Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

 972.992.8815

September 2011 Publisher's Letter

I love that because we are uniquely creative beings, we express our innermost thoughts, emotions and desires in individual ways. Some people receive a gift of artful expression so profound we build monumental structures to house their works. Others dance their way through life, moving their bodies in timeless storytelling, or singing out their heart to captivate and send an audience soaring. Still others can consign words to paper in ideas powerful enough to bring tears to the reader’s eye or to solve the most pressing problems of our times. The list goes on, because each of us has been gifted by the Heavenly Father with a talent or two or three. Our job is to discover and manifest it.

With the start of another academic year, it’s vital that our educators, administrators and parents understand that art classes and creative initiatives in our schools are as vital to individual and collective well-being as math, history, the natural sciences, physical education and sports. Holding that one area is more important than the other is something we cannot accept. Creative thinking is how we and the world solve problems when imaginative detours grant insight into the bigger picture toward a greater good.

From the time I was little, I have been interested in looking at ordinary things and situations in uncommon ways. I always ask, “Why or why not, and how?” I specialize in helping to craft workable solutions to problems about which others throw up their hands in disbelief.

Yet, for many years I failed to internalize other’s praise in recognizing my special gift—until one day, my boss confronted me about why I was holding back on contributing to an important project in the office. He reviewed the many projects, with significant dollars attached to them, where my creative solutions and follow-through had helped the organization survive and thrive. His observations and accolades opened fresh possibilities for me.

It’s good to know that a person’s creative talent is not always found among the traditional or not-so-traditional arts. Also, whatever your gift is, it is God-given and yours to keep.

September’s special Creativity issue has a wealth of uplifting information that invites you to dive right in. Judith Fertig’s feature article, “Handmade Happiness,” is a delightful reminder that it’s never too late for any of us to make our own childhood passions come true. Jill Bryans’ piece on “Creativity: The Fountain of Youth,” is also fun.

September is also National Yoga Month, and we’ve packed our pages with yoga resources for anyone looking to explore the endless opportunities available, including information on the DFW Free Day of Yoga. Turn to Natural Awakenings’ Yoga Guide for a succinct glossary of the amazing range of yoga styles available for you to try. You’ll also find profiles of local yoga instructors that provide classes worth checking out.

As pioneering soul singer Charges Wright sang, may you embrace every ability to “ExpressYourself!”

Blessings always,

Bernice Butler, Publisher