As May blooms in all its sun-kissed, fragrant glory, I’m reminded of how deeply this month honors the heart of our homes: women. Whether you’re a mother yourself, celebrating the one who raised you or simply holding space for the quiet, powerful force of feminine energy that nurtures, creates and uplifts—May invites us to pause, to reflect and to celebrate the love, strength and grace that women bring into every corner of our lives.

This edition is a tribute to women—their strength, their stories, their wellness in all its complexity and depth. These aren’t just passing trends or feel-good phrases. They’re the real, lived rhythms of womanhood that shape how we move through each day—how we care for ourselves, how we rise and how we heal.

Our feature story “Women in Bloom” explores the intricate dance of hormones through every stage of a woman’s life. This is a tender and empowering look at the emotional, mental and physical shifts that so many navigate in silence. Additionally, we dive into the realities that don’t always make headlines: hair loss, regaining physical and emotional balance, the restorative potential of plants like Ashwagandha and the transformative connection available to us through Mother Earth. These are the topics that live beneath the surface, the ones that deserve space, honesty and care. In every word, our intention is to offer more than information; we hope to offer connection—a reminder that blooming doesn’t always instantaneously mean flourishing. Sometimes it’s slow. Sometimes it’s messy. But it is always worth witnessing. My hope is that these stories and insights bring comfort, clarity and maybe even a spark of inspiration to every reader.

This Mother’s Day, I know I’ll be embracing every moment I get to spend with my mom in person. When we’re together, I look around the room, filled with my children, my husband and extended family, and I can always feel the warmth of generations gathered. These are the type of moments that root us—the laughter over the dinner table, the shared stories and soft glances that say, “I see you. I love you.” Lately, I’m learning to savor these slices of life more deeply than ever before. For those who may be missing someone this year or holding memories a little closer now, know that your version of connection is just as real. No matter how this holiday finds you—wrapped in hugs, reaching across miles or holding space in your heart—may it bring you peace, presence and a gentle reminder that love, in all its forms, has a beautiful way of staying with us.

At Natural Awakenings, we’re committed to shining a light on the tools and practices that support mind, body and spirit—especially for women who so often prioritize everyone else’s needs above their own. Consider this issue your permission slip to take a little more time for you! To every mom, nurturer and amazing woman reading this: you are appreciated, you are needed and you deserve to be celebrated—not just this month, but always.

With heartfelt gratitude,

P.S. Don’t miss our round-up of this year’s very best farmers markets in Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties on page 26. It’s the perfect invitation to step outside, connect with local growers, savor the season’s freshest finds and support the roots of sustainable living right here in our own backyard!