Natural Awakenings South Jersey

07/22/2025

RESCUING OLD ITEMS FOR GARDEN DÉCOR

Upcycling—the process of giving discarded or worn items new life—offers a sustainable alternative to wasteful consumption. By transforming ordinary objects into artistic creations, we can express our individuality and contribute to a more environmentally conscious society. The garden presents an ideal platform for upcycling because it allows us to repurpose obsolete items at low cost.

Whether we turn a rusty wheelbarrow into a flowerbed, salvage a thrift store teapot to use as a planter or rescue a well-worn table to become an outdoor potting station, our creativity can transform any outdoor space. Reviving haggard chairs and benches with vibrant colors or intricate designs elevates garden seating to new heights. Filling a retired bathtub or sink with plants, repurposing an unused clothing rack for hanging plants or turning a secondhand bookcase into a vertical garden are fun and surprising projects.

Repurposing Ideas
-For a touch of functional whimsy, fill chipped teacups with birdseed and hang them on tree branches
-Paint and decorate discarded tires, then fill them with plants.
-Use shutters and doors as garden dividers.
-Lean an old wooden or metal ladder against a tree and place potted plants on the rungs, or use it as a trellis against a garden wall.
-Position an old bike to support climbing clematis, roses, ivy or morning glories.
-Use scraps of wood, bricks or pallets to create a rustic walkway.
-Turn metal or enamel colanders into hanging planters with built-in drainage.
-Use a weatherproofed baby carriage or doll stroller to showcase potted flowers on a porch, under a tree or at the edge of a garden.
-Turn old stainless-steel cutlery or wooden kitchen utensils into wind chimes or mobiles.

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/22/2025

07/21/2025

07/21/2025

A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO GLP-1 RA TREATMENT NOURISHING THE WHOLE BODY

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), such as semaglutide and liraglutide, have become widely recognized for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss and blood sugar regulation. While these medications are undeniably pharmaceutical in nature—prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals—they also open a broader conversation about how we care for our bodies during transformative health journeys.

These drugs work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate appetite, insulin response and digestion. However, as with any medication, they may come with side effects—nausea, dehydration, constipation, muscle loss and changes in skin and bone health—that can disrupt the delicate balance of our body systems. This is where a holistic approach becomes essential.

Rather than simply managing symptoms with isolated solutions, holistic care addresses the body as an interconnected system—supporting emotional, physical and biochemical wellness through lifestyle, nutrition and mindfulness practices.

Here’s a brief comparison between common recommendations and more integrative options that nourish the body from the inside out:

One central theme in this approach is magnesium—a mineral that is involved in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. It supports digestive health, muscle recovery, nerve function, and even sleep quality, yet remains widely under-consumed. Supplementing with magnesium, particularly in the citrate or lactate form, and maintaining a balanced calcium-to-magnesium ratio (ideally 2:1) can enhance how our bodies tolerate and benefit from GLP-1 therapy.

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine



Activesr

07/19/2025

NAVIGATING GRIEF: HEALING AFTER THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE

The pain of losing someone we love is profound and life-altering. In an instant, our world can feel unrecognizable—turned upside down and inside out. Grief brings with it a complex mix of emotions: sadness, disbelief, anger, guilt and loneliness. While no two journeys through grief are alike, support, time and self-compassion can help us begin to process and find peace.

Bereavement refers to the period of mourning following a loss. During this time, emotions often feel overwhelming and unpredictable. Grief, the internal emotional response to loss, is deeply personal and can affect one’s mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Mourning, by contrast, is the outward expression of grief—often seen through rituals, memorials and shared remembrances. These customs serve to honor the departed and provide communal space for healing.

The renowned psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross identified five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. These stages are not linear, and individuals may move through them in different orders or revisit stages over time.

A key part of healing involves embracing the “3 C’s”: Communicate, Connect and Choose. Communicating with others about one’s grief—whether through conversation, journaling or therapy—helps release emotion and gain perspective. Connection, particularly with those that are supportive and compassionate, reminds us we are not alone. And choosing to stay engaged in life—even through small daily decisions—can restore a sense of control and purpose.

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/18/2025

TGIF. Your weekend starts HERE.

Before the errands, plans, and hustle take over, choose yourself first.
Roll out your mat. Move your body. Reset your energy.

Your Friday lineup at BPY:

🧘‍♀️ 9:15 AM – Vinyasa with Jenna
Strong, intentional movement to clear your head and open your weekend.

🧘 5:30 PM – BPY Flow with Megan
Our signature set vinyasa sequence to ground your body and calm your mind.

🤝 6:45 PM – BPY Launch with Chuck
$10 Community Class. Perfect for beginners, returning yogis, and anyone seeking connection without pressure.

Start your weekend intentionally.
Because how you begin sets the tone for everything that follows.

07/17/2025

HONEY PAPAYA YOGURT PARFAIT

Yield: 1 Serving

½ cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or fat-free)
½ cup papaya, diced
½ cup low-sugar granola
1 tsp honey

Add ¼ cup of yogurt to the bottom of a 12- or 16-ounce glass. Add most of the diced papaya and granola and a drizzle of honey to the glass. Layer on the remainder of the yogurt. Top with the remaining papaya, granola and honey.

