December 2022 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

In the December issue: Astrological Energy for December; Holiday Volunteering: The Gift of Giving; The Gift of Healing; A Life Worth Living: Accepting Life’s Stages and Communing with Others; Transforming Our World: Working Together for Meaningful Change; The Best Gift of All: Teaching Children the Spirit of Giving; Creating with the Universe; Plus much more...

December 2022 Letter From Publisher

Happy December, and Happy Holidays to all! Read More »

14th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop

From November 25 through December 24, experience the unique holiday magic of “the North Pole on North Street”, at the 14th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop Read More »

Guided Meditation and Energy Healing with Diane Nicosia

Experience Guided Meditation and Energy Healing led by certified Reiki Master Practitioner and Wellness Coach Diane Nicosia Read More »

Help & Healing Through Divine Messages This Holiday Season

JoAnn Inserra Duncan, MS, RMT, of Turning Point Reiki, LLC, created The Divine Downloads for Daily Living deck, which contains 55 oracle cards. Read More »

Holiday Gifting at Flanders Artisan Marketplace

Looking for one-of-a-kind, distinctive gifts that will truly be appreciated by the special people on your list? Read More »

Local Holistic EXPO to Benefit Plainville Food Pantry

A Benefit Holistic EXPO will be held on December 11, from noon to 4pm, at VFW Hall in Plainville. Read More »

Professional Coaches Offer Free Session to Manage Holiday Stress Through December 15

Nearly 20 professional coaches affiliated with the Connecticut Chapter of the International Coaching Federation (ICF-CT) are giving the gift of an individual session Read More »

Quantum Resonance Crystal Bed Now at Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness

Celebrating its third anniversary, Revive Salt Therapy & Wellness has added an additional therapy. Read More »

Matthew and Annamarie Nardini

The Homestead, A Family & Pediatric Chiropractic Office, Now Open in Darien

The Homestead Family Chiropractic & Wellness is now serving Fairfield County. Read More »

A Life Worth Living: Accepting Life’s Stages and Communing with Others

“Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death.” ~ Anais Nin Read More »

Astrological Energy for December

The Sun is in the sign of Sagittarius. On December 21, the winter solstice occurs as the Sun enters Capricorn. Read More »

Creating with the Universe

The universe is calling you. Have you heard the message? Read More »

Got Five Minutes? Spending Time in Nature May Be the Lift You Need Today

Do you ever find yourself going through the motions of the day, feeling stuck and disconnected all while remaining inside your home or office? Read More »

The Gift of Healing

It has been said that health comes in three variables—good, fast and cheap—but you can only pick two. Read More »

Set of adult and child's feet wearing warm wool socks, resting on coffee table in front of roaring fireplace

A Feast of Light

When we fill our souls with everyday magic, we become more inclined to feel blessed and pass blessings along to others, creating a feast of light during all seasons. Read More »

White electric vehicle plugged into EV charging station at night

Charging Electric Vehicles at Night Poses New Challenge

The demand for power to charge electric vehicles (EVs) could burden the electric grid in western states at peak times by up to 25 percent if most charging is done at night. Read More »

Two champagne flutes full of cranberry mimosas

Cranberry Mimosas

This festive recipe for mimosas using homemade naturally-sweetened cranberry juice puts a holiday twist on the classic brunch beverage. Read More »

Turkey jerky pet treats sitting on slice of tree trunk next to pinecones

Easy Turkey Jerky for Pets

This easy turkey recipe is a healthy snack for a cat and a great dog-training treat for the clever pooch. Read More »

Graphic of wind gusts swirling around green leaves

Expected Drops in Wind Speeds Promise Climate Disruption

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that average global wind speeds could drop by up to 10 percent by 2100. Read More »

Sound bowls with mallet and finger cymbals

Good Vibrations: The Healing Power of Sound

Research-supported sound healing is finding a place in modern wellness culture as more people experience its benefits, from improving mental health to decreasing cholesterol levels. Read More »

Pile of cranberry muffin treats for dogs

Healthy Cranberry Muffins for Pets

These muffins are full of flavor and nutrition, and are healthy for both dogs and cats. Read More »

Small dog lying down next to holiday basket of berries

Holiday Treats for Cats and Dogs: Easy-to-Make Festive Recipes to Delight Pets

Homemade pet treats using healthy ingredients make great holiday gifts for dogs, cats and pet-loving friends and family. Read More »

Hands open and outstretched holding small gift wrapped in brown paper and red yarn ribbon

