Editorial
Volume 20 Issue 6 — March/April 2015
by Melva Armstrong

This is an exciting issue for me to publish, as it completes twenty full years. I created WHOLifE in 1995, and I find it hard to believe it has been this long. As I look back on all the issues, I feel delighted to see how the journal has grown and evolved. The first issue was sixteen pages, one colour plus black and white, and 5,000 copies. I have found it extremely enjoyable growing it over the years. Initially, it was only distributed in Saskatoon, but soon afterwards, I had it in Regina and numerous other locations throughout the province. It didn’t seem long for word to spread about its existence, which encouraged me to continue. As with any new project, there were ups and downs, which I discovered were quite normal when starting a business. The main thing was that I found myself very excited doing things I loved, being able to contribute to the health of others and the environment, and to be working for myself.

I feel blessed to have met a wide variety of people with many different interests and occupations. Many became advertisers and some have been with WHOLifE for twenty years. There has also been a large number of people submitting articles, all of which have been welcomed and have provided valuable and educational editorial content throughout the years. It am grateful to be able to serve the community through the journal by sharing news about all things natural, whole, and healthy, as well as beneficial for body, mind, spirit, and nature. Everyone who is part of WHOLifE feels like my family, so I thank you for being in my life.

I will be organizing an anniversary event, which will hopefully be in the spring. So, keep an eye out in the May/June 2015 issue and on Facebook for more information. I look forward to meeting you.

I had an abundance of articles submitted for this issue, so you are in for some more delightful and resourceful reading. It was a pleasure working with everyone again, both advertisers and authors. There are always new concepts and a long list of events emerging on the wellness scene, and many of them are featured in this issue. For example, Minke de Vos is returning to the province to share her Qigong expertise with our community. This year, the title of her article (and workshop) is called Heart Qigong: Open the Heart of the Tao (p. 12). Everyone who attends will practise the inner smile and a Heart Qigong movement form to cultivate inner love and joy. Minke says, “It brings great joy to practice outdoors overlooking the South Saskatchewan river and breathing in the fresh air.” The front cover pictures those who attended the 2014 event at Ancient Spirals, near Saskatoon.

I am very pleased to bring you news about an exciting new book by Regina’s Catherine Verrall and Friends, called Every Bite Affects The World (p. 14), reviewed by Sandra Brandt, our previous food columnist. Sandra says, this book “shows clearly that eating well, healthfully, and in tune with the planet is not a difficult sacrifice; rather, it is a satisfying and fulfilling step in taking one’s rightful place in the world. It is as much an environmental handbook for daily living as it is a cookbook. Encompassing a wealth of poetry, prose, recipes, information and facts, personal stories, and sage advice, it is an invaluable manual for learning, teaching, eating, and living.”

New to Saskatoon is Inside Out Bakery (article p. 20 by Caitlin Isles), an allergen-free facility that focuses on using whole foods to make delicious alternatives for anyone living with food allergies, intolerances, or who just wants to eat healthy, whole foods. It was created by Lucille McInnes, who, after suffering from numerous health problems, was eventually diagnosed with celiac disease. Once she eliminated gluten and dairy from her diet, all her maladies disappeared. This lead her to years of research into the effects of foods on the body, and eventually to the creation of this bakery. But Lucille has a philosophy that’s bigger than the bakery and its products. It’s about developing community support to maximize the benefits of efforts made by each individual to be in tune with their personal well being. Congratulations to Lucille and her staff on this dream turned into reality! Your efforts are greatly appreciated.

These are just a few of the many enlightening articles awaiting you within these covers. You won’t want to miss one page.

I trust your next two months will see you well and happy and enjoying each day to the fullest. Until next time…

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