July 2026 Upcoming Issue of Natural Awakenings Charlotte
July 2026
Theme: Good Vibes, Great Outdoors
Feature Story – Wellness Without Walls: Outdoor Connections for Body and Spirit
Explores the growing outdoor wellness movement and how nature-based activities, from yoga in vineyards to paddleboarding, hiking and herb walks, can support physical health, emotional well-being and social connection. Highlights the restorative benefits of stepping away from screens and engaging more intentionally with the natural world through movement, mindfulness and community experiences.
Healing Ways – Rhythm and Renewal: The Transformative Power of Group Drumming
Group drumming supports emotional healing, connection, resilience and stress reduction across cultures and wellness settings. Covers the role of rhythm in trauma healing, empowerment, addiction recovery, brain health and community-building, while highlighting the spiritual and social dimensions of collective drumming experiences.
Fit Body – Pickleball Prowess: Getting in Shape for the Court
Players can safely prepare their bodies for pickleball through strength training, warm-up routines, mobility work and recovery practices. Covers common pickleball injuries, conditioning strategies, cross-training and practical exercises that support balance, joint stability, flexibility and long-term performance, especially for older adults.
Conscious Eating – Summer in Every Bite: Vibrant, Versatile Salads
Fresh, hydrating summer salads can support energy, nourishment and outdoor living through seasonal produce, whole grains, healthy fats and flavorful dressings. Covers farmers market sourcing, creative ingredient pairings and nutrition-forward salad building, with several seasonal recipes included.
Green Living – Sustainable Water Features: Bringing Home Gardens to Life
Eco-friendly water features, including ponds, fountains and birdbaths, can transform outdoor spaces into peaceful, sustainable backyard habitats that support pollinators, birds and amphibians. Covers water conservation strategies, solar and recirculating systems, natural pond ecosystems, placement considerations and practical design ideas for gardens of all sizes.
Healthy Kids – Raising Water-Confident Kids: Teaching Youngsters to Love Swimming
Families can help children build confidence, safety awareness and lifelong enjoyment around swimming and natural bodies of water. Covers the differences between pools and open water, gradual confidence-building strategies, water-safety habits and the developmental benefits of swimming, while encouraging positive, supportive experiences around lakes, rivers and beaches.
Natural Pet – Cool Canines: Holistic Summer Tips To Keep Dogs Happy, Active and Itch-Free
Practical. holistic strategies for helping dogs stay healthy, comfortable and active during the summer months, with guidance on hydration, heat safety, parasite prevention, mobility and recovery. It also explores how nutrition, gentle conditioning and consistent daily habits can support long-term resilience and joint health for dogs of all ages and activity levels.
Inspiration – Summer’s Liquid Blessings: Embracing Water’s Magic
Explores the emotional, sensory and restorative power of water during the summer months, encouraging readers to slow down and appreciate everyday moments connected to lakes, rain, oceans and simple rituals of hydration and renewal. It also highlights gratitude, mindfulness and water stewardship as pathways to deeper well-being and connection with the natural world.
Wise Words – Journeys That Change Us: A Conversation With Anthony Profeta
Meditation teacher and sound-therapy expert Anthony Profeta discusses how spiritually oriented travel, meditation and shared group experiences can inspire personal transformation, emotional healing and deeper human connection. He reflects on the power of sacred places, from India and Egypt to Sedona and Assisi, and explains how meaningful journeys can help people reconnect with themselves, nature and one another.
Eco Tip – Joys of Loose Leaf Tea
The benefits of sustainable loose leaf tea as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional tea bags, introduces different tea varieties, brewing techniques and storage methods. Highlights organic and regenerative tea brands, composting practices and the calming ritual of preparing tea with greater mindfulness and intention.
