From the Editor

In recent years, food manufacturers have done their best to make buying and preparing food as easy as possible. This helps us to fit meal times into our daily busy lives. Unfortunately it's possible that it's been taken a little too far. Many homes today are being built without kitchens and with just a little 'bay' for a microwave. Packaged foods lose a lot of the natural nutritional content due to the processes the food is put through which then have to be replaced with man made vitamins and supplements.

Traditionally mealtimes have been thought of as a time of bonding and communicating with family members. It was a time when busy kin could gather around a table, share a good meal and stories of their day. This communication was crucial to quality relationships. The quick and 'on the go' meals that are a common part of today's lifestyle often lack the opportunity for bonding. Choosing, preparing and cooking food from the start allows us to better understand food in its natural state and how it can help us. It also tastes much better. A trend is happening now where people are beginning to explore food again and become more involved in cooking 'real' food rather than opening a packet.

This renewed understanding of food and how it nurtures our body will help people to avoid illness leading a longer, more active life, allowing you ultimately to have more opportunities for health and happiness. This month's theme of food begins a move by Peaceful Willow to assist you with returning to nature via your kitchen and even your garden as many people are even growing their own food again. We hope you enjoy it. Keep your eyes peeled for further additions in the future.

March 2008

Celebrations bring people together throughout the world, from acknowledging the birth of a new child to the celebration of a couple's union for 20...30...40 years or more. Some cultures celebrate the milestone of a boy into manhood or a girl into womanhood. Others in the cultural circle may carry out rituals and ceremonies, from cake-cutting to prayers and lighting candles in honour. Gifts and donations might be offered, or simple expressions of love and thoughtfulness towards the person or group being celebrated.

Milestones and celebrations are a time of joy and sometimes a time of confontation e.g. acknowledging a new era in life or in some cases acknowledging that things may never be the same again. But this is a good thing. Growth and progress is always a good thing - this is why we celebrate.

What events do you celebrate on a personal, family, community and cultural level? What role do celebrations have in your life and how do you express your love towards others through those celebrations? It's important to remember the reason for celebration, especially for those who've become attached to giving gifts instead of giving love. For some, it's scary to show love and to connect on a deep level with others. If this affects you, try to find ways to show less of your love through monetary gifts and more of your love through your actions and words. Here's to a celebration of you...and of others in your life!

February 2008

When we speak of the environment, we generally think of nature and the world at large. In our modern times, it is important to also think of the home environment around us. Our spiritual needs are important, but are not entirely satisfied by deep thoughts or connecting within, alone. The physical side of us needs to be catered for as well so nature and the very Earth itself are also important to our spirit. We need that connection to help us feel complete and balanced.

As many of us live in buildings and cities which disconnect us from direct contact with the earth, it is important to ensure that our home environment caters to our emotional, physical and spiritual needs. Think of your home or work environment as your area where you can add the elements of nature that connect with you.

Using your imagination and not being afraid to try new things, you will find creative, positive and interesting ways of connecting with the planet, nature and other things that bring you comfort and happiness in an environment which is conducive to positive balance and growth.

Quote: "If you wish to see angels, look to the children." - Guides

December 2007/January 2008

Health is perhaps one of the most important aspects of our existence although it is greatly overlooked in favour of the day to day routine. Health means balance. Mental, physical, spiritual and emotional balance are important if we want to function correctly. Sometimes health issues can help us to learn or to even become better people, but ultimately we should all strive for good health, good balance in all of these areas so that we can learn all we need to.

When one area of our health is out of whack, the others will try to compensate for it and our entire system can suffer for one area of imbalance no matter how small. Modern day medicine can perform what seem to be miracles, but it is not the overall answer. It is time to return to basics. The body is made to eat vegetables, meat, fruit and other foods grown by nature. Nature does not grow packaged foods that are created by man and combinations of foods that make us obese, sick and unhappy. By changing our outlook on our food we can eat to be healthy. Natural food contains vitamins to avoid sickness and elements to heal so they're an all round good source of health. Avoid packets, eat fresh and exercise by getting out in nature. Enjoy a nice walk in the sunshine. Climb that rock, walk that path through the trees or swim in the water.

It will heal you and help you feel good emotionally as well as giving you the chance to connect with your creativity and spirituality. Nature provides all we need. Returning to basics will return us to the good levels of health we once enjoyed and helps us to remove the chemicals and other toxins we don't need, removing a lot of the modern day health issues that are unnecessary and expensive. Do some research and learn about how nature can help you become healthy. You'll be glad you did.

Quote: "Love as much as you can today because you don't know what will happen tomorrow." - Ronnee Ruselle