Publisher's Letter for April 2020
Mar 23, 2020 12:41PM ● By Marilee Burrell
Stay positive and try to envision what gifts might be possible for humanity out of this world crisis.
~Sharon Bruckman, Natural Awakenings founder and CEO
What a difference a month can make. It’s suddenly a new world we all find ourselves navigating. Since media has “essential work” designation, Natural Awakenings will continue to publish and print. We are grateful for this platform that allows us to reach into the homes of many who are home from work and school unexpectedly, and perhaps looking for community or direction. We know that many are concerned about their health and financial futures. While we don’t know when the pandemic will end or what our post-Covid-19 world will look like, we do know that it will pass and we are all part of creating what comes next. What we do now matters.
See you next month. Until then, sending love and strength—
Marilee
~Sharon Bruckman, Natural Awakenings founder and CEO
What a difference a month can make. It’s suddenly a new world we all find ourselves navigating. Since media has “essential work” designation, Natural Awakenings will continue to publish and print. We are grateful for this platform that allows us to reach into the homes of many who are home from work and school unexpectedly, and perhaps looking for community or direction. We know that many are concerned about their health and financial futures. While we don’t know when the pandemic will end or what our post-Covid-19 world will look like, we do know that it will pass and we are all part of creating what comes next. What we do now matters.
You’ll find that many of the community businesses and resources in this magazine have adapted to meet people’s needs under current circumstances. Now is a great time to boost our immune systems—so a perfect time to make an appointment with a homeopath or a chiropractor, or with one of the many other wellness practitioners in this magazine. In light of the pandemic, we asked local health experts what we can all do now to stay as healthy as possible and strengthen our immune systems against the coronavirus. We compiled their responses in an at-a-glance feature article, “Boosting Antiviral Immunity,” on pages 22-25. As you read, remember that all these contributing wellness professionals are available for one-on-one appointments to help as well.
For those of us stuck at home, now is also a great time to hire a wellness coach or even a spiritual coach (see page 36), take a streaming tai chi or yoga class (see 49), reserve a CSA from a local organic farm (see pages 14), order takeout (page 31), or consult with a health practitioner (see resources throughout this magazine). Whether it’s by phone, live-streaming, remote access, gift certificates, pick-up orders or special delivery, let’s make it our collective mission to keep our local businesses afloat. By giving them our support now, we allow them to continue serving us now and into the future. Together we can help shape our communities for the months and years ahead.
Let’s also remember to do our daily practices (or create new ones) to find balance and calm. Whatever practice speaks to you—meditation, prayer, spiritual reading, journaling, art, yoga, walking in nature, or some combination—use it to stay grounded throughout the day.
And let’s take care of each other. Reach out by phone to friends and neighbors to ease their loneliness and offer help. We need community now more than ever.
As a community-based publication, Natural Awakenings will continue to be here for you. Supermarkets remain open, and many carry our magazines; our racks are usually at the exit. We’ll be restocking to keep up with demand. In addition, we are ramping up our digital reach, offering online magazine subscriptions, and expanding home delivery of the print magazine. Visit WakeUpNaturally.com to see our Coronavirus resource page, where we’re posting links to important information. While you are there, please sign up for our newsletter to stay connected in between editions.
Dana and I want to give a special thank you to all the healthcare workers who are risking their lives to save ours. May you be supported and safe. Finally, to my mom, a 93-year-old retired nurse: I hope to see you again soon.
See you next month. Until then, sending love and strength—
Marilee
