December 2025 Natural Awakenings Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

H E A LT H Y L I V I N G | H E A LT H Y P L A N E T

FROM LONELINESS TO LIGHT

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THE JOY ECONOMY

How Buying Local Builds Belonging

The Social Roots of Lasting Joy

Embrace Joy

FAIRFIELD & SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD COUNTIES EDITION

DECEMBER 2025

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VISIT US: www.TribeTLC.com • www.203TLC.com • FB: Tribe TLC • 203-856-9566 Counseling, Readings Meg Reilly, MS, CH

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Energy Healing/Meditation/Tarot Beth Leas 30+ Years Experience Private Sessions, Workshops, Events In-person or by phone bethleas.com 203-856-9566

Integrative Life Coach/Meditation Ingrida Perri, Spirit In Training, LLC Restore balance, boost joy, and reach your goals with coaching, meditation and group classes. ingrida@SpiritInTraining.com SpiritInTraining.com 475-291-1693

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Get to know us at TLC’s monthly networking breakfast!

Looking for a relaxed group of professionals offering a community, networking events FUN? We meet on the first Tuesday of every month at Valencia Luncheria, 164 Main St, Norwalk, CT, from 8:30 -10:00a.m. we invite you to become a TLC Member. Please RSVP to Beth Leas at: 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com so she can reserve your place.

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Contents 8 The Sacred Solstice 9 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop 11 Restoring Joy 12 The Neuroscience of Joy

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14 Cultivating Joy 17 The Healing Power of Silence 18 The Joy of Local Holiday Shopping 20 Boosting Canine Health 22 The Magic of Gourmet Salts

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Departments 5 News Briefs 8 Event Spotlights 10 Global Briefs 11 Therapy Spotlight 12 Healing Ways

14 Feature Story 17 Inspiration 18 Green Living 20 Natural Pet

22 Conscious Eating 25 Calendar 27 Classifieds 28 Resource Guide

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FAIRFIELD & SOUTHERN LITCHFIELD COUNTIES Publisher Erica Mills Editor Erin Lehn Design & Production Kathleen Fellows Patrick Floresca Erica Mills Contributing Writers Jessica Chichester Sales & Marketing Dana Boulanger Erica Mills Social Media CC Innovations Distribution Man in Motion LLC Cover Olegganko on AdobeStock.com

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CONTACT US Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 350 Main Street, Suite 9B Bedminster, NJ 07921 Ph: 239-206-2000 NaturalAwakenings@KnoWEwell.com © 2025 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Publisher’s Letter

A Heart Full of Joy

As this year comes to a close, I find myself thinking about where we are as we turn the page on the first quarter of this century. It seems both quick and slow at the same time. Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for the moments that lifted my spirit, returning to the memories that still make me smile. With the holiday season upon us, we’re invited to pause and recognize the good that has guided us through the year as well. I have always believed that mindset shapes the way we move through the world, and December has a way of Erica Mills reminding me of this. Like many of you, I find joy in the traditions and gatherings that bring family together. Still, some of my strongest bursts of joy come from the quiet, unexpected pauses that make life feel full.

This year has reminded me that joy is not something we wait for. It is something we invite in with intention. It grows when we notice it and grows even more when we share it. I encourage you to look for the places where joy already lives in your life. Hold it. Name it.

Pay attention to how it feels in your body and in your thoughts. Let that feeling keep you grounded as you step into a new year filled with possibility. I hope that this month’s issue, centered on the theme of embracing joy, will remind you that we are all connected through the moments of joy we choose to create and share.

Some of the small things I find joy in include reconnecting with old friends and feeling as if no time has passed; trying a new recipe and watching it become a household favorite; sitting with my dogs and enjoying their steady company; driving with my family and noticing the simple comfort of being together; the relief of silence; concerts; new classes; and the late-night conversations that turn ordinary days into bright spots. Joy shows up in many forms, and I have learned to trust that it always finds a way in when I make space for it.

This month’s articles are meant to spark ideas and offer gentle reminders of what joy can look like in your daily life. Some pieces will help you reconnect with wellness habits that support a clearer mind, while others highlight simple shifts that open the door to more balance and meaning. My hope is that these stories help you see the joy that is already present and that you feel inspired to create more of it in small, intentional ways.

Thank you for being part of this community and for welcoming Natural Awakenings into your homes each month. I am grateful for your support and for the many ways you share your own journey with us. May this season bring you peace and unforgettable moments that stay with you long after the year turns.

Happy Holidays,

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HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

News Briefs

MASS ENERGY HEALING

with Aggregata

A Holiday Reset with Julianne Roshan Dow

The Transformation Center will host Holiday Calm, a restorative Yoga Nidra and Jin Shin Jyutsu class with Julianne Roshan Dow, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on December 7. Designed as a gentle pause during a busy season, the experience offers space to release stress, restore balance and reconnect with inner peace.

Julianne Roshan Dow

Participants will be guided into Yoga Nidra, an ancient lyingdown meditation that encourages deep rest and nervous-system healing. “Yoga Nidra invites your whole being to soften,” says Dow. “People often tell me it feels like they’ve rested for hours, even after just a short session.”

Research shows that Yoga Nidra can support healing, lower blood pressure, ease cravings and help restore emotional equilibrium. Pillows and blankets are encouraged to create a cozy, restful environment.

To enhance relaxation, Dow will weave in simple self-help practices from Jin Shin Jyutsu, an ancient energy art used in many hospital settings to reduce pain, anxiety and nausea.

“Jin Shin Jyutsu is like acupuncture without needles,” she says. “It’s a gentle way to harmonize the body and build resilience.”

Attendees can expect to leave feeling refreshed, centered and more equipped to move through the holidays with calm and clarity.

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Cost: $44. Location: 7 Reimer Rd., Westport. For more information about The Transformation Center or to register, call 203-820-3800 or visit TransformationCenterCT.com/events.

See ad, page 2.

Reiki, Relaxation and Renewal in the Salt Cave

Diane Nicosia, certified reiki master and intuitive coach, will host a special Guided Meditation and Energy Healing event at the Salt Cave of Darien from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on December 9. This restorative holiday offering blends the healing benefits of salt therapy with gentle energy work to support balance, clarity and calm during what can be a stressful season.

Diane Nicosia

“Through guided meditation and visualization, you’ll explore and align the body’s seven energy centers for greater harmony and emotional grounding,” Nicosia says. Her compassionate approach creates a welcoming space for relaxation and self-discovery.

Participants will receive reiki during the session. “Reiki is a gentle and effective way to ease energetic blockages and restore inner peace,” she says. Visualization exercises will help strengthen self-image, sharpen focus on goals and encourage a sense of well-being. The evening concludes with angel card messages offering personalized insight and inspiration.

Nicosia encourages attendees to treat the event as a seasonal reset. “The holidays can be joyful but also overwhelming. This is a beautiful way to pause, reconnect and give yourself the gift of stillness and healing,” she says.

Cost: $65. Space is limited. Location: Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd., Darien. For more information, visit IBalanceUThrive.com. To register visit SaltCaveOfDarien.com. See ad, page 2.

December 2025

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News Briefs

Winter Solstice Hike and Spiral Celebration

This December, Great Hollow Nature Preserve invites the community to take part in a meaningful seasonal tradition during its Winter Solstice Guided Hike and Spiral Celebration on December 21. As the longest night of the year yields to the returning light, participants will gather on the preserve’s forested trails for a peaceful, family-friendly evening rooted in reflection, renewal and connection with nature.

The event begins with a guided hike through Great Hollow’s serene winter landscape, offering time to notice the stillness, crisp air and subtle beauty of the season. Along the way, educators share insights into the solstice, its significance across cultures and the natural shifts occurring in local wildlife and plant life during this time of year.

The walk concludes at a beautifully crafted winter spiral—a symbol of turning inward and then outward again as the light returns. Guests are invited to move through the spiral at their own pace, an uplifting ritual that encourages intention-setting, quiet gratitude and a grounding moment before the bustle of the holidays. Warm beverages await at the end, offering a cozy space to linger and connect with neighbors.

The cost is $15 for nonmembers and $10 for members. Children under 10 attend free during the family-friendly session, making this a special experience for parents and children to share.

Location: Great Hollow Nature Preserve, 225 Rte. 37, New Fairfield.

Fire & Ice Family Fun Fest Brings Winter Magic to Litchfield

Families are invited to celebrate the heart of winter at the Fire & Ice Family Fun Fest on January 25, from 1–3 p.m., at the Litchfield Community Center. This free community event blends the warmth of crackling fire pits with the dazzling artistry of ice, offering an afternoon of seasonal fun for all ages.

Guests can enjoy live ice sculpting, take hayrides, and gather around outdoor fires to stay warm. Children can get creative with winter-themed crafts, listen to engaging storytelling sessions and take part in hands-on activities that celebrate the sights and sounds of the season. The festival is designed to spark imagination and encourage families to embrace winter’s beauty—whether building crafts, sipping warm drinks or exploring the outdoor displays.

The event is presented in collaboration with Litchfield Audubon, White Memorial Conservation Center and other community partners, bringing together an enriching mix of nature education and winter entertainment. Admission is free, and donations are welcome to support ongoing community programming.

All are invited to bundle up, bring the family and enjoy an uplifting afternoon of connection, creativity and outdoor winter magic.

Location: Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Rd., Litchfield.

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Flanders Artisan Marketplace Opens for the Holiday Season

Shoppers looking for distinctive, one-of-a-kind gifts can explore the Flanders Artisan Marketplace, now open for the holiday season at the historic Van Vleck House located at 5 Church Hill Road in Woodbury. Decked out in festive décor, the marketplace opened November 7 and will remain open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 23.

One of the largest artisan markets in the region, this annual event features the work of more than 60 local artisans, offering a wide selection of handcrafted items. Visitors will find fiber art, shawls, scarves, cards, Christmas ornaments, framed prints, soaps, children’s accessories, quilts, wreaths, pottery, handcrafted jewelry and locally made maple syrup and honey. The marketplace encourages shoppers to support local creators this season, with proceeds benefiting participating artisans as well as Flanders’ land conservation and environmental education programs.

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to environmental education and the preservation of natural spaces. Through its land trust initiatives, Flanders actively protects significant natural areas to maintain the region’s landscape character and quality of life. The organization manages more than 2,400 acres of preserved land across Woodbury and neighboring towns. Educational programs for children and adults are offered at the Van Vleck Farm and Nature Sanctuary, Flanders’ main campus, and trails across its seven major nature preserves are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk at no charge.

For more information, call 203-263-3711 or visit FlandersNatureCenter.org.

