Natural Awakenings Chicago ~ December 2024

Publisher’s Letter

As the year ends, I heard the bugle of sandhill cranes migrating early, a reminder of seasonal beauty. This month, embrace self-care, thoughtful gifts, and nature’s wonders to inspire peace and joy. Read More »

Explore These Local Bookstores for Nature-Inspired Reads

Discover some Chicago area bookstores offering nature-inspired reads. Find unique selections of environmental books, adventure stories and eco-literature perfect for nature enthusiasts. Support local, independent small businesses and fuel your passion for the outdoors. Read More »

Must-Read Books for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season

Discover a curated collection of must-read books perfect for nature lovers this holiday season. From Camille T. Dungy’s *Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden*, exploring rewilding and the Black American land experience, to Robin Wall Kimmerer’s latest work, *The Serviceberry*, these recommendations blend lyrical prose with environmental wisdom. Dive into selections like Sy Montgomery’s *Of Time and Turtles* or Zoe Schlanger’s *The Light Eaters*, which reframe our understanding of the natural world. Local bookstore owners share their insights, offering thoughtful gift ideas to inspire, educate, and deepen connections to nature. Read More »

Herbal Care: A Self-Care Primer

Herbs promote health, soothe nerves, and heal common ailments. This holiday season, boost self-care with herbs for nourishment, relaxation, and a touch of festive fun. Read More »

Flex and Flow Through the Holidays with 12 Days of Yoga

Celebrate the holiday season with a 12 Days of Christmas yoga theme! Try poses for each "day" in the song. Singing while stretching adds extra health benefits—fun and festive! Read More »

Yoga Pose: Uttanasana

Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) is a popular yoga pose with physical and mental benefits. From Mountain Pose, hinge at the hips, folding forward, and reach for the floor or legs. Go easy! Read More »

Parsnip, Leek and Cider Soup

Warm up this season with a comforting recipe from the Illinois Farmers Market Association for Parsnip, Leek, and Cider Soup with Spiced Apples, featuring fresh, local ingredients from Illinois winter farmers markets. As temperatures drop, explore markets offering autumn fruits and vegetables that store well and are perfect for hearty soups and stews. Celebrate local flavors while staying cozy this winter. Read More »

Expert Tips for Recycling Christmas Trees After the Holidays

Properly dispose of live Christmas trees after the holidays, recommends The Morton Arboretum. Recycle bare trees at local facilities or use branches to protect plants or shelter wildlife in your yard. Read More »

New Insights on Gender and Sexual Desire Variability

Recent research in Archives of Sexual Behavior (May 2023) reveals women’s sexual desire shows more long-term variability than men’s, but day-to-day fluctuations are similar across genders. Read More »

Dive into the Legacy of Gabe Spataro with Diveheart’s New Documentary

Diveheart's new documentary, The Legend of the Statue, now on YouTube, shares the inspiring story of Gabe Spataro, a Korean War veteran and adaptive diver, and his connection to the Christ of the Abyss statue. Read More »

Go Beyond Goal Setting with Total Life Alignment Coaching

Russell Needham, founder of Total Life Alignment in Chicago, offers life coaching to help clients connect with their purpose. Natural Awakenings readers get a free intro session and $25 follow-ups. Read More »

Discover the Spirit of Christmas Through Meditation

The Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship invites all to weekly Sunday yoga meditations at 9:30 a.m., culminating in an all-day Christmas meditation on Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Read More »

Embrace Holiday Joy and Reflection at Inner Haven’s December Events

Inner Haven Art Gallery in Grayslake offers December events blending creativity and mindfulness. Join the free Cider & Spice Open House Dec. 7 or the $44 Winter Solstice Celebration Dec. 20. Read More »

Shop Local at Highland Park’s New Indoor Winter Farmers Market

The Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters launch the indoor Winter Ravinia Farmers Market in Highland Park, open Dec. 14-15, Dec. 21-22, and Sat., Jan. 11-Apr. 26, 10:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m. Read More »

Shop, Support and Soothe at Northshore Healing Centre's Holiday Expo and Meditation

Northshore Healing Centre invites the community to a Christmas Craft and Vendor Show on December 1, from 2 to 7 p.m., featuring local artisans and unique holiday gifts. Read More »

Soulful Holiday Gifts: Restorative Presents for Loved Ones

The holiday season can be stressful, but self-care is essential. From pampering spa days to thoughtful gestures, learn how to gift and prioritize peace this festive season. Read More »

