Season’s Greetings!
What a year we’ve had celebrating
our 10th anniversary in print!
So far, the response to our Reader’s Survey has proven to be a robust
source of encouragement and inspiration for the years to come. Thank you for
your kind words and expressions of gratitude! Over the years, the calls,
letters and emails of support have been true gifts. Knowing how much you enjoy
and appreciate Natural Awakenings and the information and
resources we share has been our driving force. To the businesses and
practitioners in our pages – we are so grateful to serve this community along
with you, and to know that we are connected with like-minded people who seek to
make our world a healthier and happier place. Thank you – all of you. We love
what we do, and we love our community!
As this joyous season brings the year to a close,
the holidays mean that for many of us preparations are underway for gathering,
gift-giving and expressing gratitude to those we love. In a time of
togetherness with family, friends and community, it seems fitting to reconnect
and join with others – at a First Friday, by taking part in an event or
spending a day on the Avenue in West Reading or in downtown Lancaster, shopping
locally in our beautifully decorated towns or attending a festive
tree-lighting, religious service or holiday concert.
When
we come together, the simplicity of kindness, encouraging words and authentic
listening have a positive impact and the sharing of personal stories
strengthens bonds. Opportunities for social justice outreach and giving to
those in need abound, and thoughtful holiday activities can contribute to
spreading resources and easing stress for those facing hardship.
In our
feature story, “Transforming Our World: Working Together for Meaningful
Changes,” Linda Sechrist highlights an intentional approach for communities to
have conversations that address conscious and relevant questions at this pivotal
time. She describes programs underway in other towns, sharing examples of
positive synergy as folks build bridges through conversations that explore
solutions and conscious co-creativity. Discussions are centered in the context
of systems theory, echoing the work of best-selling author Fritjof Capra and
his ideas involving patterns of complexity, organization and evolution; in
other words, how we live and grow together.
We have opportunities every day to establish
important connections that support our living systems and an evolution towards
greater inclusivity and wholeness. We trust you’ll find plenty of inspiration
in our pages as we spotlight leaders in our community and elsewhere –
practitioners and business owners using their life experiences, skills and
personal efforts to support, encourage, inspire and provide healing spaces for
others. Thank you for being a vital part of our Natural Awakenings community.
Happy Holidays!
Jacqueline and Kendra
