Natural Awakenings Philadelphia

02/19/2025

THE IMPORTANCE OF REST FOR A HEALTHY HEART

Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining cardiovascular health, making it essential to prioritize restful nights for a strong, healthy heart. This Valentine’s Day, consider creating a romantic, calming sleep sanctuary that nurtures both emotional connection and overall well-being. Quality sleep not only helps regulate blood pressure, but also supports a balanced heart rate, reducing the risk of heart-related issues.

1. Aromatherapy for the Heart and Soul: Introduce soothing scents into the sleep space with essential oils like lavender, ylang-ylang and rose. These oils have calming properties that ease stress and promote relaxation. Try a heart-themed essential oil diffuser or pillow sprays to set the mood for a restful night together.

2. Heart-Centered Meditation: Wind down with a heart-focused meditation that strengthens emotional bonds and prepares the mind for sleep. Sit together, hold hands and practice deep breathing while focusing on gratitude and positive affirmations. This practice can reduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone known to disrupt sleep and elevate blood pressure.

3. Cozy Up the Bedroom: Transform the bedroom space with soft lighting, plush blankets and calming colors. Add heart-shaped pillows or pink-toned bedding for a fun yet peaceful Valentine’s touch. A sleep-friendly environment helps signal the brain that it’s time to rest.

4. Screen-Free Bedtime Rituals: Swap screen time for shared moments like reading a book together or journaling. Blue light from devices disrupts melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep.

5. Caffeine-Free Valentine’s Treats: Indulge in warm, caffeine-free beverages like chamomile tea or rose-infused hot cocoa before bed. These drinks help relax our bodies and promote sound sleep.

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02/18/2025

Are you ready to embark on a transformational journey that will awaken your divine feminine energy and reconnect you with your most radiant, empowered self?

Join us in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from May 3 - May 10, 2026, for The Inner Goddess Retreat, a soul-nourishing experience designed to help you rediscover your inner power, deepen your self-love, and realign with your true purpose.

Nestled in the heart of Thailand’s lush landscapes and sacred temples, this retreat is a sanctuary for your mind, body, and spirit. Through daily yoga, meditation, energy healing, and sacred rituals, you will shed limiting beliefs, cultivate inner peace, and embrace the wisdom of your soul. Chiang Mai’s rich spiritual traditions will support your healing and transformation, providing the perfect backdrop for deep reflection and renewal.

This is more than just a retreat—it’s an awakening, a homecoming to yourself, and an invitation to step fully into your highest self. If you’ve been seeking clarity, balance, and a deeper connection with your divine essence, this is your sign to say YES to yourself.

✨ Limited spaces available! Reserve your spot today. ✨

🔗 Visit: the1111experience.com to book your sacred journey.

02/18/2025

CHOCOLATE CHERRY VINAIGRETTE

Yield: 1 quart

As a salad dressing, this pairs wonderfully with goat cheese, mozzarella or feta, as well as almonds, pecans, dried cranberries, avocado or beets. It is also delicious drizzled over chicken or white fish, such as grouper.

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted
3 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 sprigs fresh thyme
¾ cup apple cider vinegar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
½ cup honey
2 Tbsp whole-grain mustard
1½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp salt plus more to taste

Place cherries and honey in a blender and blend until smooth. Add cocoa powder, salt, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, cinnamon and thyme, and continue blending. Add the oil to the blender in a slow and steady pour until the dressing thickens and fully emulsifies. Will remain fresh for two weeks in the refrigerator.

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02/17/2025

NATURAL AWAKENINGS EXPANDS TO MONTGOMERY AND BUCKS COUNTIES

Natural Awakenings is extending its reach to Montgomery and Bucks counties, Pennsylvania, bringing its trusted insights on healthy living, sustainability and holistic wellness to even more readers. The expansion builds on the magazine’s long-standing presence in Philadelphia and South Jersey, reflecting its mission to empower communities through informative and inspiring content.

“For years, we’ve been a cornerstone for readers seeking expert interviews, how-to articles and local wellness highlights,” says publisher Shae Marcus. “We’re excited to introduce Montgomery and Bucks counties to the same high-quality content tailored to their vibrant holistic communities.”

This development provides local businesses and wellness practitioners with a platform to connect with a health-conscious audience. Readers can explore topics ranging from sustainable gardening to mindful living while discovering new yoga studios, wellness events and eco-friendly resources.

“Natural Awakenings continues to build bridges between individuals, businesses and ideas,” Marcus adds. “We invite you to join us on this exciting journey as we grow our Natural Awakenings community and bring the best in healthy living to even more homes and hearts.”

