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Natural Awakenings Central New Jersey

Palo-Santo-Candles

The World is Waiting for Us to Transform

Jul 01, 2020 11:18AM ● By Joe Dunne

I sometimes wonder where the thought originated that if someone had a different color skin or even a different perspective from our own, it might be something to reject or fear rather than enjoying the contrast.

       Locally, nationally and globally, we are witnessing a world that is awakening to racial, economic and environmental injustices. Once thought of as separate plights, we are seeing that these three issues are inextricably entwined and must be addressed together. It is only a matter of time before major systems and institutions are toppled in favor of more equitable organizations that treat all people and nature with respect and reverence. More and more, we will expect corporations to behave as responsible custodians of the environment and their employees, and demand that governments serve the people, instead of the other way around.

While many may resist this awakening, others see it as a necessary evolution in thought and action to prevent an existential catastrophe. It’s evident that our current way of being is not sustainable and we are seeing the results of this in the spread of disease, mass extinction of species, civil uprising and interruptions in food chains.

So, what if this is all for us and not against us? What if this is humanity’s wake-up call and a huge opportunity not to return to normal, but to create a world that works for all? We can reverse climate change if we act now, we can look into our brother’s eyes and see ourselves, and we can honor all living things created by the same God. We can liberate our black brothers and sisters and all oppressed people, and lovingly start providing the tools and resources they need to heal and live empowered lives. By doing so, we liberate everyone.

As uncomfortable and scary as these tumultuous times are, let’s embrace them as a stern teacher showing us that there is a better way. Yes, it’s hard. Yes, it’s scary, and it’s easy to blame everyone else. But collectively, we created it, so collectively we can now choose a better way.

Humanity is going through a dark night of the soul, and we are ready to heal and let go of all that no longer serves us as unique, divine expressions of our creator. We all want and need the same thing: love. It’s who we are and what we are wired for. Let’s sing and dance together and wake up from this illusion of separation and fear. The world is waiting for us. We can do this!!


With love, peace and laughter,

Joe Dunne, Publisher







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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