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The Dallas Arboretum dedicated the  new, eight-acre Tom and Phyllis McCasland Horticulture Center on April 3. They had been searching for appropriate land and greenhouse space, and in 2017, found it just seven miles away on a parcel that straddles Dallas and Mesquite. Then, they prepared the land and installed 17,000 square feet of climate-controlled greenhouses.

The McCaslands provided much of the funds for the project and are among the most generous supporters of the Dallas Arboretum, from seed money for the Chihuly exhibition, the impetus behind The 12 Days of Christmas celebration and the renovation and permanent site of the sunken garden. The Executive Committee voted to name the Horticulture Center and acreage in honor of them as a tribute to their generosity, as well as the Jeanne R. Johnson Foundation and the Hoblitzelle Foundation.

For more information, visit DallasArboretum.org.

 

 

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Self-care is critical for stress management, wellness and overall well-being, but it is not an intuitive practice in today’s always-on, outcome-driven world. Coping with stress through self-care activities like exercise, meditation or catching up with friends may seem like an elusive luxury. Yet, research demonstrates that self-care boosts overall well-being and improves workplace performance.

Studies by University of Texas Associate Professor Kristin Neff, who created the Self-Compassion Scales, have found that women actually tend to have slightly lower levels of self-compassion and self-care than men. Women often take on caregiving roles in addition to other demands, and they can be particularly susceptible to the belief that self-care is selfish. Therefore, their own self-care falls by the wayside as they prioritize caring for others.

One way to practice self-care for physical and mental health is through mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. Benefits include reducing stress and anxiety levels, encouraging positive emotions and bolstering social connections and emotional intelligence. Here are a few mindfulness-inspired tips to practice self-care for wellness and stress management.

  • Breathe: You may not have time to sit for a 10-minute mindfulness meditation, but you always have time to take a deep breath. When stressed or distracted, people tend to take shallow, hurried breaths. The next time you notice yourself getting frazzled, breathe deeply into and out of the lower abdomen. Breathing in this way massages the vagus nerve, which calms the central nervous system.
  • Practice Gratitude: The human brain has evolved with a negativity bias, meaning that human brains are wired to cling to bad memories and discount good ones. To train your brain for positivity, practice being extra aware of the good things during your day. A positive attitude will enhance your productivity and help you keep your stress levels down.
  • Enjoy Time in Silence: Practicing silence on a regular basis rejuvenates the mind and body. Carve out small chunks of silent time during daily life. Ideas include committing to a daily mindful meditation practice or practicing a “digital detox” where you abstain from using technology for 15 to 75 minutes per day.
  • Practice Lovingkindness Meditation: Lovingkindness meditation is a practice of cultivating love, compassion, and acceptance for yourself and all beings. It is particularly helpful in boosting self-compassion, lowering stress levels, reducing tension headaches and fostering social connectedness. Find a quiet place to sit and let your mind rest on your breath. Invite in a sense of caring for yourself, perhaps imagining yourself through the eyes of a loved one. Then, begin to send that love outwards to others. You might start with someone you love unconditionally, and then expand outward to friends, acquaintances and eventually to all beings.
  • Take a Mindful Walk: Sitting behind a desk and in the car for many hours each day can make it easy to forget that the mind and body are connected. Improve your state of mind and body by taking a mindful walk. Leave your phone behind and let your mind rest on sensory inputs and body movement as you walk. Even just five minutes of mindful walking can change your perspective and raise your energy levels. If you don’t have time for a dedicated stroll, stay mindful of the body by getting up to stretch at your desk or by parking far away from your destination to get some extra mood-boosting movement.
  • Make Space: Carve out a dedicated space for mindfulness and self-care in your home. Consider creating a meditation space in the corner of your bedroom or dedicating a cozy armchair for self-reflection. You can adorn your self-care space with photos, plants, candles, journals, pillows, blankets, and anything else that nourishes you. Having a regular space for self-care will make your self-care time more enjoyable and remind you of your practice whenever you see the space.

Experts recommend doing at least one small thing every day to invest in our mental and physical wellness. Self-care will help us recharge, feel better and perform better during the hours we do work and care for others.

Dorsey Standish is chief mindfulness officer of Mastermind Meditation. For more information, visit MastermindMeditate.com.

