Publisher’s Letter

Happy New Year!

As I write to you on this cloudy December day, just before Winter Solstice, a few birds—mainly juncos and woodpeckers—gather at the feeder outside my window, and the light snow we’ve been expecting feels imminent. While we move into a new year, these transitional weeks as the days gradually lengthen can be an invitation for winter reflection and stillness, balanced by a feeling of rejuvenation and fresh beginnings.

The Norwegian concept of friluftsliv, meaning “open-air living,” encourages us to connect with the outdoors daily, whether it’s cold and snowy or unseasonably warm, reminding us of nature’s healing power and its consistent role in our overall well-being. I invite you to embrace the seasonal changes, finding joy in the unique beauty of a winter prairie, lakefront, backyard or urban landscape—with or without snow.

When heading outdoors isn’t your preferred option, there are numerous indoor ways to explore and stay engaged with the natural world. This month’s Natural Chicago section features Sheryl DeVore’s article, “Discover Chicagoland’s Indoor Nature Treasures This Winter,” highlighting many area nature centers that are perfect family destinations for chilly days or school holidays. If you’re already dreaming of summer gardens, January 25 marks National Seed Swap Day. We’ve compiled a list of local indoor events where you can gather new seed varieties and gardening tips to prepare for spring planting.

This season is also a wonderful time to approach life with a beginner’s mindset, rooted in the Zen Buddhist concept of shoshin. Our feature story, by Carrie Jackson, "First Thoughts and New Experiences: Returning to Innocence with Beginner's Mindset," explores how curiosity and openness can help us see everyday moments in new, inspiring ways. In keeping with this month’s themes of Wellness and Joyful Living, our Conscious Eating article, “Serving up Happiness: Foods for Better Moods,” examines the link between diet and mental well-being, offering practical tips for incorporating wholesome, mood-boosting foods into your life.

Another way to get started this month is to consider choosing one word to inspire your year—and along with providing expert tips on yoga poses in our Yoga & Fitness Network section, Julie Mackey offers guidance on how to make your one word even more meaningful. And Theresa Cheung’s exploration of dreams highlights how our nocturnal images can help guide our personal growth.

As always, I encourage you to step outside daily and marvel at the natural world around us. Whether it’s the pastel hues of a January sunset, the crunch of snow beneath your feet, squirrel tracks across the snowy sidewalk, or the intricate outlines of bare branches against the full moon, allow the natural world to delight you with something unexpected each day of the year.

               From all of us at Natural Awakenings Chicago,
                              we wish you a happy, healthy, safe and peaceful New Year!