As
we welcome the New Year of 2008, many of us look to improving
ourselves: starting (or restarting) an exercise routine, a healthier
diet, improved relationships with family and friends. Whatever the
specifics, these goals are often helpful for us to take stock of who
we are right now—and in light of how we may wish to more
enthusiastically embrace and manifest the deeper nature of who we
really are.
In
looking to the future, however, it’s also wise—and often deeply
healing—to thank the past: all those many varied experiences in
learning that have helped to shape our present and bring us to the
now. For this, too, is who we are.
Here
at Alaska Wellness, we begin
our 2008 issues with the addition of two new columnists: Stella Lyn
and Mike Macy. Stella is
an herbalist in Palmer who draws upon the “tried and true”
efficacy of herbs in encouraging natural healing throughout the whole
person. Mike is a CranioSacral therapist who has written several
features for Alaska Wellness.
His column, Body Wise, will address how to communicate and work with
the intelligent nature of various structures of the body as we connect
ourselves—body, mind, emotions and spirit—in ever deeper ways. We
would also like to thank columnists Bruce Bibee and Bonnie Murphy for
their many years of sharing thoughts and ideas, suggestions and
insights to achieving wellness, not only in ourselves but in our
world.
We
have great appreciation for all those writers and advertisers who have
supported Alaska Wellness
over the years. And, of course, a great thanks to you
who are reading this right now: we would not be here if it were
not for you! The community of those who seek more balanced physical
health, more discerning mental awareness and more expansive connection
with spirit is growing—and it is growing quickly. Alternative health
is no longer so “alternative.” For many, it is the primary means
in which we work with our bodies in natural ways to achieve healing
and wholeness. This is good not only for us individually, but for our
world!
Of
course, there are a lot of things that still need work on our planet;
a lot of things that can be improved with our environment, our
government, our relations with other nations and peoples, and our
respect for all beings—including the plants and animals—who live
upon our Earth. Sometimes it’s overwhelming when we begin to look at
what is ‘wrong.’ Then again, our individual vision of what is
‘wrong’ is our own personal catalyst for deeper education and
enlightenment.
As
we enter a new year once again, perhaps we would be wise to balance
our thoughts of what can be improved by taking stock of what we are
each doing—and have done—in our lives in healthy, healing ways.
And let us appreciate each other for the many varied ways we all work
to share our enthusiasm and joy in the greater expression of who we
truly are.
Dawn
Brunke
is the editor of Alaska Wellness and author of Animal
Voices and Awakening to Animal Voices. See www.animalvoices.net for
more.