Seasonal Events at Woodcock Nature Center

As winter settles over the forests of Wilton, Woodcock Nature Center (WNC) invites the community to celebrate the season with a variety of festive and naturefocused programs throughout December and January.

From hands-on creativity to peaceful outdoor exploration and youth education, these events offer something for all ages.

WNC’s annual Wreath Festival, held December 1–14, welcomes guests to design their own 24-inch balsam wreath using handcrafted natural materials, all within a cozy, fireside atmosphere. Evening single tickets are $95 and daytime tickets are $85.

On Sunday, January 11, from 5–7 p.m., visitors can enjoy a tranquil Winter Luminaria Walk, a self-guided stroll along an illuminated forest trail followed by light refreshments in the pavilion. Tickets are $25 per adult, with children attending free with a paying adult.

For students in grades 3–6, Nighttime Wonders: Animals After Dark takes place on Friday, January 23, from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This drop-off program includes a guided night hike to explore the nocturnal wildlife that becomes active after sunset, along with opportunities to meet some of WNC’s resident animals. The cost is $45 per child.

Each of these seasonal gatherings reflects Woodcock Nature Center’s mission to connect people with nature and with one another, offering creative, restorative experiences rooted in the quiet beauty of the winter forest.

All events take place at 56 Deer Run Rd., Wilton, and registration is required.

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Event Spotlights

The Sacred Solstice Awakening Spirit and Finding Treasures at The Angel Cooperative

To celebrate the solstice is to pause with the Earth herself. It is to acknowledge that even in the coldest, stillest hour, life is quietly realigning. It invites us to step into stillness, to listen to the hush between breaths, and to remember that renewal begins in the dark.

The magic lies not only in the celestial event but in what it awakens within us. Symbolically reflected back to us in the flickering of the candle flame, it is a spark of hope, a return to inner warmth, a trust that cycles continue, and light always finds its way back. When we celebrate the winter solstice, we join a lineage of souls who have honored this turning for millennia, recognizing that it mirrors our own continuous journey of descending, reflecting and rising again.

Give Yourself the Gift of Sacred Stillness This Solstice

by Christy Abate

photo credit: Christy Abate

Events, Rituals & Holiday Magic at The Angel Cooperative At The Angel Cooperative in Ridgefield, this season is celebrated as a soulful invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and reconnect with the rhythms of nature. The shop and its spiritual center, The Angel Wing, will host a series of heart-opening events designed to guide participants into the stillness and symbolism of this powerful time.

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he winter solstice is the quiet hinge of the year, the moment when darkness reaches its fullest depth and, instead of conquering, gently yields to the returning light. It is a night that breathes with ancient memory. Long before clocks and calendars, people sensed this turning in their bones, gathering around firelight to honor the unseen shift in the cosmos.

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WINTER SOLSTICE: DESCEND IN STILLNESS WITH GODDESSES CAILLEACH, MORRIGAN, MEDUSA AND INANNA Led by Sarah Giles and Christy Abate December 18 at 6:30 p.m.

This journey honors goddesses of transformation, descent and rebirth. Through ritual, sound and guided meditation, participants explore the longest night of the year—integrating new lightcodes, releasing outdated patterns, and resting in winter’s wisdom.

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WALKING THE SPIRAL OF LIGHT: AN ADVENT CELEBRATION Led by Olivia Clements and Christy Abate December 17 at 6:45 p.m.

A reverent candlelit ritual guided by the live, ethereal sound of the lyre. Participants walk a spiral of evergreens holding an unlit candle nestled in an apple—symbolizing the light within the Earth and within themselves. At the center flame, each person ignites their candle and returns it along the path, creating a radiant field of renewal and peace.

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WINTER SOLSTICE GATHERING: EMBRACE THE STILLNESS AND AWAKEN YOUR LIGHT Led by Kimberly Gordon December 21 from 2–3:30 p.m.

A luxurious, nurturing Modern Kundalini Flow offering gentle movement, breathwork, meditative sound and guided relaxation. Designed to restore the nervous system, reconnect inner rhythm, strengthen immunity, and help the body integrate energetic upgrades.

17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop creations before bringing them to Santa’s Workshop anytime from November 28 through December 24 to enter. To download the coloring pages and contest details, visit eNaturalAwakenings.com.

Holiday Shopping and Seasonal Offerings

The Angel Cooperative’s thoughtfully curated retail shop is filled with crystals, divination tools, unique gifts, and spiritual treasures for everyone on your list. During December, extended holiday hours make it easy to stop by and browse.

Special Holiday Hours (December 8–29) Mon: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Tue/Fri/Sat: 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Wed/Thu: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

Sun: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

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he magic of the season returns as Santa and his three live reindeer glide back into town for the 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop, presented by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell of Compass Real Estate. Once again transforming Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses into the beloved “North Pole on North Street,” this cherished holiday tradition takes place from November 28 to December 24.

Private Energy Integration Sessions For those experiencing energetic shifts, emotional overwhelm, stress or new levels of consciousness, Christy Abate offers Calibration & Energy Integration Sessions, a deeply relaxing experience designed to balance your energetic bodies and help ascension codes land more gently.

Families are invited to step into the festive wonderland and enjoy a host of holiday delights. Visitors can meet Santa’s reindeer, snap professional photos with Santa, and explore an expanded Santa’s Workshop, generously sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group, offering extra space and comfort for waiting families.

These personalized sessions may include reiki, energy work, sound healing, acupressure and messages from spirit or angelic guides. Clients often report feeling more grounded, and connected, and clear.

“When the energy body is balanced, everything shifts,” Abate says. “Channels to divine guidance open and you align with your soul’s purpose and intuitive wisdom.”

Children can get creative at the Reindeer Coloring Station, sponsored by Jenny Allen and Kristen Studwell, or pen heartfelt wishes at the Letter Writing to Santa Station, sponsored by Greenwich Pediatric Dental Group.

As always, a portion of all photos with Santa will benefit Kids In Crisis, a vital nonprofit serving families across Connecticut. Guests may also support the organization directly by visiting the onsite Kids In Crisis Giving Tree.

The Angel Cooperative is located at 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, in Ridgefield. The Angel Wing is next door at 49 Ethan Allen Hwy. For more information, call 203-431-2959 or visit TheAngelCoop.com. For private sessions, email AngelCoop@yahoo.com. See ad, page 19.

Children can also take part in the 2nd Annual Reindeer & Santa Coloring Contest, sponsored by The Palace Stamford. Two age-appropriate coloring pages and the official contest rules are available for download at home, allowing families to color their

Greenwich Braces proudly returns as the Reindeer Stable Sponsor, helping bring this unique holiday experience to life just minutes from downtown Greenwich. Parking is free, and children, adults and dogs on leashes are warmly welcomed for photos with Santa at Santa’s Workshop.

Pet lovers, take note: Dogs are invited anytime the event is open, but those who stop

by Monday through Friday will receive a complimentary Doggy Gift Bag, courtesy of Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, Get Joy Food and PetLabCo.—a wonderful incentive to visit when lines are typically shorter than on Saturdays.

This year’s theme, “Celebrating Family Traditions,” pays homage to the countless households that have made the Greenwich Reindeer Festival part of their annual holiday ritual. For nearly two decades, visiting Santa’s live reindeer and capturing treasured family and pet photos at Sam Bridge Nursery has become a highlight of the season for thousands.

Hours for photos with Santa are Mondays through Fridays from noon to 6 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Christmas Eve from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sam Bridge is closed on Sundays. The reindeer will depart on Tuesday, December 23, but Santa will still be available for photos on Christmas Eve. Location: Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St., Greenwich. For more details on photo packages, event updates or sponsor information, visit GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.

To follow along with the festivities, connect at Facebook.com/GreenwichReindeerFestival andonInstagram@GreenwichReindeerFestival.

See ad, back cover.

December 2025

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Global Briefs

Artificial Turf Manufacturer Seeks to Block Webinar Led by Grassroots Environmental Education

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Rather than back down, Grassroots responded by filing its own lawsuit in New York under the state’s Anti-SLAPP law, which protects organizations and individuals from lawsuits intended to silence public discussion on important issues. The group stands firm that its presentations are rooted in peer-reviewed scientific research and credible reports. This legal action attracted national attention, even making the front page of The New York Times last June.

Grassroots Environmental Education continues its mission through the Partnership for Healthy Playing Surfaces, guided by Dr. Homero Harari of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. With rising rates of hormone disruption, childhood cancers, asthma, and developmental disabilities among children, Grassroots is committed to educating the public about how common chemicals in our environment may impact our health and advocating for safer, healthier communities.

A New Era for Ocean Conservation Begins

After two decades of effort, the High Seas Treaty, officially the Treaty for the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction, was ratified by Morocco (the 60th nation) in September, becoming international law in January 2026. Although the United States signed the treaty, it has not been ratified by the Senate. This treaty replaces a patchwork of international and industrial organization rules.

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Grassroots Environmental Education, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting public health and empowering communities through sciencebased advocacy, recently found itself at the center of a legal battle. Last January, Grassroots was served with a lawsuit from an artificial turf manufacturer aiming to stop their national webinar, “The Trouble With Turf.” This online event was designed to bring leading scientific experts together to discuss the growing evidence linking synthetic turf fields and their chemical components to environmental and public health concerns.

The treaty establishes a legal framework to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity in two-thirds of the oceans beyond any country’s exclusive economic zone. The treaty’s goals are to protect marine life; establish protected areas; regulate marine genetic resources; and promote equitable benefit sharing, capacity building, marine technology transfer and environmental-impact assessment of oceanic activities.

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STATEWIDE BENEFIT* HOLISTIC EXPO

gratitude to rewire the brain.

2Practice

Therapy Spotlight

Restoring Joy

Research from Harvard suggests that writing down three things you’re grateful for each day, consistently for 21 days, can boost dopamine and serotonin, reduce stress and shift the brain toward a more positive default state. Gratitude doesn’t deny difficulty; it restores balance and strengthens resilience.

A Mental Reset for the Holidays

presence over presents.

3Choose

December often moves at high speed, but the most meaningful moments are usually the ones of connection. Slowing down, listening deeply and focusing on shared experiences can reduce overwhelm and heighten joy.

Lady 0 on AdobeStock.com

A reset works because stress constricts the brain, limiting creativity and emotional flexibility. Intentional shifts—seeking delight, practicing gratitude and slowing down enough to be present—help move the nervous system from surviving to thriving.

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he holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” yet many people quietly experience something very different. The pressure to feel joyful can collide with financial stress, year-end deadlines, complex family dynamics or the ache of missing someone beloved. For some, December’s celebrations—from Christmas to Hanukkah to Diwali to the turning of a new year—bring warmth and connection.

