December 2025: Natural Awakenings Tucson Edition

In this issue: “Elemental”; When Joy Becomes the Point; Eco-Smart E-Waste; The Joy of Local Holiday Shopping; Cultivating Joy; Cross Training for Holistic Health; The Heart Work of Kin-Keeping; Plus Much More...

The Highly Sensitive Rabbit: By Judith Orloff, M.D., and Jennifer Adams; Illustrated by Katy Tanis (Sounds True, 2025)

Psychiatrist, empath and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Judith Orloff believes that sensitive children are gifts to the world, yet they are often misunderstood, shamed or bullied for their differences. Read More »

Dee Dee Bridgewater and Bill Charlap. photo credit: Evelyn Freja

“Elemental”: Diva Dee Dee Bridgewater & Pianist Bill Charlap Headline the Tucson Jazz Festival

Tucson has one of the best jazz scenes in the U.S., and a hefty amount of the credit for this goes to Khris Dodge, the Executive and Artistic Director of the HSL Properties Tucson Jazz Festival. Read More »

photo credit: Deborah Beroset

When Joy Becomes the Point

I arrived in Ojai with a plan—a detailed, color-coded, highly productive plan. Read More »

Cultivating Joy: How Movement, Gratitude and Connection Transform Our Lives

Joy emerges from movement, connection and gratitude—offering resilience amid hardship and redefining well-being as a fully embodied, relational experience. Read More »

Katie Kritikos on Secrets to a Joyful and Authentic Life

Lawyer and blogger Katie Kritikos shares how authenticity, rituals and embracing imperfection help her cultivate joy amid motherhood, advocacy and life transitions. Read More »

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

Gourmet salts like fleur de sel and Himalayan pink enhance flavor, reduce sodium and add trace minerals, transforming meals into sensory celebrations. Read More »

Flavor-Infused Salt

Custom blends of herbs, citrus zest and sea salt elevate everything from roasted veggies to brownies, adding gourmet flair and mineral-rich flavor to everyday dishes. Read More »

Pomegranate Pickled Fish

Garam masala, dried fruit, and pomegranate create a sweet-spiced glaze for cold yellowtail, topped with lime mayo for an unforgettable holiday centerpiece or appetizer. Read More »

Hearty Vegetable Frittata

This savory frittata layers caramelized onions, vibrant squash, and feta with a hint of jalapeño heat, offering a cozy, seasonal dish perfect for brunch or weeknight meals. Read More »

December’s Duality: Embracing Joy and Melancholy

December’s contrast of joy and melancholy invites self-reflection, reminding us to honor both celebration and grief as part of the human experience. Read More »

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

Local holiday shopping fosters joy, reduces emissions and keeps more money in hometown economies through meaningful, sensory-rich community connections. Read More »

Cross Training for Holistic Health: Advantages of a Well-Rounded Exercise Routine

Cross Training for Holistic Health Blending cardio and strength, cross training builds resilience, boosts mood and supports holistic wellness for all fitness levels and life stages. Read More »

The Heart Work of Kin-Keeping: Transforming Family Responsibilities Into a Shared Experience

Often unseen, kin-keeping—managing family traditions and ties—is essential yet unevenly shared work that can be reimagined through openness and collaboration. Read More »

Unwrapping the Past: Helping Kids Connect With Their Family Heritage

Holiday storytelling, recipes and crafts help kids build identity and resilience by connecting playfully and meaningfully with evolving family traditions. Read More »

Boosting Canine Health: Holistic Immune-System Strategies

A whole-food diet, medicinal mushrooms and emotional balance form the foundation of holistic immune health for dogs, supporting longevity and vitality. Read More »

Kissing Bug Disease Spreads Across 32 States

The CDC declares Chagas disease endemic in the U.S., as kissing bugs spread across 32 states, raising public health concerns for people and pets alike. Read More »

Understanding How Magic Mushrooms Affect the Brain

New brain scans reveal how psilocybin alters perception by disrupting neural pathways tied to self-awareness, offering insights into its long-lasting therapeutic effects. Read More »

Ultra-Processed Foods Undermine the Healthiest Diets

A major study finds even plant-based diets can be ultra-processed, challenging assumptions about health and sustainability in meat-free eating patterns. Read More »

Building Emotional Resilience in Cancer Survivors

Mindfulness and tai chi improve mood, energy and vitality for cancer survivors, offering evidence-based support for emotional healing alongside medical care. Read More »

Ayurveda Detox for Multiple Sclerosis Relief

An observational study links Panchakarma detox therapies to improved mobility and reduced medication use in women with MS, highlighting Ayurveda’s integrative potential. Read More »

Human Artifacts Found in Vulture Nests

Bearded vulture nests in Europe yielded centuries-old human artifacts, offering rare archaeological insight preserved in the cliffs by these bone-loving birds. Read More »

Deforestation Dulls Butterfly Colors

Amazon butterflies are losing their vibrant hues in deforested areas, as habitat loss disrupts survival strategies and threatens ecological diversity. Read More »

A New Piece in the Human Evolutionary Puzzle

A Denisovan skull found in China offers the most complete image yet of this ancient hominin, reshaping our understanding of human ancestry in East Asia. Read More »

The Fall of Orange Juice

Sugar content, price hikes, and citrus crop losses have cut orange juice consumption nearly in half, reshaping breakfast habits and agricultural futures. Read More »

A New Era for Ocean Conservation Begins

The High Seas Treaty becomes international law in 2026, creating new protections for marine biodiversity across two-thirds of the world’s ocean areas. Read More »

Eco-Smart E-Waste

Proper e-waste disposal prevents toxic pollution, saves energy and reduces landfill waste—protecting ecosystems while promoting responsible consumption. Read More »

In-Print, Other