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Lifestyle Tag

Mind KEY / Posts tagged "Lifestyle"
remedies for seasonal affective disorder

Remedies for SAD, just in time for the Holidays

By Claybourne DiCosmo During the holidays, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can hit hard. Many who are afflicted can feel sun-starved and isolated. Remedies for seasonal affective disorder can help as you bob and weave through those feelings. Found friends, good family, therapy lamps and sleep/wake regulation. SAD is no undefeated weed nor beast, it can be tamed and the mental health garden one has cultivated will be prepared for the coming spring. Remedies for seasonal affective disorder Some people don’t understand how many people are affected by this seasonal depression. In a 2016 article published in Psychology Today, Dr. Marlynn Wei, board-certified Harvard and Yale-trained psychiatrist and yoga teacher said, “For about 3 percent of people, this mood downturn is so severe that they have something called seasonal...

Create boundaries for toxic family holiday survival

Dealing with a toxic family during the holidays

The phrase ‘in-laws’ can send a chill up many spines. A survey by Porch shows only 47% of in-laws get along with each other. But it doesn’t have to be in-laws that you’re at odds with. Extended family members could also push your buttons, which is totally normal. No family is perfect. Because dealing with toxic family members over the holidays (or anytime) is a topic that doesn’t ever really go away, we’ve decided to bring back our surviving holidays with toxic family guide just in time for those dinners and get-togethers you just can’t seem to avoid.  Keep reading to learn more on how to keep toxic family at bay and stay (mentally!) healthy this holiday season. The surviving holidays with toxic family guide Holidays can be...

Make your own yogurt

Make your own homemade yogurt (in a cooler!)

by Karen Talbot, Wild Gardener When I was a young hippie mom in the early 1970’s, I looked for frugal ways to cut expenses and feed my family. Cooking from scratch, making clothes, baking bread, and growing vegetables are some examples. I wanted to learn to make your own yogurt, since my family liked it so much. It is a healthy fermented food that could even be strained to make a simple cheese. Everything I read at the time seemed to describe a finicky process and required a special thermometer to maintain the temperature. Product pages in the back of magazines advertised an electric yogurt machine with little plastic cups that did everything for you, but it was an expense I couldn’t afford. The good news...

prepare your body for winter

Prepare your body for winter with these tips

By Marla Funez Winter is coming, and with it comes a higher risk of contracting viruses and diseases that attack your immune system. Science shows that there are many ways to prepare your body for winter based upon how you treat it. The simplest way to combat these risks starts with your diet and good self-care. Get your body ready for the coming winter months with these tips boosting and supporting your immune system. The science behind immunity preparation Many factors we cannot control, like genetics or economic situation can affect our health. Investing in a strong immune system to prevent viruses and disease may be an upfront investment, but will turn a larger profit in the long run. Knowing how to prepare your body for winter is...

Winter immunity tips for body, mind and soul

Strengthen body, mind & soul with these winter immunity tips

by Cris McCullough With winter comes a new slew of stressors. The holidays, shorter days, cold weather, midterms and flu season all combine with other life stressors of the season to create weakened immune systems. Boosting immunity isn’t as simple as taking a supplement, not when so many factors come into play. These winter immunity tips go beyond the common and cover all aspects of one’s mental and physical well being with a focus on body, mind and spirit. Good health is more than just a healthy body Chiropractor, Dr. Michael Gottfried reiterates the importance of each individual’s body, mind, spirit connection in addressing immunity.  “Think in terms of enhancing your mind, body, and spirit (known as psychoneuroimmunology),” he said. “Try some of the following suggestions and see what...

fall garden prep

Your fall checklist for winter garden prep

By Danielle Rose Summer is officially over, and although the changing leaves are stunning to watch, as they drop we’re left with a growing to-do list in the garden. First frost is generally a good guideline for completing any unfinished fall garden prep (and some can even wait until after), but the more that can be completed beforehand, the better. Our autumn checklist of items that absolutely need to be done before the first hard freeze, courtesy of Glenwild Garden Center, will help create a yard that’s beautiful and healthy come the spring thaw.  Overwintering container gardens If your houseplants or tropicals are still outside, now is the time to bring them in if you want to save them (and haven’t already done so). First, deadhead the flowers...

november 2022 full moon report

A Taurus lunar eclipse brings change this November

By Oneyda Salazar The 8th is the full moon lunar eclipse in Taurus and the energy of this is going to be really uncomfortable. The days leading up to this eclipse will be chaotic because Scorpio-ruled Mars will be in retrograde motion in Gemini. Keep reading to learn more in our November 2022 full moon report Polar opposites rile the emotions You must be wondering what Mars has to do with Taurus. Well, traditionally Mars rules Scorpio and it amplifies the emotional state of the Scorpio. What does this mean for the full moon in Taurus? It means emotions will be running amok. Scorpio and Taurus are polar opposites and where Scorpio doesn't mind showing, telling, and making you feel how they feel, Taurus will have you wondering...

november 2022 astrology report

A Change in Direction: November’s astrology report

By Oneyda Salazar November offers the change direction we all desperately need. Since the beginning of this year we have all been experiencing intense change. Life isn’t the same anymore and it will continue to be like this. Many welcome November with hesitation and the awareness that we are in Scorpio season. Fortunately, many planets have stationed direct, facilitating the much needed change of direction in our lives. So many were resisting these changes. Hopefully, you adjusted and didn’t resist too hard because the real fun is here. Keep reading for your November 2022 astrology report.  The full moon on Taurus on November 8th is also an eclipse, which will bring lots of uncomfortable energy. The days leading up to the full moon will feel particularly chaotic...

Comic books are educational

Nourishing the next generation of creators: an interview with Wayne Quakenbush

By Sabrina Rabidoux with Cris McCullough Nourishing and inspiring the creators of tomorrow Our student intern this year has been Sabrina Rabidoux, assisting Mind Key with our social media outreach. Sabrina is a student at The Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center (The MET), an innovative high school whose mission is to help students discover their interests and passions and support their journey to achieving their goals through mentoring and internships. Sabrina is also a talented graphic artist in her own right, and a prime example that shows how comic books are educational. I thought she might enjoy meeting one of Newport’s long standing icons in the art scene, Wayne Quakenbush, owner of The Annex Comics on Broadway in Newport, RI. My own kids went to the...

Simple stylish outfits

Create simple, stylish outfits with these six fashion staples

By Sidra Sadaqat On-the-go dressing is an artwork. Sure, you may pull in your favorite pair of leggings and throw on your favorite outsized puffer jacket and call it a day; however, where’s the fun in that? Instead, I discovered that first-rate comfortable style for ladies features both style and function that’s essential to feeling and performing your best, wherever you are. If it seems challenging to put together simple, stylish outfits, today I’m sharing six fashion staples that you probably already own. The key to pulling together comfortable and stylish on-the-go outfits in 2022 is to pair the pieces you own and love with some sparkling updates for the brand new year. A new blazer looks first-rate layered over your favorite colorful turtleneck, for instance. Or,...

Bonsai meditative art

Nourishing nature and Bonsai at the National Arboretum

By: Cris McCullough On a recent trip to our nation’s capital, I discovered a hidden gem among the many museums and attractions of Washington, D.C. The National Bonsai and Penjing Museum at The National Arboretum contains miniature masterpieces of this extraordinary horticultural art. The Chinese art of penjing and the Japanese art of bonsai use woody plants in shallow containers as a medium to portray the natural growth habit of ancient trees in the landscape. These are living sculptures which require continual care, nourishment, and training to maintain their artistic design, and it’s also an example of bonsai meditative art, which can be used for nourishing ourselves. The museum’s collection began in 1976 with a gift of 53 bonsai trees from Japan to commemorate the United States...

downshifting

Struggling with work-life balance? A downshifting lifestyle might be your answer

By: Sierra Vandervort I first became self-employed when I was 24. In a pre-pandemic world, I was creating an online membership platform for content on yoga & spirituality. I received well-meaning comments like “you’re doing so much” or “you’re totally killing it” from those who saw my work on the outside. And on some days, I felt like I was killing it. When I felt extra inspired, productive, or enterprising - I felt on top of the world. But more often than not, I felt burnt out, haphazard and totally overwhelmed. It wasn’t until I discovered the downshifting lifestyle that I realized what was wrong. What’s the big deal? I had “made it,” so to speak. I was doing what I loved, and I was making money....

practices for digital detox

Need a break from your screen? Try one of these simple practices for digital detox

By: Sierra Vandervort Ever heard of a digital detox? It’s a growingly popular phrase in the modern wellness industry, and simply means you’re in need of a good unplugging from your devices and digital workload. In our constantly digitally-wired world, it’s easy to see the need. In a fast-paced world, finding time to give your brain a break and let your thoughts come and go is more important than ever. If you need a break from your screen, it may be beneficial to try one of these simple practices for digital detox. The effects of our screens According to a 2017 study on the connection between productivity and cell phones, we’re less productive, inspired and creative when we’re in constant data-consumption mode. Even during the transitional moments of...

Live music for health

Live music for health: how dancing and live events can boost your mental health

By: Katie Sipes The growth provided by music is hard to track on a chart. Fortunately, we can acknowledge how we, as people, have benefited individually. The nourishment provided by live music is not that of typical sustenance, but it is spiritually fulfilling. According to a 2013 article published on the neurochemistry of music, the environment of concerts and music festivals alone provides dopamine and serotonin while also introducing us to new people and places. And this is just one of the ways in which live music can be beneficial for your health. Finding nourishment through music and dancing is intuitive to all of us. By investing our energy into experiences like these, we’re given back what we put in tenfold. We recharge ourselves in ways...

Replenish yourself in the Hudson Valley, NY

Replenish yourself with things to do in the Hudson Valley

By Joseph Gonzalez The summer is generally known for relaxation, and it seems many of us need to relax more than ever nowadays According to a survey done by Princess Cruises, many Americans only spend an hour a day relaxing, which seems miniscule compared to the amount of work we put into our jobs, family life, and other things. If we plan on living our lives happily and with as little stress as possible, then it would help to have at least one method of relaxation; I can tell you first-hand that this is possible in the Hudson Valley. The Daily Key has covered cool things to do in the Hudson Valley before, but this time, we’ll look at some places that’ll require minimum effort to...

The benefits of adopting two kittens

Explore the benefits of adopting two kittens

By Jordana Mross The Daily Key is introducing a new theme to go along with every issue: pet articles! According to a survey done by Forbes Advisor, 78% of pet owners acquired a new pet during the pandemic. With working from home becoming a norm, more and more people are bringing fur babies into their homes to accompany them. The Daily Key thinks it’s crucial for pet owners to know not only what they’re getting into if they’re considering getting another pet, but also the benefits of adopting two kittens as well. Benefits of adopting two kittens It is already common knowledge that everyone loves kittens. How could you not? They’re sweet, fun, playful, and absolutely adorable! When kitten season comes along each year, many shelters, rescues, and...

non-body self-care

7 Non-body self-care practices that can totally reset your mood

By: Ryan Ashley When most people hear the term ‘nourishment’ their mind usually goes straight to thoughts of food or their bodies. But did you know that there are a ton of ways to feel nourished in your life without thinking about your body or what’s going into it? So many of us have had some kind of stress or trauma relating to those two things, so here’s a list of nourishing practices that will feed your mind and soul – leaving your body out of it. Here’s a list of non-body self-care practices that will feed your mind & soul. Seven non-body self-care practices that have nothing to do with your body 1. Clean Your Spaces If you’ve never noticed how you feel after cleaning your home or...

Edible milkweed for butterflies

Milkweed: A Source of Nourishment for Pollinators, Monarchs, and Humans

By: Karen Talbot, The Wild Gardener Botanical Sanctuary Gardeners and foragers like me have been encouraged to plant milkweed if they have space. Why? Not only is this plant phenomenal for hosting bees and other pollinating insects, but also because it’s the only source of food for the lovely monarch butterflies. And did you know that milkweed is also edible? According to the American Botanical Council (Mader, p.38), Native American tribes have valued this plant for food, medicine, and fiber. There are over 100 plants in this family, the common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is the one I’m talking about here and it’s indigenous to the eastern U.S. where I live. Edible milkweed for butterflies is not hard to grow at all, and I’ve been doing it...

Building a summer reading habit

Summer reading: Nourishment for mind and soul

by Josephine Belliveau Whether you’re a student, a parent, or an employee, things tend to slow down the longer the sun stays in the sky. It’s the break we all need! While we relax and plan beach trips, we’re nourishing our bodies with joy and rest. Just as important as our bodies, our mind and souls need fulfillment too. Summer reading can easily accommodate both of those things. Maybe you’re already an avid reader that already has a list of good books at the ready. If not, don’t give up on this chapter yet. You’re not alone. According to the Washington Post, a survey from the Bureau of Labor Statistics says that Americans read for pleasure 30% less since 2004. In this multimedia world, it’s hard...

Anshi Transdermal Rubs

ANSHI Transdermal Rubs: Simple, natural and effective

The Mind Key editorial team Janelle Noble Donovan created ANSHI Transdermal Rubs after spending countless hours with her daughter at the hospital. Through her various bouts of illness, Janelle found that natural, topical solutions were a powerful way to aid in her daughter’s healing. Now her natural, handmade healing rubs have made their way into beloved vanities across the country. Donovan’s coveted ANSHI turmeric rub is cited on their webpage as “the first topical turmeric for health & beauty.” We had a few writers from The Daily Key give ANSHI a try, and share their experiences. About Anshi Transdermal Rubs “We believe in the power of natural ingredients, and we know that they can gently and effectively speed up the time it takes for your skin to heal,”...

Non-allergenic transdermal healing

ANSHI’s heart-centered approach to non-allergenic transdermal healing

By Danielle Rose Anshi means God’s gift in ancient Sanskrit. Janelle Noble Donovan, co-founder and CEO of ANSHI, was giving a gift to her daughter when she first started the company. What started as a few homeopathic remedies has now blossomed into a full line of non-allergenic transdermal healing medicine. “We believe in the power of natural ingredients, and we know that they can gently and effectively speed up the time it takes for your skin to heal,” Janelle said. Together with her good friend, Victoria, Janelle created ANSHI after spending many hours at the hospital, over a number of different occasions, with her young daughter, Regan. Her daughter’s needs while hospitalized varied. Sometimes she needed more fat and minerals, sometimes she needed to recover faster, and...

easy curbside composting in RI

Clean Ocean Access’s mission helps both land and sea with natural remedies

By Danielle Rose Newport, Rhode Island, “The City by the Sea,” has a history that is inexorably tied to Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Clean Ocean Access (COA) is an environmental organization with a mission to educate local communities to engage in more environmentally responsible habits. They bring awareness to how our actions on land affect our waterways. The link between the health of land and the health of the sea begins with people; easy curbside composting in RI is the key to helping the environment. Through a concerted plan of action, COA is bringing awareness to our community. Compost: from garbage to garden, a zero waste initiative Compost is decayed or rotting organic material (such as plants) that returns nutrients back to the soil for plants...

Social media alternatives

Four social media alternatives for small business owners

by Danielle Rose In a tumultuous digital world, social media fatigue is running high these days. Unfortunately, business owners and small organizations often rely on social media to help their businesses succeed. This isn’t ideal for everyone. On the vast wide web, there are endless options for everything, even social media. Perhaps there are some social media alternatives for businesses as well.  Not everyone can be on social media Social media, be it Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, or any of the other dozens of growing open-platform sites, are household terms these days. A 2013 Pew Research report found that 97 percent of organizations have a social media profile. Many of these companies utilize the pages for marketing efforts. Although there were no available statistics on the matter,...

The MET High School

How the MET High School helped a trans student find acceptance

Introduction by Cris McCullough In 1995 the Metropolitan Regional Career and Technical Center (The MET) opened its doors in Providence, RI. It was the creation of two transformative thinkers and educators, Dennis Littky and Eliot Washor. They had a vision to redesign education in a way that, “put students at the center of their own learning.” As it’s blossomed, The MET High School has become a space for acceptance, community and encouragement. One of the driving philosophies of The MET is making sure students feel part of a culture in an environment that cultivates an, “everyone knows everyone” climate, and puts learners at the center of the educational experience. Ours was a happily homeschooled family. But I realized my three very precocious kids needed more opportunity. The MET...

finding inspiration in others

On being a Creative: Finding inspiration in others

By Josephine Belliveau Art, in all of its mediums, is individual in every way. No two people interpret it the same, and no artist creates with the same mind. There is only one thing that all art has in common, and it is that every piece is inspired and inspiring. For me, the most crucial beginning to my creative journey was finding inspiration in others. Psychologist Andrew J. Elliot writes for Harvard Business Review that, “The heights of human motivation spring from the beauty and goodness that precede us and awaken us to better possibilities.”   Art encourages us to see beauty in the mundane or unpleasant aspects of life. Consuming it gives us the power to interpret it into our own context and see that we are not...

Reaching students in the classroom 1

On reaching students in the classroom: Leave them room to bloom

by Darren Cooper Sometimes, reaching students in the classroom seems nearly impossible. Ever wonder why teachers do it? Why they put up with the immaturity, the bureaucracy and the lunacy? It’s for those a-ha moments. That moment of bloom, that moment of joy and excitement when a child, young or old, has their mind opened to a new concept, or a new thought. These teaching tips for new teachers will help bring on those lightbulb moments by offering tips on how to inspire students and how to get students engaged.  “There is nothing like the look in the eyes of a child when you see they are starting to understand what you’re teaching,” said long-time Essex County teacher Chrystine Gaffney. “Those moments don’t happen every day, but...

Bloom into a career change

Discover what’s possible with a successful career shift

By Joseph Gonzalez Your job should be something you enjoy. If you’re someone that works full-time, 40 hours a week, it’s not ideal or healthy to be looking at the clock every 5 minutes, constantly wondering when it’s 5 p.m. Unfortunately, this seems to be reality for a lot of people. According to a Gallup world poll, only 15% of people worldwide feel “engaged” at their job.  If you’re one of the many people that feel either unhappy or dissatisfied with work, and you’ve exhausted the possibilities within your current employment, perhaps it’s time to consider the first steps of a career change. The paradigm is shifting, and while it was once considered career suicide to shift jobs midway through your journey, today that’s no longer...

Rhode Island time capsules

Roger Williams Park Zoo & People’s Credit Union celebrate anniversaries with a time capsule

Intro by Cris McCullough Last month, two iconic Rhode Island Institutions—Roger Williams Park Zoo and People’s Credit Union—celebrated landmark birthdays. In a serendipitous alignment, both brands chose to celebrate the big day with Rhode Island time capsules. It’s a way for both institutions to commemorate their achievements and celebrate their history. In a sense, both Roger Williams Park Zoo and People’s Credit Union are honoring their past by anticipating the future. Memories and Rhode Island time capsules Back in 1872, in a park designed by famed landscape designer William Law Olmstead, a zoo was established to entertain and educate the people. I remember it back in the 1950’s when it consisted of caged animals scattered across the scenic landscape. My dad would drive mom and 6 kids past...

Old growth forest in Rhode Island

Portsmouth Forest in Rhode Island receives national recognition

There’s a new Old-Growth Forest in Rhode Island. The Oakland Forest of American Beech trees in Portsmouth RI was recently inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network. This is the first Rhode Island forest to join the nationally recognized Old-Growth network, and it offers opportunity for hiking among the trees. The Rhode Island Old-Growth Forest is an unique ecosystem of American beech trees. Thanks to a tree coring project done back in 2000, some of the trees are estimated to be between 200 - 300 years old. The Aquidneck Land Trust has worked to preserve the land for over 20 years. Now, they have a plaque and nationally acclaimed title to reward them for their efforts. Old Growth Forest in Rhode Island gets National Recognition From Newport Daily...

Save the Bay is for the children

Save the Bay’s Exploratorium has a lifelong impact

By Cris McCullough Save the Bay’s Exploration Center and Aquarium located at Easton’s Beach in Newport, RI, has been teaching visitors about the abundance and variety of sea life found in Narragansett Bay since 2006. The mission of the Exploration Center is to impart an understanding and appreciation of the diversity of sea life and how the health of our oceans affects our own wellbeing on shore. Through its many outreach programs, Save the Bay invites citizens to participate in the work to protect and improve the Bay. Most of those visitors are children, whose first encounter touching a sand shark or horseshoe crab at the Aquarium’s touch tank has often blossomed into a lifelong dedication to supporting the environmental health of the Bay; from this, we...

Summer activities at Bethel Woods NY

Bethel Woods: A historic venue and museum with activities for everyone

By Joseph Gonzalez As the summer approaches, many of us want to spend as much time outside as possible. The ideal situation would be to get out and catch some sun, while also doing something fun at the same time. Something that would fulfill both of these needs is discovering summer activities at Bethel Woods NY. Located in upstate New York, this idyllic Center for the Arts was once the original Woodstock site, but today, it has something for everyone. They have preserved the historic site and continue to hold concerts and festivals. However, as a nonprofit, they also believe that arts and culture are critical to the strength of the community. They offer youth, teen, adult and group programs for education and wellness programs, museum...

Why You Should Use a Travel Guide

Why you should use a travel guide

By Cris McCullough With restrictions lifting around the globe, new travel adventures are calling to many. While it’s true that many of us may be out of travel practice, you don’t have to do it alone. Hiring a travel guide is a great way to get the most out of your experience. Here’s why you should use a travel guide post-COVID when planning your next trip. Why is a tour guide important? After two years of isolation, a majority of folk are taking to the highways, skyways and sea to experience the many flavors of our world. A veritable blossoming of renewed interest in the bouquet of variety offered by other cultures and other places. The sights, sounds, tastes and smells beckon our senses and our curiosity. Should...

wedding tips for couples

Love in Bloom: Wedding tips for couples

Christine McCullough, Non-denominational Celebrant With spring wedding season in full bloom, happy couples around the globe are preparing to tie the knot. But for newly engaged couples, planning a wedding can feel a bit daunting. Even after scouring the internet for wedding prep tips, you may wonder how to make your day unique and special. Below, find four wedding tips for couples that will help make your day as unique and precious as your love. Four Wedding Tips for Couples The seed of love is planted in astounding ways. Sometimes through a unique shared hobby , like skydiving. Sometimes it’s a quick glance across the room on girls’, or boys’ night out and you’re instantly entranced. Other times, you may have cultivated that seed since you shared a...

The Farm at Ketchikan

The Farm at Ketchikan is changing the face of local food

By Danielle Rose The Farm at Ketchikan is designed to grow and supply healthy, locally raised vegetables and produce to the local Alaskan community. Because Ketchikan is located in a food desert, owner Dr. Kevin Hall wanted to create a place where locals could find and purchase fresh, clean, and affordable locally-grown produce and vegetables that are both conscious and grown utilizing green energy. Food deserts are areas where residents have limited access to fresh, healthy food.  About The Farm at Ketchikan  The Farm at Ketchikan is housed at a 1914 farmhouse that was originally a bunkhouse for summer cannery workers. The 4600 square foot building is surrounded by 17 and a half acres. Dr. Hall particularly loves the tin architecture, and how spacious and sturdy the building...

What is a food desert?

Food desert explained: What are they and how are they created?

by Danielle Rose What is a food desert? There are many contributing factors to food deserts. They are places where residents have limited access to food, either because there are not many food stores available, or because the distance one must travel to reach food stores is significant. Food deserts are commonly found among low population areas, particularly those with a high rate of abandoned or vacant homes, low income, minimal education and high rates of unemployment. Although there is no sin­gle cause that creates a food desert, there are sev­er­al con­tribut­ing factors to food insecurity in America, including  income, transportation (like vehicle availability or access to public transportation) and education. These factors added to the rising cost of healthy eating make it hard for lower-income...

healthy relationship with exercise

Relationship with exercise = relationship with self

by Dana Chapman, The Diet Recovery Coach The word “exercise” is a loaded one that comes with a lot of emotional baggage. This is especially true when exercise is associated purely with weight loss efforts and goals. When you think you "should" exercise, a funny thing happens. You start to dread it, then you are far less likely to actually do it. Which is the opposite result of what you are going for. Today I want to show you another relationship with exercise, and a more freeing way to look at it. Healthy exercise motivation, step-by-step Here's a step-by-step process to get you started on building (or rebuilding) a healthier relationship with exercise, movement and your body…Even if you have had a tumultuous relationship with it for years. If...

spiritual spring cleaning

Three ways to do a spiritual spring cleaning

by Sierra Vandervort If you thought spring cleaning was just for feather-dusting and clearing closets, think again. If you're feeling inspired to shift and change with the fresh energy of spring, you’re not alone. As the days grow longer and warmer, we’re naturally inclined to mimic Mother Earth and lighten our energetic field.  A spiritual spring cleaning could be a nice addition to your usual mid-May purge. Here are three ways a spiritual spring cleaning can help replenish your energy! Replenishing body, mind & soul: Timing is everything Seasonal connection is a practice that dates back thousands of years. Ancient Celts and Anglo-Saxons often marked their calendars with festivals to honor the solstices and equinoxes. In Ayurveda, early spring is Kapha season. Elements of water and earth are...

Murder mystery in Newport RI

Murder, mystery and mayhem in Newport, RI

By Cris McCullough Murder Mystery in Newport, Rhode Island? Newport has been the home of numerous mysteries throughout the decades. A number of books have been written about murders in the extravagant mansions of the 19th and 20th centuries. Some are true accounts, and others fiction, but each story shines in the opulence of historic Newport. Looking to experience your own murder mystery in Newport RI amid a unique theater experience? As we emerge into the season, eager to laugh and become physically engaged with our surroundings, the Marley Bridges Theatre Company offers immersion into a world of mystery and mayhem. Discover how at Beechwood Manor and beyond where spectators are encouraged to take on the role of sleuth. History and imagination collide The Marley Bridges...

mini-guide to storm king art center

A hidden Hudson Valley gem: Storm King Art Center

One of the best ways in the steps to renewing yourself is traveling to a new place. For those not ready to travel, a simple change of scenery may be the key. New York's Hudson Valley is home to a number of unique locations, one of which is New Windsor's Storm King Art Center. This outside/inside exhibit, is part art museum, part nature walk. This unique art experience is a refreshing way to experience artwork. Even those who aren’t huge on art will find something to enjoy. This mini guide to Storm King Art Center This article done by takes you through an average visit of the center, and even gives you directions on how to get there! Your mini guide to Storm King Art Center ​​By...

Imagery with art and words: Building a creative meditation practice

By Kathy Mack, "wholistic" life coach and expressive art therapist Humans are wired for connection and community, but maintaining safety and survival has often meant foregoing these in the past 24 or more months. Given the acute challenges of modern times, many of us have had to make compensations and choices to survive differently during the pandemic. There is a need to renew and reconnect, but how to begin? Building a creative meditation practice is a tool renewal during difficult times. Learn how this simple and creative act can reconnect us with ourselves, our community, and even our inner circle. Creative meditation practice for renewal during difficult times Times of stress, fear, lack of connection, or count-on-able norms and routines that fall away pretty much summarizes our living...

enjoy the great outdoors for renewal

Use nature to combat covid stress syndrome

The National Institutes of Health identified COVID stress syndrome as a legitimate disorder which has made a debilitating impact on our children especially. Hippocrates said, “Nature itself is the best physician,” as Joann Ayuso, a fitness trainer and health coach from Providence, RI, well knows. In 2018, she founded Movement Education Outdoors to provide opportunities for all children, especially those of color and with limited resources, to enjoy the great outdoors for renewal, and begin to recover themselves and, hopefully, regain a sense of normalcy. See why time in nature is not only a balm to the soul, but also an important key to our on-going physical, emotional, and mental well-being and just maybe a way to save and inspire the next generation. R.I. Programs Explore...

Post-covid reintegration

Hacks for reintegrating into a post-covid world

By Cris McCullough, MA, Holistic Counselor Post-covid reintegration  It’s been a challenging two years! But here we are, gazing into what has been described as, “the new normal.” We all have made sacrifices of one kind or another, and now we are faced with the challenge of reintegrating and finding our personal rhythm that helps us be and stay healthy. There are many ways to find healing that can assist us in embracing the new normal. The Daily Key editorial team asked some of our trusted colleagues from various disciplines the question: “What are your suggestions/tips/hacks to help folks recover, renew, and master the act of post-covid reintegration?” Reintegrating with New York State therapist James M.:  How can isolation affect a person’s well being? For many, at the start of the...

Organic versus pesticide farming Chemical free food Organic foods

Salad with a side of piperonyl butoxide: Making the move to pesticide-free

Spring is a time of renewal of mind, body, spirit and environment. Many of us greet the new season by renewing our garden spaces in preparation for the growing season. Spring brings an abundance of fresh bitter greens at this time of year. The body craves these nutrients as it begins to shed winter fat. Becoming aware of pesticides, how they affect the body, and how to avoid them, is a timely focus for better health. This article, by registered dietician Melissa Kirdzik, was first published in Newport Naked. In it, Melissa explains the pervasive use of pesticides in our environment and why organic versus pesticide farming can be better for both your health and the environment. Making the move to pesticide-free By  Melissa Kirdzik for Eat...

Take a social media break

Springtime self-care: balancing your priorities

By Josephine Belliveau Are you the type of person who is all work and no play, and a part of you feels like you should prioritize your well-being? In this day and age, many aspects of our life take place on a phone screen. Everyone has the opportunity to project themselves through the media. While it is an easily accessible way to stay connected to loved ones and even take inspiration from people you don’t know, it’s easier for lines to blur between the two perspectives of social media and real life. When you’re only seeing the best parts of everyone’s lives, it puts pressure on us to do more and try to measure up to the perfect standard we see all around us. Springtime is...

daffodils for brighter days

Daffodils for Brighter Days

by John Hirshboek Daffodillion introduced their “Daffodils for Brighter Days” logo when Covid tragically became part of our lives two years ago. Most of us began our masking and quarantining that spring, but Newport’s over one million daffodils (a “daffodillion”) still exploded in a profusion of bright yellow glory, as they have each April.  Seeing the daffodils emerge, after a winter of Covid’s doom and gloom, brought a symbol of hope. They promised us brighter days ahead.  Buttressed with an outpouring of support and sentiment to continue our efforts, we sought donations to purchase more bulbs to give away in the fall of 2020 and again in 2021. Our community responded, both with contributions and then “sold-out” bulb giveaways each October.  As a result, an additional 100,000 Dutch Master...