For others, they highlight exhaustion, imbalance or grief.

Neuroscience shows that joy isn’t something we stumble into—it’s something we can cultivate. And a powerful way to do that is to create a mental reset before the season sweeps us away. A reset doesn’t mean

ignoring real challenges. It means intentionally shifting our internal state so joy becomes more available, grounded and genuine.

Below are three research-supported practices that help soften stress, replenish energy and restore access to joy.

1

Seek the delight.

Many holiday traditions are meaningful, but others are inherited routines that no longer fit. When life feels heavy, repeated obligations can drain energy.

Choosing what brings genuine delight— and releasing what doesn’t—creates space for ease. This might mean simplifying gift exchanges, scaling back commitments or making room for quiet moments that nourish the spirit.

For some, stress patterns become so deeply embedded that choosing joy feels out of reach. In these cases, the nervous system may benefit from additional support beyond lifestyle changes alone. Cereset Westport offers a noninvasive technology that uses the brain’s own patterns to encourage relaxation, balance and release of accumulated stress. The approach is designed to support natural regulation rather than override it, with many clients reporting improvements in sleep, increased calm and renewed emotional resilience.

Crista Mathew, owner of Cereset Westport, helps clients release stress naturally with Cereset’s patented BrainEcho technology.

Mention this article to receive $180 off an initial series. Sessions must be booked in December and completed by March 31.

Location: 18 Kings Hwy. N., Westport. Call 203-557-3299. Email Info@Westport.Cereset.com or visit Cereset.com/centers/ceresetwestport to book your sessions today. See ad, page 15.

December 2025

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Healing Ways

The Neuroscience of Joy Reclaiming Light During the Holiday Season

by Dr. Jessica Scofield-Chichester, Ph.D., Rev.

Add to this the stress of expectations, travel and emotional triggers from family dynamics, and the nervous system often spends the holidays in subtle survival mode.

But this is also what makes the season so powerful. Winter, symbolically and physiologically, invites us to slow down, reflect and repattern. The darkness is not a punishment—it’s a womb for recalibration.

Biohacking the Joy Response

Consider that joy doesn’t have to depend on circumstances.

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s the days shorten and the world shimmers with string lights and anticipation, the holiday season offers us a profound opportunity—not merely to celebrate, but to rewire ourselves toward joy.

Joy is not just an emotion. It is a state of the nervous system. It’s the body’s natural language for connection, safety and aliveness.

And while it often feels spontaneous, joy is also a trainable skill—a neurochemical code we can consciously activate.

The Science of Joy

From a neuroscientific perspective, joy is a cocktail of neurotransmitters: dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins. These are the molecules of motivation, love, contentment and pleasure. When we experience joy, our prefrontal cortex lights up— our “executive brain”—balancing emotional regulation, creativity and empathy.

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Neurohacking and somatic science reveal that we can engineer the conditions for joy using the body’s own chemistry:

What’s remarkable is that joy self-amplifies: the more we experience it, the more neuroplastic our brain becomes, rewiring itself to find joy more easily.

Studies from Stanford and Harvard universities have shown that daily gratitude practices, heart-coherence breathing and intentional social connection stimulate the vagus nerve, shifting us from the fight-orflight state into the rest-and-repair parasympathetic mode. In this state, inflammation lowers, digestion improves and the immune system strengthens—our biology literally becomes more resilient.

Why Joy Feels Harder in Winter

Yet, many people notice that joy feels more elusive during the darker months. Reduced sunlight impacts serotonin and melatonin, leading to lower moods and disrupted circadian rhythms.

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Light and Frequency: Exposure to full-spectrum or red light stimulates mitochondrial energy and serotonin production, improving mood and sleep. Morning light or even 15 minutes of infrared therapy can reset your circadian rhythm and lift energy naturally.

Oxygen and Movement: Oxygen is joy’s silent partner. Oxygen therapy, breathwork or even brisk outdoor walks activate the parasympathetic nervous system, flooding the body with vitality. When oxygen and movement pair, dopamine spikes and clarity returns.

Sound and Vibration: Sound frequency entrains brainwaves. Low-frequency vibration and harmonic sound baths can drop brain states from beta (thinking) to theta (healing). These moments of resonance dissolve tension and open emotional flow.

Heat and Cold Contrast: Alternating between sauna heat and cold immersion boosts endorphins, norepinephrine, and mitochondrial efficiency—creating what neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman calls “resilience hormesis,” a biological training for stress tolerance.

Community Coherence: Joy multiplies in connection. Heart-to-heart resonance between people synchronizes heart rhythms, releases oxytocin and recalibrates our sense

of belonging. Singing, breathing or simply sharing space with others regulates collective nervous systems more effectively than solitude ever could.

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Choosing Joy as a Practice

Joy is not the absence of difficulty; it’s the decision to rise in resonance with life.

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When we deliberately shift from “doing” to “being”, the body reorganizes itself around coherence. Gratitude becomes fuel. Laughter becomes medicine.

Every moment we step into frequency— light, sound, breath and movement—we remind our cells of their original design: balance, vitality and joy.

This is why spaces dedicated to high-frequency living, integrative technologies and mindful community are becoming essential sanctuaries. They are not escapes from life; they are training grounds for presence.

Within these environments, the nervous system remembers safety. The body remembers light. And we remember that joy is not a fleeting spark but a sustainable current we can live from.

A Season to Jump In

So as this season unfolds, don’t wait for joy to find you—jump in.

Take the walk under winter sun. Sit in warmth, then plunge into cold. Sing around the fire. Hug longer. Breathe deeper. Choose light, even when the days are short.

Our bodies are listening. Our cells are recording every signal we send.

Joy is not somewhere out there. It’s right here—in the frequency of our breathing, in the heartbeat of community and in the remembering that we are, and have always been, the light we seek.

Dr. Jessica Scofield-Chichester, Ph.D., Rev, is the co-founder and CEO of Haute Healing Oasis, located at 792 Pacific St., Stamford.

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Feature Story

Cultivating Joy How Movement, Gratitude and Connection Transform Our Lives

by Hannah Tytus

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iscovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. Perhaps we are just more alive,” reflected the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu in The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World, where he shared wisdom alongside the Dalai Lama.

A Physical Experience

“Joy is much bigger than happiness,” asserted Tutu. “While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not.” This mindset—rooted in both heart and spirit—aligns closely with the Dalai Lama’s vision that genuine fulfillment comes from recognizing the deep interconnectedness of all living beings. Joy is an embodied emotion that is distinct from happiness. Happiness is stable, evaluative and may reflect broader life satisfaction—a

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Joy invites us to be more alive. It surfaces through awareness, connection and acceptance of the present moment, exactly as it is. As winter days grow shorter and the year draws to a close, this is a wonderful time to explore what joy truly is, the things that block it and how it can be reclaimed. Ultimately,

joy is not a reward for a perfect life, but a way of being that reminds us to embody our full humanity. Though sometimes fleeting, joy can be profoundly sustaining.

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contentment with one’s career, finances, family, romantic relationships or personal fulfillment—while joy is experienced in the present moment. It is intense, yet fleeting.

In a study conducted in 2025 and published in the International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being, researchers interviewed 14 adults about their experiences of joy. The findings explain joy as a complex emotion shaped by individual, relational and cultural contexts. According to the research, joy is intense, transcendent and deeply felt— often arising spontaneously in response to meaningful experiences or connections.

In contrast, happiness encompasses a broader spectrum, exhibiting greater stability, and is associated with life satisfaction and contentment. Participants described joy as a somatic experience, identifying sensations such as “a rush of warmth and lightness throughout the body,” “electricity,” “a bubbling up,” and “tingling sensations,” accompanied by “the urge to move, smile and embrace others.” These visceral reactions often accompanied moments of intense connection, awe and accomplishment.

If joy is felt through the body, movement itself becomes a doorway to experience it more fully. This cultivation of joy is the cornerstone of Jennifer Joy Jiménez’s life’s work. A pioneer in integrative movement and founder of the Brave Thinking Institute’s Health & Well-Being Division, she developed TranscenDANCE, a conscious dance modality for all ages and mobility levels designed to improve mental, emotional and physical health through inspiring music, body positivity and free-form movement.

Conscious dance is any form of movement that emphasizes mindfulness, inner exploration and emotional release rather than performance or choreography. Although these transformative movement practices have existed for thousands of years, Jiménez laments that for many Americans, dance may be confined to weddings, occasional outings or fitness classes, leaving little room for the expressive and emotive daily practice that “allows our soul-self to move our human self.”

gustavofrazao from Getty Images/CanvaPro

Jiménez asserts, “Just a few minutes of dancing releases the happy hormones, offering a DOSE [dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin and endorphins] that shifts our mood better than any antidepressant.”

Scientific evidence supports this assertion. A 2024 meta-analysis published in The BMJ analyzed 218 clinical trials, demonstrating that dance was more effective in alleviating depression symptoms than walking, yoga, strength training and even traditional antidepressants.

The Social Nexus

Joy thrives on connection. While it can arise in solitude, it naturally expands most effectively through relationships and shared humanity. When individuals feel seen, supported and part of something larger than themselves, their sense of well-being deepens.

The 2024 World Happiness Report identifies social support as one of the strongest predictors of life satisfaction. Similarly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development—one of the longest-running longitudinal studies of human health—has shown that healthy, fulfilling relationships are the single greatest predictors of both longevity and life satisfaction.

This growing body of research underscores that social connection shapes health across our lifespan. Individuals that maintain meaningful relationships exhibit lower risks of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, infections, cognitive decline and depression compared to those that are lonely. When people share laughter, empathy or a sense of belonging, they exhibit improvements to their nervous system and immune function, as well as an expanded capacity to experience joy.

Isolation’s Impact

While connection nurtures joy, disconnection erodes it. In The Book of Joy, the Dalai Lama identified loneliness as one of the most significant obstacles to joy, emphasizing that it arises not from isolation itself, but from a mindset of separation. A person can live alone in the wilderness and still feel content, while another may feel lonely in a crowded room. Loneliness, he suggests, emerges when the heart closes—when anger, fear or stress obscure the ability to perceive warmth in others.

Many modern experiences reinforce this sense of separation.

Chronic stress, fatigue, poverty and depression all constrict the emotional space needed for joy. Cultural ideals built around

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Feature Story constant happiness add another layer of strain. Researchers describe how placing pressure on ourselves to be perpetually positive leads us to suppress authentic emotion, rather than cultivate genuine contentment. The Dalai Lama observed that persistent anxiety keeps the mind spinning in worry, unable to rest in presence.

