February 2026: Natural Awakenings Tucson Edition

In this issue: Get to Know Photojournalist Vincent J. Musi; A Whole-Hearted Life; Beauty as Medicine; Self-Care as an Act of Self-love; Foot Fitness for Longevity; Garlic Therapy; Plus Much More...

February 2026 Letter From Publisher

Nurturing the Heart: A Whole-Hearted Approach to Living Well Read More »

Be Mine and the artist Kathleen Benyak

ON THE COVER: Be Mine by Kathleen Benyak

Kathleen Benyak has been creating art for more than three decades. Read More »

Holistic Integrative Wellbeing and Flow

Prosper In Wholeness offers a holistic, integrative approach to wellbeing that views individuals as multidimensional beings of both light and matter Read More »

Weekly Artist Feedback Group at Raices Taller 222

Artists seeking constructive critique and creative support are invited to “Feedback,”... Read More »

By Rodica on AdobeStock.com

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Menopause

Menopause occurs when a woman has her final menstrual period and is confirmed after 12 consecutive months without a period. Read More »

Beauty as Medicine

What if one of the most potent health practices available costs nothing, requires no equipment and is probably something you’ve been dismissing as frivolous? Read More »

Vincent J. Musi

Get to Know Photojournalist Vincent J. Musi: National Geographic Changemaker

Renowned photojournalist Vincent J. Musi will present a collection of his photographs from around the world on Tuesday, February 24, at the Fox Tucson Theatre Read More »

By Misho on AdobeStock.com

Self-Care as an Act of Self-Love

In February, it is common to prioritize nurturing relationships with family, friends or a romantic partner, but not oneself. Read More »

Young man with beard meditating in forest

A Whole-Hearted Life: The Daily Choices That Help Our Hearts Thrive

Daily habits like mindful eating, restorative sleep, social connection and nature time form a powerful foundation for long-term cardiovascular well-being Read More »

Shanna Shaprio Ph, D Clinical psychologist Santa Clara University School of Education and Counseling Psychology

From Negativity to Self-Compassion: A Conversation With Shauna Shapiro

Shauna Shapiro, Ph.D., shares science-backed practices to rewire the brain with mindfulness and self-compassion, offering tools for healing and emotional resilience. Read More »

A braided string of garlic bulbs hangs against a rustic brick wall.”

Garlic Therapy: Eating Our Way to a Healthier Heart

Studies show fresh garlic supports cardiovascular function, improves blood pressure and cholesterol, and offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits Read More »

ZINGY BALSAMIC-LIME VINAIGRETTE

Zingy Balsamic-Lime Vinaigrette

Tangy lime, sweet maple and fresh garlic bring bold flavor to salads, grilled veggies or shrimp—ready in minutes with pantry staples Read More »

Creamy herb soup served with basil leaves on top

Creamy Tofu Basil Sauce

This silky, dairy-free sauce blends tofu, fresh basil and lemon into a luscious topping perfect for grain bowls, pasta or baked potatoes Read More »

Black bean stew with purple sweet potatoes

Black Bean Stew With Purple Sweet Potatoes

Sweet, spicy, and protein-rich, this vibrant stew with mango and jalapeño is hearty, colorful and deeply satisfying for any season Read More »

Roasted Garlic

Golden and mellow, this oven-roasted garlic paste brings rich umami to breads, potatoes and dips—and stores beautifully for days Read More »

“A handmade ceramic bowl with visible gold repair lines displayed on a white background.”

Weaving Gold Into Life’s Story

Inspired by Kintsugi, this reflection explores how grief and loss can be transformed into resilience, beauty and a deeper sense of self-worth Read More »

“A man stands near a window, looking upward with a thoughtful and reflective expression

Small Acts, Clear Skies: Daily Changes That Lighten Our Pollution Load

Daily choices—like skipping gas-powered tools, using low-VOC products and improving ventilation—can reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution Read More »

“A woman joyfully cleaning her living room while holding a mop and wearing gloves

Foot Fitness for Longevity: The Path to Better Balance and Blood Flow

Targeted foot and ankle exercises support longevity, reduce fall risk and improve blood flow—especially important for older adults and active lifestyles Read More »

A wooden mortar and pestle filled with fresh medicinal herbs and green leaves

Nature’s Cardiologist: Herbs and Nutrients That Heal the Heart

Botanicals like hawthorn, aged garlic and gotu kola may support circulation, reduce blood pressure and complement medical heart care when used safely Read More »

smiling young girl sits on a yoga mat while stretching her legs during a children’s exercise activity”

Gentle Relief for Growing Pains: Natural Strategies To Ease Body Aches in Children

Muscle fatigue, not growth, is the likely cause of childhood aches; gentle massage, stretching, hydration and vitamin D offer safe, effective relief Read More »

“A veterinarian in scrubs holds a cat while a dog sits beside them in a clinic”

Comfort in Motion: Holistic Joint Support for Dogs and Cats

Integrative therapies like acupuncture, laser treatments, massage and nutrition help dogs and cats stay active and comfortable with aging joints Read More »

“A couple sits with a therapist during a relationship counseling session in a professional office”

Body-Centered Therapy for Trauma

This body-centered therapy reduces PTSD symptoms and physical tension by building awareness of internal sensations and nervous system regulation Read More »

“A smiling man holds a bowl of fresh blueberries and a bowl of shredded cheese in a kitchen”

Microbiome Therapies for Depression

Probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics can reduce depression symptoms and inflammation by improving gut microbiome balance Read More »

A woman stands indoors and looks directly at her reflection in a mirror

Cultivating a Positive Body Image

Reflecting on personal values helped protect college women from the negative effects of social media “fitspiration” in a recent study Read More »

“A smiling young woman with long red hair wears a yellow sweater and poses playfully against a light background”

Eye Yoga for Glaucoma

A 2024 study found daily eye yoga reduced intraocular pressure and improved blood flow in glaucoma patients without adverse effects Read More »

“An older woman sits cross-legged indoors with eyes closed while practicing meditation

Mind-Body Practices for Cancer Survivors

Mindfulness and tai chi reduce anxiety, depression and tension in cancer survivors, supporting emotional recovery post-treatment Read More »

A bull elk with large antlers interacts with another elk in a grassy field

North America’s Largest Wildlife Overpass Opens

Colorado’s I-25 wildlife overpass spans six lanes, connecting habitat for elk, deer and antelope and reducing wildlife-vehicle collisions by 90% Read More »

“A hiker with a backpack looks out at snow-covered mountains and a forested valley.”

Conquering Continents on Foot

Karl Bushby nears the end of a 27-year trek across the globe without motorized transport, highlighting human resilience and kindness worldwide Read More »

A turtle with a patterned shell stands on a white background facing right”

A Turtle’s Resilience and the Power of Proper Care

Rockalina the turtle recovered after decades of neglect, showing how proper food, space and natural light can restore instinct and vitality Read More »

“A multigenerational family walks together through tall grass while enjoying time outdoors”

Innovative Utah Freeway for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Utah’s 3,100-mile paved trail network will link towns, parks and schools with car-free routes, enhancing safety and active transportation access Read More »

A large collection of plastic water bottles gathered outdoors for recycling.

Bacteria Engineered to Tackle Microplastics

Scientists at Duke University are exploring how bioengineered bacteria could degrade PET plastic waste and turn it into reusable material Read More »

A technician repairs the internal components of a desktop computer in a workshop.

The Collaborative Magic of Repair Fairs

Volunteers at global repair fairs help fix broken household goods, reducing waste and encouraging DIY skills, community connection and environmental responsibility Read More »