As I pulled together this month’s issue of Natural Awakenings Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, I was intrigued—and a little awestruck—by the word neuroplasticity. It sounds lofty and complicated, but at its core, it simply means our brain’s ability to stretch, bounce back, adapt, change and compensate. Sometimes I wonder why we’ve dressed up such a beautifully basic, built-in gift with such a complicated name. The more I dug in, the more I realized that the concept of plasticity is not confined to our brains—it runs through every facet of our being, both physical and mental. It is, quite simply, how God made us.

Think about it: Our bodies heal from injury, our minds learn new languages, and our communities adjust after hardship. This adaptability is divine design, an ever-present reminder that God orchestrates the circumstances of our lives not for our defeat but for our growth. When the psalmist declares that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” I believe the phrase points to this very capacity—to bend, to reshape, to move through life’s seasons with resilience.

Speaking of seasons, fall has arrived in North Texas. We welcome cooler mornings, crisp air, football games and, yes, the great State Fair. The shifting season reminds us that change is inevitable, but it can also be energizing and restorative. Just as the trees release what no longer serves them, we too are invited to shed old habits and take on practices that support our wellness. Science increasingly shows that seasonal changes affect our brains: sunlight exposure, sleep patterns and even the foods we crave can influence mental clarity and emotional balance. In this way, the rhythms of nature and the rhythms of our minds are deeply interwoven.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Brain and breast health may seem unrelated, but both are influenced by lifestyle choices, emotional well-being and our environment. Stress, toxins, diet, rest and relationships all play roles in neurological vitality and breast health. The more we understand about one, the better we can support the other. For example, caring for our brains with mindfulness, exercise and nourishment can positively affect hormone balance and immune function. In turn, practices that support breast health—like reducing toxic exposure, maintaining a healthy weight and seeking emotional release—also contribute to long-term cognitive strength. The overlap is striking, and it reminds us again of God’s seamless design of body, mind and spirit.

In this issue, you’ll find thoughtful explorations of these subjects, framed in terms of empowerment, not fear. Our hope is that you come away not only more informed, but also more inspired to honor the resiliency God has placed within you.

This month also brings us together in celebration at the Healthy Living Fair at Chestnut Square in McKinney on Oct. 4. I’m especially excited about this premiere gathering because it captures so beautifully the intersection of history, culture and health. In the heart of Heritage Village, surrounded by the charm of preserved historic homes, we’ll explore forward-looking paths to wellness and sustainability. Exhibitors and speakers will highlight integrative health, fitness, nutrition, environmental stewardship and more. It is a living example of what I believe our community does best: honoring where we’ve come from while forging a bold new path forward.

As you read this month’s pages and—I hope—join us at the fair, my prayer is that you feel both reassured and re-energized; that you see God’s hand in the intricate, resilient way you were made; and that you remember the power of small, daily choices to nurture His creation.

We are designed not just to survive, but to thrive.

Blessings until next month,

Bernice Butler
Publisher