Get Featured in Our Natural Awakenings Reader Spotlight!

We’re excited to re-introduce our Reader Spotlight in 2025 and we want to hear from you! Let’s celebrate the incredible diversity of our community by sharing stories, experiences and favorite local gems. You’ll not only inspire fellow readers but also make connections that can spark new ideas and adventures. To show you how easy and fun it is, we’ve created a sample spotlight to guide you through the process. While Alex is our fictional reader, all the places shared in this sample are real, highlighting just how connected our community can be.  Check it out and imagine what your spotlight could look like!

Name: Alex Rivers

Age: 34
Occupation: Urban Planner and Environmental Advocate
Neighborhood: East Village, Manhattan, NY

What is your life’s mission?
To create sustainable, green spaces in New York City and inspire others to live harmoniously with nature.

What does wellness mean to you?
Wellness is about finding balance in this fast-paced city. It’s about slowing down, nourishing my body, mind and soul, and reconnecting with the natural world—even here in the heart of Manhattan. Whether it’s a morning yoga class at Sky Ting Yoga in Chinatown or grabbing a green juice at Juice Press on Astor Place, I try integrating wellness into my daily routine.

Where are your go-to spots for wellness in Manhattan?
I love walking through Tompkins Square Park in the East Village, especially early in the morning when the city wakes up. I visit the Union Square Greenmarket on weekends to stock up on fresh produce. I also frequent The Alchemist’s Kitchen for herbal supplements and tonics. For self-care, I schedule acupuncture at WTHN in Flatiron or head to HigherDOSE in SoHo for a sauna session to detox and unwind.

What’s your favorite form of movement?
A mix of yoga and running keeps me grounded and energized. I run along the East River Park and enjoy the fresh air, connecting with nature. It’s like moving meditation for me. I balance that with vinyasa yoga at Yoga to the People or Kundalini sessions at Kundalini Yoga East.

How do you stay connected to nature in Manhattan?
Living in the city can be overwhelming, but I seek green spaces to stay grounded. The High Line is one of my favorite spots for an afternoon walk—it’s like a hidden oasis above the busy streets. I also spend time at Central Park’s North Woods, which feels like escaping the city entirely. I often plan quick weekend getaways to upstate New York for hiking and immersion in nature.

What are your proudest achievements?
Two highlights for me are leading the creation of a community garden initiative in the East Village and earning my Kundalini yoga teacher certification at Kundalini Yoga East. Both have allowed me to contribute meaningfully to my community.

What are your expectations for the future?
I plan to continue growing personally and professionally, deepening my work in sustainable urban design while expanding my mindfulness practice.

What is your favorite app?
Headspace is my go-to for daily meditation—it helps me stay centered amid city life.

What are some of your favorite websites?
I regularly visit the New York Times, Natural Awakenings, ArchDaily for architectural inspiration, and The High Line website to stay updated on green space initiatives.

What is your favorite thing about Natural Awakenings?
I love the positive energy it brings, from health tips to stories about wellness and community. It aligns perfectly with my holistic view of well-being.

What are your most-frequented healthy-food restaurants?
Divya’s Kitchen is for Ayurvedic meals that nourish my body, and Peacefood Café is for plant-based comfort food.

What are some local causes that you support?
I support Harboring Hearts, Central Park Conservancy, and The Bowery Mission. These reflect my passion for environmental and community well-being.

How do you invest in your community?
I volunteer at local community gardens, participate in clean-up efforts, and mentor young urban planners focused on sustainability.

What is your favorite quote?
“In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.” — John Muir.

What are you doing to be the change you want to see in the world?
I focus on sustainable urban development projects, prioritizing green spaces while working on personal growth through yoga, therapy and mindfulness. I visit The Alchemist’s Kitchen for herbal tonics and detox at HigherDOSE. By improving myself, I hope to significantly impact the environment and my community.

If you want to be one of our featured readers, visit NaturalAwakeningsNY.com/pages/natural-awakenings-reader-submission. We look forward to spotlighting you in a future issue!