Emotional avoidance further narrows the capacity for joy. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, individuals that intentionally process difficult experiences report a 40 percent increase in life satisfaction. Gratitude research suggests the reason behind this phenomenon: Recognizing joy requires openness and receptivity.

When individuals soften their defenses and allow life’s full range of emotion, they create space for joy to return.

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Cultivating Gratitude

Adopting an attitude of gratitude is one of the best ways to cultivate joy. Recognized by the Dalai Lama as one of the “8 Pillars of Joy”, gratitude has been shown to enhance the capacity to perceive joy in everyday life. Gratitude increases joy, and joy, in turn, increases gratitude in an upward spiral of positive disposition. A 2018 study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology revealed that when the participants practiced gratitude regularly, it became part of their natural disposition. Participants that exhibited greater gratitude also experienced heightened levels of joy.

Jiménez notes that cultivating gratitude—and therefore joy—is not just a matter of responding to positive circumstances. “There is a difference between gratitude for and gratitude in. It’s easy to be grateful for positive windfalls like winning the lottery or receiving a nice gift. But when something challenging happens, such as a loved one receiving a serious medical diagnosis, how can we be grateful in that moment for the gift that lies in the wisdom of that situation?” Viewing challenging events as lessons with the potential for wisdom and healing helps us cultivate a more resilient kind of gratitude.

As Tutu and the Dalai Lama teach, joy is not the absence of struggle but the presence of heart. It lives in the body, grows through connection and deepens through gratitude. To reclaim it, we must soften the grip of perfection, release the myth of constant happiness and allow space for both laughter and tears.

Jiménez reminds us that joy is something to be practiced—not achieved—through movement, mindfulness and a willingness to feel. Gratitude becomes the bridge that turns awareness into aliveness, inviting us to notice what was there all along. When people pause long enough to be present, they discover that joy does not need to be sought. It simply needs to be welcomed.

Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, researcher and content creator for KnoWEwell, P.B.C., as well as a former writer at the National Institutes of Health.

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Inspiration

The Healing Power of Silence

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ilence is essential for our brain, body and well-being.

“Noise causes stress, especially if we have little or no control over it,” says Mathias Basner, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who specializes in sound processing. “An indicator that something is too loud is when you start changing your behavior.

You may avoid outside areas, or close the windows, pause your conversation, move your bedroom to a different area or install insulation.”

Unwanted sound produces a stress response in the body, activating the “fight-or-flight” reaction and prompting the amygdala, the brain’s emotional processing center. This sends a signal to release stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which in turn increases heart rate, raises blood pressure and can contribute to inflammation.

Noise also disrupts sleep, which is vital for brain functioning and restoring the body.

Sleep helps brain cells communicate with each other and “washes away” the toxins in our brain that build up during the day.

During sleep, our brain has an auditory surveillance mechanism that scans our environment for threats while hearing and processing every single noise during the night as it’s also renewing our immune system.

Mike Stock on AdobeStock.com

by Robin Fasano

Loud, sudden noises like speeding cars, motorcycles and barking dogs can jolt us awake and hinder the brain’s ability to accomplish its work, damaging our concentration and cognition during the day. In some cases, blood pressure can even stay elevated throughout the night.

Nurse Florence Nightingale wrote, “Unnecessary noise is the most cruel absence of care that can be inflicted on the sick or well. Every careless clatter or banal bit of banter can be a source of alarm, distress and loss of sleep for recovering patients.” She emphasized that quiet is as important for healing as cleanliness.

Silence Nourishes the Brain

Duke University researchers have shown that two hours of silence a day spurs new brain cell growth in the hippocampus, the region of the brain associated with memory. “We saw that silence really helped the new generated cells to differentiate into neurons, and integrate into the system,” says former Duke University regenerative biologist Imke Kirste.

and the subtle forces that power our lives— and, in fact, the entire cosmos.

“When you go into a forest and get very quiet, you’ll come to understand that you’re connected with everything,” wrote author Alan Watts. “Every tiny insect that’s buzzing is a messenger, and that insect is connected to human beings everywhere.”

By feeding and nourishing the senses with quietude, we recognize the sacred holiness of the entire planet: the opening of a flower; the billions of cells that it takes right now to inhale and exhale; and the smooth sensation of running water. We simply become more attuned to everything.

So what counts is the quality of our surroundings and relationships because where there’s peace, there’s healing. The body can only heal when it’s relaxed.

On an emotional level, silence helps us develop the capacity to be fully present—and really listen deeply—with our whole self, in nonjudgment—to ourselves and others.

The more present we are for ourselves, the more present we can be for others and the more beneficial we can be to humanity. As we hear each other—and ourselves—into being.

“True 100 percent listening is an act of worship,” said author and poet John O’Donohue.

Indeed, silence is the place of our truest deepest self. With quiet and solitude, we’re releasing the distractions that take us away from our deepest self and we’re making space to hear our inner wisdom.

“We need silence to be able to touch our souls,” said nun Mother Teresa. “See how nature—trees, flowers, grass—grows in silence. See the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence,” she noted. “God cannot be found in noise and restlessness.”

The brain needs silence to heal, regenerate and thrive.

The soul knows what it needs to do in this lifetime. And it speaks at every moment. All we have to do is be silent—and listen.

The absence of noise sharpens our ability to think, learn and discover. Silence improves focus and attentiveness to our surroundings

Robin Fasano is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine.

December 2025

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Green Living

The Joy of Local Holiday Shopping Making the Most of the Human Touch

by Marlaina Donato

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here is something special about stepping into the cozy warmth of a coffeehouse, sampling the latest offerings at the bakery or discovering a rare edition at the local bookshop. Our hometowns, like their people, have a unique spirit, and shopping locally during the holiday is a full-sensory delight. “Online shopping is convenient, but nothing beats an in-person interaction and seeing how happy a local business owner gets when you purchase something,” says Jacqueline De Leeuw, a fine artisan and owner of the thrift store Comfy Komodo, in Newton, New Jersey.

Finding Treasures With Friends

Discovering local treasures provides social nourishment and counteracts our screendependent lifestyles. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, social connection benefits long-term physical and mental health. “Talking with the folks who grow your food or make your gifts is almost extinct in our world. Farmers markets have revived that,” says Darlene Wolnik, senior project manager for the Farmers Market Coalition, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Despite Adobe Analytics reporting that American consumers spent $241.4 billion online during last year’s holidays, CapitalOne’s research shows that 45 percent still prefer in-store shopping. This preference is driven by convenience, easy product comparison and a more enjoyable

experience. Local stores offer shorter lines, fewer crowds, meaningful options and a chance to reduce our carbon footprint.

The American Independent Business Alliance states that for every $100 spent at an independent business, $50 or more remains in the local economy, boosting prosperity, jobs and donations to local organizations.

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Fulfilling our senses with artisanal breads, seasonal produce freshly harvested from local soil and maple syrup tapped from nearby trees reconnects us with real life.

From hand-poured candles to artful ornaments, small businesses offer unique finds.

Shopping can extend beyond purchases to include meeting friends for lunch or enjoying seasonal treats. The holidays are the perfect excuse to indulge in local fair-trade chocolates, regional wines, craft beers or small-batch gourmet coffees. “Nothing is better than meeting with family or friends and seeing where the day takes you, exploring local shops,” muses De Leeuw.

Wolnik agrees, suggesting, “You can make a morning of it and shop the entire town or Main Street before or after your farmers market visit.” She recommends checking if vendors offer holiday crafts. “A lot of farmers knit, weave and do woodworking.

Also, many markets use a wooden token system to process card payments. If your market does that, buy tokens for friends, wrapped with a ribbon and a market flyer.”

Keeping It Local Year-Round

After the gifts and festivities, adopting inspiring habits can kickstart a new year.

Choosing to shop locally more often positively impacts the environment because small businesses typically source their products regionally, reducing transit emissions.

Knowing the names of local servers, shopkeepers and baristas fosters a vibrant network of community engagement, enriching our everyday lives with meaning and a sense of belonging. “My favorite thing about supporting local shops is really connecting with the owners or the workers—finding out their story, how they started and what brought them here,” adds De Leeuw.

Creating monthly or weekly local shopping rituals can enhance family life or jazz-up date nights. Buying healthier bread at the bakery or herbal soap from a neighborhood artisan are simple ways to sustain the backyard economy while enjoying a slower, more relaxed pace and remaining open to the wonders along the way.

Marlaina Donato is an author, artist and composer. Connect at WildflowersAndWoodSmoke.com.

4 Winter Markets December Stamford Museum & Nature Center Market in Connecticut Holiday 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

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39 Scofieldtown Rd, Stamford Local artisans selling candles, soaps, jewelry, honey, tea, décor and more.

Discover the magic of the season at these festive winter markets across Connecticut.

From handcrafted gifts to farm-fresh treats, these local events offer the perfect opportunity to support artisans, find unique holiday treasures and enjoy community celebrations. Mark your calendar and explore the best of Connecticut’s wintertime markets!

Litchfield Hills Holiday Farm-Fresh Market 9 a.m.–2 p.m. • Litchfield Firehouse, 161 West St, Litchfield Seasonal produce, artisanal foods and crafts.

December 5–7

Scandinavian Club Christmas Market 11 a.m.–3 p.m. • 144 Evergreen Ave, New Haven Handmade Scandinavian crafts, raffle, lunch and festive fun.

Noah Webster Holiday Market 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily 227 Main St, West Hartford More than 20 local vendors offering crafts, fine art and holiday gifts.

Shelton Holiday Craft Festival 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Hyatt House, 100 Corporate Pl, Shelton Artisans Alliance craft fair featuring local vendors.

December 6

December 14

Flanders Holiday Market 9 a.m.–3 p.m. • Flanders Nature Center, 5 Church Hill Rd, Woodbury Local artisans, farm-fresh foods and festive holiday shopping.

New Milford Holiday Craft Fair 11 a.m.–4 p.m. • Create Escape Studio, 17 Main St, New Milford Handcrafted gifts and local makers.

IHSM Annual Holiday Craft Fair 10 a.m.–3 p.m. • Irish American Home, 108 North St, Milford Vendors, bake sale and raffle hosted by the Irish Heritage Society.

December 20–21 Mill River Park Holiday Market 12 p.m.–6 p.m. • Mill River Park, Stamford Family-friendly holiday market with local artisan crafts.

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Natural Pet

Boosting Canine Health

While many vegetables are beneficial, pet parents should not give dogs onions, garlic, leeks, scallions and chives, as they are toxic to dogs. Likewise, dogs should not eat tomatoes, corn on the cob and vegetables that can cause blockages such as radishes and the pits from avocados and fruits. Certain fruits, such as cherries, grapes and raisins, are also toxic to dogs.

