Natural Awakenings Fairfield County & Housatonic Valley - February 2021

In this issue—Hearth Centered Living Edition: 2021: A Numerological View; Positivity—the P in Positive Psychology; Getting to the Heart of the Matter; Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle; Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure; Romantic Relationship Toolkit; Higher Self Meditation; Best Foods for a Heart-Healthy Diet; Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Relationships; Big Love From Small Animals; Plus Much More...

February 2021 Letter From Publisher

“Hope” is the thing with feathers - That perches in the soul - And sings the tune without the words - And never stops - at all - ~ Emily Dickinson Read More »

2021 Natural Awakenings Natural Living Directory Coming in May to Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties Deadline Extended

Natural Awakenings Magazine will present the 2021 Natural Living Directory this May. Ad specials, Wellness Dream Team Profiles and Resource Guide Listings Available! Read More »

2021: A Numerological View

Although we cannot predict the future, nor the end of the pandemic, let’s take a look at the promise of 2021 in our world. Read More »

Getting to the Heart of the Matter

We have certainly come through a challenging year with a worldwide pandemic and, in the U.S., the tumult of a presidential election season for many months before and the period after. Read More »

Higher Self Meditation

There is an area in our energy bodies that is located just behind our heart chakras, which appears like a baseball-sized orb in the very center of our energy field. Read More »

Positivity—the P in Positive Psychology

For the next several months, we’ll hear from Ann C. Reeves about aspects of Positive Psychology. This month, she starts with the “P” of the Positive Psychology acronym, PERMA-V. Read More »

Romantic Relationship Toolkit

What’s in YOUR Romance Toolkit? Read More »

Body, Mind, Spirit Smoking Cessation Program Online with Thea Litsios

Certified Hypnotist and Life Coach, Thea Litsios, will be offering an online program to help participants quit smoking, starting February 4, from 7 to 8pm, and for four consecutive weeks. Read More »

Exciting Updates for Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center in Ridgefield

Turning Point Healing Arts & Education Center was renovated during the month of December, and re-opened for in-person appointments on January 4. Read More »

Family Fun Events at Woodcock Nature Center

The Woodcock Nature Center, a nonprofit nature center located at 56 Deer Run Road in Wilton, is offering many upcoming programs for family fun. Read More »

Great Hollow Nature Preserve Teaches Tree Identification and Photo Skills

At Great Hollow Nature Preserve in New Fairfield, people of all ages are invited to learn something new about nature—whether through a tree identification workshop or joining their nature photography club. Read More »

Holistic New Day Counseling Services Opens in Ridgefield

Jessica Lima, MS, LCSW has opened a holistic psychotherapy practice, Holistic New Day Counseling Services, in Ridgefield. Read More »

Learn to Love Yourself with The Self Care Network For Women

The Self Care Network For Women is all about learning to love oneself through the good and the bad times—especially during this tumultuous time of uncertainty. Read More »

Richard & Diana Daffner

Couples’ Workshop Available on Video – Discount offered to NA Readers

Natural Awakenings readers can use code NA20 to receive a TWENTY PERCENT DISCOUNT on the Video Program! Read More »

NamaStay Sobruary Challenge

NamaStay Sober is holding their fourth annual Sobruary (Sober February) Challenge. Read More »

Heart-minded living

Becoming Heart-Minded

Meditation teacher Sarah Blondin explains how drawing our attention inward and focusing on our heart center can help us become more kind, calm, loving, accepting, inspired and creative. Read More »

Rabbit for small pet

Big Love From Small Animals: The Joy of Furry Little Companions

Smaller pets, such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice or guinea pigs, can be the furry friend that a family may long for without the long-term commitment and higher care costs of a dog or cat. Read More »

Blueberry pumpkin seed yogurt bark recipe

Blueberry and Pumpkin Seed Yogurt Bark

This frozen yogurt bark recipe can be an easy breakfast alternative that balances high-quality protein, dietary fiber and heart-healthy fats. Read More »

Child playing in natural environment to enhance immune system

Childhood Immunity Enhanced by Natural Environment

Research finds that switching a child’s playground from gravel to natural forest floor could foster a better immune system by exposing them to a greater variety of skin and gut bacteria. Read More »

Hurricane impacting climate change

Climate Change Makes Hurricane Destruction Worse

Research suggests hurricanes will remain stronger and persist longer after making landfall, causing greater and more widespread destruction, because of ocean waters heated by climate change. Read More »

Melatonin sleep aid for COVID

Consider Melatonin to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Melatonin, a hormonal sleep aid, appears to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 by 30 percent, report researchers from the Cleveland Clinic. Read More »

