Spirituality & Health is for people who wish to explore the spiritual journey-the journey to self knowledge, authenticity and integration. It offers you inspiration for the practice, people and ideas of the current spiritual reawakening. We cover all points of view on spiritual questions, drawing on the world's wisdom traditions as well as science, psychology, sociology and medicine.
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FROM THE EDITOR
Spirituality & Health • volume 25, number 2
Jess Polanshek • S&H editor Ben Nussbaum spoke with artist Jess Polanshek about drawing porcupines, working at an art supply store, and embracing layers. Look for her work throughout the issue.
Why Mindfulness is not Deep Meditation • A “Sword of Truth” Lesson by Sukaishi David
Hedonism and Spirituality
What’s Strong With Me?
PINEAL GLAND • The pineal gland, which is about the size of a grain of rice, is located in the center of the brain (although technically it is not part of the brain). Its main function is to receive signals from the environment about the amount and quality of light so that it knows how much melatonin to produce to help us wake up in the morning and go to sleep at night. Melatonin is involved in much more than sleep, however. It plays a role in sexual development and is a strong antioxidant, among other functions.
A True Respite: The Retreat Costa Rica
The Wisdom of Lament
CONNECTION
SEARCHING FOR NATURE’S MEDICINES • CASSANDRA LEAH QUAVE recalls a trip to the Sharri Mountains in the pursuit of folklore about plants.
SOME MEDICINAL MINTS
SEEING IS EMPATHY • Mixed-media artist MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS explores how art can lead to empathy.
NEW HOME, OLD TRADITION • KATE MADDEN YEE describes her spiritual journey, which took her back to a home that is both new and familiar.
NO WRONG ANSWERS • CONFUSED ABOUT ORACLE CARDS? ORACLE EXPERTS EXPLAIN WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT.
JESSI JUMANJI
YOUR ANXIETY ISN’T ALL IN YOUR HEAD
HANXIETY
ANXIETY CATNIP
SEEDS OF CHANGE
follow your curiosity, find your purpose
Animal Chaplaincy Training from Compassion Consortium
Celebrant Foundation & Institute
Atlantic University
Pacifica Graduate Institute
Ananda School of Yoga & Meditation
Somatic Experiencing International (SEI)
The Haden Institute
PLANT MAGIC • Ready for spring? Bring the blooms inside your home (and heart) with these plant-inspired picks.
Sacred Sendoffs • Welcome wellness through new practices for the mind and body.
The Inside Story
52 Ways to Walk
Radio Waves
Music for Psychedelic Therapy
Age of Apathy
Salt in My Soul
The Velvet Queen
JULIA CAMERON
Spirituality & Health Marketplace
Try, Accept, Begin Again
Lessons From an Underwater Monastery
Stories That Connect
ONE MORE THING