This month’s stress management issue reminds me that taking care of myself can be a real balancing act. I’ve arrived to many a yoga class all stressed out from just trying to get there on time, but my relaxed smile an hour later always has made the effort worth while. 

According to the American Psychological Association, chronic stress is linked to the six leading causes of death, and more than 75 percent of all doctor visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. Experiencing some stress in life seems inevitable, but with fear and uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus, the divisiveness of our nation during elections and increased natural disasters affecting so many, it’s no wonder that we’re looking for ways to relax and stay healthy. 

In our feature story on page 24, “Calm Down: Taming the Flames of Stress-Related Illness”, Marlaina Donato asserts that the same vital connections between mind and body that explain why stress can affect our physical health also allow us to reclaim our serenity by seeking hands-on energy therapies like reiki, eating the right foods, finding supportive networks and adopting simple self-care methods. And for anxiety relief specifically tailored to teenagers, check out Ronica O’Hara’s “Stressed-Out Teens” on page 40. 

During a difficult period a few years ago, I was blessed to discover Mark Nepo’s New York Times number one bestseller, The Book of Awakening. His urgings to stay vital and in love with life, no matter the hardships, weave through his 22 books and audio projects. Talking about his newly released The Book of Soul with local editor Sandra Yeyati on page 31, you’ll find plenty of golden nuggets to empower you to live your best life, no matter the circumstances.

I met Gregg Levoy at Unity of Naples a few years ago at a workshop based on his book, Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life. I left the course feeling empowered with a notebook full of my own callings honed from conversations and inner explorations. In this month’s Inspiration department on page 35, “The Coronavirus as a Calling”, Gregg challenges us to view the pandemic as an opportunity to deepen our meditation practice, embrace our deep need for each other, awaken to our own mortality, reset priorities and find renewed purpose in our lives.

As stressful as these times may feel, we’re equally gifted with opportunities to reinvent ourselves and the world we live in. I believe there is a much deeper shift going on, urging us to wake up to our inner callings. What are you being called to? Take the time to stop and listen. 

Many Blessings, 

Sharon Bruckman