Holistic Immune System Strategies

by Ruth Roberts, DVM, CVA, CVH, CVFT, NAN

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dog’s immune system is the first line of defense against infection and disease, relying on nutrition, rest and emotional balance for optimal protection. Prolonged stress and consistently poor nutrition can gradually weaken this vital network, but holistic care provides gentle, effective strategies to restore and safeguard immune function, contributing to lasting wellness and vitality.

A Solid Nutritional Foundation

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Immune resilience begins in the gut, where most immune cells are located. A 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science revealed that supplementing canine diets with chitooligosaccharides (COS), bioactive compounds derived from chitin in crustacean shells and fungi, enhanced immune responses and antioxidant enzyme activity by promoting a healthier gut microbiome. In addition to these functional supplements, nutrientdense foods, particularly fresh leafy greens and colorful vegetables such as carrots, beets and peppers, also nourish beneficial gut bacteria and provide antioxidants that combat inflammation. Each color of the vegetable rainbow contributes unique phytonutrients that protect cells and bolster a dog’s innate defenses.

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Healthy fats are equally indispensable because they form the structural basis of cell membranes, ensuring optimal cellular function and resistance to pathogens.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids from sources like fish oil, boneless sardines or ground flaxseed in moderation nourish the skin, reduce inflammation and support immune regulation. Cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cell integrity and hormone equilibrium. Good cholesterol sources for dogs include eggs, organ meats, fish and lean meats fed in moderation. These nutrients promote strong, adaptable cells and a balanced microbiome—the cornerstone of enduring health.

A comprehensive whole-food diet centered around these principles offers greater benefits than isolated supplements. The synergistic effects of nutrients found in fresh foods support the immune system in a natural, sustainable manner, helping dogs heal, adapt and thrive.

The Power of Mushrooms

Nature provides potent tools to further enhance immune balance. Medicinal mushrooms have long been recognized for their immunomodulating properties, helping to strengthen, balance and regulate a dog’s natural defense mechanisms. Medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, cordyceps, lion’s mane, turkey tail and chaga are safe and beneficial when used under the guidance of a veterinarian. Unidentified and wild mushrooms, including Amanita and Galerina species, should not be given to dogs as they may be toxic.

A 2024 study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found that four weeks of shiitake mushroom powder supplementation in healthy dogs significantly increased antioxidant activity, while reducing cholesterol.

These findings suggest that shiitake mushrooms may help enhance cellular defense and immune resilience in dogs. Because of their immune-stimulating properties, shiitakes should be given only under veterinary supervision to dogs with immune-mediated diseases or those undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppressive treatments.

Similarly, reishi mushrooms have been studied in animals for their immune-supportive and protective effects. Their polysaccharide and triterpenoid constituents have been demonstrated to stimulate pathogen-killing white blood cells such as macrophages and T-lymphocytes, leading to improved immune surveillance and resistance against abnormal cell growth. Rodent studies have shown that reishi extracts can significantly inhibit tumor development, reduce inflammation and enhance overall immune function without adverse effects.

A pivotal factor in these effects is the presence of β-glucans—complex polysaccharides that function as biological response modifiers, training the immune system to respond appropriately to challenges without overstimulation. “The beta glucans help to stabilize your immune system,” explains Rob Silver, a pioneering holistic and integrative veterinarian in Boulder, Colorado, recognized for his expertise in veterinary herbal medicine and medicinal mushrooms. He notes that these

compounds can “re-educate” immune cells, enabling them to distinguish between genuine threats and harmless triggers such as pollen, food or dust. In this way, β-glucans promote a balanced, resilient immune response that supports both health and tolerance.

Establishing Balance for Lifelong Wellness

Holistic canine care goes beyond food and supplements, encompassing emotional well-being and preventive measures. Because chronic stress can weaken immunity, maintaining a calm, enriching environment is essential. Regular exercise, mental stimulation and comforting companionship promote equilibrium and confidence. Gentle detoxification practices such as supporting liver function with milk thistle or kidney health with dandelion root further assist the body’s natural cleansing processes.

Regular checkups are pivotal in preserving a dog’s health, enabling veterinarians to detect emerging issues early. Collaborating with a holistic practitioner provides a comprehensive approach that integrates natural therapies with conventional medicine.

chengyuzheng from Getty Images/CanvaPro

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Research on shiitake mushrooms indicates that they contain beneficial bioactive compounds, including beta glucans (β-glucans), eritadenine and other polysaccharides, which can augment immune activity, support liver function and improve antioxidant capacity in humans.

Holistically strengthening a dog’s immune system entails nurturing the entire being—body, mind and spirit. With a foundation of whole-food nutrition, balanced fats, supportive herbs and mindful care, dogs can enjoy vibrant health and lasting vitality. This integrated approach not only fortifies the immune system, but also cultivates a life of balance, joy and resilience.

Ruth Roberts, an integrative veterinarian and a holistic health coach for pets, is the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. Learn more at DrRuthRoberts.com.

NATURAL AWAKENINGS ENCOURAGES YOU TO

RECYCLE December 2025

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Salt’s Good Side

Conscious Eating

The Magic of Gourmet Salts From Fleur de Sel to Himalayan Pink

by Maya Whitman

S

pecialty salts can transform everyday foods. To elevate the experience, add bold chili salt to a hearty winter stew, smoked salt to popcorn or ruby-colored wine salt to chocolate truffles. Flavored finishing salts surprise the tastebuds in ordinary dishes like oatmeal, desserts or hot cocoa. Used mindfully, gourmet salt reduces the need for excessive sodium and invites us to savor the extraordinary.

“I think salt is amazing and brings out the best in food—all those hidden flavors,” says Craig Cormack, a gourmet salt chef in Cape Town, South Africa. His career as a food artisan advanced in 2009 when he embraced specialty salts. “My personal collection is sitting at 232 naturally occurring salts from around the world,” adds Cormack, who favors unrefined regional varieties, but also enjoys bold options such as smoked Danish Viking salt for its ancient, bonfire-infused qualities.

Salts vary in texture, flavor and nuance based on their source and harvesting techniques, such as solar evaporation or hand-raking.

Many contain trace minerals, adding depth to dishes, and when consumed in moderation, sea salt may benefit the body compared to refined salt.

Salt has a bad reputation for causing high blood pressure and other health conditions, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that more than 70 percent of dietary sodium comes from prepared and packaged foods, not from salt added at home.

The FDA daily value for sodium is less than 2,300 milligrams per day, and using unrefined salts can be a healthier alternative to common table salt, which is demineralized and processed with anti-clumping agents. Celtic gray salt and other mineral-rich varieties contain naturally occurring, trace heavy metals, but also minerals like potassium, magnesium and calcium, which can help prevent the body from absorbing harmful metals like lead.

“We all need salt in moderation to live. The best way to ingest salt is to season your own food. Processed food has too much salt, and you can’t control your intake. Naturally made, mineral-rich salt is the best choice,” affirms Nancy Bruns, a seventh-generation salt maker at J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works, in Malden, West Virginia. She and her family produce rare, small-batch finishing salts harvested from the ancient Iapetus Ocean beneath the Appalachian Mountains.

Spanning the Salt Spectrum

Whether sourced from evaporated seawater (sea salt) or underground salt mines (rock salt), there is much to choose from. Sea salt comes in various colors, coarseness and complex flavors.

Highly prized flake salt—fleur de sel from coastal France—is hand-harvested from evaporation ponds with clay bottoms and, with its delicate, paper-thin crystals, offers delicious nuances as a finishing salt. Celtic gray salt, sourced deeper within evaporation ponds, contains more moisture and minerals.

Himalayan pink salt, mined from salt beds formed from ancient seas approximately 600 million years ago, contains more than 80 minerals and has a rosy color due to the presence of iron oxide and magnesium. Black volcanic rock salt, also known as Himalayan black salt or kala namak, has a pungent, sulfuric quality that diminishes with heat during cooking and imparts an egg-like aroma and taste that can be useful in vegan recipes. The large, coarse grains of kosher salt traditionally used in Hebrew cuisine give food a robust, briny quality and satisfying texture.

Langan/CanvaPro

Salt can be infused with herbs, spices, fruits and smoke from various woods to create a multitude of flavor qualities and moods. Bruns highlights her ramp-infused salt, which is combined with wild onions gathered during the Appalachian springtime. Charred oak from old bourbon barrels makes their smoked salt a favorite for grills and even chocolate desserts. Cormack spotlights the fine indulgence of Tartuflanghe brand truffle salt from Italy for an unforgettable mushroom risotto.

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Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Bruns is grateful for the timeless spirit of salt. “I come to work on the same land where my ancestors made salt for over 150 years. I feel their presence, as if they are watching over my shoulder. That legacy and sense of stewardship is present every time I sprinkle salt on my food.”

Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.

eNaturalAwakenings.com

GenAI/CanvaPro

HEARTY VEGETABLE FRITTATA YIELD: 4 SERVINGS 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves ¼ tsp heirloom salt, divided 4 large eggs ½ cup whole milk 5 grinds from black pepper mill 3 dashes of jalapeño hot sauce ⅓ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

FLAVOR-INFUSED SALT 1 tsp dried herbs, spices or citrus zest of choice ¼ cup kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt

Basic Infusion Instructions

In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, spices or citrus zest for every ¼ cup of kosher salt, coarse sea salt or coarse Himalayan pink salt. Stir thoroughly and store the mixture in a sealed, dry, airtight jar. For optimal results, let the flavored salt sit in the closed jar for a few hours before use.

Take the onions out of the pan and set them aside. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the pan, along with the zucchini, yellow squash and red bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and tender. Add the garlic, thyme leaves and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Stir and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.

Suggested Combinations and Uses

Remove the pan from the heat. Return the onions to the pan and mix well. Let it cool for 10 minutes.

Enhance fresh blueberries, melon, warm oatmeal or freshly baked brownies with a unique flavor by crushing 1 teaspoon of organic lavender buds in a mortar and pestle until the flowers are bruised and fragrant, then combining them with ¼ cup coarse Himalayan pink salt.

Sprinkle to taste immediately before serving.

In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, remaining salt, pepper and hot sauce. Pour this mixture over the vegetables and sprinkle feta cheese on top.

Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until just set in the center.

Take the pan out of the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. Cut into quarters and serve.

Create a delicious finishing salt for grilled shrimp, vegan tacos or black bean soup by combining 1 teaspoon fresh lime zest, ½ of a dried hot chili pepper and ¼ cup kosher salt. Sprinkle to taste just before serving.