Evacuation route for weather disaster

Disaster Fatigue Influences Decisions

Extreme levels of stress from wildfires, hurricanes, floods and the pandemic can induce “disaster fatigue”, a form of emotional exhaustion that may reshape how people make choices. Read More »

Eco-friendly, green, sustainable engagement rings

Earth-Friendly Engagement Rings

From conflict-free or ethical diamonds to inherited pieces or alternative gems, here are green, sustainable and meaningful jewelry for engagement rings. Read More »

Chili peppers for longevity

Eat Chili Peppers to Live Longer

Regular consumption of chili peppers can reduce the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease by 26 percent and from cancer by 23 percent, suggests a review of thousands of studies. Read More »

Methane emissions

Europe Tightens Methane Emission Monitoring, But U.S. Does Not

62 oil and gas companies acting as the Climate and Clean Air Coalition’s Oil and Gas Methane Partnership have adopted framework to report methane emissions, but none of them are in the U.S. Read More »

Amalgam-free tooth fillings

Government Updates Risks of Amalgam Fillings

In updated guidelines, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that dental amalgam fillings may cause health problems for some high-risk groups because of mercury vapor leaks. Read More »

Yoga exercises to lower high blood pressure

Halting Hypertension: Exercises to Lower High Blood Pressure

Fortifying healthy lifestyle changes with aerobic exercise, yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help prevent and manage high blood pressure readings. Read More »

Heart healthy meal

Heartfelt Eating: Best Foods for a Heart-Healthy Diet

The basics of heart-healthy eating with plant-based foods to incorporate into diets for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Read More »

Lentil, raisin, pecan-stuffed acorn squash recipe

Lentil, Raisin and Pecan-Stuffed Acorn Squash

With lean proteins from the lentils, complex carbohydrates from the squash and heart-healthy fats from the pecans, this well-balanced vegan recipe is nourishing and delicious. Read More »

Natural heart health

Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle: Integrative Cardiologists on Preventing Heart Disease

Research shows that simple lifestyle changes can prevent 80 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths through diet, exercise and other holistic prevention options to improve heart health. Read More »

Low carbon cement

Low-Carbon Cement Offsets Climate Change

The manufacture of cement creates up to 8 percent of the total global carbon dioxide generated by humans, but a variety of approaches are being explored to lower these worrisome emissions. Read More »

Filling water from tap to avoid microplastic particles

Plastic Particles Ingested in Food and Water

Researchers estimate people that drink bottled water ingest an additional 90,000 microplastic particles annually compared to 4,000 microplastics for those that drink only tap water. Read More »

Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing recipe

Quinoa, Edamame and Carrot Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing

Edamame’s flavors pair well with quinoa, crunchy cabbage and carrot slaw, and combine seamlessly with the spicy, toasty notes of the ginger-sesame dressing in this heart-healthy recipe. Read More »

Eco-friendly couple marrying at a green, sustainable wedding

Saying ‘I Do’ to the Planet: Green Weddings Embrace Sustainability

Ways to green up your wedding through eco-friendly, sustainable invitations, venues, flowers, vegan food, favors and other planning details. Read More »

Shefali Tsabary

Shefali Tsabary on Conscious Relationships

Clinical psychologist, international keynote speaker and bestselling author, Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., discusses conscious relationships, intimacy, romance and love. Read More »

Taking shoes off outside of house

Shoes Off! Keep Germs Outside

Prevent the spread of germs, including viruses and bacteria, from entering the home via shoes with these helpful tips. Read More »

Couple consciously dating after meeting online

Special Valentine’s Offer from NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com is having a sale to help singles connect with like-minded individuals looking for loving relationships online through the conscious dating website. Read More »

Propolis for respiratory tract infections

Take Propolis and Vitamins A, E and D for Respiratory Tract Infections

Studies find that propolis and vitamins A, E and D help to reduce symptoms and durations of upper respiratory tract infections. Read More »

Using mindfulness meditation practice to create inner peace

Tools for Inner Peace: Exploring Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness, which puts us into the moment, and meditation, which accesses deeper levels of consciousness, offer science-backed benefits for body and psyche, helping us achieve inner peace. Read More »

Glass baby bottle

Use Glass Baby Bottles to Avoid Microplastic Particles

Polypropylene baby bottles—which comprise 82 percent of the global baby bottle market—release an “extraordinary” number of microplastic particles, reports a new study. Read More »

Tricks to get kids to eat more vegetables

Veggie Tricks: How to Get Kids to Eat Better

Parenting bloggers and nutritionists share effective ways to get even the pickiest of children to eat more vegetables. Read More »