 

 

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Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) will host the 25th annual Older Americans Month information and health fair, Connect, Create, Contribute, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., May 16, at Centennial Hall in Fair Park. There will be free health screenings, valuable information, games, giveaways, entertainment and social activities.

To assist seniors, the center car of every DART Rail vehicle has a low-floor section for level boarding with the rail platform and DART buses have low-floor sections and ramps that deploy for level boarding from the curb. Reduced fares and passes are also available for seniors and the disabled.

A new DART/Uber pilot program provides riders greater flexibility and more options for their transportation needs. Now available in GoPass, DART's all-in-one travel tool, customers can book an Uber Pool shared ride in each of DART's GoLink zones in DART's service area, including Inland Port, Kleberg/Rylie of south Dallas County, and Far North Plano, Legacy West in Plano and North Central Plano/Chase Oaks. Travel to or from any DART station or transit center within a zone is $1, and travel to or from any destination within a zone is $3.

Admission is free. For more information, call 214-749-2582 or visit DART.org/seniors.

 

 

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Healthy Hippo is a brand-new outdoor market located at 430 North Coit Road at the intersection of Roundrock, in Richardson.  It was founded by the Natural Health Shop and features vendors of holistic products and services such as natural foods, natural beauty products, crystals and stones, chair massage, and more from noon to 4 p.m. every Sunday.

The market connects the health-conscious community with health-related resources. It provides the opportunity to find out more about health products and supplements, try new health products and talk to product representatives and manufacturers. Jewelry with a Purpose is made from natural stones and plants from the Amazon rainforest.

For more information, call 972-441-8918, email Info@HealthyHippomarket.com or visit HealthyHippomarket.com.

 

 

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The Sierra Club is leading a tent campout adventure for all ages and abilities from April 26 through 28 at Colorado Bend State Park (CBSP), a four-hour drive through the hill country from Dallas to Colorado Bend, west of Lampassas.

Participants should bring a tent, camp chair, hiking shoes, bike, kayak, guitar, telescope or croquet set, because this park is great for adventure or just relaxing. Highlights include Gorman Falls and Spicewood Springs.

The park has miles of trails for beginner and veteran backpackers to test backpack, boots, legs and other gear for the upcoming hiking season. Another unique activity at CBSP is caving.  No RVs or pets are allowed.

For details and reservation forms (required), visit Tinyurl.com/SierraClubColoradoBend. For more information, call coordinator: Liz Wheelan at 214-368-2306.

 

 

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As an extension of EarthX (formery Earth Day Texas), the third annual EarthxFilm, held from April 19 through 28, showcases films and emerging media that explore conservation, climate change and the environment, while honoring the heroes working to protect our planet. The mission is to turn awareness into action through art and media.

A special spotllight screening selection with a gala presentation will take place at the Perot Museum on April 25. Virtual reality (VR) projects making world premieres include Guardians of the Kingdom, narrated by Sylvia Earle, Tree Hugger, Ocean Life, Bloom and Conservation International's The Elephant Keeper.

With 16 feature films, 40 shorts and 40-plus immersive entertainment experiences and exhibits, EarthxFilm will give an important platform to the filmmakers and the truth they have discovered and uncovered that reaches all of us, many times in our own backyards. Cash prize jury and audience awards total $25,000.

EarthxFilm President Michael Cain, says, “This year, we will continue to increase our footprint across Dallas, screening films, presenting virtual reality, interactive projects and environmentally focused panels at a number of theaters and venues all over the city beyond our wonderful hub at Fair Park during EarthX. These films and the filmmakers behind them deserve the largest audiences we can provide, as the impact and immediacy of their subjects touch every one of us.”

EarthxFilm Artistic Director David Holbrooke, notes, “This year’s EarthxFilm slate clearly shows the urgency of the many crucial battles going on all over the world on the environmental landscape. However, these documentaries aren’t simply earnest attempts to advocate for a just cause, but are serious, well-crafted stories that bear witness to what is happening out there on the front lines. Audiences will be motivated and inspired by the real-life heroes in these movies and will come out of the theaters ready to make their own impact.”

 

Feature films include:

The River And The Wall
The Biggest Little Farm
Cooked: Survival By Zip Code
Ghost Fleet
Into The Canyon
Kifaru
Sea Of Shadows
The Serengeti Rules
Sharkwater Extinction
Sonic Sea
Thirst For Power
Tigerland
Tribes On The Edge
Wildland
Wonders Of The Sea - 3d
Youth Unstoppable: The Rise Of The Global Youth Climate Movement

 

For more information, visit EarthXfilm.org.