Holiday Volunteering: The Gift of Giving

The holiday season is the time for giving. Get into the spirit by volunteering time and treasure to meaningful causes and underprivileged individuals with these thoughtful ideas. Read More »

Hands open cupping pile of soil with plant sprouting out

Human Composting Offers Sustainable Burial

With the passage of a recent law, California will be the fifth state, along with Washington, Oregon, Colorado and Vermont, to allow human composting, beginning in 2027. Read More »

Jeffrey Rediger posing in front of lake

Jeffrey Rediger on the Science of Miraculous Recoveries

Psychiatrist Jeffrey Rediger has studied spontaneous healing for almost two decades, and breaks down recoveries into four pillars of healing and well-being that were present in most cases. Read More »

Kid sitting at counter looking sleepy, rubbing eye with back of hand with straw in glass of orange juice in mouth

Kids Are Not Getting Enough Sleep

Children are regularly getting less than nine hours of sleep per night, which can cause notable differences in brain regions that influence memory, intelligence and well-being. Read More »

Table full of various plated brunch dishes and foods alongside mugs of coffee, small pumpkins, cinnamon sticks, leaves and other autumn decor

Merry Brunching: Put a Healthier Twist on Favorite Recipes

With a few easy modifications, serve up healthier versions of tasty brunch foods over the holiday gathering season. Read More »

People playing pickleball on outdoor tennis court

Pickleball is Booming: Get into a Pickle for Holiday Fitness

The holidays are a perfect time to discover pickleball, America's fastest growing sport that is bringing people of all ages and athletic abilities together for fun and fitness. Read More »

Graphic of blue eye crying tear full of antidepressant pills

Serotonin Theory of Depression Debunked

A recent study is debunking the long-held theory that depression is caused by a serotonin deficiency. Read More »

Shakshuka in pan

Shakshuka

This healthy, gluten-free dish is a brunch-time crowd-pleaser, and can be modified based on whatever veggies are on hand. Read More »

Sheetpan full of sliced up berry pancakes, one slice missing

Sheet Pan Protein Pancakes with Berry Swirl

Cooked on a sheet pan, these satisfying protein and buttermilk pancakes with a berry swirl make cleanup a breeze and can be prepared the night before. Read More »

Homemade crafted snowman and reindeer made out of wood

Sustainable Holidays: Easy Tips for an Eco-Friendly Season

The holidays generate a lot of waste. Here are ways to cut down on consumption to lessen the environmental impact of the holiday season without sacrificing any joy. Read More »

Paw print shaped gummies made out of sweet potatoes

Sweet Potato Gummies

These gummies made out of sweet potatoes are a tasty treat for cats. Read More »

Child sitting in front of window opening wrapped gift

The Best Gift of All: Teaching Children the Spirit of Giving

Whether through donating material things, sharing time or freely conveying love and kindness, here are ways to teach kids the value of generosity. Read More »

Group of people sitting around table with words like idea, success and plan on top

Transforming Our World: Working Together for Meaningful Change

In these turbulent times when all the old boundaries are unravelling and all the old certainties are dissolving, there is a possibility for creative transformation if we work together. Read More »

Top view of a tree with green leaves

Tree Attempts to Achieve Legal Personhood

A legally autonomous black gum tree named Terra0 on the campus of the Community College of Allegheny County owns itself and perhaps even the few square feet of land it grows on. Read More »

Illustration of tree with green leaves and deep roots

Tree Roots Adapt to Sequester More Carbon

Atmospheric carbon dioxide pumped into a mature forest at levels predicted to be the norm by 2050 will cause trees to produce more and longer roots, thus absorbing and storing more carbon. Read More »

Person sitting at table holding apple in one hand and pushing away plate of donuts with the other

Ultra-Processed Food Linked with Cancer and Mortality Risks

Consuming ultra-processed foods has been associated with colorectal cancer in men as well as the development of chronic disease and early death. Read More »

Person sitting alone on bench at end of dock in lake during sunset

Under-Appreciating the Benefits of Solitude

Getting lost in our thoughts may improve problem solving, increase creativity, enhance imagination and provide a better sense of self-worth. Read More »

Circuit breaker substation

World’s Most Dangerous Greenhouse Gas Goes Unregulated

One pound of sulfur hexafluoride, an electrical insulator, heats the planet as much as 25,200 pounds of carbon dioxide and remains in the atmosphere for 3,200 years. Read More »