Editorial
Volume 24 Issue 5 — January/February 2019
by Melva Armstrong

I find it hard to believe we are into 2019. It seems like just last year it was turning to 2000 and we were all worried about the world disintegrating or other such catastrophic events. I can hardly remember what has happened in the 18 years since then as the time has moved so fast. However, I do know and remember there have been lots of positive, uplifting, and enlightening experiences and they continue to this day. There is much that I am grateful for and I count my blessings every day.
Even though the world seems to be getting crazier, that’s when we, as individuals, can be grateful there are so many natural ways we can turn to for keeping whole and healthy. I’m thinking of such things as yoga, pilates, qigong, meditation, tai chi, walking, dancing, art, nutrition programs, homeopathy, drumming, naturopathy, and so many more. Over the years I’ve discovered and participated in many programs and workshops and they have all helped me become more centred and peaceful.

I have also learned a lot during the 24 years I’ve been publishing WHOLifE Journal. I’ve seen how the province has grown to now have an abundance of wellness and healing professionals in almost every corner. It’s brilliant! There are many individuals who have training and experience and who are providing the much-needed therapies and programs to help people heal and grow. I honour all of you who are sharing your talents and gifts so the people in our communities can maintain good health and happiness throughout their lives. Kudos for helping to make our communities strong and vibrant.

One of the first books I read as I began my healing journey is called Creative Visualization by an amazingly talented woman named Shakti Gawain. It is with great sadness that I learned she has recently passed away at the young age of 70. Because she had such a powerful influence on my life, I wanted to share with all the WHOLifE readers more about the many gifts this woman has given the world. You can read about her life in Honouring the Life of Shakti Gawain (1948 to 2018) on page 26. Her books will continue to be available to help enlighten and engage people who are seeking to find their true calling and path to peace.

I love the idea of Cultivating a Mindful Lifestyle (p. 12) and was thrilled to have Lorie Harrison write an article on this subject. It is something I feel we can all better ourselves by doing. I related a lot to this article and know how difficult it is to keep the “monkey mind” out of my meditations. Being mindful is definitely challenging in our super busy world. That aside, I feel being mindful is necessary if we want to have more peace in our lives. I think you’ll enjoy the way she has presented the essence of this subject.

We have a couple of articles about art, which is very often used for healing purposes. The Power of the Artist’s Way by Carey Rigby-Wilcox and Pam Garner (p. 14) describes the healing and powerful work of Julia Cameron called The Artist’s Way. According to the authors, “In essence, The Artist’s Way leads people on a spiritual path, initiated and practiced through creativity. It is 13 weeks of in-depth soul searching.” Carey and Pam share their first experiences with this program and through their own growth from using it, they have come together and created their unique way of sharing this healing work with others.

Diana Chabros has a strong relationship with art and has written about it in her article, Discovering the Nature of Me (p. 30). She says, “Developing a relationship with your art is a profound experience. Trusting yourself to explore the possibilities is where the relationship begins.” She actually listens to her paintings for guidance. How cool and unusual is that? And yet how very fascinating and powerful. In her art, she explores the relationships between animals and humans, the land, and water. I would say this is a way that healing and wholeness can be integrated into one’s life.

There is so much more to discover in this issue, so I encourage you to read it from cover to cover. I always like to hear from you so be sure to send me an email, a letter, or a message on Facebook and let me know your thoughts and feelings about the journal.

I wish you all a very happy, healthy, and prosperous new year. May you share your precious love and light with the world and find peace and joy in every step.

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