We’re reaching out with warmth and hope as we all make changes in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. Our intention is to continue to be a beacon of light and source of cutting-edge information. Now, more than ever, a message of healing is of the utmost importance, now is the time to remember and strengthen our wellness practices.

Fortunately, news media is designated an essential business in Michigan, so Natural Awakenings remains operational. More good news: Since we are heavily distributed in traditional supermarkets and healthy food markets, takeout restaurants and pharmacies, we anticipate no problems in getting the magazines into the hands of readers.

We’ve all been touched by the pandemic that’s affecting people’s health and closing our schools, businesses and public meeting places. I’ve heard people call it an “invisible enemy”, robbing our sense of security and replacing it with fear.

I am reminded to choose love instead of fear. This teaching, which comes from many sources, including the acclaimed psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ work with the dying, recognizes that there are only two human emotions—love and fear—and that they cannot exist at the same time.

Speaking about the current pandemic, Dr. Bruce Lipton, a cellular biologist, reminds us that stress negatively impacts our immune system and is a major contributing factor in 90 percent of illness, including heart disease and diabetes. When we are in fight-or-flight mode, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which shut down the immune system to conserve the body’s energy for the immediate threat at hand. One conclusion is clear: Fear of COVID-19 can be just as dangerous as the virus itself.

This crisis offers us an unprecedented opportunity to show our humanity and to be there for one another. The lessons we are learning about mutual responsibility, while recognizing that we are all bound together to a common fate, can help result in the kind of global shift that our planet needs right now.

May brings our annual Women’s Wellness edition, which has historically been one of the most popular. There is an autoimmune breakthrough sub-theme, and because the coronavirus will continue to be a big focus, we plan to supplement the issue with pertinent news and related updates.

Most of all, use this time to be with family and close friends. Our family started a group chat in messenger and at 9 p.m. we all hop on and say, “Hi!” just to be with each other. My heart is warmed by seeing all their smiling faces and what a great way to end the day.

Lastly, take time for yourself, take advantage of where we live. Enjoy and try to relax with this beautiful spring weather that Mother Earth has given us. Appreciate the outdoors, nature has so much to offer us, go for an extended walk or hike, try a trail, start preparing and planting your gardening, bird watching can be fun too, get creative.

Our prayer is that we see this current crisis as a chance to create a stronger, more vibrant and caring community that comes together as One. Though there is still much uncertainty, we are all part of a big extended family. We are all in this together and Natural Awakenings is here to help.

With our love and compassion,

John and Trina

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please call before attending any event featured in this month’s issue, as many have been cancelled. Visit HealthyLivingMichigan.com for updates and to access our extensive archive, which includes articles about building your immune system, meditation, healthy recipes and more.