Editorial
Volume 31 Issue 4 — Winter 2025
by Melva Armstrong

Welcome to the second quarterly issue of WHOLifE Journal. It is lovely to have you joining me again, or perhaps for the first time, great! I trust you will enjoy all the priceless material that is written on these pages. Be sure to read from cover to cover, so you don’t miss anything, because it’s all meant to help you as you travel along your life path. It’s all about natural health and wellness and you’ll find lots to inspire you to live your best life, and even help others along the way.

We’re going into winter season and with it comes the darkness and very cold temperatures, as well as snow. I always feel like being a bear, going to sleep for the winter season and waking up in spring to enjoy the return of the light. Although I feel more like hibernating, I know it’s not possible. So, I get on with the daily routines and find ways to cope with the chilly temperatures, the snow, and all the conditions that accompany the prairie winter.

I really enjoyed the mild temperatures we had in September and October, and how the snow stayed away until late November, early December. In my opinion, that feels like Mother Nature is extending autumn and shortening winter. Anything to help make winter shorter is welcome.

Putting together this Winter 2025 issue has once again been a true delight to work with all those wonderful folks who have contributed their time, talents, and expertise to the contents that adorn the pages of this new issue. That includes the designer, Cheryl McDougall, who always makes the journal look fabulous, and all those who wrote empowering articles, and those who dedicated their time to creating uniquely attractive advertising. All these folks are part of my WHOLifE family and I love working with all of them. My family also includes all the readers across the province and beyond.

Because of our cold and dark winter season, Stacey Tress decided to warm your hearts and your insides with her article, Cozy Comforts (p. 8). In it she writes, “Dark days and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on our skin, digestive system, and mental health. Our food choices can support that in many cozy ways. This article shares some of my favourite seasonal habits, supported with nutritional context, and spirit lifting recipes. Let’s keep those digestive fires burning!” There you have it, the essence of her article. She provides lots of great food ideas to help you keep healthy during these cold winter months.

New to WHOLifE is registered holistic nutritionist, Kaitlin Rae Wilson, who has written an article called, Exploring the Gut Microbiome: Nutrition’s Influence on Health and Longevity (p. 14). In it, she writes, "I travelled across continents, immersing myself in different cultures and ways of living. One of the most formative experiences came while working for the Northern Territory Government of Australia in Darwin, collaborating closely with Indigenous communities. Watching their deep connection to the land, traditional foods, and cultural practices sparked my fascination with how nutrition, environment, and culture intersect to shape overall health.” She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to us in her writings and in her work.

Many Canadians turn to certified reflexologists every year for relief, relaxation, and support. But, according to reflexology therapist (RCRT) and teacher (LCRT), Carolynn Sikorski, in her article, Reflexology: A Path to Healing, Purpose, and Professional Growth (p.24), “What many don’t realize is that reflexology is not just about where to press on the feet–it’s about listening to the body, fostering balance, and stepping into a calling that changes lives, including your own.” The article focuses on how reflexology offers a variety of career choices, all of which can be potentially rewarding.

For those folks who have wondered what dowsing is all about, we’ve included Theresa Rempel’s article, Pendulum Dowsing—Useful for Daily Life (p.30). Theresa is a long time pendulum user and she gives an extensive overview of different aspects of how dowsing is done. She finds the pendulum useful for almost every part of daily life, and she admits that you are only limited by your imagination when dowsing.

I would recommend you read from cover to cover, and that way you will benefit health-wise from all the health-conscious qualities that are featured on these pages.

May you all keep well and happy and have a blessed and beautiful winter season. See you in the spring 2026!

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