Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ November 2024

Oct 31, 2024 ● By Peggy Malecki

Welcome to the November issue of Natural Awakenings Chicago! This month, we're exploring ways of nurturing our inner wisdom and embracing gratitude. Plus we're celebrating the season with festive holiday soup recipes! We offer some expert tree care tips for drought-stricken Chicago area trees and also review some of the biggest and oldest trees in Illinois. Each article is crafted to nourish mind, body, and spirit, offering inspiration and practical tools to support your holistic lifestyle. Enjoy exploring!

Brighten the Day with Norb Lighting Solutions

Norb Lighting provides biologically natural lighting that mimics the sun’s daily spectrum, helping to improve working, learning and living environments. Read More »

Photo with permission from the University of Illinois Extension.

Champion Trees Inspire Us While Battling Climate Change

Illinois Big Tree Register program, by the University of Illinois Extension, highlights significant trees statewide to encourage conservation and appreciation of Illinois' tree heritage. Read More »

Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri., MA Center Chicago

Deepen a Spiritual Practice with Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri

Transformative spiritual retreat led by Swami Amritaswarupananda Puri in which participants can look forward to a unique opportunity to deepen their spiritual practices and nurture inner transformation. Read More »

Carolyn Clapper

Experience the Transformative Insights of Medium Carolyn Clapper

Chicago IANDS to host virtual event featuring Medium Carolyn Clapper Read More »

Photo courtesy of LMidwest Women's Herbal Conference

Explore Women’s Wellness and Herbalism in New Virtual Series

Online workshop offering perspectives on women's wellness, herbal medicine and self-care. Read More »

Find Balance and Calm with New Tai Chi and Qigong Class

Tai Chi and Qigong Aid with Balance and Calm Read More »

Kim Henderson Photo courtesy of Health Clarified

Health Clarified Offers a Trifecta Approach Toward Musculoskeletal Issues

Henderson offers chiropractic adjustments for joint function, detox methods, and circulation aids, alongside devices for cellular health, mental clarity, and stress reduction to support holistic healing. Read More »

photo courtesy of Inspire Yoga & Wellness Studio

Inspire Yoga & Wellness Offers Kundalini Yoga and Holistic Healing in Elk Grove Village

Inspire Yoga & Wellness Studio center offers services directed towards promoting overall health and wellbeing. Read More »

Photo credit Tammy Chatman

Lake County and Waukegan Launch Tree Planting Program to Boost Sustainability

Lake County’s ARPA-funded Tree Planting Program launched with 4,000 trees planned by 2026 to boost climate resilience. The project improves stormwater management, air quality, and reduces urban heat. Read More »

Jasmin Jahal Reflexology.jpg

Launch a Rewarding Career in Reflexology with Jasmin Jahal

Become a certified reflexologist and start a career in holistic health care. Read More »

Make Sparkling Memories This Holiday Season at Lightscape

Celebrate the holiday season at Lightscape, create lasting memories in this immersive experience. Read More »

Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic

Men Aging Gracefully: The Intricate Link Between Sexual Dysfunction and Overall Well-Being

Aging gracefully involves holistic health, emphasizing physical, mental, and sexual well-being. Men who adopt healthy lifestyles face fewer sexual issues, reducing risks like cardiovascular disease and depression. Read More »

Minestrone Soup: Photo courtesy of ILFMA

Minestrone: A Fall Favorite for Farmers Market Finds

Recipe: Minestrone Soup: A Fall Favorite for Farmers Market Finds Read More »

Photo courtesy of Mother Lotus

Mother Lotus to Host International Retreat in Tulum

The Pause and Reset Women’s Wellness Retreat, invites women to reconnect with their soul’s purpose. Activities include yoga, meditation, a healing cenote sound bath, and a temazcal ceremony. Read More »

Image credit Bartlett Tree Experts

Protecting Drought-Stressed Chicagoland Trees Before Winter Starts

Chicagoland's drought is stressing trees. Symptoms include wilting leaves and stunted growth. Arborists recommend focusing on watering, mulching, and fertilization, as well as inspections Read More »

Publisher’s Letter

Chicago's autumn hues fade into browns, inviting reflection and gratitude. Natural Awakenings Chicago explores wellness, aging, and mindful gratitude, alongside recipes for hearty soups. Read More »

Infinity Foundation: Photo courtesy Infinity Foundation

Sound and Soul Expansion at Infinity Foundation’s Meditate-A-Thon

Explore the inner realms of consciousness with sound therapy. Read More »

Photos courtesy of Body Mind Spirit Celebration

Step Into the Magic at the Body Mind Spirit Celebration in Schaumburg

Chicago's Body Mind Spirit Celebration annual festival "Forest of Enchantment," offers holistic workshops, speakers, healing modalities, and a marketplace of eco-friendly products. Read More »

Julie Mackey Photo credit Ashley Summers Photography

THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF Practicing Gratitude

Practicing gratitude involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, whether they are big or small. Read More »

Photo by AdobeStock_281345350 by Pascale

Unlocking Longevity: The Three Secrets to Living Longer and Stronger

Living longer and stronger isn't just about luck or genes—it's a choice. By managing stress, optimizing diet, and detoxifying the body, individuals have the power to influence how they age. Read More »

Wild Ones Photo courtesy of Lake to Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones

Wild Ones Conference Offers Solutions for Climate-Resilient Midwest Gardens

Wild Ones conference focuses on aiding gardeners to adapt to weather unpredictability. Learn how to use resilient native plant species to support environmental preservation. Read More »

Yoga Pose for Health - Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2)

Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2 Pose) This is a popular standing yoga posture that offers a range of benefits. Read More »

