December 2021 Edition: Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

December 2021 Issue

In the December Issue: The Power of Gathering in Community; 2022: Where Are We Going?; Are You Breathing Correctly?; Amp Up Immunity; Celebrating the Soul of Winter; Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare; Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love; Plus much more...

13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop Honors Frontline Heroes

The 13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop has returned to the “North Pole on North Street”, Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, in Greenwich, November 26 through December 24. Read More »

2022: Where Are We Going?

The 2022 astrological observations gear toward continuing challenges, but there is also room for hope. Pain hurts, but the rewards are plentiful. Read More »

Are You Breathing Correctly?

Our mind is made up of the subconscious and conscious. The subconscious is in control of all involuntary functions of our body, like heartbeat and breathing, and the conscious is in control of all voluntary functions like logic. Read More »

Diagnosis: Human Antidote... Acceptance

As of this writing, we are in the 76th week of the global COVID-19 pandemic. We sit in a marathon of change, caution, uncertainty and all the things that tend to make average humans a bit loopy. Read More »

Dr. Michael Wald, The Blood Detective Uncovers Hidden Nutritional Health Solutions

Blood can reveal far more than what is typically discovered through the bloodwork done at a traditional doctor’s office, says Dr. Michael Wald. Read More »

Healing Services in Conjunction with Halotherapy at Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness

Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness, a holistic healing spa in Milford, offers unique and potent products and services to support and accelerate physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. Read More »

Holiday Show Featuring Local Artists at Gallery 25

Located in New Milford, Gallery 25 is a friendly space that displays and sells works of fine art and unique handmade artisan creations, stimulates interaction and cultural exchange, educates and fosters interest and appreciation for the creative arts. Read More »

Shirley Bloethe

Holistic Benefit Fair Features Holistic Community Vendors

A Benefit Holistic Health Fair will be held December 12, from 11am to 4pm, at the VFW Hall in Plainville, as a fundraiser for the Plainville Food Pantry. Read More »

Knowing When Our Immune System Needs a Boost

It is already known that if we have a chronic illness, such as Lyme disease or an autoimmune disease, our immune system is compromised and needs added support. Read More »

Samyama Flowering Tree

Lightworker and Karttikeyan Yoga Nidra Training Begins in December

The training is on four upcoming Sundays: December 12 and 19, and January 2 and 9. Read More »

New Office for Naturopath Dr. Amy Wiesner

Dr. Amy Wiesner has relocated her office to 91 East Avenue in Norwalk. Read More »

Relax and De-stress with Sound Bath Meditations

How much water is involved in a Sound Bath Meditation? Actually, none. Gary Posner will hold Sound Bath Meditations every Thursday at noon and 6pm, starting in December Read More »

Salon Aponte Makes Positive Impact on Health and Environment

Established in 1990, Salon Aponte continues to be the leader in providing safer hair and skin care in the Monroe area. Read More »

Seeking Applicants for Food Industry Culinary Program

The Council of Churches of Greater Bridgeport and The Center for Food Equity and Economic Development (FEED), is now accepting students for their CREATE culinary program Read More »

Strength Classes and More Offered at Your Body

Your Body is a New Canaan training facility started by Dr. Peter Philip, of Philip Physical Therapy. Read More »

A healthy dark chocolate bark recipe with pistachios, cranberries and shredded coconut

A Dietician’s Healthy Dark Chocolate Bark

This festive dark chocolate bark recipe is holiday-themed with red, white and green toppings of dried cranberries, shredded coconut and pistachios. Read More »

Chart of adaptogen plants for immunity

Amp Up Immunity: Proven Boosters for Good Health

Enhance immunity with specific adaptogens and mushroom powders. These study-proven substances perform specific functions in the immune system that boost our resistance to illness. Read More »

The word colon cancer spelled out with Scrabble pieces

Avoid Antibiotics to Lower Colon Cancer Risk

A clear link exists between taking antibiotics for six months and developing colorectal cancer in the next five to 10 years, report researchers. Read More »

Baked stuffed apples in casserole dish

Baked Apples

This sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan recipe for stuffed baked apples is a healthy holiday dessert, perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Read More »

Baklava cookie cups sitting on cooling rack

Baklava Cookie Cups

A healthy recipe twist on baklava using natural sweeteners instead of sugar. Read More »

Group of people sitting in circle holding hands

Circles of Healing: The Power of Gathering in Community

Small support groups, such as wisdom circles, story circles, power of eight intention circles, prayer circles and dialogue circles, are creating experiences of wholeness and belonging. Read More »

Clownfish swimming near coral reef

Coral Reefs May Soon Be Just a Memory

Half of the world's coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, with 14 percent diminishing between 2009 and 2018 alone, due to climate change, overfishing and pollution. Read More »

