letterfrompublisher I


love any time of year that we have spring-like weather, so I’m feeling lucky living in the East


Bay right now! I have already been hitting the trails, hiking on Saturdays—in short sleeves, no less—joining up with evening running groups and lifting my face to sunshine beam- ing through my open sunroof. I relish being surrounded by inspiring activities and nature’s bounty right outside my doorstep. Venturing into gentle breezes provides


the perfect antidote to winter doldrums—how healing it is to indulge in such outdoor riches. Nature has always been a great love of mine; partaking of an hour’s quiet solitude eases my mind, uplifts my spirit and renders much-needed perspective. Nature is also one of my favorite teachers. Mountaintop vistas at the end of a satisfying climb give me a gift of expanded sight beyond my sometimes narrow personal vision, reminding me of my place in Creation’s vast yet connected community. My hiking shoes tug, lead and take me to mountaintop places whenever I am in danger of being sucked into a valley mentality.


Please join me this month as local adventurer Dina Colman leads us on a


soleful exploration of trailheads to some of the finest stomping grounds around, in her article on the health benefits of “Green Exercise” (page 18). Nature trails provide the perfect outlet for anyone who feels the need to pause in the midst of a busy week as well as anyone with paws that enjoys lots of exercise. My love of spending as much time as possible outdoors likely came from


my upbringing on a ranch in Capay, California. My childhood was filled with excitement as my brother, my best friend and I built forts, walked creeks, went mud sliding and tromped the hillsides with our two black labs, Tara and Star… letting our imaginations fly free. After seeing the documentary Race to Nowhere by East Bay filmmaker and


mom Vicki Abeles, (showtimes on page 13), reading Dan Marengo’s film re- view, “Running on Empty” (page 12), and researching the correlation between experience with nature and children’s health during my graduate studies, I am convinced that America’s children (adults, too) are indeed suffering from Na- ture Deficit Disorder, as author Richard Louv calls it.


I’ve been pondering how parents might help offset youngster’s increas-


ing stressors at school and elsewhere as kids feel pushed to strive and achieve beyond anything my generation experienced. How can we help refuel our youth… and ourselves? Mounting scientific and anecdotal evidence suggest that nature might in fact be one of our most effective home remedies. Why not pack up some pure clean water and a nutritious snack, collect


the kids and dog and join in today’s outdoor adventures waiting just outside your door? Plan to take only pictures, leave only footprints and expect to feel nourished. Keeping an open mind is bound to yield the best bird’s eye view available—your own.


Let’s all fill up on nature today, contact us


Publisher/Editor Jaime L. Mitchell


National Editor


S. Alison Chabonais Writers


Dina Colman


Benjamin Krieg Dan Marengo


Design & Production Stephen Blancett Megan Chase Zina Cochran


Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309


Franchise Sales John Voell II 239-530-1377


2760 Camino Diablo


Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Phone: 925-705-7907 Fax: 925-932-5671 www.NAEastBay.com


© 2011 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.


Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wher- ever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.


We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we re- sponsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.


Subscriptions are available by sending $15 (for 12 issues) to the above address.


Jaime Lee Mitchell, Publisher 4 East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com


Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.


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