July 2021 Edition: Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

July 2021 Edition

In the July Issue: Sedona Art: Facilitating Creativity and Connection in Ridgefield; Anti-Aging: Hilda Demirjian Shares Green Apple ‘Fountain of Youth’; Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition; Eating Right for Our Dosha: An Ayurvedic Perspective; Organic and Natural Mattresses: Why Better Materials Means Better Sleep; Part 1 of Vitality: The V in Positive Psychology; Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats; Plus much more...

Letter From Publisher July 2021

This issue of Natural Awakenings has such fresh, bright, healthy vibes. From the refreshing cover image to the bright, colorful articles on eating well, facilitating your creativity and cultivating enduring vitality, I hope these pages evoke a joyful curiosity in you. Read More »

8th New Age & Craft Expo in November

The New Age & Craft Expo, which will be held November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Windham in Southbury Read More »

Anti-Aging Skin Care: Hilda Demirjian Shares Green Apple ‘Fountain of Youth’

When Hilda Demirjian moved to the U.S. 37 years ago, she was surprised to learn that many Americans regularly tanned as a beauty and wellness practice. Having grown up in the Persian culture, where healthy skin was prized and going to hammams (spas) with her mother and grandmother was a weekly routine, Demirjian found the idea of purposely subjecting the skin to sun damage shocking. She was determined to teach people to love their skin. Read More »

Breast Pump Recycling

Wondering what to do with an old breast pump? Contact a local electronics waste recycling facility to check if they will accept breast pumps. Remove batteries before sending it to an e-waste facility and recycle batteries separately. Read More »

Ease Anxiety through Mindfulness Online

In an effort to ease the mental health challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to reach community members in the safety of their homes, the Community Mindfulness Project (CMP) shifted their in-person mindfulness programming to online and call-in options. Read More »

Eating Right for Our Dosha: An Ayurvedic Perspective

In the ancient healing medicine system of Ayurveda, our body constitution (dosha) is based on the five elements—earth, water, fire, space and air. These elements combine to form three doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha—which are present in each person in unique combinations. Read More »

End Of Life Doulas Help Leave a Legacy

Joan Law, owner of Feng Shui Joan’s Way in Stratford, is proud to announce that she has earned a Proficiency Badge from the National End-of-Life Doula Alliance (NEDA). Read More »

Get Back in Tune with AmpCoil

The AmpCoil system is a cutting-edge, intelligently designed wellness tool that supports physical, emotional and mental well-being. The AmpCoil utilizes sound frequencies delivered through a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) to help our cells entrain to their natural frequency. Read More »

Healthy Food and Beverage Zones Featured at Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo

The 10th Annual Health Wellness & Lifestyle Expo 2021, with special thanks to Stamford Health, Exclusive Healthcare Partner, returns to beautiful Harbor Point in Stamford, September 11 and 12, from 11am to 5pm. Read More »

Naturally Control Ticks and Mosquitos This Summer

Country Tick & Mosquito, a local family-owned business in Monroe, uses all-natural organic products, administered by recognized industry experts who are both licensed and accredited. Read More »

Organic and Natural Mattresses: Why Better Materials Means Better Sleep

Simply put, an organic or natural mattress is a healthier alternative to traditional mattresses. By eliminating all of the chemicals that are often contained in other mattresses, natural mattresses create a safer, healthier sleep environment. Read More »

Passport to Health & Wellness Expo Features Holistic Community

The Passport to Health & Wellness Expo will be held July 18, from 10am to 4pm, at The Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton Read More »

Sedona Art: Facilitating Creativity and Connection in Ridgefield

During a year that held so much isolation and anxiety, Marge Courtney, owner of Touch of Sedona, built upon her legacy of bringing community together by opening an artistic haven next door: Sedona Art. Read More »

Semaglutide: A Peptide for Weight Loss

Semaglutide, a peptide which had originally been studied to help diabetics lose weight, is now being used to help those without diabetes lose weight as well. Read More »

Subconscious Transformation with Universal Intelligence

At Universal Intelligence, LLC, Althea works with the subconscious mind and the power it has. As a Registered State of Connecticut Hypnotist and Credentialed Professional Coach, Althea uses many modalities to accomplish clients’ goals and help them get to the way they want to feel. Read More »

Upcoming Courses and Certification Programs at Angel Cooperative

The Angel Cooperative and The Angel Wing, a unique metaphysical and lifestyle boutique and spiritual center in Ridgefield, will be hosting several upcoming workshops and certifications, including courses in Reiki, Integrated Energy Therapy, Munay-Ki and more. Read More »

Vitality Part I: The V in Positive Psychology

In this series, we’ll hear from Ann C. Reeves about aspects of Positive Psychology. This month, she continues with part 1 of “V” of the Positive Psychology acronym, PERMA-V. Read More »

Weekly Summer Sessions with Lectio 360

Lectio 360 will be observing summer hours for July and August, with a once-a-week Zoom session. Join Meg Reilly on Friday afternoons at 4:30pm for 30 minutes of contemplative self-care via Zoom. Read More »

