We are all connected, we are all one. Ironically, this sentiment resonates with me now more than ever. In a time when we are being asked to physically separate ourselves from others, I have become acutely aware of how a simple habit like hand washing or a routine errand to the grocery store can greatly influence the livelihoods of people both near and far.

As a healthy person, it can feel silly not socializing with close friends and avoiding public places indefinitely, but it’s not about us as individuals. It’s about us as citizens of the world. The choices we make, as insignificant as they may seem, have vast impacts.

Life as we know it has been turned upside down and the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel daunting, but I believe we can make the most of the challenges we face. When friends complain about pandemonium and inconsiderate comments on social media, I note that I’m not seeing that. I’m choosing to read headlines once a day instead of keeping the news on for hours at a time. When I go online to check on the status of my advertisers, I see businesses adapting to better serve their customers. With cluttered calendars suddenly cleared, I see my kids enjoying free play more than they have since summer break. And when schools suddenly had to close, I saw teachers and administrators coming together like never before to accommodate their students as best they could.

Natural Awakenings has always brought you fresh content every month to support a healthy and natural lifestyle. The April issue is no different, with articles about climate action initiatives, healthy home tips, acupuncture for pets, edible flowers and more. But in this time of frequent change and great uncertainty, we feel the need to connect with you on a daily basis as well. We are regularly posting tips and inspiration on Facebook, Instagram and our website to foster healthy and happy living in this shifting landscape. We’re also sharing ways to best support local businesses as well as citizens who are being hit the hardest by this pandemic.

As foot traffic has slowed at many of the businesses who typically distribute our publication, our distribution efforts are evolving as well. We’re keeping our outdoor boxes well stocked and strategically placed (visit HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com for a list of locations), we’re partnering with businesses who are generously including our magazine with all of their takeout orders and we’re promoting our mailed subscription service with a six-month option for the first time.

What adaptations have you made in your daily life? How will you maintain a sense of connection, optimism and engagement during this time of social distancing? What are you doing to protect your own well-being and that of others? Tag us in a post or shoot us an email. We want to hear from you because we are all in this together. We are one.

Namaste,

Meredith Montgomery, Publisher