Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Healthy Living Magazine

Inspiring New Hope

Our feature story this month, “A New Story for the World: Re-Visioning the Script for a Healthier Society and Planet," sums up some of the most important issues during these critical times as we (thankfully) leave 2020 behind. Humanity needs a new story; the old story of how the world works needs a serious revision. This is our wake up call; we hope your imagination will be inspired and uplifted.

        Spiritual teacher and author Matt Kahn notes that although the world may seem dark now, we are undergoing a global, spiritual transformation in which we are collectively awakening to our true nature. Each of us has something unique to contribute through the gift of diversity, and together we can create tangible change for the world that we envision. Read more in our Wise Words department.

         The magic of Christmas is unlike any other day of the year; in normal times, there are plenty of ways to feel and spread the yuletide joy, but this pandemic season brings new challenges. Our editorial team has kept this in mind while preparing this month’s special holiday issue, filled with ideas to help you share some love and “Ho-ho-ho!” in this time of merrymaking. We know we’re not the only grownups still looking for that elusive, childlike, holiday sparkle.

         In our Healthy Kids department, “Reinvent the Holidays: More Meaning, Less Stuff” points out that although holiday celebrations will likely be smaller, quieter and less opulent for many families, this unusual year offers parents an opportunity to step back from overspending on trendy stuff for their children and instead focus on gifts with deeper values. You’ll find lots of creative, low-cost and sustainable inspirations here.

         Nothing beats a handmade gift, especially if it’s something delightful to eat. Even better is a healthy homemade treat like a lentil and brown rice soup mix layered in a Mason jar, vegan energy bites made of oats and nut butters, or a homemade Moroccan spice mix. Learn more ideas in “The Gift of Yum.” Let’s not forget tasty, home-cooked holiday treats for our beloved pets, too.

       One thing we are learning in this pandemic is how important it is to support our local businesses. It is nice when local merchants greet us by name, and spending money locally generates two to four times more jobs and income than money spent online or at big-box chains. Towns with thriving local economies are more resilient and self-reliant, research shows. See “Pay Where We Play” and be sure to support our advertisers by shopping locally for holiday presents.

 May you discover what is most important to you this holiday season and find new ways to express it. Wishing you a magic-filled holiday and joyous new year from our Natural Awakenings team,

 Trina and John Voell, publishers