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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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A Moment for Father Time

Have you ever wondered why time is often referred to as “Father Time”? For some
reason, as I was pondering Father’s Day, this was the first thought that came to
mind and it wouldn’t go away, so I begin to research a bit. Most online dictionaries
pointed toward the generally accepted definition: a bearded old man with white
wings carrying a scythe and an hourglass (or something similar) signifying the one-way
movement of time. But one definition I found in the urban dictionary noted that that,
“Father Time is married to Mother Earth.” I love that concept!

For me, it closes the loop of God’s grand plan for humankind. Just as He created
Adam and Eve to inhabit His freshly built garden, Earth, which contained plants,
animals, water, air and everything else we need to thrive and survive, He also created
time, defined as “the measured or measurable period during which an action, process or
condition exists or continues.” Thus, He enabled us to number His days in order to do
His work while we’re here on Earth.

So while Mother Earth feeds and nurtures us—just like our biological mothers—Father
Time is indispensable to our existence and well-being, too. And like our biological
fathers, Father Time plays the important roles of protector and provider. With and in
time, we can take care of ourselves and our environment—measuring, mitigating and
recovering. Father Time lets us know when we’re not doing it correctly or well through
illness, disease, environmental pollution, degradation and dwindling resources, among
other things.

But as I have heard it said, Father Time is not always a tough parent. Although he
waits for no one, he often lays his hand lightly on those who have used him well. We
must acknowledge him, give him his due and celebrate him. I, for one, am reminded and
encouraged this month to renew my appreciation for Father Time, because fathers often
are not as appreciated as mothers. I’m going to commit to making the best use of my
time: rising and going to sleep early so I can work more efficiently to spend more time at
play and with family. I vow to remind myself daily that time is a gift that a nonrenewable
resource—nonrecoverable, nonrefundable and highly perishable. It’s not something we
can set on a shelf and keep. So, I must ask: How are you using Father Time?

This month’s feature article is a roundup of advice for men from North Texas holistic,
integrative and functional medicine professionals who overwhelmingly point toward
preventive measures for better health and wellness. We also have an article by Carrie
Jackson, “What Every Man Wants,” exploring sexual vitality at every age. By taking a proactive,
holistic approach to overall wellness, she writes, men can enjoy a robust sex drive
and performance long into their golden years. And don’t miss Dr. Mark Hyman’s article,
“Living Healthy to 100 and Beyond,” with useful tips for any father. We hope you or the
men in your life will be blessed by their insights.

As always, we encourage you to tell us how we’re doing in our quest to help you live
your healthiest life on a healthy planet. Please email us at [email protected] to let
us know.

Until next month.