It’s one of the most festive seasons, and with it comes hope, dreams and goals for the new year. Our mission with Natural Awakenings has always been to lend a hand and provide encouragement toward a healthy lifestyle for all who seek it. Our contributors share tools, insights, resources, events and ceremonies for mind, body and soul. We’re proud to be a lighthouse for our readers.

This month’s issue centers on embracing joy. The holiday season seems to overflow with positive loving emotions, and it would appear easy enough to embrace the abundant joy that swirls in the wind. The season can also be filled with stress and anxiety which sometimes makes it difficult to even recognize joy let alone embrace it. Our December issue is full of great ways to help you slow down, breathe and identify the small things that can let those feelings of joy and love shine through.

Discover how Ceremonial Cacao (not just ordinary hot cocoa) can nourish the soul and help keep the focus on joy in “Sip of Serenity.” This ancient plant-based elixir is not only joyfully delicious but it helps foster love, empathy and connection. The article dives deeper into the medicinal benefits of cacao and how it can help the body, mind and spirit.

Many people embrace joy through the act of giving. One unique gift to consider is gourmet salts. In our Conscious Eating section, “The Magic of Gourmet Salts” highlights many types of salt. While, using salt is often controversial due to health issues that arise with overconsumption, salt is a necessary chemical compound for the body. There is good salt and bad salt and this article breaks down the difference between the two. It’s a tasty realization.

Get-togethers and holiday meals are abundant this time of year. Family dynamics are on display and can be difficult for some people. We’re here to help. In our Healthy Way section, “The Heart of Kin-Keeping” can explain the mechanisms of the usually invisible job of keeping family together and connected to strong roots, traditions and bonds that are bound through love and mutual respect. It must be a group effort, and this article has easy to implement strategies for even the most complex of family dynamics.

Let your light shine, open your heart and embrace the joy that abounds. 

Peace and love to you and yours.

Daralyn & Scott Chase