Color is bursting from the earth in the form of tulips, azalea and dogwoods, and green unopened buds promise peonies, hydrangea and iris. This season is one of light, movement and expansion, and as the air warms and colors emerge, Mama Gaia’s rhythm is on brilliant display. The birds tend their nests, reminding us it is time to celebrate the strength and wisdom of mothers, women and all who birth new life and nurture new beginnings.

We continue to emerge from a year that required listening and noticing the cycles and deeper messages from within; a spirit of slowing down, settling in and nurturing ourselves and others on a whole new level has developed. Our May issue delivers a collection of content demonstrating the power of this yin energy, including feminine aspects of gentle, compassionate, attentive approaches to living, being and healing that have risen to lead us forward.

This month we include a compelling story of three, dynamic, local, female physicians who birthed an initiative to expand health services provided by and for women of color, and is responsible for increasing the representation of Black women trained as birth doulas in Lancaster County from one to 35. 

Such mighty women prevail in our pages; women who have taken great steps of courage to live their truths, manifest their dreams and inspire and empower those around them. Many have formed collectives to nurture themselves along with others, knowing the transformative power in coming together for healing, companionship, support and growth. In our calendar you’ll find examples; among them, Write From the Heart’s women’s writing classes, Ampersand Integrative Wellness’ support group for women who are expecting a child and empowering women’s circles and workshops provided by Soul Centered Wellness and Nature’s Intuition.

It is clear that we humans are not designed to navigate this life alone … we need each other to hold space, inspire, encourage, rise up together, to be change-makers and tackle challenges, create connections and find common ground. Together with the brilliant women on our team, we continue our efforts to nurture a welcoming community, rich and ready to grow and spread dreams, helping to bring people together in myriad ways. Look closely in our pages and you will see dynamic forces in our midst.

To life!

Kendra & Jacqueline