**ARTICLE TO BE CONTINUED ON OUR WEBSITE**

👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/16/2025

FIND YOUR FLOW WITH FRESH FACES AT LIVE IN JOY

Live in Joy Yoga & Wellness—a small studio with a big heart in Audubon that is steeped in yoga and Ayurveda—is proud to celebrate the graduation of its latest 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) class. After months of dedicated study, practice and personal transformation, these students are stepping confidently into the world as new teachers—equipped not only with knowledge of asana, anatomy and yogic philosophy, but also with a deepened sense of purpose and connection.

“Our YTT program is more than a certification; it’s a journey of self-discovery rooted in community support and heart-centered teaching. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, each graduate has cultivated the tools to share yoga in an authentic and accessible way,” says co-owner and instructor Sharon Plower, E-RYT 500.

“Keep an eye out for new offerings at the studio—our graduates are excited to bring their passion to the mat through classes like vinyasa, yin and more,” exclaims Plower.

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/15/2025

BLENDING ANCIENT WISDOM WITH MODERN MEDICINE

Functional Health and Acupuncture Institute Expands into Holistic Dermatology

As more patients seek root-cause solutions to chronic health concerns, the Functional Health and Acupuncture Institute (FHAI), in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, continues to expand on its integrative model that combines the strengths of Chinese medicine with principles of functional medicine. Founded by Licensed Acupuncturist Glenn Gruby, the clinic has built a reputation for its patient-centered approach to dealing with pain as well as metabolic and digestive imbalances, and now, chronic skin conditions through a newly added specialty: holistic dermatology.

Gruby brings a unique background to his work. With a degree in engineering and early career experience in the pharmaceutical industry, he made a purposeful shift toward holistic health after studying Eastern culture and acupuncture in Korea. He later earned a master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and formal licensure in acupuncture. His practice is grounded in the belief that sustainable wellness is only possible when we understand and treat the root causes of illness—not just the symptoms.

The introduction of holistic dermatology is a natural extension of this philosophy. Chronic skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and alopecia areata are approached as manifestations of deeper internal imbalances. Rather than focusing solely on topical treatments or symptom suppression, FHAI examines the gut-skin axis, immune system activity, hormonal fluctuations and dietary triggers to guide individualized care plans. Gruby is a Certified Root Cause Dermatology Practitioner, which augments his TCM and functional medicine training to provide a unique, holistic approach to this specialized area of health.

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/14/2025

Live In Joy Yoga and Wellness

A new week offers new opportunities to stretch, connect, and breathe. ✨

We hope to see you this week!
🪷

07/14/2025

THE POWER OF OUTDOOR PLAY: EXPANDING A CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT WITH THE HELP OF MOTHER NATURE

Children are naturally curious. They ask questions, dig in dirt and chase butterflies—not because they have to, but because they are wired to explore. The outdoors acts as a rich learning environment, brimming with sensory experiences, challenges and discoveries. Numerous studies corroborate what many parents and educators already sense: Outdoor play is vital to a child’s physical, cognitive and emotional development.

“The simple act of walking barefoot on the earth, feeling the breeze or placing hands in the soil anchors children in the present moment, calming racing thoughts and settling restless bodies,” says Tara Beall-Gomes, a therapist, certified school counselor and founder of Main Street Counseling, in Connecticut.

A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology reported that children that spent more time in nature displayed improved executive functioning, which encompasses essential skills such as planning, decision-making and problem-solving. The researchers observed that even brief periods of unstructured outdoor play significantly boosted working memory and attention spans in young children.

“What I have found in my own life is that Mother Nature nurtures and heals,” says Terry Murphy, founder of The Healing Chickadee, a grief program for children. “The energy of the trees, flowers, shrubs and grass feeds our souls. My grandkids crave the outdoors, and it brings about a sense of wonder and a deep serenity.”

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👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

07/13/2025

FEEL THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES AT TRU WELLNESS

Tru Wellness, a holistic healing sanctuary in Swedesboro, is offering Reiki With Horses through October, weather permitting. This unique experience combines the calming energy of reiki with the intuitive presence of horses in a serene outdoor setting.

“Horses are incredibly sensitive animals,” says owner Natalie Morroni. “They can sense emotional imbalances and often approach people who are in need of comfort or healing. Their energy supports the reiki process in a deeply grounding way.”

According to Morroni, participants either sit or lie nearby as a practitioner channels reiki energy. Horses may naturally gravitate toward them, creating a calming and supportive environment. “The horse’s presence enhances the healing experience. It allows people to release stress and connect with their emotions in a powerful way,” she adds.

Morroni explains that the dynamic between horse and human can foster emotional healing, physical relaxation and a renewed sense of connection. “This kind of energy work can lead to profound transformation,” she says.

**ARTICLE TO BE CONTINUED ON OUR WEBSITE**

👉Read more on our website: www.nasouthjersey.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine