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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

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Rosie's Corner: Tapas (The Third Niyama)

By guest contributor Nicole Zornitzer

Tapas, otherwise known as self-discipline, exposes us to the concept of being able to stay in the fire (of life) and await our blessing. Through the physical asana practice and daily commitment to showing up on our mat, we begin to further understand this niyama (positive duties or observances). Through self-study and a dedication to learning, we expand this knowledge.

I recently learned that Ram Das and I share in something very unique; we both suffered from a stroke.  April 26 marks the fifth year that I get to celebrate being alive (again). When the event occurred, life came to a halt for my family, but the strange thing for me was that I suddenly had never felt more alive. I was surrounded by an energy that is indescribable and probably only understood by those that have had a near death experience. I felt the guiding hand of a life force, the energy of my ancestors surrounding my soul telling me that everything was going to be okay.  For three months I sat in my backyard and looked up at the sky, the trees, the birds and I listened to the sound of the wind moving each branch of the trees. I waited, I listened, I nurtured my soul, my body and my mind.  

Ram Das explained that instead of being swallowed by self-pity, he chose to view his experience as being burned by the fire of the divine. He speaks of “being stroked” versus having “a stroke”.  My experiences since this moment in time and my ability to absorb what I went through are very similar to that of Ram’s words.

We all have a choice; we can break down or break open during a time of extreme catharsis. Tapas helps us grow our ability to stay in the unknown and scary versus run away in fear.

April is my month, my month to reflect, my month to acknowledge, my month to love and respect me.  I too have been “stroked” by the hands of my angels and the level of gratitude I feel is immense, to have this second chance to experience life on this earth.

Nicole Zornitzer, E-RYT 1000, Yoga Therapist, founder of Niyama Yoga & Wellness Studio in Randolph, New Jersey. NiyamaYogaStudio.com.


In-Print Yoga Local Insights Yoga Studios January 2020 Rosie's Corner
Tick Talk

Spring officially sprung on March 21. We have turned our clocks ahead. We are looking forward to warm winds, sunny skies and the smell of fresh cut grass. The daffodils and tulips have recently bloomed and we are just starting with the yard work that comes with the warmer weather.  Sadly, another season has started ramping up.  Tick season.

•             The best form of protection is prevention. Educating oneself about tick activity and how our behaviors overlap with tick habitats is the first step.

•             According to the NJ DOH, in 2022 Hunterdon County led the state with a Lyme disease incidence rate of 426 cases per 100,000 people. The fact is ticks spend approximately 90% of their lives not on a host but aggressively searching for one, molting to their next stage or over-wintering. This is why a tick remediation program should be implemented on school grounds where NJ DOH deems high risk for tick exposure and subsequent attachment to human hosts.

•             Governor Murphy has signed a bill that mandates tick education in NJ public schools. See this for the details.  Tick education must now be incorporated into K-12 school curriculum. See link:

https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2023/sept/27/TicksandTick-BorneIllnessEducation.pdf

•             May is a great month to remind the public that tick activity is in full swing. In New Jersey, there are many tickborne diseases that affect residents, including Anaplasmosis, Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan, and Spotted Fever Group Rickettsiosis.

•             For years, the focus has mainly been about protecting ourselves from Lyme disease. But other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in Central Jersey. An increase of incidence of Babesia and Anaplasma are sidelining people too. These two pathogens are scary because they effect our blood cells. Babesia affects the red blood cells and Anaplasma effects the white blood cells.

•             Ticks can be infected with more than one pathogen. When you contract Lyme it is possible to contract more than just that one disease. This is called a co-infection. It is super important to pay attention to your symptoms. See link.

https://twp.freehold.nj.us/480/Disease-Co-Infection

A good resource from the State:

https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/tickborne.shtml

 

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