 

 

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EarthX, the world’s largest Earth Day Celebration, held from April 26 to 28 at Fair Park, in Dallas, brings together an international gathering of concerned environmental citizens, educators, businesses, nonprofit organizations and thought leaders to celebrate global sustainability. With three days of exhibitions, a film festival, music, entertainment, learning experiences, discussions, forums and conferences, founder Russel S. Crow says, “I think we can agree that it’s in our best interest to talk and take action now. The sooner we pose the right questions, the sooner we arrive at the right solutions for air health, soil health, acidification of oceans and coral reefs, sustainable farming and ranching, and so many other areas.”

The EarthxConference series includes nine conferences to explore the full gamut of environmental positions and perspectives in a balanced atmosphere.

E-Capital Summit is an investment forum where private capital engages with environmental technology leaders alongside an Innovation Expo with exhibits from pioneering technology companies, incubators, accelerators, national labs and universities. 

The EarthxLaw symposium addresses water quality issues like drinking water for cities, climate change and water and oceans, touching on offshore energy, plastics, transportation and ocean acidification.

At EarthxTransportation, hosted in partnership with Transportation Energy Partners and The Nature Conservancy, transportation experts share ways to reduce harmful emissions and achieve maximum fuel efficiency in vehicles.

EarthxFuture500Summit, the signature event of Future500, attracts leaders from non-government, corporate, philanthropic, investor, and policy communities to build broader capacity for collective action to advance systemic solutions to environmental and social challenges.

EarthxOcean will address the role oceans play in our lives with both an Inland Ocean Action Summit and the first Island Resilience Forum. Bringing together island leaders and champions from the United Nations and around the world, the Island Resilience Forum will work towards scalable and comprehensive energy roadmaps, as well as actionable and fundable projects for communities on the front lines of climate change.

EarthxCities will assemble the community and business leaders preparing for environmental impacts, like the increasing number of natural weather disasters. The one-day event will address resilience planning and evolving practices, solutions, and decisions with public officials, recognized experts, and experienced practitioners through plenary sessions, panel discussions, and networking activities.

EarthxUniversity will bring university students affiliated with BridgeUSA together with influencers from business, government, and academia. The two-day assembly will bridge the political divide impeding constructive political action that prevents our collective environmental concern from translating into a multi-part movement.

Incorporating the 30 Under 30: The Green Generation awards, EarthxUniversity will recognize young activists, business leaders, and innovative thinkers, who will also participate in panels discussing ocean/water, wildlife, conservation, land management, clean energy, sustainability, and climate solutions.

EarthxEnergy will gather politicians and industry leaders to discuss the latest in clean energy efforts with briefings on current initiatives and policies.

EarthxMilitary hosts policy makers and members of the military and national defense industry presenting solutions for security challenges and clean tech.

EarthxFilm runs from April 19 to April 28, presenting more than 60 feature and short documentaries at screenings and events across the city of Dallas.

EarthxGlobal Gala is a eco-star-studded evening celebrating progress, hope, and innovation in the global shift toward a sustainable and secure future. The evening will culminate by honoring environmental heroes and change-makers with the Global Impact Awards.

EarthxHack is the world’s premier environmental innovation competition between some of the brightest technical minds of today for 24 hours to create groundbreaking solutions that address the problems of tomorrow.

“EarthX now includes nine conferences and several separate on-site meetings bringing together more diverse global perspectives than have ever been involved in a collective discussion about the future of our planet,” added Tony Keane, Chief Executive Officer of EarthX. “Fifty years ago, Earth Day didn’t even exist. But, here we are in 2019 with the world’s largest Earth Day event convening once again in Texas of all places. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to discover what can be done to make positive and real environmental change happen for all of us.”

 

For more information, visit EarthX.org.

 

 

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Hilary G. Shaw knows firsthand how holding limiting beliefs can affect our mental attitude. After years of fearing criticism and taking other people’s actions personally, which usually put her in a funk, Shaw reached out to the Option Institute and learned skills that helped her change the way she reacted to others.

