Editorial
Volume 21 Issue 4 — November/December 2015
by Melva Armstrong

I really enjoyed my favourite month of September and that same pleasure spilled over into October, as the weather has stayed much the same. The autumn colours were once again spectacular and dazzling to gaze upon. I always marvel at the instinctive changes that nature makes as each season unfolds. In the same way, I marvel at how a new puppy naturally knows exactly what to do as it grows and finds its way in this world. I am enjoying the 5-month-old pup, Laddie, who has come into my life. His unconditional love is a true joy and I love that he is so playful and charming. Animals really are creatures put on this earth to bring us happiness and to help us heal in many different ways. I trust that many of you have some sweet animal, or maybe more than one, in your life, who is loving and comforting and a real joy to have around.

I had a WHOLifE booth at the Beauty and Vitality Show in Saskatoon September 12 and 13. I enjoyed seeing those who stopped by to have a visit and to pick up any back issues they missed. Thanks to everyone for your kind words and encouragement. They are always appreciated. I hope to see many of you at the combined Wellness Expo and New Earth Expo on February 5 to 7 (see the back cover for details).

It is hard to believe that another year is nearly over. The harvesting is almost all done and people are getting prepared for the months ahead by canning and preserving their bounty. We all had our thanksgiving weekend to honour the many gifts of the land for which we are grateful. We are truly blessed in our province with so much abundance.

I have enjoyed working with all the contributors to this issue. I never know how it is going to unfold and then everything magically comes together and voilà, we have a brand new journal. As the temperatures start to cool down, it is that time of year when we look to warming food such as hot apple cider, hot chocolate, hot tea, and nourishing hot soup. There is no healthier soup than the kind made with traditional stock from meat, chicken, or fish, writes Stacey Tress in her article, Soup’s On! How to Make a Traditional Stock (p. 8). She has done a lot of research and training on this subject, as well as having hands-on experience, so she has been able to put together lots of helpful information for making wholesome soups, as well as other tasty ideas for which stock and broth can be used.

The article, Experience the Healing Benefits of Gemstone Water! (p. 10) by Jacqueline Nuesch, describes how gemstones, when they are submerged in water, have the ability to influence the surrounding drinking water with their energy, making it more vibrant and healthy. She says this water is similar to homeopathic remedies or Bach flower essences. This process also relates to the work of Dr. Masaru Emoto and his crystal images that show how water can be restored to it’s original natural energy through the use of crystals. These are very interesting processes worth studying.

We have included a very unique subject in Diane Schitka’s article, Wax Pouring: A Traditional Folk Healing Art (p. 16). This form of healing, which was first brought to Canada by Ukrainian settlers, is used to help people let go of fear from their lives. Diane, being of Ukrainian decent, is dedicated to keeping this healing tradition alive for current and future generations, so they understand the rich culture from which they came.

I encourage you to read this issue from cover to cover. It contains a wide variety of information meant to help you find natural ways to keep you healthy and happy on your life journey. Remember to send me any of your thoughts and feelings about what you read in WHOLifE. I love to hear from you.

I trust you will all enjoy these next two months to the fullest and have a joyful, safe, and healthy festive season. I thank you for all your love and support. They are greatly appreciated.

May you find peace in every step and live each day to the fullest!

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