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02/17/2025

"KEITH COHEN, DEAR PET MEMORIAL PARK"

The embodiment of adaptability, artistic curiosity and an adventuresome spirit, Keith Cohen has traveled widely across
the country weaving together a career portfolio of diverse creative pursuits and vast accomplishments.

Whether it has been organizing global activist film festivals or finding practical solutions to social justice issues, working in TV and
radio or performing stand-up comedy, this creative wayfarer has zigzagged his way through the universe guided by an immense internal compass of empathy and compassion for others.

That true North led Keith on his truest journey … back home to discover a new a life of authentic meaning and calling

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02/15/2025

BEYOND THE HEART HOW HORMONES CAN IMPACT LIBIDO AND OVERALL WELL-BEING

February is the perfect time to show some love … to our own hearts and our loved ones. This month, consider focusing on heart-healthy habits, from nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods to strengthening our relationships. While hormones play a crucial role in heart health, influencing factors like cholesterol levels, they also significantly impact our libido, energy levels and overall mood.

Decreased libido can often indicate a hormonal imbalance. By understanding our hormonal cycles, we can make informed lifestyle choices, such as “cycle syncing”, to support hormonal balance and potentially improve libido.

For those that aren’t doing it, it’s suggested to begin tracking menstrual cycles. Knowing which phase, we are in provides valuable insights. This knowledge can empower individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that support hormonal balance, potentially enhancing libido, mood and energy levels throughout the month.

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02/13/2025

HIDDEN CHANGES IN THE NUTRITIVE VALUES OF FOOD AND WATER

We are familiar with subtle changes in product sizes, such as a cereal box that appears the same, but is only half full, or liquid soap that is now labeled “bath foam” instead of “antibacterial bath soap.” However, more inconspicuous alterations may be affecting the nutritive value of the food we eat and the water we drink.

Modern agricultural practices, including overuse of land without proper fertilization or crop rotation, have led to a decline in the vitamins and minerals present in food. Studies from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have shown that many foods grown today contain fewer nutrients than those measured in the 1970s. This decline can contribute to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, which may go unnoticed but affect overall health over time.

Similarly, drinking “softened” water, which has had minerals like calcium and magnesium removed, means missing out on these important nutrients that once enriched tap water. As a result, between 40 and 60 percent of American adults are deficient in magnesium, a mineral critical for managing stress and supporting immune function. The loss of such nutrients may not be immediately evident, but the long-term effects can impair the body’s ability to respond to stress and disease.

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👉Read more on our website: www.naphiladelphia.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

02/12/2025

HONORING THE SPIRIT OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is more than a celebration of achievements; it is a sacred acknowledgment of the unbreakable spirit of a people who have transformed struggle into strength and pain into purpose. It is a time to reflect on the divine resilience that has carried generations through trials, lifted voices to create change and ignited hearts to inspire the world.

This month reminds us of the spiritual fortitude embodied by trailblazers like Harriet Tubman, who followed the guiding light of freedom, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose dream was rooted in love, justice and unity. Their journeys were not just historical—they were spiritual awakenings that illuminated pathways for others to follow. These legacies remind us of the unwavering faith required to envision a better world and the courage to bring that vision to life.

Black History Month calls us to connect deeply with the energy of hope and perseverance. It is a time to honor the ancestors whose prayers and sacrifices built bridges we walk across today. Their legacy whispers to our souls: “Rise higher, love deeper, and never lose faith.” Through their struggles, they revealed the profound truth that within each of us is a light capable of overcoming even the darkest challenges.

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02/11/2025

GALENTINE’S DAY: A CELEBRATION OF SISTERHOOD AND SHENANIGANS

February 13 is officially dedicated to celebrating the amazing women in our lives. That’s right—Galentine’s Day is here to remind us that while romance is great, nothing beats the bond of sisterhood, belly laughs and mimosas with our besties.

What started as a fictional celebration from the beloved TV show Parks and Recreation has blossomed into a real-life phenomenon. It’s the one day of the year where ladies leave behind their to-do lists, partners and responsibilities to indulge in well-deserved “me and we” time. Whether we are brunching with our BFFs, having a spa night or hosting a movie marathon featuring our favorite rom-coms, Galentine’s Day is all about uplifting each other, creating memories, and saying, “You’re the Beyoncé to my Michelle!”

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02/10/2025

Our retreats are designed exclusively for those who are seeking to deepen their connection with themselves and explore their spiritual side.