At Shaw’s upcoming workshop, Want to Stop Taking Things Personally? she provides take-home tools she learned through the Option Institute to help people get started on feeling comfortable, regardless of the actions of others. The free interactive workshops take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on consecutive Wednesdays, April 17 and 24, at Unity Church of Greenville. Each night, Shaw will present new information. The workshop is limited to 10 participants.

Shaw had worked in the mental health field for many years and holds master’s degrees in social work and education. Her own self-growth and happiness developed over the last 13 years has motivated her to share what she has and continues to learn.

“About 90 percent of people do not know how to get out of their own way,” Shaw says. “I consider these workshops a gift to men and women who really want to change how they react to situations. We tend to take things personally because of the beliefs we have about ourselves. The good news is that you own your beliefs, so you can change them. Self-understanding and knowledge are byproducts of this work.”

Shaw notes that beliefs like, “I’m not good enough,” or, “There is something wrong with me,” are all common self-esteem beliefs. These are the beliefs that often get activated when someone either criticizes us or behaves in a way that we interpret as rude or uncaring. “Many times we feel hurt, angry or afraid. Our feelings seem so automatic and we believe they are the result of the other person’s actions,” she says. The cost of taking things personally can ultimately make people feel depressed, ashamed or angry, which can rupture family relationships or make work situations feel awkward.

“It may take lots of time and energy to get over taking things personally, but the tools I present are designed to help you help yourself to progress toward an enduring solution to taking things personally,” advises Shaw. “Imagine yourself not taking things personally, but moving through your day with ease and comfort, regardless of what others say and do.”

In addition to the upcoming April workshop, Shaw will be leading future workshops in Dallas. She offers individual sessions using a dialogue method designed to find hidden beliefs and plans to build a network of people to support, study and apply Option Institute principles to their daily lives.

Admission to the evens is free, donations to Unity Church on Greenville are appreciated. Location: 3425 Greenville Ave., Dallas. For more information, email OwnYourValue@gmail.com or visit Tinyurl.com/StopTakingThingsPersonally. For additional information about the Option Institute, visit Option.org.

Sheila Julson is a freelance writer and contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

 

 

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The 12th annual Oak Cliff Earth Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 14, at Lake Cliff Park, in Dallas. This year, the fifth annual Green Source DFW Run for the Environment will kick off the festival at 9:30 a.m. Oak Cliff Earth Day will feature a diverse lineup of entertainment, environmental education booths and green vendors, along with food and fun for the kids.

The grassroots green festival was launched in 2007 by volunteers to educate the community on eco-friendly living. After a 10-year-run, volunteers took a hiatus in 2017. Not wanting to see the popular community event end, the Memnosyne Institute, parent of GreenSourceDFW and longtime festival sponsor, took over as host in 2018 and merged the green fest with its annual Green Source DFW Run for the Environment.

For more information, visit OakCliffEarthDay.com.

 

 

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EarthX, the world’s largest environmental expo, conference and film festival , held April 26 through 28, has appointed Tony Keane as chief executive officer. With international leadership in the built environment and sustainable facility management, Keane has developed environmental solutions that matter for the nation and the world. He served for more than eight years as the president and chief executive officer of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA), leading the organization through a period of tremendous growth.

This year, EarthX will offer the first Island Resilience Forum, bringing together island leaders and champions from the United Nations and around the world to accelerate the energy transformations for communities on the front lines of climate change. Showcasing the innovative public/private partnerships aligned with the Island Resilience Partnership, the forum will present a standard that can be scaled to create comprehensive energy roadmaps and actionable, fundable projects.

EarthX will also debut EarthxHome, rethinking how to evaluate and purchase products that are sustainable or eco-friendly, as well as EarthxOffice, about how to work, collaborate, and succeed more sustainably in the business environment.

Trammell S. Crow, founder and chairman of EarthX, says, “EarthX made a strategic choice to hire a CEO with a business background, rather than an activist or individual with deep knowledge in a single environmental field, given our organization’s strong participation from business and industry interests, unique among environmental events. Our planet is at a critical point where change is not just something we can dream or talk about—it is our reality, and citizens across the globe need to make adjustments.”

Keane  says, “I am honored to be selected as CEO of EarthX at this critical juncture. I look forward to making EarthX the must-attend event for the environmental sector by developing year-round engagement and impact.”

For more information, visit EarthX.org.

 

 

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