Jean Shafiroff on A Philanthropist’s Calling

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist and author of Successful Philanthropy, shares insights on giving back, inspiring others, and finding purpose through generosity. Read More »

Healthier Holiday Cookies: Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste

Delight in holiday cookies with a healthy twist! Discover sugar swaps, gluten-free tips, and wholesome ingredients for festive treats that are indulgent yet nourishing. Read More »

Molasses Cookies With Dates

Indulge in these spiced molasses cookies. Made with almond flour, ginger, cinnamon, and sweetened naturally with dates and molasses, they’re a wholesome holiday favorite. Read More »

Thumbprint Cookies With Jam

Savor these delightful vegan thumbprint cookies. Made with almond and whole wheat flour, they're filled with fruity preserves for a festive and wholesome treat perfect for sharing. Read More »

Chocolate Coffee Cookies

Enjoy these rich, vegan chocolate nut cookies. Packed with dark chocolate, pecans, and hazelnuts, they're a decadent treat perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Read More »

Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies

Indulge in these guilt-free, vegan chocolate chip cookies with a nutty twist! Packed with wholesome ingredients like almond flour, oats, and dark chocolate, they're perfect for holiday baking. Read More »

From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance

The holidays can stir nostalgia for what never was, yet healing comes through creating new traditions and finding joy in the present. Explore ways to soothe the holiday blues. Read More »

Click Local: How Online Shopping Boosts Neighborhood Businesses

Support your community while enjoying online convenience. Discover how local businesses combine personal service with digital tools to thrive in today's shopping landscape. Read More »

12 Ways to Fitness

These exercises, you can develop strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance, making them a well-rounded routine for overall fitness. Read More »

Something To Smile About: A Look at Non-Toxic Dental Products

Natural dental care is transforming oral hygiene. From fluoride alternatives to microbiome-friendly practices, explore a healthier, eco-conscious smile revolution. Read More »

Practicing Sensory Skills at Home: How To Teach Kids the Senses

Boost your child's sensory skills with fun games and activities. From "Eye Spy" to sensory bins and interoception exercises, discover ways to nurture confidence and curiosity. Read More »

Caring for Anxious Pets While We’re Away: How To Choose the Right Kennel or Pet Sitter

Discover expert tips on easing anxiety in pets when you're away, from choosing experienced sitters to holistic calming strategies like CBD and soothing scents. Read More »

Service Dogs Benefit Veterans With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

A study of veterans with PTSD found those with trained psychiatric service dogs showed reduced symptoms, lower anxiety, and better social functioning. Read More »

Acupuncture for Shingles

Acupuncture shows promise as a safe, effective treatment for shingles, easing pain and reducing skin lesions, according to a review of 59 trials with nearly 4,000 patients. Read More »

Wet Cupping Therapy for Asthma

Wet cupping therapy may improve respiratory symptoms in mild to moderate asthma, offering a complementary option alongside standard treatments, a Turkish study suggests. Read More »

Stem-Cell Treatment To Reverse Type 1 Diabetes

A phase 1 trial shows promise for reversing Type 1 diabetes: a patient produced insulin independently after stem-cell therapy, remaining injection-free for a year. Read More »

Mindfulness App Helps Intensive Care Patients

A mobile app-based mindfulness program, including guided meditations and symptom management, significantly eased psychological distress in ICU survivors, a study finds. Read More »

Artificial Beaver Dams Protect Wildlife

Artificial beaver dams, mimicking nature’s designs, are revitalizing the Northern Great Plains, restoring ecosystems, improving soil and water, and even attracting real beavers. Read More »

Sweat Monitor Measures Overexertion

A smart elastic band from Northwestern University tracks muscle exertion by analyzing sweat acidity, helping users optimize workouts and prevent soreness. Read More »

Linking Biodiversity to Human Health

Biodiversity loss has human costs: a study links declining bat populations to increased pesticide use and higher infant mortality, highlighting nature's role in health and agriculture. Read More »

Funny but Serious Science

The Ig Nobel Prizes celebrated quirky science: researchers showed mammals can breathe through their anuses, and a plant that mimics plastic leaves, sparking laughter and curiosity. Read More »

Benefits of Bars

Switch to shampoo, conditioner, and dish soap bars for a greener routine. Cut plastic waste, save money, and enjoy natural ingredients with these eco-friendly, long-lasting alternatives. Read More »

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 »