Doctor holding out vegetables in hospital room

All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital

Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Read More »

Brussel sprouts cooked in barbecue sauce on open-faced buns on metal platter sitting on table

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw

This tasty vegetarian recipe for barbecued Brussels sprouts is the perfect meat-free meal to grill up. Read More »

Food waste in brown paper bag to turn into compost

Composting Made Easy: Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’

Uneaten food rotting in landfills accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. methane emissions, but it can be turned into dark compost that enriches garden soil with these steps to get started. Read More »

Electric powered sports utility vehicle parked in mountains near solar panels

Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars

The success of electric vehicle models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Read More »

Golden retriever dog with small bone treat resting on her nose

Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians. Read More »

Bottle of green electrolyte sports drink

Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps

Gulping down too much water has been linked to painful, involuntary muscle cramps experienced by athletes, but an oral hydration solution with electrolytes can help. Read More »

Health practitioner pointing to vegetables in a circle labeled with corresponding vitamins contained in them

Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition

Well-being is increasingly linked by researchers to a healthy diet, motivating many people and the medical community to take seriously plant-based diets and the role of gut microoganisms. Read More »

Homemade dog treat recipe with dog shaped cookie cutter

Good Dog Treat

This homemade dog treat recipe using pumpkin, peanut butter and coconut will have canines on their best behavior for more. Read More »

Grilled carrots seasoned with cumin and herbs, ricotta cheese and pecans cooked in a cast iron pan over a grill

Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs

Carrots seasoned in cumin and herbs with pecans and ricotta make for a delicious meat-free, vegetarian grilling recipe. Read More »

Urban garden growing rows of vegetables, flowers and plants in raised beds

Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening

Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system. Read More »

Vertical indoor grown farm growing vegetables

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Read More »

Homemade bone-shaped dog treats in pile of oats

Kate’s PB Oat Cookies

Ditch store-bought dog treats with this healthy, simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade peanut butter and oat cookies. Read More »

Famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign

Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass

Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose a policy banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. Read More »

Broken television set with no screen set near flowing water in nature

Nature Documentaries Mislead Public Opinion

The unswerving presentation of nature as an untouched wilderness in nature documentaries misleads viewers into thinking that an abundance of these areas currently remains. Read More »

Peter Singer on Ethical Eating

Peter Singer, author and influential philosopher in the animal rights movement, discusses the ethics surrounding our food choices, climate change, eating meat and more. Read More »

Kid smiling standing next to brown horse with reigns on embracing head

Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive

With studies showing the profound effects that pets can have on children's health, character development and well-being, here are reasons why parents should consider getting a family pet. Read More »

Child sitting at table coloring with crayon

Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains

A Harvard study finds that spanking alters children’s brain development. Read More »

Happy couple sitting on bed smiling and drinking coffee after resolving conflict

Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

Sidestepping an argument or resolving it on the same day pays off quickly by halving the reactivity level that day and often erasing any darkened emotional response the following day. Read More »

Grilled zucchini, green pepper, cherry tomato on a skewer

Sizzling on the Grill: Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

Delicious, green alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting grilling methods including chemical-free charcoal, healthy plant-based grilled foods and eco-friendly dinnerware. Read More »

Two bottles of lavender essential oil with pieces of lavender flowers tied around the tops with twine.

Sleepy Scents

Sleep-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists to help promote a healthy, restful night of slumber. Read More »

Couple wearing athletic clothing running together on paved path with guardrails

Soulful Strides: Running as a Spiritual Practice

Pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise, as running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. Read More »

Person sleeping in bed with white bedding next to cell phone

Sounds for Snoozing

Soothing soundscapes including meditations, music, short stories and novels to help the restless fall asleep quickly at night. Read More »

Couple sleeping in bed on their sides embracing on white sheets with pillows, candles, mugs, and a picture frame above their headboard behind them.

Sweet Slumber: Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

Being sleep-deprived raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system. Here are simple, non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep. Read More »

Bins of various spices with scoopers in them

The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub

Add flavor and spice to your favorite vegetarian grilling recipes with this mixture for Memphis BBQ Dry Rub. Read More »

Couple laughing and dancing together in kitchen being playful

The Power of Playfulness

Research shows that playtime is good for the soul and provides benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity. Here are fun ideas for adult play. Read More »

Small family white hamster pet sitting in grass and daisies.

The Practical Side of Family Pets

What parents should consider before bringing a family pet into the home, including the commitment, which dog and cat breeds are most child-friendly and safety concerns. Read More »

Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

A study shows that saffron extract can help lower depression and improve social relationships. Read More »

Person sleeping in bed underneath window letting sunlight in to protect against COVID-19

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Read More »

Pile of crushed volcanic rock

Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change

Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. Read More »

Person enjoying brisk walk outside

Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity

Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report researchers. Read More »