Grandparents and grandchild learning

Rising to the Calling: Earning Wisdom as We Age

Wise elders embody wisdom, nurturing energy, and grace. By connecting with nature, reframing cultural roles, and prioritizing self-care, we can all embrace the role of a wise elder in our lives. Read More »

Patricia Silverstein

Patricia Silverstein Making a Difference in the Diabetes Fight

Patricia Silverstein, inspired by her sister's Type 1 diabetes, founded the Silverstein Dream Foundation, funding research, workshops, and trials aimed at preventing and curing diabetes. Read More »

Blissful Bowls: Celebrating With Soup

Soup, from hearty stews to comforting broths, brings warmth and connection. Embrace seasonal vegetables, preserve family traditions, and elevate simple meals with gratitude and love this winter. Read More »

Apple Parsnip Soup

Apple Parsnip Cream With Chorizo Sausage

A creamy blend of sweet apples, parsnips, & warm spices, balanced with ginger, garlic, & a hint of lemon. Finished with a savory kick of spicy chorizo, it's rich, comforting, and flavorful. Read More »

Sweet Potato Soup

Mellow Sweet Potato Soup

This subtly spiced sweet potato soup, with its vibrant golden color and warming flavors, is perfect for a cozy meal. Topped with sautéed kale, corn, cilantro and a hint of lime, it offers a delightful blend of textures and tastes. Read More »

Brazilian Black Bean Stew

Brazilian Black Bean Stew

This vegan feijoada offers a hearty, flavorful blend of black beans, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and spices. Served over tomato-infused rice, it's nourishing with fresh greens or fruit. Read More »

woman looking hopeful

Finding Grace in Hardship

In the season of gratitude, it can be hard to feel thankful when personal struggles loom large. Yet, finding beauty in small moments and having faith in better days ahead can soften life's challenges. Read More »

light bulb for green building

Green Gadgets for the Home: Smart Choices to Save Money and Preserve Resources

As consumers take steps to benefit the environment, companies are responding with eco-friendly products. From dryer balls to solar-powered chargers, these innovations reduce waste, save energy, and lower carbon footprints. Read More »

15 Yoga Poses for Stress Relief

Yoga provides a gentle way to calm the mind and relieve stress. Read More »

compression therapy

Benefits of Compression Therapy: Improving Lymphatic Circulation for Better Health and Fitness

Compression therapy boosts circulation and aids healing, from treating lymphedema and diabetes-related swelling to enhancing post-workout muscle recovery in athletes. Read More »

woman and child on sofa

Raising Children To Be Thankful: Benefits of Feeling and Expressing Appreciation

Anxiety is on the rise among American adults, and it’s affecting children too. Teaching and modeling gratitude can help reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being, fostering a positive family environment. Read More »

vet being licked by a dog

Electromagnetic Therapy for Dogs: Non-Invasive Relief for Pain and Wound Healing

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, originally used in human medicine, is gaining popularity in pet care for treating pain, inflammation, and wound healing. Learn how this non-invasive therapy benefits dogs. Read More »

microplastics impact the brain

Microplastics Found in Part of the Brain

A study published in JAMA Network Open found microplastics in the olfactory bulb of the brain in eight out of 15 individuals. This raises concerns about the potential for plastics to reach the brain. Read More »

coffee with foam hearts

Cardiometabolic Benefits of Caffeine

A study in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that moderate caffeine intake (200-300 mg daily) significantly lowers the risk of cardiometabolic disease, with coffee drinkers experiencing up to a 50 percent risk reduction. Read More »

homeopathy pestal

Homeopathy for Arm Fracture

A case report in Integrative Medicine Reports describes a 53-year-old patient who healed a fractured humerus using homeopathy with Symphytum officinale. X-rays showed healing after two weeks, and full recovery occurred in six weeks. Read More »

woman meditating

Physiological Response to Spirituality

A 2023 study in Integrative Medicine Reports found that an eight-week wellness program improved heart rate variability (HRV) in college students, suggesting enhanced stress recovery and spiritual well-being. Further research is needed. Read More »

space view astroid and earth

New Findings About Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid

Scientists in Europe and the U.S. discovered that the asteroid responsible for the dinosaur extinction 66 million years ago likely originated beyond Jupiter's orbit. Rich in water and carbon, it was unique among Earth-impacting asteroids. Read More »

female shark sleeping on seabed

Female Sharks Found Sleeping on a Seabed

Scientists from the University of Tasmania discovered thousands of female Port Jackson sharks sleeping on the seabed in Beagle Commonwealth Marine Reserve. The reason for their gathering is unclear, but one theory suggests they were feeding on scallops before laying eggs. Read More »

dog in a stroller

Decreasing Birth Rates Concern Countries

The 2022 World Bank data shows declining birth rates, with South Korea's at less than 0.8, the lowest among wealthy countries. Rising dog ownership and declining childbirth prompted President Yoon to declare a "demographic national emergency." Read More »

Making Hospice Care Sustainable

The hospice industry is embracing sustainability, with providers like Agrace Hospice and Amedisys aiming for carbon neutrality and reduced emissions. These initiatives align with hospice missions, enhancing community impact and promoting long-term ecological responsibility. Read More »

Handcrafted Thanksgiving Decor

Celebrate Thanksgiving with eco-friendly, handmade decorations. Craft an acorn wreath, clove-scented apples, gratitude place cards, and a hand-turkey tablecloth to bring seasonal charm and warmth to your home. Read More »

December 24 Yoga Network

Local Yoga, Movement & Fitness News, Updates and More

“The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life.” - B.K.S. Iyengar Read More »

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