Coming together with our vibrant and health-conscious communities at our annual Holistic Health Expo is an experience that fills our hearts with profound gratitude and inspiration. Our conversations during this gathering were nothing short of invigorating and filled with hope, as we uncovered a treasure trove of new modalities and wellness products available in our area, all aimed at helping us achieve our holistic well-being goals.

Seeing the diverse motivations that brought us together under one roof was heartwarming. Some among us sought solutions to life's most formidable challenges, while others relished moments of encouragement among like-minded individuals. Some came to connect with the beautiful furry souls seeking new homes, and through it all, we collectively understood the significance of our unity. In the words of Mother Teresa, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

This month’s stories testify to the rich tapestry of healing traditions worldwide. We embark on a journey that takes us from the roots of indigenous medicine to the multicultural embrace of healing arts like Qigong, Tai Chi, and Martial Arts. The realization of our shared need to learn from one another has never been more ap- parent than when curating these stories. Over the past decade, the concept of "East meets West" has permeated the realm of holistic health, but now more than ever, we recognize that ultimate wellness transcends binaries; it is unequivocally about embracing both this and that.

Our featured article, "Traditional World Healing Wisdom,” on page 26, highlights the myriad benefits of ancient healing practices, encompassing herbalism, energy healing, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and emotional healing. "Discover- ing the World of Martial Arts" on page 20 invites us to explore proven practices honing fitness for over two millennia. Meanwhile, on page 34, we delve into the marvels of 5,000-year-old Chinese healing arts. Our exploration continues as we learn about TCM for pets, offering insights into maintaining their health and treat- ing ailments naturally.

And don't forget to visit NaturalAwakeningsNWF.com for a plethora of additional articles, including "Celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day," "Why You Should Not Rake Leaves This Fall," and "From Trash to Treasure: Finding Beauty in What We Discard."

As we welcome the arrival of the fall season, our deepest hope is that it inspires every one of you to come together with others, to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, to share in laughter, and above all, to revel in the profound feel- ing of well-being.

Wishing you a joyous and fulfilling fall,

Scott & Daralyn Chase