Summertime and the livin’ is easy! Well, it used to be easy a number of years ago but that doesn’t seem to be the case now for anyone. Life is moving at an extremely fast pace these days and there’s no sign of a let-up in sight. I believe that the experiences we are now having are part of the predicted changes connected with the millennium shift. And I think the best thing to do is to learn to be part of it and to "get with the program" (as some say). So that’s what I am attempting to do. I am not always successful, however I am taking one step at a time and figuring out what it is I am supposed to be learning from each experience.

I see life as a series of challenges and as Samantha Kane-Kennedy says in her article, Astrology Dances the Spiritual Polka (p. 16), as long as we’re alive on this earth, there will always be challenges. Sometimes it’s one step forward and two steps back, but hey, if it weren’t for challenges we wouldn’t grow. So it’s onward and upward we grow, meeting our challenges with an open heart and strong will so we can become better, kinder, stronger and more loving human and spiritual beings.

I also think it’s important to remember to be gentle with ourselves and with each other. To paraphrase the words of Marianne Williamson, author of the best-selling book, A Return to Love, when we are tempted to get angry or frustrated with someone, think about giving them a break. We’ve all had tough times and rough days, so let’s start to have some compassion for our brothers and sisters (and for ourselves) and recognize that we are all doing the best we know how and we are just wanting to be happy and loved. I believe that’s the bottom line for all of us and that forgiveness is the key to finding a sense of peace on this earth.

Speaking of peace, I’ve decided to take a long-overdue and well-deserved holiday. Thirty years ago I returned to Canada after spending two and a half years on a working holiday in Australia and half a year in New Zealand. I have vowed ever since I left Downunder that I would one day return for another visit and I have finally made that decision now. However, in order for me to be away, we will not be publishing a November/December issue this year. Therefore, we suggest to our advertisers that if you have any events in November or December you wish to advertise in our Calendar of Events, Classifieds, Display Ads or Directory of Services, you place them in our September/October’01 issue. For those advertisers who have contracts with us, we will, of course, ensure that you will have your ads placed in the full number of issues you requested. I trust that everyone who advertises with, or reads, WHOLifE Journal, will understand the importance and significance of this special event for me. It’s my way of honouring myself and staying true to my philosophies. If you have any further questions you are welcome to contact me.

In this issue we have two Saskatchewan success stories. Debra Pinkerton’s article, Lowly Weed Becomes A Powerful Supplement (p. 10), tells of a woman entrepreneur from the town of Margo, who has found a way to turn the often disliked portulaca plant into a highly effective medicinal supplement. The other success story takes place in the northwestern part of central Saskatchewan where entrepreneur Judy Wilkinson has created a new vision for the ancient tradition of holding "council." She describes these unique gatherings, which she offers on her land, in her Women’s Sacred Time article (p. 24).

We’ve started a new column with this issue called, Natural Reflections, which will primarily focus on issues of the earth and the environment. We begin with We And The Earth Are One (p. 30) by Maureen Latta, who points out that some modern scientists are now seriously looking at the integration of the mystical and the scientific.

Salads For Summer (p. 8) by Paulette Millis is full of many mouth-watering recipes. In Cathy Asks (p. 12) she shares the next part of her Pilgrim’s Journal with us. Transforming Power (p. 14) by Richard Gerrity and our Book Review (p. 23) by Ursula Acton both offer unique insights, not to be missed.

Have a terrific summer and see you in September!

Namaste!
(I honour the Spirit in you!)