Letter From the Publishers | May 2020

Kendra & Jacqueline, Co-publishers
The sun is bright and the air is crisp today as
we reflect on the current
pandemic storm which continues to bring waves of
suffering and uncertainty into our world, along with ongoing community
restrictions. Regardless of personal circumstances, the feeling of grief is now
familiar to all of us. We mourn those whose lives have been cut short, and long
to be with friends and family, return to school or visit a favorite restaurant
or coffee shop.
We are weathering this stormy time together, but
find ourselves in different boats on this sea of change. We’ve seen first-hand
or in social media how some are riding out the pandemic in luxurious spaces or
exotic places, while others are separated from their families and living with
altered routines as health care workers or first responders. Some businesses
remain intact, while others have been closed for weeks and face uncertainty as
to whether they will ever reopen. Some families are enjoying family time,
putting puzzles together and taking hikes, while others are struggling to find
adequate shelter or food. Maybe some among us aren’t even in a “boat” – but are
just barely keeping heads above water.
As people reach out to help those in need by
giving a hand-up, compassion has risen to the surface, bringing its own message
and carrying us through. Dignity is shining in acts large and small, allowing
us to live in the raw truths by bringing courage and strength. In naming our
grief, calling out the pain and the confusion, we are empowered by the honesty
of our human experience. Such authenticity and expression lightens and frees
the soul, inviting us to take the momentum of that emotion and turn it into a
higher and greater cause––taking care of ourselves and one another.
The reality of our new world is set amidst
nature’s backdrop of spring colors and vibrancy that is continuing on,
undaunted, brilliant, wise and steady in her healing balm. We look to nature
daily, to breathe it all in. We notice buds unfurling into blooms, birds coming
to our feeders that are strong, singing, alive and cheerful and new animal life
emerging from nests and burrows.
The slowing of routine schedules and a frenetic
outer pace has given many of us time and space for turning within. Moments of calm
have encouraged us to connect and tune to the sounds and rhythms that create a
deeper peace for ourselves and our beloveds. Memories are keeping us
smiling. Screen-time is connecting us in ways we never quite dreamed and online
innovations unite our realms of social and creative endeavors; whether with
family and friends or with practitioners for collaboration, we continue to
balance and fill our souls.
Remember that small, local businesses and
practitioners need you. If you are purchasing necessities, consider looking
first to businesses nearby that are diligently working to keep this community
unique, healthy and vibrant. The businesses in our pages are great examples of generous
and caring entrepreneurs who desire nothing more than to meet your needs.
Connecting with local resources is imperative for sustaining our vital web of
life.
We need each other, and we will get through
this. Connect, call, pray, dance and meditate on the light that is continuing
to shine on. We invite you to join us in reflecting on all the ways that we can
continue to feel good, live simply and laugh more.
Jacqueline & Kendra