Fall brings a certain energy – a freshness to the air and to
our steps. We are caught by surprise by
the cool breezes and leaves falling from the trees, wondering just who is
underneath the costumes of the trick-or-treaters at our door. The sights and
smells of autumn evoke memories of breathing in deeply the scent of multi--colored
leaves beginning to decay in the beautiful wooded hills and hiking trails of
Pennsylvania. There is something so satisfying about that scent – it reminds
me, much like the spring, that there are seasons and cycles to life and there
is a pulsing rhythm to it all.
Rich with fresh and colorful wisdom
on caring for one’s body, mind and spirit, our October issue sheds light on the
way our body structure and our oral health connect to our overall health.
Several local chiropractic care providers explain specialized interventions,
while one of our feature articles offers insights into how one region of the
body might affect a seemingly unrelated area in “Spinal Solutions: Chiropractic
Care Yields Unexpected Results,” written by Marlaina Donato. In Ronica O’Hara’s article, “Mouth Matters: A
Holistic Approach to Oral Health,” we learn that without proper care, this
“doorway to the body” can usher in heart issues, inflammatory response and even
Alzheimer’s.
In the wisdom shared by Mother
Teresa, a familiar figure, we are reminded that in addition to the mouth being
a “doorway to the body,” a ready smile is a bridge to connecting with others.
Let us always meet
each other with a smile, for the smile is the beginning of love. – Mother
Teresa
It used to be that I would get into an elevator or walk down
a busy sidewalk and so often could share my smile with someone whose eyes met
mine. It was a blessing, this experience of connection with humanity––a “we are
one” kind of feeling. These days, finding eyes is not so easy––eyes are hard at
work, checking devices for the news of the day, what’s happening on Snapchat or
Instagram, caught up with not wanting to miss a single thing, and not realizing
the result is missing the single most important thing…the link to heart-felt
community.
During this exhilarating month of October, I invite you to join
me in putting down the devices while in public places (or at home) and offering
your perfect––or not so perfect––smile to a stranger, to neighbors, to family
members. Let’s go on an autumn adventure together and see what happens. I have
a feeling that we’re going to have fun, feel good, live simply and laugh more,
don’t you?
With warm gratitude for all that this community means to us,
Jacqueline & Kendra
Use your smile to
change the world; don’t let the world change your smile. -Chinese Proverb