02/10/2025

TRENDS IN CHILD DENTISTRY: TECH ADVANCES IMPROVE TREATMENT OUTCOMES

Dentistry is at the forefront of technological advances, and children benefit daily from more efficient, economical and even lifesaving care that is made possible by these developments. Although prevention is always better than restoration, three emerging technologies hold special promise for pediatric dentistry. They are lasers, aligners and digital scanners.

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👉Read more on our website: www.naphiladelphia.com
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02/10/2025

We are so excited to sponsor this event! They have a few vendor opportunities still open. Come join us for a fabulous night among the flowers 🌺

My first feature in … I am not crying something is just in my eye🥹 … get your tickets to flower show this year and join myself and my partner … we just opened more space for vendors and sponsorships for those interested in being apart of this phenomenal event🌸🌺🌷🌻🌼

02/10/2025

STRETCHING FOR HEART HEALTH: GENTLE MOVEMENTS TO REGULATE STRESS AND CIRCULATION

The beauty of stretching is that it doesn’t require fancy equipment or hours of dedication. And, it doesn’t just improve flexibility and range of motion in the joints and muscles. In just a few minutes, simple stretches can reduce stress and improve heart health and circulation, too.

A 2020 meta-analysis published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health suggests that stretching exercises reduce arterial stiffness, resting heart rate and diastolic blood pressure, generally improving the functioning of blood vessels in adults.

A 2020 study published in The Journal of Physiology by the University of Milan also found improved blood flow, lower blood pressure and decreased stiffness of the arteries in 54 participants that completed a 12-week stretching program. People with stiff arteries often have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and/or inflammation. Good blood flow reduces arterial wall damage and may lower the risk for heart attacks and strokes.

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👉Read more on our website: www.naphiladelphia.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine

02/08/2025

Join Us at the Holistic Health & Healing Expo – March 30 at The Drexelbrook!

Discover the path to a healthier, more balanced life at the Holistic Health & Healing Expo on March 30 at The Drexelbrook, Drexel Hill, PA! This premier event brings together over 60 vendors and 20+ inspiring workshops, offering you the best in natural wellness, sustainable living, and holistic healing.

Immerse yourself in a day of education, inspiration, and connection as you explore cutting-edge wellness products, holistic therapies, and eco-friendly solutions. Whether you’re seeking mind-body healing, spiritual growth, or a greener lifestyle, this event is designed to empower you with the tools and knowledge to live well.

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with leading experts, experience transformative workshops, and find the resources you need to thrive.

🌿 Save the Date – March 30!
🌿 Location: The Drexelbrook, Drexel Hill, PA
🌿 Visit: Philly.hhhexpo.com for details!

Sponsored by Natural Awakenings Philadelphia.

Come be a part of this incredible journey toward holistic well-being! 🌿💚

02/07/2025

THE HEART-BRAIN CONNECTION - HOW GUT HEALTH SUPPORTS EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND CARDIOVASCULAR STRENGTH

When we think of love and health, we tend to focus on our hearts—and for good reason. Our hearts symbolize connection, care and vitality. But many may not know that our heart’s closest ally is actually our gut. This Valentine’s Day, let’s take a closer look at the “heart-brain-gut connection” and how nurturing your microbiome can strengthen our cardiovascular health and uplift our emotional well-being.

Our gut does more than digest food; it’s home to trillions of microbes that influence everything from immune function to hormone regulation. These microorganisms, collectively called the microbiome, produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (the “feel-good” chemical), which plays a crucial role in mood stabilization and heart health. According to Harvard Health Publishing, “A troubled intestine can send signals to the brain, just as a troubled brain can send signals to the gut,” highlighting how gut imbalances can influence both mental and cardiovascular health.

An inflamed gut can increase cortisol levels, raise blood pressure and impact blood sugar levels, all of which put extra strain on the heart. The American Heart Association emphasizes that “chronic inflammation is a common factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, and much of this inflammation originates in the gut.” By incorporating gut-friendly foods into our diets, we can lower inflammation, support healthy cholesterol levels and help regulate blood flow.

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👉Read more on our website: www.naphiladelphia.com
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02/05/2025

MIGHTY MUSHROOM CACAO BITES

Yield: 6 to 8 bites

¼ cup roasted cacao nibs
4 to 6 pitted Medjool dates
1 scoop of mushroom-blend powder, based on recommended serving on package (Can be reishi, turkey tail or lion’s mane)

In a high-speed blender, pulse cacao nibs to a flour consistency. Add dates and pulse until completely blended and gooey. Place the mixture into a bowl. Add the mushroom powder and combine by kneading with hands. Roll dough into bite-sized balls or flatten into a pan and cut into squares.

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👉Read more on our website: www.naphiladelphia.com
👉Link in bio to the Magazine