We missed you last month! For the first time in 26 years, we made the painful decision not to print a monthly issue of Natural Awakenings. It didn’t make sense for us to throw away the  beautiful April magazines that couldn’t be distributed to closed businesses. Fortunately, we were able to keep our main distribution locations filled through the end of May. As a result, we are more grateful than ever to be able to print our June issue and distribute it throughout Southwest Florida.

In the last couple of months, our Natural Awakenings office felt lonely whenever I stopped in to pick up mail and nurture the plants. Staff members that used to collaborate up close and personal have been using Zoom and other technology to stay connected. We’ve taken advantage of this time to grow and develop our online reach and digital offerings, and our revamped website adds features that will benefit advertisers and the community. One of those is the ability to enter and update calendar listings online, even if you’ve missed our print deadline. You’ll also see information there about our new exclusive partnership with a digital marketing program that really works. Visit SWFL.NaturalAwakenings.com for more information.

One of our newest projects is an exciting partnership with a dynamic new online platform. Serendipity brought Kimberly Whittle and myself together about a year ago when we discovered how aligned our company missions were and how well they complement and support each other. If you love the information and resources you find in Natural Awakenings, you will appreciate the added features and opportunities this natural health and well-being community has to offer. See pages 4 and 10 for more information and visit KnoWEwell.com for special discounts this month on memberships.

If you are like me, you might be sticking closer to home this summer or exploring safer ways to travel. I was curious when I read that RV, van and camper rentals were way up this year. On page 34, “Everyday Adventures” introduces you to several people that travel either full- or part-time in vehicles, including a local couple that is building out their new van and planning future trips. Staying close to home doesn’t mean you can’t have fun or find adventure. “Transformative Staycations,” on page 30, presents creative ways to make memories and experience new places and activities while staying close to home.

Social isolation and uncertainty about the future are tough, but there are also silver linings—opportunities for us to grow and find enlightenment. When writer Sandra Yeyati asked David Hamilton during this month’s interview for “Kindness in the Pandemic Age,” what opportunities he sees for humanity, he said, “We have been called to unify, to recognize that we are part of the same human family.” (Page 40)

Some day soon, we will be able to safely congregate, hug our family and hang out with our friends. Perhaps these tough days and months of separation are renewing our appreciation for each other and strengthening our resolve to exercise kindness as much as possible every day. 

Spread the Love,

Sharon Bruckman