retrograde to direct on September 3rd, and Jupiter in Taurus moving from direct to retrograde motion the very next day. Venus went retrograde on July 22nd, and Jupiter will be retrograde from September 4th until December 30th. Retrograde motion always represents that time period where you need to slow down, take a breath, and evaluate circumstances and at- titudes surrounding the energies of the planet in retrograde. Often it’s difficult to start something new that relates to the energies of the ret - rograde planet. Sometimes something from the past comes back into your life because it was left undone and now needs to be completed. The energy of Venus tends to surround love, passion, relationships, finances, spending and savings. When Venus is in Leo, you want to be generous in your dealings with both relationships and finances. You also want other people to acknowledge your talents and skills as well as your generosity. When Venus in Leo was retrograde, you may have realized that sometimes people took advantage of your generosity. Or, perhaps you were too extravagant in your spending and you found it was time to start a savings program.
Illustration © Alioshin | Dreamstime.com
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Join us for an ECKANKAR Soul Adventure in your local area: MD: eckankarmaryland.org VA: eck-va.org
PATHWAYS—Fall 23—19 7/15/23 9:32 AM
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