Make a wonderful cooking salt for roasted vegetables by mixing 1 teaspoon dried rosemary with ¼ cup Celtic gray sea salt. Sprinkle to taste before baking in the oven.

GenAI/CanvaPro

2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 large yellow onion, sliced 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced 1 medium yellow squash, thinly sliced 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.

Recipe courtesy of J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works.

December 2025

23

Proudly Announces — A Mini Documentary by

ng 2026 — On National & Local Public Television

Documentary on

Coming 2026 — On National & Local Public Television

nerativeA Whole Health Movement Mini Documentary on

eople. Real The Insights.

Real Practitioners.

Real Healing.

Regenerative Whole Health Movement Real People. Real Insights. Real Practitioners. Real Healing.

hosted by critically acclaimed actress

hosted by critically acclaimed actress

MEG RYAN MEG RYAN

Be Inspired.

Be Empowered.

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Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Join the Movement

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Join the Movement

Calendar of Events Please call ahead to confirm times and dates. Pre-register early to insure events will have a minimum number to take place. To place a calendar listing, email us before December 12 (for the January 2026 issue) and adhere to our guidelines. Email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com for guidelines on how to submit listings.

NEXT

DEADLINE 12/12/25

Saturday, December 6 Tuesday, December 2 Full Moon Radiance: Intuitive Messages, Plant Wisdom + Cleansing – 6:30-7:45p. Learn herbal medicine and enjoy a tea tasting, medicine making, sound bath plus spiritual cleansing. $65. Herbs Love + Yoga @ Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

Friday, December 5 Full Moon Circle – 7-8pm. Transformative workshop combining a plant talk, spiritual cleansing and soothing sound bath. Free. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917-267-8203.

HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

Thursday, December 4 Salt Cave of Darien: Restorative Yoga with Sound Bath – 6:30-7:45pm. Experience a Triple Healing at the Salt Cave of Darien with restorative yoga, sound bath, and salt therapy—a deeply relaxing blend of breath, movement, and soothing energy. $75. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

Mark Your Calendar

Tis the Season for Pine & Thyme: Cough Syrup Making Workshop – 1-2pm. Learn to craft herbal cough syrup using pine and thyme for winter health. Make a syrup to take home. Free.

Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown.

917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

Tuesday, December 9 Salt Cave of Darien: Meditation + Energy Healing with Exploration of Seven Chakras – 6:30-7:45pm. Experience a guided meditation and energy-healing session with Reiki Master Diane Nicosia, exploring the seven chakras, using insight cards, and blending visualization with practical tools to strengthen self-image and inspire personal growth. $65. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

Wednesday, December 10 Fa-La-La-La FUN-raiser Holiday Party – 6:309:30pm. Celebrate the season with us at our holiday fundraiser party, featuring: Live entertainment, delicious food and drinks and exciting prize drawings. All proceeds will help support our community services and maintain our Unity Center facilities. $25. Villa Italia, 26 Mill River St, Stamford. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Center for Spiritual Development

Thursday, December 11

In-Person Service • Every Sunday • 11am December 21: Holiday Service

Salt Cave of Darien: Calm & Bright – 6:157:40pm. Escape holiday chaos with Calm & Bright—a guided hypnosis and tapping session led by Kim. Reset your nervous system, receive oracle messages, and renew your energy for a peaceful season. Limited spots! $70. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Rd, Darien. 203-658-7667.

SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

In-Person Guided Meditation Tuesday Mornings: Dec. 2, 9 & 16 In-Person Candlelight Guided Meditation • December 11 • 7:30-8pm In-Person: Spiritual, Psychic & Healing Fair December 13 • 11am-4pm 25-min Readings: $65; Reiki Healing: $40 Virtual: Healing Service December 18 Virtual: New Spiritual Mediumship Class Rev. Liz Hoy & Rev. Kathleen James Starting in January 2026 Center for Spiritual Development 293 Sound Beach Ave Old Greenwich • 203-637-4615 Email: CSDPastor@gmail.com Website: Center4SpiritualDev.org

Sunday, December 14 Cosmic Shamanic Sound Bath – 4-5:15pm.

Experience a deeply restorative sound healing meditation with master vibrational healer Bradford Tilden, blending crystal bowls, vocal frequencies, gemstone therapy and Universal White Time energy for profound relaxation, energetic clearing and transformation. $50. Props and mats are provided!

Hummingbird Healing Center, 57 Main St, 2nd Fl, Westport. 203-550-3390. HummingbirdHealingCenter.com.

Tuesday, December 16 Energy-Enhanced Crystal-Sound Meditation – 6:30-8:30pm. Every third Tuesday. Join Sanaré Wellness and Bradford Tilden for a restorative session using sound, crystals, and White Time energy within a scalar wave and photonic chamber to balance, clear, and deeply rejuvenate your whole being. $99. Sanaré Wellness, LLC, 92 N. Summit St, Southington. 860-600-0106. tinyurl.com/EESCrystal-Sound-Series.

Drum Circle – 7-8:30pm. Experience the power of rhythm, self-expression and deep connection with others through this fun and transformative drum circle led by Kevin Makarewicz. No experience needed. Bring your own drum or use the ones provided. $20 per person. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-855-7922.

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Wednesday, December 17 Gentle Yoga Class with Sound Bath and Herbal Tea – 6-7pm. A calming gentle yoga session concluded with a sound bath and a comforting cup of herbal tea. $18. Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. 917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

Friday, December 19 Reiki Circle – 6-7pm. A welcoming haven for seasoned practitioners and newcomers to explore the transformative power of energy healing. Free.

Herbs Love + Yoga, 111 Church Hill Rd, Newtown.

917-267-8203. HerbsLoveAndYoga.com.

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Find us online at eNaturalAwakenings.com December 2025

25

Calendar of Events

Saturday, December 20 Open Mic Night – 7-9pm. Come and enjoy a fun evening of entertainment. Sign-up for those who wish to perform is from 6:30-6:55 pm. Singers, comedians, poets, writers, musicians and more are welcome. $15 cover at the door. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. 203-8557922. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Sunday, December 21 Relax & Renew: Candlelight Winter Solstice – 4-6pm. A soothing Winter Solstice workshop combining restorative yoga, massage, Reiki, guided meditation, and aromatherapy—designed to release tension, deepen rest, and restore inner light. Open to all; limited spots available. 50. The Yoga Shala, 1961 Post Rd, 2nd Fl, Fairfield. 203526-3847. Luma.com/0yom3ml2.

Sunday, December 28 Harmonious Renewal: Winter Reiki Sound Healing – 3-4:30pm. A soothing Winter Solstice workshop combining restorative yoga, massage, Reiki, guided meditation, and aromatherapy—designed to release tension, deepen rest, and restore inner light.

Open to all; limited spots available. Sign Up By 12/26 and save $8. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Yogaspace-CT.com.

WholePerson Health & Wellness Coming in January

Ongoing Events

Daily 17th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop – 9am-6pm. Celebrate the season with live reindeer, festive photos, children’s activities, and joyful holiday memories for the whole family to cherish. Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St, Greenwich. 203-2731166. GreenwichReindeerFestival.com.

Sunday Sunday Healing Sessions at the Farm Jibe-iT – 10am-12pm. Experience energy clearing, inner stillness and renewal in harmony with nature, animals, and Source. $25. Farm Jibe-iT, 119 Sunset Hill Rd, Redding. Jibe-it.com.

Sunday Celebration Service – 10:30-11:30am.

Bring whatever faith you are currently experiencing and join us to celebrate the Spirit within. All are welcome. We meet every Sunday from 10:3011:30am. Love offerings gratefully accepted. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk.

UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Online Meditation Practice Session – 10-11am.

Online meditation practice sessions and Dharma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.

The Awareness Project Co. Monthly Support Call – 5-6pm. Second Sunday. This conference call is for people affected by targeted harassment and electronic monitoring. We provide a safe, judgment free environment for survivors to rediscover their voice, share and find resources. Dial in number: 774-290-2200. Conference ID: 3733840.

Monday TLC Online Holistic Networking Morning – 8:30-10am. 2nd Mon. We are a vibrant and growing community committed to living consciously and offering healthy lifestyle opportunities through our businesses and passions. Come the first time as Beth’s guest, and later become a TLC member. RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text).

Kundalini Yoga with Janet Aspen – 11am12:15pm. Kundalini yoga is a comprehensive ancient practice that combines movement, mantra, breathwork and meditation to facilitate the most efficient use of our innate energy. It clears blocks, increases vitality and creates alignment in body. $25.

The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

Tuesday AM Express: Harmony Flow Yoga – 7:308:30am. Start your day with Hardik Desai’s revitalizing practice blending posture, breath, and focus to harmonize body and mind, restore energy flow, and cultivate clarity, balance, confidence and deeper self-awareness. As low as $16 per class. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642.

Rise and Shine: Guided Meditation (Online) – 8-8:30am. Take 30 minutes to fuel your morning with a refreshing burst of calm and clarity. This guided meditation will help you start your day

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Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

eNaturalAwakenings.com

grounded, focused, and ready to go—no experience needed. $10. Sign up at SpiritInTraining.com.

475-291-1693.

TLC Networking Breakfast in Norwalk – 8:30-10am.

First Tuesday. We are a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many affordable marketing opportunities and fun! $20.

Valencia, 164 Main St, Norwalk. 203TLC.com.

Yogalates – 9:30-10:45am. Pilates-Yoga fusion tones glutes, thighs and abs. Low-impact, boosts fitness. Develop core strength, flexibility and alignment. Enhance posture. Improve fitness level. $22. Yogaspace, 78 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel. 203-730-9642. Yogaspace-CT.com.

Gentle Yoga with Christy Abate – 10-11am. This class offers the benefits of a yoga practice while being conscious of injury and limitations. Class size limited to 10.

Open to all levels. First class free (Code: CHRISTY). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

Self-Care for Caregivers with Ingrida (Online) – 2-2:45pm and 6-6:45pm. Second Tuesday. You spend so much time caring for others—this circle is a chance to care for you. Breathe, unwind and reconnect with yourself, in the company of others who understand. You’ll leave with simple, supportive practices to carry into daily life. Free. Sign up at SpiritInTraining.com. 475-291-1693.

TLC Holistic Networking Evening in Newtown – 6-7:30pm. Last Tuesday of each month. Calling all healthy living entrepreneurs and practitioners. Tribe TLC is a group of like-minded holistic practitioners and wellness entrepreneurs with a common mission to help and heal. Sticks and Stones Farm, 197 Huntingtown Rd, Newtown. 203TLC.com.

