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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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December 2012 Publisher Letter

In this much-awaited season of thanksgiving and light, I joyfully anticipate the deep holiness of Christmastime. How we cherish special moments with friends and families gathered to share our love and blessings as we praise our Creator for the eternal gift of His son, Jesus Christ.

As part of our December focus on Awakening Humanity we are thrilled to share Karen Moore’s interview with author Neale Donald Walsch, author of the renowned nine-book series Conversations with God, on page 22. It’s a timely touchstone for remembering the vital reason for the season as we juggle the busy details of holiday preparations and events.

When I posed the question, “How was your holiday?” prior to going to press, 90 percent of those participating in my informal survey responded with a phrase that included the word “relaxed.” Research indicates that our mind, body and emotions function optimally when we are in a relaxed state. So I say, let’s all find ways to renew and refresh more often! We can make calmness such a habit that it shifts our whole paradigm.

On page 16, Linda Sechrist reports on a beneficial paradigm shift now engaging neighbors, communities and businesses worldwide as people embrace the idea that “It’s All about We, Conscious Evolution: Why We’re Better Together.” New alliances based on cooperation and collaboration are proving superior to past modes of competition. Enlightened individuals everywhere are realizing the blessings of moving away from “I win, you lose” perspectives and moving towards connectedness and meaningful relationships with all people and the planet.

Did you know that giving stimulates the same pleasure centers of the brain as some drugs? A recent U.S. poll reveals that a majority of the stress that 90 percent of us experience during the upcoming winter holidays is related to gift giving. Meredith Montgomery’s perfectly timed article, “Homemade and Heartfelt,” shares people and planet-friendly ideas for stocking stuffers that will minimize stress, while maximizing your joy. 

I love that each of us has the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day—sometimes lots of lives. I’m reminded of Loren Eiseley’s tale, The Star Thrower

One day, a boy was walking along a beach littered with starfish washed up on the shore as far as he could see. He was carefully picking up the starfish, one by one, and tossing them back into the sea. An old man approached and said, “There must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.” The boy picked up another one and tossing it into the water, smiled and replied, “It made a difference to that one.”

In this season of giving and receiving, let us open our hearts and minds to see what we can do to forward a world living in harmony, gratitude and respect for all life. Let us be consistently kind to one another in our words and actions because how we live and love does make a difference.

Blessings,

 

Bernice Butler, Publisher