Take a breath: Walking the labyrinth for stress reduction

We have managed to thrive during the tumult that is the holiday season. As we enter a New Year, filled with both hope and uncertainty, we may need a gentle prompt to reclaim mindfulness. The action of walking the labyrinth can be seen as a metaphorical journey. It gets us out of our heads and into our hearts, from the stress of the day-to-day grind and into a state of peace. Walking the labyrinth for stress reduction is as easy as breathing in and breathing out. It is perfect for maintaining peace of mind. Walking the Labyrinth for Stress Reduction A labyrinth is a walking meditation that centers our mind and brings us calm. At first glance it may seem like a puzzling and confusing pathway of...

Athlete recovery methods help with training without injury

By Darren Cooper Athletes are willing to do anything to gain a competitive edge on their opponents. Today that even means stepping into a deep freeze. In the last few years, the world of athletic training has seen a new-found emphasis on recovery and renewal. It’s no longer all about how much weight you can push on a bench press bar. It’s about flexibility and the ability to keep training without injury. “I’d say in the last five years or so, recovery has become a huge focus,” said Mike Nunziato, owner of TNT Training in Paramus which has serviced professional athletes and college and high school stars. “We know that if kids are beat up all year, they’re not going to be able to practice hard.” Cryo has...

Clean ocean access supports local artists

Artists Supporting Clean Ocean Access opening reception

by Danielle Rose Clean Ocean Access [COA] is opening their office doors for a reception from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, March 31. Instead of business as usual, Clean Ocean Access supports local artists with a full display of artwork. "Creations for the Ocean: Artists Supporting Clean Ocean Access" is centered around various media works inspired by the power of the local environment. The belief is that storytelling in all forms is essential to our sharing and understanding of the natural world. “We look forward to sharing our first artist-focused event around our vision of a clean, healthy ocean that is accessible to all,” according to COA. Attendees will have light refreshments and an opportunity to meet and chat with the artists. The original works will...

labyrinth spring renewal ritual

Celebrate spring with a labyrinth walk

by Cris McCullough, Certified Labyrinth Facilitator Spring equinox is a yearly astrological event which occurs when day and night are of equal length, this year occurring at around noon (EDT) on March 20th. A labyrinth spring renewal ritual is an easy, mindful and simple meditative way to bring intention and hope into the coming season. Traditionally the spring equinox has focused on prosperity and thanksgiving for new growth and new opportunities. After a two year world hiatus due to Covid, I think we could all use a little hope. Walking a labyrinth, alone or with a group, is a beautiful way to affirm a return to the positive in your world. Your personal labyrinth spring renewal ritual  Ritual is a way to keep us mindful, focused and in...

Renewal reading for transformation

Spring into the season with deep transformation

Each season offers a chance to shift and change. Seasonal readings are one way to energetically and spiritually connect with what’s happening in our environment, the world at large, and the universe as a whole. Each issue, The Daily Key will bring you an energetic reading to help you align with the coming season. This spring renewal reading for transformation explores indicators beyond those typical of change. It encourages us to recognize the signs of deep transfiguration and asks that we focus on what’s happening internally. Our personal energy is, after all, a microcosm for the changes happening in the macrocosm of our lives.  Renewal reading for transformation This spring’s reading discusses how our personal energies align with what’s happening in our environments. The card pulled was...

Clean beauty products for spring

Clean beauty products for spring skin

by Magdalena Durkin, 13 year old student writer Clean beauty products are better for you and can help you bring your skin back to life in the spring. This article will include what is different about clean beauty products, what chemicals are bad in beauty products, clean beauty products brands and where to find them, and lastly how to make your own natural moisturizer. What chemicals are bad in beauty products Beauty products might make you look pretty, but the ingredients in them can be really bad for you. According to Business Insider some toxic ingredients are added during the making of beauty products, while product companies put other chemicals into the makeup to help with absorption, shine, shimmer, or a non-greasy feel. You may be surprised...

Create boundaries for toxic family holiday survival

Tips for thriving with toxic family this holiday

by Danielle Rose Holidays can be tough on families. Getting everyone together in one room has the potential to trigger even the most well adjusted. Sometimes the most obvious choice for holiday survival with toxic family is the most difficult: avoid gatherings where the family member will be. As Rachel Zoffness Ph.D. wrote in her 2019 article in Psychology Today, your time is precious, and sometimes that most precious commodity is better spent elsewhere than navigating bad behavior.  When that isn’t possible, boundaries and action plans can save the day. “There’s this idea that holiday gatherings with family are supposed to be joyful and stress-free,” says Ken Duckworth, MD, medical director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness in a WebMD article on stress management over the...