Glass bottle full of water with h20 label on side

Drink More Water to Help Prevent Heart Disease

Researchers report that people that drink sufficient water every day have a reduced risk of the thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. Read More »

Avocado sliced in half sitting on counter

Eat an Avocado Daily to Redistribute Belly Fat

The deep visceral fat that surrounds internal organs is a major indicator of metabolic syndrome and diabetes, but it can be decreased in women by eating an avocado each day. Read More »

An open jar of walnuts

Eat Walnuts to Reduce Bad Cholesterol and Heart Disease

Healthy older adults that ate about a half cup of walnuts every day for two years gained a modest reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the “bad cholesterol”, reports a study. Read More »

Chart showing different sources of PFAS found indoors

Forever Chemicals in Indoor Air

A new technique for measuring the presence of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in indoor air has found them in kindergarten classrooms, offices, laboratories and homes. Read More »

Eco-friendly toiletry gifts wrapped in sustainable holiday packaging

Greening the Holidays: How to Celebrate Sustainably

Sustainable modifications to the holiday dinner, eco-friendly decorating tactics and green gift ideas to celebrate the season in ways that are less harmful to the planet. Read More »

Person sitting on rug on floor in front of Christmas tree meditating with holiday lights and decorations around

Holiday Zen: Stress-Free Fitness and Self-Care

Despite our best efforts, holiday time can frazzle our nerves. These simple, self-care fitness tips can help to relieve holiday stress and break the cycle of seasonal overindulgence. Read More »

Honey lavender cookies on parchment paper

Honey Lavender Cookies

Skip the sugar cookies this holiday season and opt for healthier treats made with honey, lavender and whole wheat flour. Read More »

The backs of people in a circle with their arms around each other

Ideas for Starting and Maintaining a Circle

No matter the purpose of gathering, here are tips on how to start and maintain a small group or circle of individuals supporting one another. Read More »

Solar panels in snow

Large-Scale Solar Power Cost Plummets

A report finds a significant decrease in the cost of renewable energy sources compared to 2020, with solar leading the pack by a wide margin. Read More »

Native American canoeing in water

Native Americans Win Historic Water Battle

The Indigenous Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have reached a historic $1.9 billion water rights settlement, resolving thousands of tribal claims to waterways in Montana. Read More »

Aerial view of rows of planted trees

Planting 500 Billion Trees

A UK tech company claims their drone can plant two trees per second using artificial intelligence for guidance, with a goal of planting 500 billion trees by 2060. Read More »

Graphic of person standing in snowy outdoors wearing a long feather coat and headcrown

Season of Light: Celebrating the Soul of Winter

Winter has its own jewel-toned beauty that rivals summer’s most dazzling hour if we pay attention. Read More »

Glass jars of dried foods on wooden tray

Sustainable Kitchen: Advice for Buying and Storing Food

Sustainability can begin at home, starting in the kitchen. Here are some zero-waste lifestyle tips we can apply when shopping for and storing our food. Read More »

Parent reading book to baby

The Best Books for Kids: Gift Choices that Can Open Up Worlds

Gifting kids books is a perfect way to encourage childhood reading. Here are tips for selecting the best children's books. Read More »

Christmas tree made out of sliced fruit

The Sweet Danger of Sugar: Ways to Enjoy Healthier Holiday Fare

Low-sugar eating strategies and dessert recipes to protect our physical and mental health this holiday season. Read More »

Thomas Moore on the Art of Soulful Listening

Bestselling author and psychotherapist Thomas Moore explores deeper connections through soulful listening in his latest book, Soul Therapy: The Art and Craft of Caring Conversations. Read More »

Small dog sitting on couch with dog toys

Tips for Selecting Safe Dog Toys

Recommendations to help in choosing toys that will keep a dog not only happy, but safe. Read More »

Collage of low- or no-sugar dishes and supplements

Tips to Eat Less Sugar

Expert advice from dietitians on ways to reduce our sugar intake including healthier food alternatives and supplements to help. Read More »

German Shepherd sitting in dog bed surrounded by stuffed toys

Toyland for Pooches: Choosing Safe Playthings a Dog Will Love

Veterinary advice on what to consider when selecting toys for dogs that are safe, stimulating and long-lasting. Read More »

Damask rose extract

Try Damask Rose Extract to Boost Liver Function

A new study has found that Damask rose (Rosa damascene) extract can boosts liver function in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Read More »

Cutting board on counter with two cloves of garlic on top

Try Garlic to Relieve Endometriosis Pain

For women suffering from pelvic and back pain associated with endometriosis (uterus growth), garlic may help. Read More »

Wind power turbines with sun setting in background

Wind Energy Can Be a Climate Change Hero

Research indicates that advanced wind energy strategies could reduce atmospheric average temperatures of about 32 to 33 degrees Fahrenheit by 2199. Read More »