Editorial
Volume 14 Issue 1 —May/June 2008
by Melva Armstrong

I am back after my break and I am glad you are back, too. My holiday on the maiden voyage As spring is attempting to make its way back, it seems winter likes us so much it continues to hang around. Yesterday it was raining and today the snow is flying, with ice on the ground, icicles hanging from houses and cars, and temperatures dipping again below zero. When spring finally gets here I am sure we will all be jumping with joy as we celebrate this delightful time of rebirth and renewal. Included in these celebrations is the 13th anniversary of WHOLifE Journal. Like spring, we are rebirthing and rejuvenating ourselves year after year. It is a pleasure and honour to be involved in this ever-expanding and evolving work.

I am happy to see the progress that has been made over the years in this province, and in Canada, regarding the use of complementary, alternative, and integrative wellness practices. As the word spreads, more and more people are being educated and guided towards natural and sustainable ways of taking care of themselves, their families, their communities, and the planet. This is fabulous! So for today and all the days to come, let us celebrate our precious lives and our mighty connection with each other and the earth, that we may be lights in the world, helping those who are searching for a better way of being.

It was a deep desire to help others in need that brought together a group of like-minded people in Saskatoon more than a decade ago. Their work, determination, and dedication to help certain women in need is delicately captured in our feature article, Tamara's House ~ the Hope and the Healing (p. 20), by Virginia Dakiniewich. From the group's humble beginnings has come a one-of-a-kind healing house complete with a healing room used to provide complementary therapies such as reiki and aroma massage to the women who come there. This unique healing project manifested because of many helping hands working together, which proves once again that when we join our hearts and minds miracles do occur.
It seems to me the life journey for everyone is about growing and evolving to a higher level of consciousness and awareness. Although we work on ourselves individually, we always have each other for support and guidance. That is the blessing and beauty of humanity! So with that in mind, our writers in this issue are graciously sharing their wisdom and knowledge about healing and transformation for the highest good of all.

In Kelly Wiese's article, How Healing Takes Place Creatively (p. 16), she discusses ways of using writing to help people access their inner voice in a safe atmosphere, which she says is a catalyst to healing. Then in Transformational Breath: The Breath of Life (p. 12), Jeffrey Pufahl explains how repressed emotions and traumas can be permanently resolved through breath work, which integrates the wounded aspects of self into one functioning whole.

Author, business woman, and teacher Rita Nayar says in her article, A Practical Guide to Starting the Spiritual Journey (p. 18), that knowing spiritual concepts intellectually is only the first step on the journey, but that practicing the philosophy is what is required for happiness and freedom. Also helping us on our journey can be our furry, four-legged friends, as Carol Marriott knowingly points out in Woman and Horses - Exploring the Magical Bond (p. 36). From her numerous years of equine experience and personal healing she says, "Horses can show us that living in the moment brings us peace, serenity, and authentic connection with others in our lives."

For healing and transformation on the physical level we have Paulette Millis's timely article, Sprouts: A Live Adventure! (p. 8) in which she says, "These little gems of nutrition are available year round and are inexpensive." She points out that sprouts have been used for centuries, both for treating illness and for their superb nutritional value. Her article contains a detailed list of what can be sprouted and for how long, as well as her usual healthy recipes.

For those of you curious about the moon phases and their influences check out Trent Deerhorn's article The Magic of the Moon (p. 32). It is fascinating and filled with valuable healing information.

On the green side we have Donald Sutherland's article Ancient Chinese Wisdom Still Relevant (p. 38) in which he says we can learn much from early sages if we choose to do so, especially when it comes to the importance of having a gentler footprint on our Mother Earth today. Our Colour it Green! (p. 14) pages this time contains several items to do with sustainable living and working together for a greener planet.

Through each new day may you keep well, happy, and peaceful!

Namaste
(The Spirit in me honours the Spirit in you)