Editorial
Volume 31 Issue 2 — July/August 2025
by Melva Armstrong

It’s wonderful to now be in the summer season, with the longer days and warmer temperatures. It allows all of us to get outdoors more often, to take in the beauty and energy of Mother Earth. All of her healing energies are so very welcome. I’ve taken a little time to plant some flowers and a few vegetables and herbs. It’s fun and exciting to watch everything grow, and I look forward to having some lettuce soon and hopefully some herbs, too. Thankfully, we’ve had some periods of rain to help everything grow, and it saves a lot of watering.

I imagine a lot of you were able to plant a garden and are continuing now to weed it and watch the lovely plants grow. It’s not an easy job and I admire all those who make the effort every year. If we ever want to be self-sufficient, learning how to plant a garden is certainly number one on the list. All the best to all you gardeners. Enjoy your harvests.

It has been enjoyable once again to work with all the folks who are part of this amazing July/Aug2025 summer issue. I always love how all those who are meant to be a part of this issue somehow magically showed up, and in the end they all make up a full house of articles, along with a stunning array of advertisers. It’s aways unique and inspiring to see it unfold as each day progresses.

I thought it was a good time to have an article about soy, because it has become more popular with some people choosing to reduce their dairy consumption, and they are wanting to have a good alternative source of protein in their diets. Our Mindful Eating column author, Judith Graile, has done her research, along with her personal experience of introducing soy products into her daily diet, and has written an article called, Soy Uncovered: Superfood or Silent Threat? What the Latest Science Really Says (p. 8). In it she breaks down the facts and fiction to uncover what science actually says about soy, your health, and the planet. She offers a “Soy Toolkit” to add to your diet, and points out that the benefits of soy are linked to whole, or minimally processed, soy foods, not soy-based additives found in highly processed snacks and meal replacements. She has provided excellent details that will help clarify any questions you might have regarding the use of soy in your food plans. The article provides a variety of excellent information, including a yummy recipe.

In this issue we have Part 2 of Promoting Brain Health and Reducing the Risk of Dementia (p. 16) by Dr. Louise Gagné. The author explains about promising research studies that have recently emerged which contain helpful knowledge for maintaining good brain health. She suggests reducing chronic stress, aiming for “Low Normal” hemoglobin levels, reducing obesity, taking supplements, and using lab tests. These are some of the things the research has shown that can be helpful in reducing the risk of developing dementia. There are lots of important details listed under each of these topics.

There are still many more articles and advertisers to add to your health-conscious collection, so be sure to read from cover to cover. You’ll appreciate Lorrel Elian’s Healing Beyond the System (p. 12) article that explains why women are waking up to the truth about their bodies, their healing, and their power. Jeanne Hoag explains that she learned how silence helped her discover the power she has within herself, in Into the Silence: Discover the Power Within (p. 22) article. Ever since her discovery, she has been helping others by facilitating retreats for people to attend and discover their own power through silence. Finding meaning and purpose in life and regular movement are two very important aspects of a healthy lifestyle that Paul Buffel has mentioned in his article, Marathon Canoe Camp 2025 (p. 10). “As a group, we shared a passion, not only for canoeing, but for being active outdoors and the love of food,” writes Paul. 

You can also add to your natural health collection Carolynn Sikorski’s What is Facial Reflexology and What are the Benefits (p. 30), Giti Caravan’s Know Where Your Source of Power Is (p. 14), and Chris Wood’s Holding Space: Exploring the Power of Professional Cuddling (p. 24). 

Get ready for David Hickey’s Crystal Journey Tours Saskatchewan (p. 26). All the venues are listed, so pick your favourite date(s). 

Once you’ve read all the articles, you can lovingly add them to your “check-out” list! 

May you all have a beautiful, nurturing, fun-filled, healthy summer with lots of time in Mother Nature’s loving energies! 

With love and light.

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