Clinton Township Newsletter

5 j a n u a r y 2 0 2 5 A S w a n o r A D u c k , W h i C h o n e A r e Y o u ? by Dr. Pamela Zamel Swans and ducks; I adore them both, and each of these feathery friends never cease to inspire awe and appreciation in me when I happen across their path. More than once in my lifetime I have personally been likened to the smaller, slightly rounder, shorter-necked version of these close cousins. You see, I do not typically glide across the waters of my days with ease and effortless grace. More often than I would like to admit, I am the mighty little duck who projects a peaceful carefree vibe but beneath the surface, my feet are frantically paddling to keep up with the other ducks, and the pace of life itself. Apparently, I am not alone. Duck Syndrome is a term coined by Stanford University, and refers to the phenomenon of people feigning nonchalance and ease in the face of stockpiled stress and hardship. Interestingly, what is actually registering as "stress" in the human body these days has expanded as a function of the inflated demands on one's time and attention coinciding with an overworked and often frayed nervous system from the endless assaults of incoming stimuli. Now, I am not a betting woman, but I do believe this could very well increase the statistical likelihood that more of us are moving around the world like ducks than swans these days. As for the "fake out" element of duck syndrome, I believe this is likely rooted in a very basic survivalist tendency toward stoicism and invulnerability for safety reasons during times of duress or perceived threat, and can actually be observed in many mammal species in the natural world. Duck Syndrome is not bad or deficient. Ducks are a hearty species, and they flourish in nature. The liability for us humans moving around as ducks arises when we fail to follow the wisdom and example of our feathery counterparts. Instead of catching a nap in the warmth of the day's sun to restore balance after rigorous bouts of wading, we grab extra cups of caffeine and overly processed energy bars and wash them down with boat loads of self- condemnation and burdensome promises of future productivity tomorrow and everyday thereafter. The latter creates heavy mental and emotional tolls, on top of the already existing physical depletions. Perhaps most costly though is the fact that my duck days come to an end without me being able to recall any of the sweet details of the day, like the actual temperature of the wind, the joyful light in my sister's eyes when I surprise her with a visit at her store, the laugh lines on the face of the man delivering my horses' (very heavy) supplements, the new patch of white fur above my aging pup's brows or the evening's choice of color palette for it's setting sun . I wholeheartedly believe it is these type of details that add texture and enjoyment to life, and slow down time just long enough so that days don't run into each other, one after the next after the next. The experience of time as "flying" is actually a product of it not being marked or imprinted with any thing of substance or sensation. I also know that I am much more able to recognize and register these types of important awarenesses when I have ongoing meditation and mindfulness practices. These practices help me to slow down, notice more and find genuine grace, ease and fulfillment in life. I will be offering a three-week Mindfulness & Meditation class from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm, beginning January 14, at 122 West Main Street in Clinton. All levels are welcome! Visit: www. HealingWithHeart.com to learn more and bring the best version of yourself into 2025. Space is limited to ten participants, so please call: 908.760.5966 today to register. J o i n C L i n t o n t o W n s h i P ' s C o M M u n i t Y e M e r g e n C Y r e s P o n s e t e A M ! Your Community Needs YOU! As a trained member of CERT, you'll supply critical support to our community's first responders (EMTs, firefighters and police) during emergencies and large public events: hurricanes, large fires, Clinton Christmas parade, Haunted Mill, Lebanon July 4th parade, etc. We ask for a one, to two-hour a month commitment – but remember: your training benefits you 24/7 and can help in home emergencies if a loved one is ever in need. Membership is free, the training is free, and your satisfaction will be priceless! For more info, contact Steve Krommenhoek, Clinton Township CERT coordinator, at: 732.357.5516 or email: OEM@clintontwpnj.org. C A s A s h A W s e e k s A d v o C A t e s Every year there are more than 100,000 reports of child abuse or neglect in NJ and more than 10,000 children are removed from their homes because the Court has found it to be too dangerous for them to remain there. Court Appointed Special Advocates of Somerset, Hunterdon and Warren Counties (CASA SHaW) recruit, screen, train and supervise community volunteers to act as advocates in court for children living in foster care. CASA volunteers are appointed by a family court judge to discover the best possible outcome for an abused or neglected child's future as well as make recommendations that support the child's current needs. Volunteers receive support and supervision from a trained social worker throughout the duration of their cases. To find out more, visit: www.CASASHaW.org, call: 908.689.5515, or email: info@casashaw.org. n Reach Over 15,000 L o cal Consumers Monthly n Change Your Message Monthly n Have Your Ad D esigned – Free! n Run a Small Article (ab out 150-200 words) – Free! n Have your ad linked to your website at: www.ClintonTwpNewsletter.com email us at: Want your message seen by over 15,000 readers? When you advertise in the Clinton Township Newsletter you can: ctnl@comcast.net

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