Drop In and Connect: Guided Meditation – 7:308:20pm. Fourth Tuesday. Take a mindful pause at the end of your day with simple, guided meditation to help you relax, recenter and reconnect—with yourself and what matters most. We’ll close with a little time for quiet or shared reflection—whatever feels right for you. $10. Sign up at SpiritInTraining. com. 475-291-1693.

Wednesday Mass Energy Healing with Aggregata – 10am12pm. A chance to gather with others in a safe, high-vibrational space and receive deep energetic renewal, emotional clarity, and alignment with Source energy, guided by seasoned healer Aggregata Zupanova in the sacred setting of The Granite Church. $25/suggested donation. The Granite Church, 5 N Main St, Redding. Tinyurl.com/3cd276dm.

Gentle Yoga with Christy Abate – 11am-12pm.

This class offers the benefits of a yoga practice while being conscious of injury and limitations.

Class size limited to 10. Open to all levels. First class free (Code: CHRISTY). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield.

203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

TLC Networking Happy After Hours in New Milford – 4:30-6:30pm. Second Wednesday. Opportunity to meet people in a relaxed atmosphere and make connections and celebrate good times. The Abbey, 132 Danbury Rd, New Milford. 203-856-9566. 203TLC.com.

TLC Online Holistic Networking Evening – 6-7:30pm. Last Wednesday of the month. We are a relaxed group of professionals offering a supportive community, free networking events, many marketing opportunities and fun. Online via Zoom. For logon info please RSVP to Beth at 203-856-9566 (call/text) or TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. 203TLC.com.

International Association for Near Death Studies – 6:30-8pm. Third Wednesday. Join a supportive monthly gathering for those exploring spiritual or transformative experiences, featuring guest speakers and open, healing conversations. By donation.

Mary Taylor Methodist Church, 168 Broad St, Milford. isgo.iands.org/local_group/milford-ct.

A Course of Love (ACOL) – 7pm. Join this discussion group centered around Mari Perron’s channeled book, A Course of Love. Let’s join our hearts and minds together as we share insights and life experiences while integrating A Course of Love into our everyday lives. All are welcome. No ACOL experience needed. Love offerings gratefully accepted. $15. Unity Center of Norwalk, 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk. UnityCenterNorwalk.org.

Body, Mind and Feelings Working Together – 7-7:30pm. Experience a free weekly online SelfBreema class with certified instructors. Enjoy gentle movement, self-care and harmony through mindful presence and balance. No charge. Breema.com.

Online Meditation Practice Session – 7-8pm.

Online meditation practice sessions and Dharma talks using Zoom. All levels welcome. No formal charge. By donation. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding. 203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.

Mysticism: Where Science, Art and Religion Meet – 7-8:30pm. What is the purpose of life? Our intent is to address these issues through lectures, readings and guided group discussions. We will present ancient concepts, cutting-edge theories, speculations, assertions, data, and most of all, thought-provoking ideas for discussion. Free. Aleph Talks, 606 Post Rd East, Ste 667, Westport. AlephTalks.com.

Thursday All Levels Vinyasa with Jackie Jackson – 9:3010:30am. 4th Thur. Open to all bodies, ages and abilities. Jackie is a seasoned yoga teacher who is skilled at cueing and sequencing to all students.

First class free (Code: JACKIE). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

Virtual Healing Service – 7-7:30pm. Third Thursday.

All are welcome. There is no charge for this event.

Contact: CSDPastor@gmail.com for Zoom link.

Mysticism: Where Science, Art and Spirituality Meet – 7-9pm. Bart Stuck (applied mathematician and physicist) and Marjorie Partch (Jungian astrologer) lead these weekly discussions, which follow readings and lectures on ancient concepts and cuttingedge theories, presenting fresh alternatives to the apparent dichotomy that. To participate via ZOOM: BartStuck@gmail.com. Free. AlephTalks.com.

Friday Reiki 1st Degree Workshop – 10am-4pm. First Friday. With Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/Teacher. Learn Reiki 1st level, from an experienced Reiki Master/ Teacher (29 years). Includes latest info. Learn how

to use Reiki for self-healing and healing for others.

Helpful for stress reduction and more. Two Manuals and certificate included (4 attunements), private classes offered). Please call to register. Prepayment required. This Workshop is also held on the first Saturday of the month, pick one date. Please no drop-ins. $135. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.

Psychic, Spiritual & Healing Fair – 11am-4pm.

Second Saturday. Experience gifted readers and healers offering guidance, insight, and connection in The Center’s sacred atmosphere. Reservations recommended; walk-ins welcome. Sessions are first come, first served. Center for Spiritual Development, NSAC, 293 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich.

203-637-4615. Contact: CSDPastor@gmail.com.

Qi Gong with Josh Liebling – 11am-12pm. Qi Gong helps us release stress and transform into feeling refreshed, renewed and enlivened, with an undercurrent of peace and tranquility. Come experience routines that are not just powerful, but also fun and carry a sense of wonder and play. First class free (Code: JOSH). $25. The Angel Cooperative, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield. 203-4312959. TheAngelCoop.com.

Restorative Yoga – 4-5:30pm. First Sunday. With Liz Wendel. The Angel Wing, 51 Ethan Allen Hwy, Ridgefield. 203-431-2959. TheAngelCoop.com.

Friday Night Fun Networking – 6:30-8pm. First Friday. With Beth Leas of Tribe TLC. Each month will feature a fun activity designed to enhance getting to know one another . RSVP to Beth Leas at 203-856-9566 (call/text) Free. Yoga for Everybody, 85 Mill Plain Rd, 3rd Floor, Fairfield. 203-254-9642.

TLCBethLeas@gmail.com. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Monthly Yoga Mom’s Night Out – 7-9pm. Second Friday. Join us for an evening that’s all about reclaiming you time. Calm your mind and body with candlelight yoga, a few other experiences.

Space is limited to 16 moms, so please pre-register. $40. Come with a friend and get a special gift. $40.

Yoga for Everybody, 85 Mill Plain Rd, 3rd Floor, Fairfield. 203-254-9642. Yoga4Everybody.net.

Saturday Saturday Dharma and Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. Discuss various works on topics such as self-study, meditation, self-improvement, mindfulness, joy and much more. Discussion followed by 30-minute guided meditation. Proceeds donated to our charity of the month. $10/cash. Yoga Culture, 105 Mill Plain Rd, Danbury. 203-730-0250.

WeAreYogaCulture.com.

Salt Cave of Darien: Yin/Stretch Yoga – 9:3010:30am. Feel good with dynamic stretching and restorative yin poses in the therapeutic salt cave—a soothing blend of stillness, rejuvenation and inner calm. Please bring your own yoga mat and blanket, and wear white socks. $30. Salt Cave of Darien, 555 Post Road, Darien . 203-658-7667. SaltCaveOfDarien.com.

In-Person Meditation Practice Session – 1011:30am. Limited in-person meditation practice.

All levels welcome. If it’s your first time, please let someone know so that we can provide a brief introduction. Must register online. Donations encouraged. Center for Mindfulness & Insight Meditation, 9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding.

203-244-3130. ReddingMeditation.org.

Reiki Second Degree Workshop – 10am-4pm.

Fifth Saturday. with Gigi Benanti Reiki Master/ Teacher. Learn Reiki Second (Reiki2) level, from an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher (29 years).

Private classes are offered. Includes latest info.

Two powerful energy connections included, from Gigi’s short Japanese Usui Lineage. Two manuals and certificate included. Prepayment required. This workshop is also held on last Friday and Saturday of the month, pick one date. Please no drop-ins. 203852-1150. $225. Angelic Healing Center, 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk. 203-852-1150. AngelHealReiki.com.

Classified

For Rent

BROOKFIELD – BEAUTIFUL, PROFESSIONAL FURNISHED OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE in integrative psychologist’s suite at 246 Federal Rd, Brookfield. Two offices for rent— ideal for psychotherapist, massage therapist, acupuncturist, etc seeking a warm, inviting environment. Includes a shared waiting room and bathroom. Excellent location and atmosphere. Dr. DeAnn Ewart: 860-4883724.

OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE NORWALK – Associates In Family Chiropractic & Natural Health Care located at 156 East Ave, Norwalk right off exit 16 I-95. We have 2 separate rooms available to rent. Perfect for another professional such as LMT, IBCLC, LCSW, etc. looking for inexpensive professional space (includes weekly cleaning, utilities, and has shared common reception and bathroom). Please contact Dr. Mark Joachim: 203-856-8520.

Grow Your Business IF YOU’RE READING THIS, SO ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS! Let Natural Awakenings connect your business with the right customers. Contact us today to grow your local reach and impact! Call: 203-885-4674 or email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com.

December 2025

27

Community Resource Guide

Integrative Optometry

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Erica@eNaturalAwakenings.com to request our media kit.

EYECARE ASSOCIATES, PC

Alternative Wellness

Chiropractic

CERESET WESTPORT

UPPER CERVICAL DOC

Crista Mathew, Owner/ Tech Coach 18 Kings Hwy N, Westport 203-557-3299 Info@Westport.Cereset.com Cereset.com/Centers/Cereset-Westport Cereset (Cerebrum + Reset) is a proven, non-invasive technology that helps your brain naturally release stress, restoring balance and flexibility. In just five sessions, clients often experience deeper sleep, improved mood, increased energy, sharper memory, enhanced focus and better emotional regulation. See ad, page 15.

Cave Rental/Unique Gathering Space SALT CAVE OF DARIEN

555 Post Rd, Darien 203-658-7667 • Info@SaltCaveofDarien.com SaltCaveofDarien.com Our wellness destination offers an oasis of peace, calm and serenity. Whether you want to release stress, address a health challenge, or gather with friends and family, the Cave is inviting, warm and soothing. Check out our website for the many different ways to experience the benefits of our healing salt! See ad, page 2.

CBD/Hemp Wellness HEMP LIFESTYLE

Valerie Aloisio, founder 203-521-2396 Valerie@HempLifestyleNetwork.com HempLifestyle.net Discover Balance with Hemp Lifestyle. Support your body’s natural wellness with premium, organic hemp products.

Trusted by physicians, triple lab-tested and U.S. Hemp Authority-certified, our cannabinoids help optimize sleep, mood, immunity and recovery. Visit HempLifestyle.net to learn more. See ad, page 5.

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Dr. Walter Trinidad, DC 161 East Ave, Ste 14, Norwalk 203-822-1461 • UpperCervicalDoc.org Experience relief from chronic pain, migraines, and stress with our gentle, precise upper cervical chiropractic care. Restore balance, revitalize health. Schedule your consultation today with Dr. Trinidad, dedicated Upper Cervical Doc.

