Every month I have a good time jumping into my welltraveled Nissan Pathfinder to deliver the latest issue of Natural Awakenings. Getting away from the computer for a few days, I set my sights on driving through our region’s many amazing environments and meeting people in all walks of life.

After more than 10 years of hitting the road, many of them anticipate my visit and seem encouraged by the continuing stream of new issues focused on natural living. A happy comment about some article, event or resource in our magazine typically energizes me for the rest of the day. Each instance reinforces our intent to serve up quality content as a welcome guide for a happy, healthy and sustainable life. Occasionally, such encounters affect me more profoundly.

Such was the case when I received a handwritten letter from an 86-year-old woman who was so very happy to find a volunteering opportunity in the pages of Natural Awakenings. She was a retired nurse that still wanted to give back to her community for all the blessings she received in her life. What an amazing soul! I sensed that she was living consciously while still looking to be a positive force for humanity. I can only imagine what she does to keep herself in that place of gratitude and giving.

Lynne McTaggart discusses the power of group intention this month in our Wise Words department. I find the studies, some done in conjunction with Penn State, to be fascinating insights into the power of the human mind to change our environments. To know “groupthink” can be used in a positive way is very inspiring as I prepare my plans for 2018. Our national senior writer Linda Sechrist writes about conflict resolution as a vital tool in addressing our out-of-balance society in “Peace on Earth.”

Many people I know have gained greater enlightenment during a time of severe duress. They hear a calling and choose to work for the greater “good”, another name for God in 21 languages, in a way that suits them best. Whatever path they choose, stepping away from self-concerns to do good for others is a constant. The world needs as many people working for good as possible. Our intention in this and every issue is to inspire each of us to cultivate our own brand of intentional consciousness.

We have also included some holiday tips and recipes to help you find your own peace and joy throughout the holiday season. I’m proud to create this publication and serve our advertisers as my way of uplifting humanity. When so much around us seems to becoming less civilized, it’s amazing to know that there are many more people contributing to the growth and enlightenment of humanity than those that do not.

All good wishes,

Reid Boyer, Publisher