In This Issue: November 2021 Please enjoy the November issue of Natural Awakenings by flipping through the pages of our digital magazine or scrolling through the articles below. Awakening to What’s Important A few years ago, I wrote a publisher’s column based on the book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff ... and It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson. I think we all have had a refresher course on just how true that is. Read More » The Puzzle As I was reading a book recently, I was inspired by the author’s discussion on how life is one big puzzle and each day, if we are “woke”, we are given the opportunity to appreciate the tiny pieces as they begin to fit together. Read More » Giving Thanks to the One Who Deserves It Most This month marks the grand opening of my mom’s fourth yoga studio. I am so proud of her for following her true calling and for all her success. In this month of giving thanks, I would like to thank her for all that she does—for me, my family and for the world—she truly makes it a better place. Read More » What Causes Cellulite? Certain therapies such as Structural Integration (SI) may help loosen the septae bands that cause cellulite through restoring circulation to the fascia. However, SI differs from many approaches due to its whole body approach to restoration and alignment. Read More » The Wellness Gala™ Presents Wellness Gala Expo The Wellness Gala is excited to present the Wellness Gala Expo, to be held from 12:30-6 p.m., on November 14 at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany. Read More » Reader Feedback Helps Us Grow The Natural Awakening’s online national readership survey allows us to better serve readers. One participant, selected at random, will receive a $100 Visa gift card. Read More » The Ancient Practice of Spiritual Direction Spiritual direction (also known as spiritual companionship or friendship) is an ancient contemplative practice of lovingly accompanying another as they explore their inner life. Read More » 10 Mindfulness Tips for Teens These 10 tips can help teens to practice more mindful living in their daily lives. Read More » Banned Invasive Weeds for Sale A study finds that about 1,300 invasive plants are sold at garden centers, nurseries and other retailers. Read More » Boost Cognition with Green Tea Compound A single dose of 100 milligrams of the compound L-theanine—the amount found in four cups of green tea—improved reaction times and working memory of men and women. Read More » Boost Kids’ Learning Abilities with Exercise The right kind of exercise, particularly swimming, can help kids learn vocabulary better, suggests research. Read More » Buzz’s Fresh Herb and Apple Sage Stuffing Fresh herbs and apples add delicious flavors to this healthy holiday stuffing recipe. Read More » Cross-Laminated Timber Emerges in Sustainable Building A Swedish method of building using cross-laminated timber (CLT) is emerging as a climate-friendly alternative to traditional, concrete-based construction. Read More » David Crow on the Healing Power of Medicinal Plants David Crow, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha and a foremost expert in botanical medicine and other natural health applications, shares the benefits of herbs and essential oils. Read More » Dying Well: Four Steps to a Good Death Proactive, concrete steps that ease dying—getting clear on our values and desires, having important conversations, attending to final decisions and opening to our spiritual process. Read More » Eat High-Flavonoid Foods to Reduce Cognitive Decline Eating foods high in flavonoids—the antioxidant-rich plant compounds found in strawberries, oranges, peppers and apples—can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by 20 percent or more. Read More » Eat Well to Feel Well: Thanksgiving Fare That Boosts Mental Health Serve up healthier, nutrient-rich options this Thanksgiving to alleviate anxiety and depression, stabilize mood and promote mental health and wellness. Read More » Eco-Decor for the Home: How to Buy Sustainable Furnishings What to look for when shopping non-toxic, eco-friendly home decor items that are built to last and won’t pollute the environment. Read More » Entomophagy Industry Sees Growth The United Nations predicts that the rapidly growing industry of eating insects (entomophagy) could be worth $6.3 billion by 2030, so bug-based products may soon appear in local stores. Read More » EPA Bans Chlorpyrifos Pesticide on Food Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological damage in children, including reduced IQ, loss of working memory and attention deficit disorders, can no longer be used on food. Read More » Goat Cheese Appetizer with Honey, Fig and Pistachios Layer honey, fig spread and chopped pistachios on a fresh goat cheese log for a healthy, crowd-pleasing appetizer. Read More » Greek-Style Green Beans (Fasolakia Lathera) Swap the traditional green bean casserole out for this healthy, vegan Greek-style recipe using potatoes, tomatoes and onions. Read More » Healthy Brain Strategies: How to Prevent Cognitive Decline The old paradigm of inevitable aging and cognitive decline is being shifted by functional medicine experts into a new paradigm based on the brain’s neuroplasticity. Read More » Honoring the Loss of a Pet: Simple Ways to Grieve and Heal Whether we lose a cat, dog, horse, bird or lizard, grieving an animal companion can be emotional. Here are ways to honor and celebrate the life of a beloved pet while mourning the loss. Read More » Live Healthfully to Mitigate Genetic Cancer Risk Exercise, proper diet, low body mass index and abstinence from smoking and drinking correlate with decreased cancer incidence, even in those with a high genetic risk. Read More » Lose Weight with Small Calorie Reduction A reduction of just 200 calories a day combined with aerobic exercise four times a week produced greater weight loss and better heart health in obese, sedentary adults than exercise alone. Read More » Mindfulness for Stressed Teens: School Programs Teach Healthy Coping Skills One of the most beneficial ways to help teenagers cope with the stress of these tumultuous adolescent years is through mindfulness education, helping them become calm and centered. Read More » Renovating the Recycling Stream Better recycling solutions are being introduced the remove the burden from the consumer and recyclers while making the process easier. Read More » Sacred Dance: Moving into Divine Energy Spirit-infused forms of dancing like African, Middle Eastern, ecstatic and yoga-inspired kundalini help us to stay in shape while also fortifying the body’s intrinsic life force. Read More » Seluisauganasda Cherokee Cornmeal Cookies A creative, nutritious way to celebrate indigenous tradition during the holidays with a cornmeal cookie recipe that includes ingredients to boost mental health. Read More » Simple Ways to Reduce Microplastic Exposure The microparticles that result from plastics breakdown are contaminating global waters, air, soil and snow, but with certain steps we can avoid adding to the toxic refuse. Read More » The Healing Power of a Hug Hugs have proven power to soothe and nurture us, and it’s not necessary to have another human to enjoy their physical and mental health benefits. Read More » Water Shortage in the Middle East The water table in the Middle East is becoming depleted due to persistent drought, high temperatures, poor water management and overuse, and climate change. Read More » November 2021 Digita Magazine In-Print