letterfrompublisher
The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. ~ Mahatma Gandhi
L contact us
Publisher Shelly Searle
Layout & Production C. Michele Rose
Writing & Editing
Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. S. Alison Chabonais Randy Kambic Sheila Julson
Ad Design
Courtney Ayers Kimberly Cerne
To contact Natural Awakenings
Austin & Surrounding Areas: 1712 E. Riverside Drive, #230 Austin, Texas 78741 512-614-4282
Publisher@AustinAwakenings.com
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FIND US: ately I have been learning that when we get out of our own
way, the universe has a lot to teach us; usually the instructions are pretty simple. It’s when we don’t pay attention or follow the offered guidance that we get lost in chaos. For me, the messages come repeatedly, sometimes in a variety of forms, until I listen up. I’ve always felt drawn to volunteer my time to help pris- oners in their bid for character reformation. I believe everyone deserves a second chance, especially when the willingness to change is humbly, deeply authentic. I figure most actions that get us into trouble bubble up from the subconscious and we are unaware of how alert we need to be to counter temptations. It may take a dark night of the soul to wake us up, or being educated about alternatives, or hav- ing someone care enough to lend us a hand up. Why put off asking for help? In receiving two letters from two inmates from different prisons within two
weeks, followed by an invitation to visit a women’s prison last month, the universe was making it clear that it was time for me to act. An Austin nonprofit called Truth Be Told helps women through their mission to inspire courage, empower voices and renovate lives. I witnessed about 30 women matriculating from a 13-week support program share tales of their transformation, and it blew my mind. What I learned is that some of their stories don’t differ much from mine except in the details. Their reference to the “free world” (that is, how people live outside prison walls) suddenly did not seem so free to me. It’s caused me to reflect on how so many live unconsciously, ignorant of our potential and wearing masks to hide our pain and insecurities. These women taught me by example the power of humility and gratitude; they gifted me with tremendous hope for humankind. Lives busily taking care of business, family demands and social obliga- tions too often look askance and away from those less fortunate; reaching out to instead provide support can change lives. That includes Mother Earth, who needs our help, too. Austin affords so many ways to give back, in whichever ways call to your heart. Each little (or big) act of service has an impact, and when it comes back to you, as it always does, it feeds your spirit in ways never imagined possible.
In service to you all, Shelly Searle, Publisher
Natural Awakenings Austin
Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.
4 Austin Edition
AustinAwakenings.com
AustinAwakening
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