Get what you want this holiday

Getting What We Want From Others

Did you know that you can get what you want from others this holiday without falling into the expectation trap? When we rely on ourselves, rather than others, to achieve our goals, we become more empowered, independent, and generally take better care of ourselves. Wendy Watson-Hallowell, professional and corporate Belief Coach, offers a different perspective on how to get what we want from others by changing our own behavior and attitude.  by The Belief Coach, Wendy Watson-Hallowell Why do we rarely get what we want from others, even when we give our all? What if we could never count on getting what we wanted from others? How would that have us feel? Hopeless? Powerless? Despondent? For many of us, this is what it felt like as children,...

journaling to create a holiday memory book

More than just memories: A holiday memory book can heal

by student writer, Josephine Belliveau Creating a holiday memory book can be a great way to commemorate the treasured moments we experience over the holiday season. Most people make scrapbooks that are decorated pages with pictures. However, sometimes pictures don’t do the valuable memories we never want to forget justice. A holiday memory book combines scrapbooking and journaling to bring peace and calm to your holiday traditions. By adding the aspects of daily journaling, you’re turning a scrapbook into a memory book that’s unique to add to your family history. Bringing the holidays alive with stories and anecdotes. You’re recounting these memories with not only pictures but with words.  Creating a holiday memory book tradition Every family has their own traditions and ways to celebrate the holidays, some...

digestive bitters are a natural upset stomach cure

Preempt holiday indulgences with a bottle of bitters

Bitters are an essential addition to my holiday survival toolkit. I will stash a bottle into my smallest purse rather than brave a dinner party without it. This article from Nature’s Goodness in Newport Rhode Island gives an overview this natural upset stomach cure, discussing the history of bitters as a cocktail ingredient, how they work, and where they can be found in foods. by Patty Lenz Bovie for Nature's Goodness Bitters are alcohol-based extracts of bark, roots, berries, leaves, or flowers of bitter-tasting plants. Known for the essential role they play in signature cocktails, they burst with a range of aromatic flavors such as zesty orange, tarragon spice, and nutty coffee. But taste is not their only perk. Research has shown that bitters may also be...

DIY cold and flu remedy made from pine

A Warming Elixir for surviving the Winter Blues

by Karen Talbot, wild gardener The fragrance wafting up from my hot cup of tea conjures up favorite evergreen memories as I write. I can still smell the balsam firs where we camped in New Hampshire years ago; discovering a magnificent blue spruce on a South County RI trail; and the pleasure of harvesting pine needles for this cup of tea outside my door. Pines are also my medicine for preventing and easing the symptoms of a cold and cough, building  the immune system, and especially preventing the flu. This DIY pine cough and flu remedy is a great herbal solution to survive winter and can be made with almost any evergreen available to you. Pine: It’s not just about holiday memories Evergreen needles are the main ingredient...

Winter healing with white pine

White pine medicine: Not just holiday magic

by Artemis Body & Soul Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) of the family Pinaceae is ideal for winter healing, predominately, because it can be gathered anytime of the year. Often branches of white pine are felled during winter storms, and as long as the needles are still green, it’s good to use. Plus, their medicinal and spiritual uses in boosting immunity and battling congestion and coughs while supporting the lungs comes in handy during the holiday and cold/flu season. So does its spiritual abilities to help the body move through grief, sadness and situations that require a peacemaker. Identifying the winter healer  Identifying white pine starts with recognizing the long bluish-green needles. Look closer, the needles are long and “flowy.” At an even closer look, you should notice...

Seasonal tips to thrive this holiday

Thriving through the holidays: Tips for a well-balanced holiday season

by Cris McCullough & the Mind Key Editor Team We have all survived a year filled with challenges and now another challenge looms...

Find a happy and productive life by ignoring the unimportant and focusing on the important tasks.

Focus not Multitasking: the key to joyful productivity

by Dawn Goodman Is focus the key to a happy and productive life? Some say the ability to focus on what is important and follow one task, one goal or one vision to completion, is the key to personal and professional success. In today’s knowledge economy, where information is currency, focus has become even more valuable than intelligence. While it may not be possible to increase your innate I.Q.,  you can learn to cultivate mental strength and train your brain to focus. Deep thinking, a byproduct of focus, is what allows for creativity, problem-solving and learning. But focus requires undivided attention, which in today’s multimedia, multi-screen, multitasking world is hard to come by without—well—without focusing on it.   Is multitasking possible? Research has shown that multitasking is scientifically impossible...

Cultivate abundance and get passionate about your finances

By Dawn Goodman Here’s the thing: Prosperity involves fiscal mastery. But fear not! You can cultivate abundance and master your budget.   Money is energy Louise Hay, author of You Can Heal Your Life, writes, “Prosperity involves the quality of our lives as well as any amount of money that we possess.” Money is energy, which is why Mind Key often refers to finances as currency rather than money. Being able to love your finances—regardless of your current financial situation—feels abundant, and leaves room for more abundance, joy, health, happiness and ultimately prosperity. Money can fuel your passion, and according to some studies, can even make you more passionate.   Cultivating abundance: the prosperity/passion connection Kate Northrup, author of Money: A Love Story, said in an interview with spiritual coach, Danielle LaPorte, “When...

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