Dr. Randy Schulman, MS, OD, FCOVD Dr. Krupa Baxi • Dr. Allie Decker Dr. Jason Grygier • Dr. Ken Landesman Dr. Diana Ngo • Dr. Maryam Nizami Dr. Justin Rapp • Dr. Sonia Singh Dr. Magy Tepliz • Dr. Matthew Weatherbee LOCATIONS: 6515 Main St., Trumbull,• 203-374-2020 444 Westport Ave., Norwalk • 203-840-1991 2600 Post Rd., Southport • 203-255-4005 992 High Ridge Rd., 1M, Stamford • 203-357-0204 572 US-6, Mahopac, NY • 845-628-3750 103 S Bedford Rd., Mount Kisco, NY • 914-241-2020 CTNYEyecare.com We offer behavioral optometry, comprehensive vision exams, contact lenses and vision therapy. Call to schedule your appointment today.

Education EMBODY THE SACRED

Deana Paqua, MA, LMT Ridgefield and New Milford Deana.Paqua@gmail.com EmbodyTheSacred.net Offering classes, training programs, healing sessions and mentoring in cross-cultural energy medicine and contemporary shamanism for healers, spiritual seekers and the energy sensitive. Learn self-healing, self-empowerment and trauma transformation through the sacred.

Herbal Medicine HERBS LOVE AND YOGA

111 Church Hill Rd, Sandy Hook 917-267-8203 HerbsLoveAndYoga.com Learn plants with us @HerbsLoveAndYoga Herbs Love and Yoga is a Herbal Medicine School and Shop offering herbalist certifications, workshops, and in-house made herbal products. Shop teas, tinctures, flower essences, and CBD online or visit our Sandy Hook storefront. Yoga & reiki are also offered.

Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

eNaturalAwakenings.com

Meditation CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS & INSIGHT MEDITATION

9 Picketts Ridge Rd, West Redding 203-244-3130 • ReddingMeditation.org We teach and practice Mahasati meditation. Mahasati meditation cultivates selfawareness through attention to the movement of the body and, at more advanced levels, to the movement of the mind. No prior meditating experience is necessary. Ongoing weekly meditation classes, retreats and events. Please check monthly event calendar or visit ReddingMeditation.org for updated information.

Medium DR. ELIZABETH RAVER, PHD Evidential Psychic Medium 203-400-9212 RavElizabeth516@gmail.com DrLizMedium.com

Offers mediumship sessions, classes, workshops, private/ group readings. Zoom, phone, or in person. Monthly free international discussion group on zoom. Member of IANDS (International Association for Near Death Studies, Inc.) and ARED (Afterlife Research Education Discussion). See ad, page 10.

Metaphysical Store

Readings/Counseling

THE ANGEL COOPERATIVE

MEG REILLY, MS, CH

51 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative) The Angel Cooperative is a unique lifestyle boutique and metaphysical store, home to the USA’s first Shungite Room. Explore crystals, jewelry, candles, essential oils, divination tools, oracle decks, and more. The Shungite Room offers energy sessions, readings, reiki, workshops and guided meditation, all led by experienced practitioners. Shungite, known for its antioxidant fullerenes, is believed to have powerful healing properties. Our offerings are designed to stir the soul and support innate healing. See ad, page 19.

Naturopathic Physician NICOLE KLUGHERS, ND, PHARMD, MSAC

Vis Wellness Center Rocky Hill & TeleMedicine Statewide (234) 2-ACU-DOC • DrNicoleKlughers.com Info@DrNicoleKlughers.com Dr. Nicole Klughers offers comprehensive naturopathic care to restore optimal health and prevent disease. Dr. Nicole’s “health detective” approach identifies the root cause of symptoms and provides all-natural solutions such as personalized nutrition (food as medicine), herbal medicine, nutrient therapies, acupuncture and more. In-depth assessment is often done with detailed testing of vitamins/minerals, hormones, advanced cardiovascular markers, inflammation, food sensitivities, gut/microbiome and more. See ad, page 10.

Psychotherapy NANCY S. SCHERLONG, LCSW, CHHC, SEP, CP, PTR/CJT-CM

Coaching • Psychotherapy • Consulting 470 Main St, Ridgefield 914-572-3167 • WellnessMetaphors.com Manage stress with relaxation techniques. Rediscover your creativity through writing and the expressive arts. Resolve trauma with EMDR, IFS or SE. Or book an experiential workshop!

Nancy has over 20 years of experience with children, families, groups, adults and corporate wellness programs. See ad, page 8.

See the YOGA, PILATES, FITNESS NETWORK

Creator of the Echoes Deck EchoesDeck.com MegReilly360.com The Echoes Deck is a 48card wisdom tool designed for inquiry, insight and guidance. In conversation with the cards, we explore the echoes you've created through four realms, so you can adjust and intentionally follow the energy that serves you best. See ad, page 2.

Educate.

Connect.

Thrive.

Make an impact in your community

Reiki GIGI BENANTI, USUI REIKI MASTER Angelic Healing Center 7 Morgan Ave, Norwalk 203-852-1150 • AngelHealReiki.com

Gigi is an experienced Reiki Master/Teacher. She offers all levels of Reiki training monthly. All classes and Reiki sessions include the latest techniques including Karuna, Angelic and Jikiden Reiki.

Salt Healing Therapy Wellness Center SALT OF THE EARTH THERAPEUTIC SPA

787 Main St, S Woodbury 203-586-1172 • NaturalSaltHealing.com Combining an array of natural therapies that have been used since ancient times with today’s technology, Salt of the Earth Spa provides a sanctuary for deep transformations, healing and grounding for Mind, Body and Spirit.

Sound Healing THE ANGEL WING

A Divine Spiritual Center Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative) The Angel Wing offers diverse workshops, retreats, energy work, readings, Reiki, massage, sound healing, meditation, acupuncture, Qi Gong, and yoga classes. We also provide certification courses in Reiki, Crystal Healing, Meditation, Sound Healing and more—designed to uplift and align with New Earth energies. . See ad, page 19.

Call today!

203-885-4674 Visit website eNaturalAwakenings.com

on page 13.

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HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares Merryall, New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing.

She offers Hummingbird Sound Yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Using earth, dance and symphonic gongs, bowls, tuning forks and humming-for-health meditations, her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 6.

Spiritual Center UNITY CENTER OF NORWALK

Betsy Woods Brooks or Miranda Agosto 3 Main St, 2nd Fl, Norwalk 203-855-7922 Office@UnityCenterNorwalk.org UnityCenterNorwalk.org Unity Center of Norwalk is a spiritual co-op that offers a positive, practical, progressive approach to Spirituality. We’re about building community, deepening spirituality and transforming lives. Sunday services at 10:30am. Visit UnityCenterNorwalk.org for our monthly events calendar. See ad, page 10.

Support Group THE AWARENESS PROJECT CO. 65 High Ridge Rd, Ste.102,Stamford 1:1 Support: 844-373-3840 Tinyurl.com/TheAwarenessProject

Have you ever been affected by targeted harassment and electronic monitoring. We provide a safe, judgment free environment for survivors to rediscover their voice, share and find resources. Visit our website or email us ConnectWithOthertis@gmail.com for more information, dates and times of monthly support/conference call.

Transformative Healing

BETH LEAS

Transformative Healing • Tarot Virtual and In-Person Sessions 203-856-9566 • BethLeas.com If not now, when? Inspire change on all levels—greater physical ease, emotional freedom, peace of mind and spiritual connection. 30+ years of intuitive healing experience with adults and children of all ages. Reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, Tarot. See ad, page 2.

Universal White Time Healing BRADFORD W. TILDEN, MM, CMT, UWT 92 North Summit St, Southington 860-830-5841 Info@CrystalMusicHealing.com CrystalMusicHealing.com

Become certified in Universal White Time Healing! Bradford is one of the pioneering teachers and practitioners of this exclusive and incredible new global healing modality given to us by our ET allies for our healing, spiritual growth, and the awakening of humanity. With White Time there is no limit to how strong a healer you can become, or how high you can spiritually evolve. See ad, page 10.

Voice & Sound Coaching HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares Merryall, New Milford • 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Improve your voice, expand your range, find your ‘goldilocks’ note using soul singing, improvisation and ‘one with sound’ exercises. Learn from a certified vocal yoga teacher, sound healer and experienced performer who has studied with Bobby Mcferrin, Silvia Nakkach and Heather Lyle. Some of her music can be found at WiseFishWorld.com. Online Zoom groups and one on one sessions. See ad, page 6.

KATIE AUGUSTYN, MA, CPC

Transformation Coach, Shamanic Healer 203-820-3800 TransformationCenterCT@gmail.com TransformationCenterCT.com Katie will assist you in reaching your true potential and heal what has been holding you back. You will experience real self-acceptance and start to live in alignment with who you truly are so you can create a life you love, a life of meaning and purpose. See ad, page 2.

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Fairfield & Southern Litchfield Counties

Wellness Center HAUTE HEALING OASIS

Jessica & Peter Chichester 792 Pacific St, Stamford 203-595-5304 • Info@HauteHealingOasis.com HauteHealingOasis.com HHO is your feel-great place!

A 3,500-square-foot wellness spa and healing center featuring over a dozen wellness services in a caring feng shui inspired atmosphere. If you need relaxation, detoxification, body contouring or rehabilitation services, then you should check them out.

Yoga THE ANGEL WING

A Divine Spiritual Center Located next door to The Angel Cooperative 49 Ethan Allen Hwy (Rte 7), Ridgefield 203-431-2959 • TheAngelCoop.com Follow us on Instagram (@shungiteroom) YouTube (The Angel Cooperative) The Angel Cooperative offers diverse yoga classes at The Angel Wing, our spiritual center next door. Classes include vinyasa, gentle, yin, kundalini, restorative (with tarot/sound immersion), yoga nidra, Yoga Alliance® 200hr Teacher Training, and workshops. Save 20% on Yoga Packages + enjoy a free first class!

Our teachers believe yoga is for everyone— every body, every level. See ad, page 19.

HUMMINGBIRD SOUND YOGA LLC

Barbara (Bobbi) Soares Merryall, New Milford 860-946-9470 BSoares@LightOfTheNewMoon.com Facebook @HummingbirdSoundYoga Barbara (Bobbi) Soares, MA, CYT, is a sound yoga and vocal yoga teacher, blues/jazz singer, and Reiki master, certified in several modalities of energy and sound healing. She offers Hummingbird Sound Yoga and sound healing immersions for groups and private sessions. Her goal is to help individuals experience becoming “one with sound” to promote a deep relaxation response that balances energy and encourages healing. See ad, page 6.

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NOVEMBER 28 - DECEMBER 24

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