Letter from Publisher

Cleopatra's welcome gathering Aunt Kathryn and Zenma
Love may be in the air
this month, but at Natural Awakenings our editorial team has been
focused on matters of the heart—the one that keeps us alive and well. In
“Sacred Vessels: The Lifeblood of Heart Health,” writer Julie Peterson examines
the crucial role of the vascular system and how simple, natural lifestyle choices
can prevent or remediate damage that can result in a heart attack, stroke,
vision loss and cognitive decline.
My heart is probably one of my strongest attributes. I’m a compassionate person, continually
monitoring my emotional and spiritual sides along with my physical being. My
business brain doesn’t always agree with my passionate heart. However, I know I
can protect my precious heart by reducing stress with good decisions. Paying it
forward is good for the heart, soul and our community. So is practicing
self-love, vulnerability, compassion and being able to receive and give in an
organic, flowing reciprocity. Regular physical fitness has been more
challenging for me lately due to time constraints. Instead of struggling with
making time and excuses to work out, I joined the new On Beat Fitness
revolution. It’s a compromise that works with my schedule, my brain and my
heart. Check it out on Instagram
@onbeatFit or visit OnBeatFitness.com.
In “Good Hearts Start Young: Boosting Kids’ Cardiovascular
Health,” Ronica A. O’Hara underscores why it is never too early to embark on
the path to cardio fitness—beginning in the uterus where maternal choices can
set the stage for conditions like high blood pressure in their offspring by the
time they’re in grade school.
It’s never too late to add good health and self nurturing
and love to your daily routine. You still can thrive. I don’t think a person
can say “I love you” too often in a household. Love is healing, like good
nutrition. When you truly love and eat well, you nourish yourself and those
around you.
While lifestyle changes have the power to restore heart
health, the field of regenerative medicine is making great strides in
rejuvenating joints, ligaments, tendons and tissues. In case you’re wondering,
regenerative therapy isn’t just for humans as Julie Peterson explains in “Pain
Relief for Pets: Prolotherapy Gives Joints New Life. Veterinarians are treating
cats, dogs and even horses with this non-surgical form of self-healing.
Our February issue also includes an eclectic stew,
featuring April Thompson’s “A Feast for All Seasons: Embracing the Rainbow Year
Round,” Yvette Hammett’s take on “Disrupting Disposables: The Drive to Banish
Single-Use Plastics” and much more.
And of course, we top it all off with a large dose of love
featuring Scarlett Lewis’s inspiring essay on “Choosing Love: How to Cope With
Fearful Times” and a Valentine’s Day Wise Words interview, “Linda Carroll on
Skills That Make Love Last.”
Being right or wrong
does not matter. Being able to love unconditionally and listening to your loved
ones is the main ingredient to keeping your heart chakra open. Love without expectations. Do your best to love with all your
heart this Valentine’s Day and every day.
And speaking of unconditional love,
I am basking in it lately due to the arrival of my beautiful grandchild,
Cleopatra. To celebrate, a tribe of amazing women gathered to share in the joy
of welcoming Cleo to our wonderful community.
Elaine