letterfrompublisher February – a time for mittens, thermals and finding ways to


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Deborah Turner Editor


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4 Rockland & Orange Counties SUBSCRIPTIONS


stay cozy and warm. I love those mornings when I open the curtains and sunshine streams in. The sun makes it seem like it might not be so cold when my daughter and I go out to the bus stop in the morning. At the beginning of the school year, after the bus came, I was taking walks to get some morning exercise. Now, the twenty or so steps back to my front door are more than enough time for me in the brisk weather.


Occasionally I do think jogging might be fun. My husband runs most days and it would be nice to share that with him. That idea is usually followed by the thought that winter definitely is not the time to take up that hobby. However, it may be my body’s way of telling me that I should incorporate more physical activity beyond yoga into my days during the winter months when I am less likely to be outdoors. It is about finding the right balance, the theme for this month’s issue. In Relax and Recharge, Frances Lefkowitz shares ways to help us find balance, such as through chanting to release what might be holding us back or enjoying calming herbal tea (see page 24). On page 30, Stephanie Gagos offers ideas for enhancing our own self-care. As someone who used to consider chocolate an essential food group, articles like Happiness is Chocolate always make me smile (see page 14).


Since it is still winter, and perhaps not the ideal time to take up running, what about yoga? It is not only for the super-flexible. Nancy Mahon explains that often it is those who are not as flexible that may benefit the most. There are many styles of yoga and her article will help you discover the types that will be best for you. Perhaps you will decide to balance out a restorative yoga class one day with a more vigorous Vinyasa yoga class another day (see page 20). Yoga also is a great way to create mindfulness for children (see page 17). In this month’s Healthy Kids, Daniel Rechtschaffen shares that when we take time to develop our mindfulness practice, it helps our children develop theirs as well (see page 16). If you need a quick way to bring you back to your center, be sure to read Jackie Alvarez’s article on breathing (see page 35). She reminds us that we can take conscious breaths anywhere to instantly feel calmer and more present. Each new day is a fresh opportunity to bring balance into our lives. There always are things you can do to achieve balance, such as remembering to take restorative breaths and enjoying that hot cup of tea that can warm your body and your soul. You also can reach out to others in the community who can help you along your path, like our advertisers who make it possible to bring this resource to you each month. Please remember to support them whenever you can.


With Joy, Deborah Turner, Publisher naturalawakeningsro.com


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