Nourishment surrounds us in its various forms and from so many sources to replenish, support, comfort and sustain both our bodies and our minds. A finely balanced homeostasis rides on this cycle of fulfillment, and when addressed with intention and care, our spirit is nurtured, as well. We hold the honor of learning our own physiological rhythms, needs and nuances, and the responsibility to choose our sustenance wisely.

The focus this month on food and nutrition highlights the importance of nurturing ourselves from the inside-out, paying attention to the details and acknowledging that food truly is our medicine. Our contributors remind us of the crucial role that certain vitamins, minerals and proteins play in facilitating cellular health and tissue healing, prompting the call for nutrient-dense diets that can meet these standards and fill us with the vitality they bring to the table.

We have reached a tipping point where balance is no longer a buzzword, but an imperative for keeping our immune systems fortified and overall health intact. The positive effects of fresh, sustainable, whole-food diets have finally begun to override the fads and extremes that wane over time, having proven their significance in the context of the larger integrity of collective wellness.

As we enjoy the milder weather, increased daylight and opportunities to dig in the dirt, we invite priority conversations about connecting our microcosms and the macrocosm. Small changes can create large-scale differences, and awareness of basic components such as herbs, the microbes that live in our soil or gastrointestinal systems—even the attitudes and energy we bring to mealtimes—all make a difference in how we digest and thrive in each day. Coherence between our values and choices, our palates and a measure of peace in our hearts all contribute to a holistic existence that spreads waves of positive energy and healing.

Here’s to delicious living,